home

Thursday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu May 30, 2019 at 02:32:09 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

I´ve been super busy this week because I had a lot to get done before leaving tomorrow for the annual Aspen legal conference. Here is this year´s agenda. It´s always a privilege to be one of the speakers among the terrific group lawyers who speak and attend every years.

I´ll be online sporadically through the weekend and will try and post some stuff. Until then, I´ll leave the conversation to you. This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Trump Says 1994 Crime Bill Will Sink Biden | Tromp and Circumstance: Trump Goes to England >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    Thursday Open Thread | 201 comments (201 topical)
    To Peter G: (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 11:56:31 AM EST
    Your old acquaintance Alexander Silvert, who's a longtime federal public defender in Honolulu and now something of a rock star to young local attorneys, took the witness stand today in federal court for the first trial in what's now known as the Kealoha Scandal, which has rocked the Honolulu Police Dept. and the city's prosecuting attorney's office to their very foundations.

    Today, he recounted how he doggedly unraveled the frame-up of his former client for the bizarre theft of a mailbox owned by the now-former police chief, which in turn uncovered what's likely to become the biggest public corruption case in the history of Honolulu. Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro and City Corporation Counsel Donna Leong have both received target letters from the U.S. Attorney, and rumor has it that Mayor Kirk Caldwell may also be in the federal crosshairs as well.

    Aloha.

    Oops. That actually happened yesterday. (none / 0) (#32)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 12:00:32 PM EST
    I wrote this last night but forgot to post it and instead left the tab open so when I saw it this morning, I hit "Post" without bothering to update the contents.

    Parent
    Dylan, Baez, sing Woody Guthrie (5.00 / 2) (#35)
    by Dadler on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 06:49:10 PM EST
    Haunting and timely as ever. "Deportees" (link)

    We died in your hills, we died in your deserts
    We died in your valleys and died on your plains
    We died 'neath your trees and we died in your
        bushes
    Both sides of the river, we died just the same.

    Good-bye to my Juan, good-bye Rosalita
    Adios mis amigos, Jesus why Maris
    You won't have a name when you ride the big air-
        plane
    And all they will call you will be deportees.

    Your spell-checker needs tutoring (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by Peter G on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 01:12:26 PM EST
    in Spanish.  It's "Jesus y Maria," not "Jesus why Maris"! (Which Joanie, of course, is pronouncing correctly, while Dylan seems to pronounce the "y" as if it were the French equivalent, "et.")

    Parent
    Yes, noticed that (none / 0) (#45)
    by Dadler on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 03:46:43 PM EST
    Can't edit on this platform, ugh. Sorry.

    Parent
    The Barbara Dane version (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by jondee on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 04:11:56 PM EST
    of that song is my favorite. Stripped-down, raw, and powerful.

    She's an unjustly forgotten gem if there ever was one.

    Parent

    Another forgoten (none / 0) (#56)
    by ragebot on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 04:20:29 PM EST
    gem

    Parent
    Not forgotten by me. (5.00 / 4) (#69)
    by Peter G on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 07:30:07 PM EST
    Richard and Mimi Farina. Terrific. Mimi was Joan Baez's little sister, with an equally haunting voice. I was lucky to see and hear her in a cameo at a Joan Baez concert at Philharmonic Hall, NYC, in 1967.

    Parent
    Been down so long (5.00 / 4) (#75)
    by ragebot on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 09:36:33 PM EST
    it looks like up to me.  And I still have the LP.

    Parent
    I remember a friend (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by jondee on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 12:33:19 PM EST
    of mine was obsessed with that book. I still haven't read it. Maybe it's time.

    Richard was also one of the few people who knew and saw Thomas Pynchon in the flesh and lived to tell the tale.

    His mortorcycle accident was a few months before Bob D's. There's no protection on those damn things if something goes wrong.
    RIP very much.

    Parent

    Great example of (none / 0) (#114)
    by ragebot on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 04:34:26 PM EST
    Mimi's voice.

    the falcon is a pretty bird, wonders as she flies.
    She asks us easy questions. We tell her easy lies

    Parent

    I got a laugh out (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by desertswine on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 02:54:40 PM EST
    of this.

    When I first commented on TL... (5.00 / 6) (#46)
    by Dadler on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 03:52:21 PM EST
    ...it was just after 9/11, when my child was barely a year old. Coming from a background of abuse, it has been astounding to watch him grow up in this post-9/11 world. I was a certain person when I was lucky enough to find Jeralyn's site. I may not agree with her on everything, but she is a nails defense attorney, a champion of justice, and I am grateful she has kept this site up. Peace & Love to all.

    Say what you want about (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 07:27:14 AM EST
    Never Trump republicans there are at the moment doing more than democrats when it comes to Mueller and Trump.

    The group Republicans for the Rule of Law hand delivered high lighted versions of the Mueller report the every republican in Congress

    Conveniently accenting every passage they need to read to understand what the law requires to make it easy for them.

    This is a great idea.

    The wholesale (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 11:46:33 AM EST
    defiance of Congress necessitates a fresh look. The strategy of the Speaker is getting thread-bare. If waiting for the Republicans to make it all "bipartisan" is the strategy, that will not happen without public education and pressure.  So far, there is neither.  Indeed, the House Democrats appear helpless and hapless.

    Barr refused to appear at a hearing, a Contempt of Congress citation was voted out of Committee, May 8,now awaiting House action; the Mueller Report and the underlying evidence was subpoenaed in April with a due date by May 1.  So far, no Report, no evidence.  Don McGhan refused to comply with a subpoena.  Now, June 11 is set for a Contempt of Congress citation.

     Mueller announced publicly that he will not testify about matters that he spend two years investigating, referring the House and public to his 448 page Report. A subpoena should have been served the following day. So far, presumably, "negotiating".  No public hearing, it seems, but the House should set the rules. And, Hope Hicks has been ordered to defy Congress.

    But, John Dean, of the Watergate period, will be testifying  

    Parent

    Subpoena them (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by Zorba on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 12:17:09 PM EST
    If they don't show up, find them in contempt of Congress.  Send the Sergeant at Arms and the Capital Police to arrest them.

    If they no longer have a jail in the Congressional building (which I believe they used to have), I bet they could make a deal with the District of Columbia to house them in a city jail (for a price, of course).

    Parent

    My tv is making the want to (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 02:57:26 PM EST
    Stick pencils in my eyes making gaga over Trump because he managed to perform the absolute minimum requirement of a president of not embarrassing the country in a solemn ceremony.

    OH MY GOD!!!!
    HE DIDNT DROP HIS PANTS AT NOMANDY!!!

    WE HAVE DEFINITELY "TURNED A CORNER"

    This jellyfish video (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 04:17:29 PM EST
    Makes me laugh and then feel guilty every time I watch it

    not Sopngebob

    Rip Dr. John (5.00 / 1) (#155)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 12:08:29 PM EST
    Right Place, Wrong Time.

    RIP Mac Rebennack (5.00 / 1) (#159)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 03:24:00 PM EST
    aka Dr. John.

    As a fan of New Orleans and New Orleans music, this is sad news. Most of my favorite music originates from New Orleans. Dr. John, the Meters, the Neville Brothers, and especially The Radiators. The HBO series Treme showcased lots of great New Orleans music.

    We were lucky to get the chance (none / 0) (#165)
    by Peter G on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 06:33:23 PM EST
    to see Dr. John perform live just two years ago in our little town outside Philly, sponsored by the local "music hall" performance venue, at an all-day outdoor music festival. He was the last act and headliner. His band was led by a woman trombonist. A great performance.

    Parent
    Farewell Good Doctor... (none / 0) (#189)
    by kdog on Tue Jun 11, 2019 at 11:03:12 AM EST
    I was all set in attendance to see him at Central Park Summerstage back in '14, but Dr. John fell ill backstage and had to cancel just as the curtains were set to open.  And I never did get around to a raincheck.  Bummer.

       

    Parent

    Hey, Dog (none / 0) (#190)
    by Zorba on Tue Jun 11, 2019 at 12:45:28 PM EST
    Dadler wants to get ahold of you.
    If you can't find his email, email me and I'll send it to you.

    Parent
    Nawlins will never be (none / 0) (#191)
    by jondee on Tue Jun 11, 2019 at 12:53:29 PM EST
    quite the same.

    Parent
    Jupiter... (5.00 / 1) (#170)
    by desertswine on Sat Jun 08, 2019 at 12:23:07 AM EST
    Monday nite, the 10th, will be the best nite of the year to view Jupiter.

    "You should be able to observe Jupiter and its four brightest moons -- Io, Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede -- with a pair of binoculars."

    A bit of Jupiter trivia (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 08, 2019 at 02:06:34 PM EST
    the traditional Rx symbol on prescriptions was originally a reference to Jupiter that was believed to preside over healing.

    Parent
    Spent the afternoon (5.00 / 2) (#188)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 10, 2019 at 06:35:45 PM EST
    On the phone with the medical marijuana people.  Made the appt  to get my card.

    If was a pretty funny process if anyone is interested I will share it.  Not really at all the way I would have expected the process to go.

    Tho it's probably different state by state.

    One funny detail (none / 0) (#193)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 11, 2019 at 03:07:04 PM EST
    This was really just such an epic experience I would be interested in discussing what it's like in other states if anyone has an experience they are comfortable sharing I would love to hear.

    But, so, coming home from an exasperating visit with my regular doctor, another whole thread, I think, ok, what now

    I do the next thing my autopilot predictably would do.  I googled "doctors in AR that prescribe medical marijuana".
    I have my google search merit badge.  But it's funny try it.

    The first choice (at least for me) Dr's Orders.  The only currently existing dispensary in the state.

    I do the next logical thing I call them and. Say "ok, a year ago my Dr said he would happily supply me with what ever i needed.  so to day I visited him and asked him to do that and he acted l had asked him to give me a bl0w job.  WTF just happened and event tho you can't probably answer this question, can you refer me to a doctor willing to work with me"

    Why yes we absolutely can do that the numbers are .........l
    Thank you so much look forward to meeting you..

    Parent

    That last bit is (none / 0) (#194)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 11, 2019 at 04:05:45 PM EST
    Best if you can hear a really thick sweet (in a good way IMO) Arkie  accent.

    Parent
    I saw BRIGHTBURN (none / 0) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 30, 2019 at 03:04:20 PM EST
    yesterday

    They are already talking about 2.  Which is said to include an extended universe including and evil aqua man and an evil Wonder Woman.

    Which is almost too awsum.

    Seeing GODZILLA (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 30, 2019 at 03:06:41 PM EST
    Later today or maybe tomorrow.

    I love all the whining about lack of plot.  "The effects are great but the plot is weak"

    It's a Godzilla movie people.

    Parent

    Have you seen... (none / 0) (#3)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu May 30, 2019 at 04:35:49 PM EST
    the Deadwood movie yet?

    Parent
    Deadwood (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 31, 2019 at 09:23:03 PM EST
    Could not have been much better.

    Last words of dialog were Al

    Trixie - Our father which art in heaven...

    ...let him f'ing stay there.

    Parent

    Can't wait to see it. (none / 0) (#25)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 12:55:46 AM EST
    Also, I would like to see the Catch 22 miniseries.
    I don't have Hulu, so it might be hard.

    Parent
    Tomorrow (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 30, 2019 at 04:46:54 PM EST
    Right?

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 30, 2019 at 04:49:28 PM EST
    Tomorrow.  Just checked.  It does not seem to be available on demand yet.

    Parent
    Good stuff this weekend (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 30, 2019 at 04:58:49 PM EST
    That, on Sunday NOS4A2 on AMC based on a book by Joe Hill, also tomorrow GOOD OMENS on PRIME.  based on a Neil Gaimen book

    GOOD OMENS

    Parent

    That book Good Omens (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 30, 2019 at 06:33:56 PM EST
    Was written with Terry Pratchett who I was only marginally familiar with as the author of a fantasy series called Disc World.

    Poking around a bit I found there is also a series on Prome based on this stuff.  It's called HOGFATHER and it's pretty great.

    Parent

    Terry Pratchett, Bill Gates & Fake News (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 30, 2019 at 06:54:23 PM EST
    In 1995, the internet was a world of dial-up connections and Usenet newsgroups, but according to his biographer, Terry Pratchett had already "accurately predicted how the internet would propagate and legitimise fake news".

    Marc Burrows was digging through old cuttings about the late Discworld author for his forthcoming biography when he came across an interview Pratchett had done with Microsoft founder Bill Gates in July 1995, for GQ. "Let's say I call myself the Institute for Something-or-other and I decide to promote a spurious treatise saying the Jews were entirely responsible for the second world war and the Holocaust didn't happen," said Pratchett, almost 25 years ago. "And it goes out there on the internet and is available on the same terms as any piece of historical research which has undergone peer review and so on. There's a kind of parity of esteem of information on the net. It's all there: there's no way of finding out whether this stuff has any bottom to it or whether someone has just made it up."

    Gates, as Burrows points out, didn't believe him, telling Pratchett that "electronics gives us a way of classifying things", and "you will have authorities on the net and because an article is contained in their index it will mean something ... The whole way that you can check somebody's reputation will be so much more sophisticated on the net than it is in print," predicted Gates, who goes on to redeem himself in the interview by also predicting DVDs and online video streaming.



    Parent
    Good Omens (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 31, 2019 at 05:05:38 PM EST
    Is amazing.  Very age of Trump.

    Parent
    Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (none / 0) (#9)
    by KeysDan on Fri May 31, 2019 at 02:40:28 PM EST
    appearing on Jimmy Kimmel's show last night, said that Trump wants to be impeached because the Senate will bail him out.  He knows that it is not a good idea to be impeached but the silver lining for him, he believes, is that he would be exonerated by the Senate.

    And, she continued, there is a school of thought that says, if the Senate acquits you, why bring charges against him in the private sector when he is no longer president.  So, when we go through with our case, its got to be iron clad.  Iron clad.

    The encouraging part is in the last part: "when" not if we go through....

    Although an admirer of Speaker Pelosi, I am "troubled" by the rest of her position. There has been much speculation on Mrs. Pelosi's long game; need the right timing; patience; she knows what she is going etc.

    While I am of a mind that Trump, who believes he is a better president than Abe Lincoln, is frightened beyond belief of being impeached and being associated with Andrew Johnson, Nixon (who resigned two steps ahead), and Bill Clinton. But, who really knows what Trump thinks? What we do know is that doing the right thing cannot be based on what Trump says. Nothing can be.

    Moreover, it is inaccurate, I believe, to proclaim that there is no value to impeachment without a sure-fire prospect of conviction in the Senate.

    Worse, that "school of thought" argument sounds like something out of a school such as Trump University, with as much understanding of impeachment as Trump's ignorance that the Court's would not permit it.

    As for "Iron Clad", that is what an impeachment inquiry is for. Impeachment is a process, not an outcome. There are procedural components. Moreover, the Mueller Report in Vol II, provides, essentially, iron clad evidence of obstruction. Vol. I, reports insufficient evidence of a broad conspiracy, but it does speak to Russian interference of which the Trump Campaign responses were a part. A base to build on through investigation...not a criminal investigation, an impeachment investigation.

    Mueller, in his patrician manner, said, read my report. Listin Congress, it is an impeachment referral. A referral which has not yet been referred to Congress, unredacted and with underlying information.

    Indeed, it has been kept from Congress by Trump's Attorney General. Indeed, even the redacted copy was keep from everyone for weeks, hoping to get away with a three-page  version of the 448 page report which falsified the report, substituting an alternate Barr opinion for the work of Mueller. Yet, another attempt to obstruct. By the way, why is the Contempt of Congress voted out of Committee on ice?

    Senator McConnell will not do his duty. He says he will not have a much of a trial, since Trump is innocent.  Speaker Pelosi must not be in the position of not doing her duty because McConnell won't. Iron clad does not just happen, an investigation is needed.  An impeachment investigation, not a series of "oversight" investigations that may appear to be a fishing expedition. No, a focused, specified investigation is required.

    After (none / 0) (#11)
    by FlJoe on Fri May 31, 2019 at 03:52:05 PM EST
    weeks of wavering, I still remain on the fence. there are several excellent arguments on both sides.

    Pro: It's your constitutional duty, dammit
         It gives subpoenas more power, degree unknown.
         The longer you wait the more damage is done,
         my biggest fear.
    Con: Nancy knows what she's doing, the mileage
         varies greatly on this.
         The country is not "ready" for it, as
         currently indicated by polling.
         tRump continues to take body blows, with
         something dropping on his head almost daily
         from the courts, the media, the legal
         community and his own stupid mouth for that
         matter, just talked my self into  the wait  
         see camp, for the moment at least.

    Parent

    I recently heard one of the better (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 31, 2019 at 03:59:01 PM EST
    Arguments for caution.  That if Trump is found guiltless in the senate it could make it harder to charge and convict him when he leaves office.

    I agree.  I'm torn.  I really do think Trump and his flying monkeys would love nothing more than having every horrific thing he has done or will do boiled down to one issue

    Attempted coup

    On the other hand I agree he can not be allowed to continue as he has.

    It's very difficult.  And I agree Nancy probably has this.

    Parent

    The (none / 0) (#13)
    by FlJoe on Fri May 31, 2019 at 04:10:37 PM EST
    one thing that scares me is Toady Barr weaponizing the DOJ, if he fails it won't be from a lack of trying.

    The one thing that gives me hope is that tRump keeps shooting himself in the foot, Mexican tariffs being a prime evidence.

    I

    Parent

    T saw a bit of that interview (none / 0) (#14)
    by desertswine on Fri May 31, 2019 at 04:58:55 PM EST
    that Toady Barr gave from what seemed to be the Royal Hunting Lodge.  I hadn't realized that he was one of the Hapsburgs.

    Parent
    Or (none / 0) (#17)
    by FlJoe on Fri May 31, 2019 at 05:09:21 PM EST
    perhaps at the Kehlsteinhaus, is it wrong to hope for cyanide in the bunker? FU Godwin.

    Parent
    A fireside (none / 0) (#19)
    by KeysDan on Fri May 31, 2019 at 05:45:02 PM EST
    chat.  Put on your buffalo plaid shirt, grab an apple, and gather around for some steaming hot ...lies.

    Parent
    As I try (none / 0) (#18)
    by KeysDan on Fri May 31, 2019 at 05:39:41 PM EST
    To evaluate the pros and cons, each has merits and demerits, and each is arguable.  I want to believe that the Speaker has the right strategy, but then the question becomes the best strategy for what?  For removing and/or defeating Trump or for retaining control of the House?  

    Hopefully for both, but they may not be the same.  Congressional politics based on districts may not be the same as national presidential considerations.  One size may not fit all.  Indeed, we see almost al of the presidential contenders coming out for starting impeachment hearings at thesis time. "Democrats in disarray" is not the concern but it does appear to be incongruent now and even more so if the House does nothing as the campaigns progress.

    The biggest part of an impeachment inquiry now is the educational value tat will take time and repetition to reverse the head start of "exoneration", no collusion, you are the collusion, and the new propaganda of the oranges of the investigation.

    I am more worried about dampening the Democratic vigor than energizing the deplorable base. Democrats are restive, but trusting  of the Speaker.  But,  the country will soon become divided between those who understand the gravity of Mueller's work and other crimes of Individual 1, and those who do not want to impeach. There are possibly risks in opening an impeachment inquiry and definite risks in doing nothing.


    Parent

    I also think democratic energy (none / 0) (#20)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 31, 2019 at 05:49:12 PM EST
    Is a concern.

    I do not think the so called presidential candidates are a concern.  They are for the most part going to say absolutely anything they think will make more democrat activists like them.

    The dem leadership really need to do some serious reframing.  Something democrats don't do very well.  Generally.

    Parent

    Not (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by FlJoe on Fri May 31, 2019 at 07:12:01 PM EST
    necessarily re-framing, more maintaining the current narratives and developing new subplots to maintain interest.

    They need to confront the Republicans fabulism head on.

    I've been thinking a bit about this whole investigation of the "origins" red herring. Maybe the House Democrats should take them up on it and start there own.

    The could bring Comey, McCabe, Baker and the rest to testify about what they were really seeing in 2016. I'm pretty sure they would all be happy to defend themselves from accusations of treason and I am sure it would not look good for tRump and Barr's little fairy tale of a deep state coup.  

    Parent

    I do think this new thing (none / 0) (#21)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 31, 2019 at 05:59:36 PM EST
    Of the republicans, like Rudy, being very eager for Mueller to testify publicly is a pretty ham handed attempt at reverse psychology.

    The theory is they are eager to get Mueller in congress so they can expose the questionable origins of the investigation.

    BS.  Total BS.

    They are terrified of him speaking in public.  There would be nothing that would more effectively expose the lie behind that whole thing than having Mueller directly respond to their silly accusations that the investigation was political from the start.

     

    Parent

    It certainly does (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by Zorba on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 10:17:48 AM EST
    smack of "Please don't throw me in the briar patch!"

    Parent
    I agree with Speaker Pelosi that ... (none / 0) (#37)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 12:37:10 AM EST
    ... Democrats need to move thoughtfully on the subject of impeachment, and open an inquiry only when they've built a solid case through the investigative process. That said, they need to move resolutely and deliberately in their investigation, and be prepared to act swiftly and decisively with all the tools at their disposal, up to and including arrest and incarceration for inherent contempt, when individuals attempt to obstruct the congressional committees.

    Parent
    Like I been saying (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 31, 2019 at 03:45:25 PM EST
    the disaster unfolding at the center of the country emblematic of a larger trend: Climate change is causing more extreme rain in some parts of the U.S.

    I have friends who live on the river near LR.  so far their house is safe but their driveway is under several feet of water so they are basically trapped in their home.  Fortunately they have a boat.

    But this is very unusual stuff

    'It's Never Done This': Arkansas River Keeps Flooding, Testing Levees And Patience

    If the Arkansas floods here... (none / 0) (#26)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 01:19:09 AM EST
    we're in trouble. I guess it wouldn't be too surprising with tons and tons of avalanche debris in the mountain streams and the crazy, historic snow pack. Maybe instead of extreme rain here, we're getting extreme snow.

    A Basin will probably be open through the 4th of July. It is also being said that with all the run off, this could be the best white water rafting season in 50 years.

    Here on the plains, we've already had a bunch of tornados and hail storms. Bad time for hail as the trees are in the middle of leafing out - they've been shredded in places. All over the truck from a recent middle of the night pounding.

    Just hope we don't go straight to blazing hot and get to enjoy some nice, normal Spring weather!

    Parent

    I did not realize (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 07:54:37 AM EST
    Until the recent stories how huge the drainage basin for the Arkansas river is

    Parent
    Zoe Lofgren Says Impeachment Will Change Nothing (none / 0) (#16)
    by RickyJim on Fri May 31, 2019 at 05:08:58 PM EST
    It won't help get the evidence any faster.

    There may (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by KeysDan on Fri May 31, 2019 at 08:10:40 PM EST
    be an underestimation by some a Democrat's of the depth of the dangers and the extent to which Trump and his minions are prepared to go.  Just today, the Trump DOJ refused to comply with the judge's order to make available the tape of General Flynn's conversation with the Russian Ambassador during the transition.  The judge wanted the tapes to assist him in Flynn's sentencing, a judicial prerogative.

    It is clear that optimal resources are needed at every turn. With due respect, the Congresswoman cannot make the statement with a reasonable degree of confidence.  And, there is no absolute degree of certainty for an impeachment inquiry.  But, it gives the best shot as legal arguments are built. And, with the Supreme Court.  Trump may defy the SC, but that will become an enforcement issue for the SC authority and the country as we know it.  I do not expect Trump to readily comply with a SC ruling to give up his financials.  

    Parent

    Opening an impeachment inquiry ... (none / 0) (#48)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 05:43:52 PM EST
    ... will NOT hasten the necessary process of fact-finding and evidence gathering, especially in the face of a Trump administration which has heretofore shown nothing but contempt for Congress' constitutional mandate to conduct lawful oversight of the president and his administration's activities.

    Further, this morning Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) of the House Select Committee on Intelligence said the following to host George Stephanopoulos on ABC's This Week:

    "In terms of the impeachment process, it's not mandated by the Constitution. We can avail ourselves of this when the president demonstrates acts that are high crimes or misdemeanors. It is certainly true, I think, that much of his conduct qualifies for that, but at the same time we have to recognize that one party -- the Republican Party -- has turned itself into a cult of the President's personality and is not likely to act consistent with its Constitutional obligations. We have to figure out in that context: Is this the right thing for the country, and I'm just not convinced -- not yet -- that's the case." (Emphasis is mine.)

    I agree wholeheartedly with Chairman Schiff. I spoke about the subject of an impeachment inquiry in an earlier thread, so I'm not going to repeat my argument in full here. Suffice to say that in the history of Congress, the inquiry is the culmination of the House's impeachment process, rather than a mere tool of investigation. When the inquiry opens, the work of congressional gumshoes should be mostly completed by this time, and members of the House Judiciary Committee should be prepared to debate the subject of impeachment and deliberate upon the evidence already before them.

    Even given Trump's egregious conduct, impeachment and removal will be a very tall order, just as our nation's founders foresaw it should be. The reason it failed in 1998-99 against Bill Clinton is because the Republicans treated the process frivolously, as a mere arrow in their political quiver to be giddily fired at will at their opponents. It succeeded in 1974 because Democrats treated the process with dignity, respect and solemnity and thus acted accordingly -- and I daresay, reluctantly as well.

    Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Schiff know that the impeachment inquiry is a political trigger to be pulled only when House Democrats are fully locked and loaded, and their quarry is sited squarely in their congressional crosshairs and ready to be bagged. Democrats are going to get one shot at this and one shot only, so please excuse those of us who insist that first and foremost, this shot should be a clear one.

    If we really want the impeachment process to succeed, then we need to be patient, thoughtful and deliberate in our actions. This needs to be about our country's future and its well being, rather than our anger over what's happening in Washington. We must not allow our own emotions and our outrage to drive us to act in a precipitous and premature manner which may prove entirely contrary to our stated goal of achieving President Trump's removal from office.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Rep. Schiff is (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 02:22:31 PM EST
    quoted as saying there is "an epidemic of cowardice"--- in the GOP, referring to the Republican's mindless support and unwillingness to honor their constitutional oaths.  

    Since this was breaking news for no one, at first bounce I assumed that Mr. Schiff had undergone an "Amash Moment" and was calling out his Democratic colleagues.

     Back in December 2018, Schiff/Nadler/Cummings registered impeachment sentiments upon testimony that Trump directed illegal payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office of president.

    But, patience. We need to wait for the Mueller Report. We need to wait for Mueller.  We need to get the facts. Then, came the Mueller Report, unredacted.  Barr's dishonest version and, later, Mueller's no-questions, no testimony, farewell address. And, once again, Barr's lies-by-fireside.

    In April 2019, Rep. Schiff said there is "ample evidence of collusion in plain sight and called Mueller's findings "more significant than Watergate."  "The obstruction of justice in this case is worse than anything Richard Nixon did."

    Schiff continued, "I do believe that Trump obstructed justice and did so in many ways." Nadler, at about the same time, stated that there is "plenty of evidence of obstruction", "we are going to see where the facts lead us"

    Worse than Nixon--with Nixon Impeachment Article I, obstruction of justice. Plenty of evidence and we are looking for facts to lead us?  Now that is deliberate, I must say,.

    And, thoughtful.  Mr. Schiff has recognized the formidable prospects in the Republican-controlled senate, but has given thought to the need to undertake impeachment none-the-less, doing "what is the best thing for the country."  "Not starting impeachment proceedings could send a message that the behaviors outlined in the Mueller Report "are compatible with the office."

     And, as Rep Cummings stated, "history will smile upon us for standing up for the Constitution.  If we do nothing here, the president is going to be emboldened."  However, we are assured, all options are on the table. What are all these options if not impeachment proceedings? Statements of being troubled; checking with their attorneys? strongly worded letters?  The House still has there bold action of Barr's contempt of Congress on ice

    Parent

    The conversation is clearly shifting (none / 0) (#59)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 04:53:07 PM EST
    Committee heads saying things like beginning hearings into obstruction and other crimes by Trump.  Another saying we are already in the process of preparing for impeachment.  These are committee heads.  They are not talking out of school.  

    If the train has not actually left the station we are definitely in all aboard mode.

    Parent

    The AJC (none / 0) (#68)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 07:01:19 PM EST
    paper yesterday had a whole section called "understanding impeachment". So yes, it is coming.

    Parent
    My Guess for the End Game (none / 0) (#72)
    by RickyJim on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 07:58:14 PM EST
    The Supreme Court orders Trump to give his financial records to Congress.  Whether or not he complies, he is toast.  Exactly how that moment can be expedited is not clear to me.  It will be analogous to the Court by an 8-0 vote ordering Nixon to give up his tapes.

    Parent
    I actually thInk I sort of agree with that (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 08:05:20 PM EST
    The longer this goes on the harder it is to imagine actual impeachment happening.  We are a bit over 500 days from a presidential election and the clock is ticking.

    I do think it will all collapse some how and he will be driven from office.  I think the republicans will decide at some point having him at the top of the ticket is worse than any fall out from giving him the shiv.

    I just don't know how it happens.  Yours is as credible a scenario as the next one.

    Parent

    For one thing (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 08:08:06 PM EST
    This is really spot lighting how LITTLE the congress actually works.  They just returned from their "Memorial Day recess" just in time for their traditional "August recess"

    Parent
    I would remind you and others here ... (none / 0) (#100)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:50:40 PM EST
    ... that Congress has only the redacted version of the Special Counsel's report, as do we. All of the evidence, witness interviews, etc., attendant to that report is still in the hands of the Attorney General Bill Barr, and he is thus far refusing to release it.

    So, yes, we need patience. That said, given the growing public cry for action, Chairs Schiff, Nadler, Waters, Cummings, et al., clearly need to pick the pace of investigation. They can start by charging Mr. Barr and all those ignoring congressional subpoenas with inherent contempt. I think arrest and jailing of former White House Don McGahn might be a sufficient shot across Trump's bow, to show that the House means business.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Tick ick #infinity (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 10:42:38 AM EST
    I thought the recent story about a tick attached to a kids eardrum would be the creepiest tick story for a while.  Sadly, no.


    Stephen King
    ✔
    @StephenKing
     Want a little bedtime story? My friend felt he had a hair caught between his eye and his glasses. He couldn't get rid of it, so he looked in the mirror. A tick was crawling on his eyeball. Nighty-night, sleep well.

    70.4K
    8:17 PM - May 30, 2019
    Trying to watch the Netflix Central Park 5 (none / 0) (#30)
    by McBain on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 10:55:04 AM EST
    miniseries... When They See Us... but it's not easy.  The first episode deals with false confessions and it's painful to watch because of the dirty tactics used to elicit them.  You'll be tempted to yell "Don't say anything!" or "Ask for a lawyer!" several times.

    Not only are most of the kids too young to understand the situation they're in but the parents aren't much help either. I keep hoping that these shows, documentaries will change the rules of police interrogations.

    I believe a new season of Black Mirror is coming out on Netflix next week.... looking forward to that. Not really psyched for season 3 of Stranger Things but I'll give it try.

    On Amazon Prime, I enjoyed the film Jungle... the true story of four men who get lost in the Amazon rainforest. I tend to like this genre for some reason.

    Finished this last night (none / 0) (#92)
    by McBain on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 02:55:51 PM EST
    I think it's an important series with some excellent performances by young actors but I can only recommend it to be people who really like the true crime genre.  It's about 4 hours of depressing, frustrating kicks to the gut before you get any kind of relief.  

    Felicity Huffman plays the lead sex crimes prosecutor (Linda Fairstein) as an absolute monster. Her portrayal has led to calls for boycotts against companies and organizations Fairstein is involved with.

    The reaction against Fairstein has been swift and fierce. A #CancelLindaFairstein social media movement has called for publishers to stop selling her books and for readers to stop buying them. The series also has prompted staff members at a New York City nonprofit she's been involved with for 20 years to push to remove her from its board of directors, TMZ reported.

    I'm not big on boycotts or demands for someone to be removed or fired but I'm sympathetic to Raymond Santana (one of the wrongfully convicted). He said this in the article I quoted above...

    "When you do dirt, you can't run, no matter how long it is," Raymond Santana said in an interview with TMZ. He was 14 when he was arrested and spent seven years in prison.

    "The truth comes out," added Santana, now a 44-year-old clothing designer and activist. "Even though it's 30 years later, she has to pay for her crime. Whether it's in the courtroom or whether it's socially, it is what it is."

       

    Parent
    Stories of injustice, ... (none / 0) (#158)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 03:18:40 PM EST
    ... particularly those which are rooted in racism, bigotry, ignorance and intolerance, can often be a catalyst for some serious introspection by audiences and readers alike.

    In many respects, such a story becomes a contemporaneous mirror image of our society and sometimes, the reflection is at best merely embarrassing or at worst, extraordinarily painful.

    Whether the audience is actually ready for a story of injustice can be another matter entirely, especially when such a story jars our senses by running directly counter to our respective notions of the way things ought to be.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    It was presented mostly as ignorance (none / 0) (#166)
    by McBain on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 07:20:41 PM EST
    in the series.  I just wonder how long it's going to take for people to learn about false confessions... it's not 1990 anymore.

    More news....
    Caving to public pressure, Linda Fairstein's publisher ends their relationship...

    On Friday, a spokeswoman for Dutton, the Penguin Random House imprint that published Ms. Fairstein, said that she and Dutton "decided to terminate their relationship." A person with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the details were confidential, said that Dutton was buying out Ms. Fairstein's contract.

     

    Parent

    Was Prosecutor Tim Clements Interviewed? (none / 0) (#167)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 07:45:46 PM EST
    This article seems to give a different perspective than the one in the documentaries.  

    Parent
    It wasn't a documentary (5.00 / 2) (#169)
    by McBain on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 08:17:47 PM EST
    so there weren't any interviews in When They See Us.  Your link is from a year ago and Clements is talking about the Ken/Sarah Burns documentary that came out in 2012. I plan on watching it soon.  Maybe he's interviewed in that.  

    One of the problems I had with the state's case was lack of any physical evidence linking the 5 kids to the crime.  According to the series, this was a brutal assault and the victim lost a lot of blood yet no blood was found on the kids.  I don't believe they should have ever been charged.

    From your link...

    "We tried the case, we presented the facts and the evidence and both juries convicted," he said. "The videotaped statements were pretty compelling."

    Statements, even if videotaped, mean very little to me if they occurred after several hours of intense questioning.  

    Parent
    30-plus years later, ... (none / 0) (#174)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 05:21:23 AM EST
    ... Linda Fairstein's toxic karma is finally catching up to her. That's good. She also resigned from Vassar College's Board of Trustees. To this day, she remains defiantly unapologetic for what she did to those boys. She deserves everyone's public scorn.

    Parent
    Wow` (none / 0) (#175)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 06:43:47 AM EST
    She's just like Donald Trump. Despite DNA evidence clearing the Central Park 5 she still maintained they were guilty. What is with these people? If I was that DA I would have been horrified that I put the wrong people in jail and let the perpetrator continue to walk around.

    Parent
    Read the Link I Gave (none / 0) (#176)
    by RickyJim on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 09:00:15 AM EST
    There are other links there to actual legal documents.  I have never seriously studied the evidence in this case but the prosecution claims that there is physical evidence that some of the 5 were present during the rape and at other assaults that took place in Central Park that night, the confession that the actual rapist did it alone is not credible, the incriminating statements that the 5 made were not coerced and the city should have gone to trial to make all facts known instead of just settling for a $41M payout. I think the evidence deserves a serious analysis (anybody seen one?), not a knee jerk reaction or a TV series.

    Parent
    And just how, pray tell (5.00 / 1) (#183)
    by Peter G on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 06:59:40 PM EST
    would "physical evidence" that some of the five were "present during" the rape, if such evidence exists, or that they participated in other, unrelated crimes on that same evening have any tendency whatsoever to justify their wrongful convictions for actually committing the rape and near fatal beating of that poor woman? Would it somehow justify Tr*mp's buying screaming newspaper ads demanding the five be illegally sentenced to death?

    Parent
    Something like (none / 0) (#184)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 07:59:33 PM EST
    $85,000 worth of ads.  IMO he should have been, or should be, forced to give each of them a minimum of that amount

    Parent
    And btw (5.00 / 1) (#185)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 08:01:39 PM EST
    This is not just awful in retrospect.  I was living in Manhattan when the ads ran and saw it in print.

    Sane people were horrified at the time

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#177)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 10:08:15 AM EST
    you're saying we should take the word of an embittered prosecutor on the case. I guess you could make the argument that NYC should have gone onto civil court with the case but you could be talking about years in court. Lots of companies etc. settle cases because it will cost them less and frankly continuing in civil court does not mean that the city would have won the case. Bottom line is the evidence, scientific evidence, was never there for the convictions and when the scientific evidence showed up clearing them the prosecutors still insisted despite evidence that they were guilty.

    Had this happened in this day and age those interrogations would have been on tape and we would not have to be taking anyone's word on how it was handled.

    Parent

    Ricky, let me know if you ever come across (none / 0) (#182)
    by McBain on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 04:11:26 PM EST
    that physical evidence.
    I think the evidence deserves a serious analysis (anybody seen one?), not a knee jerk reaction or a TV series.
     
    Are you saying there wasn't a serious analysis before the convictions were overturned? I'm all for more discussion on this topic. My opinion remains that statements made after hours of intense questioning aren't worth much unless they're backed up by physical evidence.  When the DNA was found not to match the 5 boys, I don't believe they should have ever been charged, much less convicted.    

    Parent
    Letter From Clements to Zach Carter (none / 0) (#186)
    by RickyJim on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 09:19:51 PM EST
    has a discussion of physical evidence linking the 5 to the crimes April 19, 1989 in section 3.  I hope you do read the entire letter (12 pages) and let us know how it jibes with what else you know.  It is in the article for which I previously gave the link.  

    One thing whose explanation has eluded me is why the convictions for robbery, assault and riot were also vacated.  These had nothing to do with the jogger except being related to crimes also in Central Park that night.  The prosecution claims that the only new evidence is Reyes DNA test and his claim that the 5 weren't involved in the rape.

    The News also has a huge evidence dump. I certainly don't expect anybody to spend much time on it.  Look, I haven't even read the Mueller Report.  However, Clements' claims that the videotaped interviews should be taken seriously seems to be reasonable to me.  The defendants made assertions about things that the interviewers couldn't have known at the time and so implanted into their brains.

    Somebody who has continued to closely follow the evidence in the case is the victim Trisha Meili.  

    Parent

    I read the parts about (none / 0) (#187)
    by McBain on Mon Jun 10, 2019 at 10:38:16 AM EST
    Reyes credibility, the forensic evidence and the statements.  Nothing there changes my opinion.  

    As for Trisha Meili supporting the police.... I feel very sorry for what happened to her but she doesn't remember the attack.  From the article you linked to...

    "Living with this uncertainty over the past almost 30 years has brought tremendous turmoil, sometimes sleepless nights and feelings of helplessness," said the former investment banker who became known simply as the Central Park Jogger.

    Meili, after her remarkable recovery from the brutal assault, hopes to learn more about not just that night but the case in its entirety.

    Maybe we'll all learn more but right now I see the police and prosecutors trying to save face.

    What I'd like to see is a new in depth documentary (maybe 6  hour long episodes) that, among other things, shows what the Netflix series got right or wrong (if anything) and gives the five men, the police, the prosecutors and Meili a chance to state their opinions.  

     

    Parent

    Steve Bannon... (none / 0) (#33)
    by desertswine on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 03:25:02 PM EST
    is getting kicked out of that Italian monastery where he was running a school for right wing extremists.

    The government said it took seriously reports of fraud in the competitive tender process that led to Bannon securing the property to establish a self-described "gladiator school for cultural warriors," where students would learn right-wing, nationalistic philosophy, theology, history, and economics, and receive political instructions from Bannon.
    You would think Italy (none / 0) (#34)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 06:33:27 PM EST
    would've had a bellyful of right-wing holy warriors after Mussolini, the CIA's postwar Operation Gladio shenanigans, and the Propaganda Due scandal.

    Probably all that crap does is engender a militant, possibly violent backlash from the Left.

    Of course, there's no thicker skull on the planet than one belonging to a person who has God in their side.

    Parent

    Italy has long been (none / 0) (#38)
    by fishcamp on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 08:29:09 AM EST
    on the verge of a Socialistic government.  In 1970 while filming the FIS ski championships in Val Gardena there was street fighting with guns 75 miles down the hill in Bolzano.  The Communists came close to getting elected, and if they had the network was going to pull us out of there.  I was dating a gal from Bolzano that winter and she was forced to stay inside often.  Her name was Titi Rocabana.  Hardly ever saw the girl.

    Parent
    Great name. But is it dating (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by oculus on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 02:19:24 PM EST
    if you hardly ever saw her?  See Moby/Natalie Portman.

    Parent
    I always liked Claudia Cardinale (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by jondee on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 02:39:40 PM EST
    she never returned my calls though.

    Parent
    See also ... (none / 0) (#103)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 06:00:42 PM EST
    ... Carol Burnett and John Foster Dulles.

    ;-D

    Parent

    I'm becoming a John Hamm fan (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 01, 2019 at 10:23:39 PM EST
    Never really been so much.  Tried a few times but was never hooked by Mad Men.  But he is great in the new Prime series Good Omens as the Angel Gabriel.  And I just saw Bad Times At The El Royal again on HBO.  I had forgotten how good he was.  I saw that in the theater because it was written and directed Drew Goddard who also wrote and directed The Cabin In The Woods which is one of my 4 or 5 favorite movies ever.

    El Royal is almost as good.

    Have Bad Times recorded (none / 0) (#121)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 12:18:59 PM EST
    It will be the first time seeing it. We will plan an evening around it.

    Will check out Omens too

    Parent

    If you have not seen (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 01:36:06 PM EST
    the Cabin in the Woods you should.

    Parent
    Tell me what you think (none / 0) (#135)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:16:17 PM EST
    About El Royale.  Chris Hemsworth is almost unbearably hot in that movie.

    Parent
    He's also in (none / 0) (#136)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:17:34 PM EST
    Cabin in the Woods.  But sadly wearing more clothes

    Parent
    He is so Charles Manson lol (none / 0) (#171)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 08, 2019 at 09:21:31 AM EST
    Good Omens is a hoot.

    Parent
    There are about 3,000 kids (none / 0) (#40)
    by fishcamp on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 01:48:42 PM EST
    immigration has placed in tents in Homestead, Fl.  They are from the border crossing problems with families.  We knew there were some, but 3,000 is ridiculous.  If a hurricane comes that area is usually hit hard.  I don't think there is much of an evacuation plan ready to roll.  

    Sounds like (none / 0) (#44)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 02, 2019 at 03:29:39 PM EST
    something that is begging to be written up in the Miami Herald.

    Parent
    Leaks! (none / 0) (#49)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 08:29:31 AM EST
    They are not just fir GoTs any more

    Viral `Jeopardy!' clip appears to show {SPOILER} defeat

    BREAKING NOOZE (none / 0) (#50)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 08:33:43 AM EST
    TRUMP HAS A NOO DOO

    And I must say it's an improvement.  Which is saying almost nothing really.

    The English Papers Claimed (none / 0) (#57)
    by ragebot on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 04:30:55 PM EST
    Trump came straight from the golf course where he was wearing a baseball cap which mashed down his traditional doo to the Gordon Gekko look.

    Parent
    It's really striking (none / 0) (#60)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 04:55:53 PM EST
    How much less idiotic he looks without that ridiculous bouffant.

    And hilarious he thinks the bouffant looks better.

    Parent

    Looks like his (none / 0) (#61)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 06:01:46 PM EST
    usual hair piece was in the shop being fixed up for the Queen.  Today, he is back to the old style, and it looks freshly renovated. Sort of an orange/silver number. Matches the golden carriage in which he will not be riding.

    Speaking of the Queen, she is taking one for the team.  Literally, an old hand at this, doing it for longer than Trump's 72 years.  And, UK will be looking for a trading partner with a Brexit no deal. We may be among the few.

    Parent

    It's his trademark (none / 0) (#66)
    by jondee on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 06:37:10 PM EST
    like Woody the Woodpecker.

    Parent
    Whiney little b!tch. (none / 0) (#51)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 09:15:25 AM EST
    Why aren't Democrats asking the American people every day if this is really what they want for a president? "Poor me." "I'm such a victim." "I'm being harassed." This guy has no backbone. The ultimate snowflake. Certainly all those pickup driving, maga cap wearing, confederate flag waving trumpeteers don't really want such an adulterated pu$$y leading them?
    How can you get out of your pickup (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 09:21:01 AM EST
    and vote for someone who dies this

    Apparently the hair was temporary. Sadly.  His IQ went up a few points there for about 5 minutes.

    Parent

    It's all a myth (none / 0) (#53)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 10:18:08 AM EST
    Trumpers want white supremacy and Trump is giving them that. Democrats talking about how Trump is a whiny victim would have no effect.

    Parent
    NOS4A2 (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 11:43:39 AM EST
    On AMC

    Do not be put off by the somewhat cheezy name.

    It's really good.

    Also before the premiere they teased a new season of THE TERROR.  August.

    Which seems to have nothing to do with season 1 but looks great.

    New Naddler (none / 0) (#58)
    by ragebot on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 04:33:27 PM EST
    investigation.

    HU North America (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 06:35:12 PM EST
    only Sacramento & Seattle so far

    Parent
    Well the best option for me would be (none / 0) (#81)
    by ragebot on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 09:39:03 AM EST
    Copenhagen.  I have a friend who spends the summer in Europe on his boat and I love the weather there.


    Parent
    Lucky u (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 09:56:08 AM EST


    Parent
    FYI, Norwegian Air currently offers ... (none / 0) (#105)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 06:10:46 PM EST
    ... a $379.90 R/T between Copenhagen and Fort Lauderdale. While I've never flown that airline, my sister usually flies them from Nice to L.A. to see our mother. She says that the inflight service is not the best, but for the low fares they offer, who cares?

    Parent
    Oops. My bad. (none / 0) (#106)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 06:12:30 PM EST
    Those fares are one-way. But still, they're a lot cheaper than the other air carriers.

    Parent
    Latest (none / 0) (#178)
    by ragebot on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 11:31:34 AM EST
    HU song.

    Comments section has a little discord about the HU signing with a record company and the song was released on the record company's channel on youtube instead of the HU channel which has many more followers than the record company's channel.

    Parent

    FALL (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 06:12:09 PM EST
    Neal Stephenson (Snowcrash,Crytonomicon) has a new book released tomorrow.  I think I will do another free trial of audible to get it.

    In the 12th chapter of Neal Stephenson's new novel, Fall, a quartet of Princeton students set out on a road trip to Iowa to visit the "ancestral home" of one of the students, Sophia. This part of the novel is set about 25 years in the future, in an age when self-driving cars are the default and a de facto border exists between the affluent, educated coasts, where Sophia and her friends live, and the heartland they call "Ameristan." The latter is a semi-lawless territory riddled with bullet holes and conspiracy theories, where a crackpot Christian cult intent on proving the crucifixion was a hoax (because no way is their god some "meek liberal Jesus" who'd allow himself to be "taken out" like that) literally crucifies proselytizing missionaries from other sects. You have to hire guides to shepherd you through this region, men who mount machine guns on top of their trucks "to make everyone in their vicinity aware that they were a hard target."

    review

    audible


    Left off the money paragraph (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 06:23:15 PM EST
    How did things get so bad? For one thing, residents of Ameristan, unlike Sophia and her well-off pals, can't afford to hire professional "editors" to personally filter the internet for them. Instead, they are exposed to the raw, unmediated internet, a brew of "inscrutable, algorithmically-generated memes" and videos designed, without human intervention, to do whatever it takes to get the viewer to watch a little bit longer. This has understandably driven them mad, to the degree that, as one character puts it, they even "believed that the people in the cities actually gave a sh!t about them enough to come and take their guns and other property," and as a result stockpiled ammo in order to fight off the "elites" who never come.



    Parent
    Or as (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by FlJoe on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 06:34:27 PM EST
    I put it Orwell meets Philip K Dick, the scary part it isn't even fiction anymore...I think.

    Parent
    As a tax paying resident (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 06:49:11 PM EST
    Of Ameristan I can confirm it is not.

    Parent
    I (none / 0) (#70)
    by FlJoe on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 07:36:52 PM EST
    imagine Fl will remain neutral territory open to kooks on all sides, same as it ever was.

    The panhandle is already yours.

    Parent

    On the subject of the internet (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 10:58:28 PM EST
    Being an out of control monster that will be the end of civilization (which I believe) this is really very funny.  It's sort of a lesson on how to F with the monster before it Fs with you.

    As a bit of background I have always been very stingy and duplicitous about information I put on the internet about myself.  Even when I had a face book account I gave it no real information. No location or professional stuff.  Even my age was a lie.  And I do that every where a presence was required of me to do the work I did.  I just listed total BS.

    I had to have accounts at places like LinkedIn but I didn't have to be honest or serious.

    Which brings me to the funny part.  Sorry, bit of a long story.
    On the phone with a friend today we were playing with those personal information sites like Spokeo and White Pages to see what sorts of info about ourselves and others was free.  It's pretty frightening really.  If you have not done this in a while you might be shocked at what you find about yourself.

    For free you can find out where you work and have worked, what your political affiliation is, what kind of car you drive, and of course if you have any legal problems.  Tho you have to pay to find out what they are.

    So, anyway, we arrive at the funny part.  I looked up myself on a site called MyLife.  One of the creepiest ones.  

    What you need to know is the last job I had that would have been recorded on the net, because it was the last one I held while job searching was at a place called Tigerhare.  In LA.  

    I absolutely hated it.  I hated the job and everyone who worked there from the receptionist to the CEO.  I hated it.  So I started listing it as insulting alternate names.  There was several but one was Tigerpoop.  

    Now I don't actually remember when or where I said exactly this but some where from the depths of the internet this is what it found when looking for my work history.  I will quote.  Names edited to further F with the monster

    XXX XXX is 67 years old and was born on 11/08/1951. XXXXs Reputation Score is 3.42. XXXXX lives in Cherokee, AR; previous cities include Tujunga CA and Mahomet IL. Other names that XXXX uses includes XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX.   XXXXs present occupation is listed as a Head Pooper at Tigerpoop. In LA.

    I swear that was my official title on MyLife.

    I laughed for an hour.  At least.  F with the monster.  Lie to it.  

    It's rewarding.

    Parent

    As an FYI (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 08:07:15 AM EST
    It was clear a lot of the information on MyLife came from FaceBook.  Probably not that surprising with recent stories about their love of sharing.

    But I know for a fact that in all cases where there was a photo, this is common, they are your FB profile pic.

    The internet is evil.  FaceBook is the Devil.

    Parent

    Never had a Facebook account. (none / 0) (#79)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 08:46:35 AM EST
    Got off LinkedIn about 5 years ago. Out of curiousity to see what information would come back, I paid for a background check on myself online a few months ago. Most of the info was correct so far as personal information (gleaned from an assortment of public records). The funny thing was however, that the entire work history that was included in the report was my sister's work history. I don't think there was anything about me in the respect that was correct. It was my older sister's complete work history.

    Parent
    Way back in (none / 0) (#80)
    by ragebot on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 09:27:39 AM EST
    1968 I was traveling to a demonstration in Oakland with the head of the SDS Anti Draft Union in a nice car being driven by someone who's Dad could afford to buy him a Mercedes-Benz.  A LEO pulled us over and demanded to check the break lights and turn signal were working.

    I told my Dad about it later and said I was sure the FBI had a file on me with that information.  My Dad's reply was 'you are really a nobody if the FBI does not have a file on you'.

    Parent

    Well sure (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 10:02:25 AM EST
    We all grew up expecting the government knowing our secrets.

    But this is about anyone, your nosy neighbor, a prospective employer, a vindictive ex.

    As an aside, I had a guy in LA who sold me $800 lbs.  for years.  No problem sharing that cause these days I'm lucky if I can find a few grams.  But at some point he just disappeared with 800 bucks.

     Used one of these sites, this was about 2006 or so, paid the 10 bucks and got his phone number and address.  Just so I could call him up and say "I found you, you sack of shi+.  Just wanted to let you know I know exactly where you are".

    It was totally worth 10 bucks.

    Parent

    This really is (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 10:58:01 AM EST
    Excellent

    Parent
    I'm still in the early parts of this (none / 0) (#115)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 06:11:50 PM EST
    But it's amazing.  It's all about a massive internet hoax in more or less present day with existing tech.  How the hoax is done, how it works, what it does.  It is really truly frightening.  It could not be more timely or disturbing.  Frightening because he makes it clear it's really not very hard to do.  And this is a massive hoax.  It's clear smaller truth is hopelessly lost.

    I know from reading the reviews this is a relatively small part of the whole story but boy oh boy......


    Parent

    This, from the review (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 06:19:20 PM EST
    As much as you may have come to hate what the internet has done to American society, the savage, Swiftian satire of this part of Fall suggests that technology's harbingers like Stephenson, author of Snow Crash and Cryptonomicon, hate it even more.

    Yes

    Parent

    I'm sorry (none / 0) (#160)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 03:34:51 PM EST
    But I can't shut up about this book.  It's so great in so many different ways.  

    Maybe I'm personally moved because it is about a world being created from nothing by a dead game designer.  It's going to have special resonance to anyone who ever worked in the field.  And maybe anyone who ever played a video game.

    I feel inadequate to the task of reviewing it.  So I can only link.  

    Frozen heads and virtual heavens: sci-fi legend Neal Stephenson rides again
    Heaven is in the Cloud in this new tome. Paul McEuen watches in wonder.



    Parent

    The only Stephenson work I know (none / 0) (#161)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 03:46:10 PM EST
    Is Snowcrash.  Which I remember liking but this is something else.  Or so it seems to me.  Next level.  

    From this experience I now have to do at least two more stories

    README which apparently is the back story of Dodge, or "Egdod" the central character in FALL and ANATHEM because it sounds amazing

    Parent

    I read that Judge Richard Matsch has died (none / 0) (#71)
    by Peter G on Mon Jun 03, 2019 at 07:42:16 PM EST
    He presided over Jeralyn's most famous trial. Any thoughts or memories of the judge to share from that experience, J?

    Bad news (none / 0) (#82)
    by ragebot on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 09:40:22 AM EST
    https://www.clickorlando.com/news/trump-administration-places-new-restrictions-on-cuba-travel?fbclid =IwAR0t3NYZ0MJN530sdTjWWsHT6yyy3IGPEhpadFq93IH6H6l0bsh0cNTUqeU.

    Not sure what happened (none / 0) (#85)
    by ragebot on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 10:28:50 AM EST
    tried to use the link option.

    Parent
    A Place For Mom? (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 10:36:53 AM EST
    Boy it could not get much more obvious these old people disposal commercials are aimed at the children of the boomers.

    Every time I see the commercial for A PLACE FOR MOM I just saw one.  I am reminded of that great line from PSYCHO Put her IN someplace

    Seriously people.  A Place for Mom?  Just call it what it is

    PUT HER IN SOMEPLACE

    Manafort is heading to... (none / 0) (#90)
    by desertswine on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 12:47:31 PM EST
    Rikers Island.  I wouldn't want to be him.  Maybe I'll send him some cigarettes.  I hear they use them as money.

    In solitary (none / 0) (#91)
    by jondee on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 01:50:12 PM EST
    he's not going to have much chance to do any bartering.

    Parent
    Some good news. (none / 0) (#93)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 04:45:04 PM EST

    Scott Peterson arrested on 11 counts.

    Looks like a bit much to me (none / 0) (#94)
    by McBain on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:00:46 PM EST
    Are there any precedents for charges like this?

    Parent
    Is (none / 0) (#96)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:07:52 PM EST
    cowardice a crime? Seems a bit overboard to me also.

    Parent
    I don't know Florida law, but in U.S. criminal law (none / 0) (#97)
    by Peter G on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:34:49 PM EST
    generally inaction is not a basis for charges unless there is an affirmative legal duty to act. A sheriff's deputy may have such a duty in that situation, but I'd like to see the law that says so.

    Parent
    I'm put in mind (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by jondee on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:47:52 PM EST
    a little of "Who killed Davey Moore, why and whats the reason for?"

    Is anyone being charged for selling guns and ammo to an obviously unstable young man?

    Parent

    Cowardice is not a crime (none / 0) (#107)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 06:39:49 PM EST
    Perjury is.  

    Parent
    SCOTUS has ruled (none / 0) (#102)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:58:38 PM EST
    on more than one occasion that the police have no duty to protect anyone. Don't see how this can go anywhere.

    Parent
    The Supreme Court says that the Constitution (none / 0) (#109)
    by Peter G on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 09:43:15 PM EST
    imposes no duty on the police to protect anyway, that would give that person a right to sue the police for failing to protect them. That doesn't mean that Florida can't enact a law making it criminal for a police officer (or anyone else) to fail to perform a public or private duty that the law imposes on them.

    Parent
    Typo: "to protect anyone" I meant (none / 0) (#112)
    by Peter G on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 08:54:05 AM EST
    Anyone in particular, that is. Not "to protect anyway". Sorry.

    Parent
    I have absolutely no issue with ... (none / 0) (#98)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:35:39 PM EST
    ... Scott Peterson's termination by the Broward Sheriff's Office. His obvious inaction on that terrible day clearly demonstrated that he really doesn't have what it takes to be a sheriff's deputy.

    That said, given Florida Sen. Rick Scott's intemperate public statement today, I fear that the 11 charges filed against Mr. Peterson are an attempt to scapegoat him for the Parkland tragedy, by criminalizing an act of personal cowardice -- or, looking at it from the perspectives of both Peterson and BSO Sgt. Brian Miller, who was similarly fired for his inactivity during the shooting, an act of self-preservation.

    Speaking for myself only, I believe that both Peterson and Miller will have to live with the knowledge that their failure to act that day likely contributed to the carnage at Stoneman-Douglas High School. But while I freely acknowledge the continued pain and suffering of the victims' families over the tragedy, scapegoating Peterson is not going to bring their loved ones back to them.

    So my question is, from a legal standpoint, do we really want to go there -- I mean, really? Because personally, I'm extraordinarily uncomfortable with that. I'd be very interested in hearing the thoughts of Peter G and Jeralyn on the subject.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I guess the only good news (none / 0) (#108)
    by jondee on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 07:59:30 PM EST
    is that the general consensus in Florida seems to be that the Parkland shootings actually happened and wasn't part of some George Soros-funded psyop for the purposes of bankrupting honest businessmen selling AR-15s to troubled loners.

    Parent
    NBC (none / 0) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 06:55:37 PM EST

    The case against the former Broward County deputy could redefine what a 'caregiver' means under the law.



    Parent

    I love how self-righteous (none / 0) (#118)
    by jondee on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 08:12:48 PM EST
    these folks down in swamp fever country are now.

    The same people who practically ran Lenny Pozner out of the state for having the gall to be the grieving father of a murdered child.

    Rick "Medicare Fraud" Scott was also remarkably detached and silent when all that was going on. But then, he was probably up to his ears in work wheedling some dementia-suffering widow out of her life savings.

    Parent

    No, a criminal case *cannot* "redefine" (none / 0) (#119)
    by Peter G on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 08:42:24 AM EST
    what a key term in the criminal statute means. The case might perhaps clarify what "caregiver" has always meant in this law, but cannot redefine it. That's because due process (in this respect akin to the protection against "ex post facto" legislation) requires that a person must not be prosecuted for violating a law that did not clearly apply to them, and to their conduct, at the time that the person acted (or, in this case, failed to act).

    Parent
    Can't remember where but (none / 0) (#179)
    by ragebot on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 11:36:12 AM EST
    I read the case was based not on Peterson's not helping the students but his preventing others from entering the building to help.  He definitely told other LEOs not to go inside and prevented them from possibly saving lives by a quick response.

    I know first responders have no obligation to risk live and limb but am not sure about liability if they prevent others from risking life and limb.

    Parent

    Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon wants everyone ... (none / 0) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:03:02 PM EST
    ... to know he's "deeply offended" by the fact that Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr felt intimidated when he pounded the table in frustration and yelled "F*ck you, Mayor!" at her during a meeting.

    Oy.

     

    Robotic brain surgery (none / 0) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 05:52:57 PM EST
    I was pretty impressed by this.  Just talking to a friend in west AR.  His brother has pretty advanced cancer.  It's in multiple locations but it had spread to his brain and was really beginning to take a toll.

    A couple of weeks ago he had an experimental treatment that involved entirely robotic surgery on his brain.

    My friend says his response has been pretty unbelievable.

    Before the surgery he was beginning to have trouble with vision, walking or even talking but just a few days after the surgery all those problems are mostly just gone.  The surgery removed parts of his brain that were damaged by other treatments.

    He still has cancer in other parts of his body and the prognosis is not good but thats one problem is one less thing he has to deal with.  His bad state might have been one of the reasons he was chosen for this.  My friend said the treatment was very new and his brother is now the sort of poster boy for wider use of it.

    My friend is an RN.
     

    The 4 hour directors cut of (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 06:04:28 PM EST
    WOODSTOCK is on TCM at 7 central.  

    Followed by EASY RIDER

    Thank you so much for the tip (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by Peter G on Tue Jun 04, 2019 at 09:47:45 PM EST
    We have been enjoying it greatly.

    Parent
    I had to sneak in the side door (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Jun 05, 2019 at 08:23:57 AM EST
    at the Benny Decker theater on Naval Station, Yokosuka, Japan to see Woodstock because it was R rated.

    I had to go off-base to a Japanese theater to see M*A*S*H. There was a theater in Yokosuka that showed US movies with Japanese subtitles.


    Parent

    House Ways and Means Chair, (none / 0) (#120)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 12:08:30 PM EST
    Richard Neal (D.MA) has refused to use the new law passed by NY state which permits him to obtain part of Trump's tax information being stonewalled by Treasury Secretary Mnuchin.  Mnuchin has denied requests of Neal for tax information three times and  a subpoena, pursuant to federal law requiring him to do so.

    Neal does not want to jeopardize a law suit which he has not yet filed since the latest, May 17 refusal, by Mnuchin (which would take months, if not years to resolve if ever filed). And, Mnuchin has not been cited for contempt of congress.

     Neal feels that asking NY state for Trump's state tax returns, as a way of gaining some of the information being illegally denied, would play into Trump's hands that this was a political fishing expedition and undermine claims of legitimate oversight of IRS auditing of Trump.

    Committee Co-chair, Pramila Jayapal (D.WA) disagrees, citing the Emoluments Clause and the Constitution.  Commmitte Member, Charlie Christ (D.Fl) says why not?  there is no down side.

    This obsessive constant insistence (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 01:04:08 PM EST
    On playing by the rules while the republican pi$$ in their face is getting extremely tiresome.

    I think this new thing from a Pelosi about wanting him in jail is just more double talk.

    Yeah, we all want him in jail.  But you can't do that can you.  So cut the BS about wishful thinking and start f'ing doing what you can actually do.

    I really think this is coming to a head.  If they don't start doing SOMETHING very soon this is going to spiral out of their control.

    That's what I think.

    Awaiting incoming lecture on patients and probity.

    Parent

    When the Dems go to federal court, ... (5.00 / 1) (#201)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jun 12, 2019 at 04:13:07 PM EST
    ... the fact that they've heretofore been playing by the rules while the Trump administration has been "[pi$$ing] in their face" will likely be a major factor in the House Democrats' favor in any subsequent judicial decision handed down in these matters.

    I realize that due process of law is often frustrating to watch from a layman's standpoint, but nevertheless it's vitally important that Democrats exhaust all remedies. Our goal here should be Trump's removal from office, rather than his mere impeachment for its own sake.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Spiraling (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 01:10:09 PM EST
    House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) once again clashed with House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and other leaders in her party earlier this week over whether to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, Politico reported Wednesday.

    Pelosi held a closed-door meeting Tuesday with Nadler and other party leaders who are currently spearheading a bevy of investigations against the Trump administration. During the event, Nadler pressed Pelosi to allow him to open an impeachment inquiry following the conclusion of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the 2016 election. But once again, Pelosi refused.



    Parent
    Agreed. (none / 0) (#127)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 02:20:07 PM EST
    Chairman Neal's action has been beyond the pale. The first refusal to comply with the law by Mnuchin on the tax returns was a surprise to no one.  Yet, Neal's response was that he would be checking with his attorneys on the next step. Something that should have been done as a part of a stepwise strategy.

    Speaker Pelosi may be trying to protect her members in swing districts, but that may boomerang. Besides, I do not believe Nancy Pelosi wants to get into impeachment proceedings. This is a time for a focus on Trump, not fall into the media trap of discord between Chairs and the Speaker, and presidential contenders and the House. Past time to start thinking of Democratic turnout and not the diehard deplorable base.

    Parent

    Hopefully she is stalling (none / 0) (#128)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 02:47:59 PM EST
    Until there is at least a majority of house members openly calling for action.

    And not just trying to run out the clock.  Mueller needs to be dragged into a hearing room if necessary.  Stop talking about it and just f'ing do it.

    Parent

    Yes, I, too, hope (none / 0) (#132)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:09:15 PM EST
    Speaker Pelosi is posturing...letting some members and chairs call for the start of impeachment proceedings, while holding action at bay with harsh and tough language until her caucus is fully on board. But, time is not on her side---the Democrats are already looking weak.

    Saint Mueller should have been subpoenaed last week.  Seems like Chairman Nadler is confident that he will appear before the committee in public. But, again, he needed to seize the moment and momentum after Mueller's curious farewell speech. No negotiations, other than brand of bottled water made available.

    Parent

    I would love to know (none / 0) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:12:49 PM EST
    Exactly who's feet are dragging when it comes to Mueller.

    Parent
    Me too. (none / 0) (#137)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:22:33 PM EST
    It could be Barr, but he already told Mueller that a bus is leaving in 15 minutes--be under it.  So, my betting is with Mueller, himself. In his farewell address, he made it clear that we should not expect anything more from him, and if forced, he will just refer to his Report.  That would be enough, if that is it.  But, Mueller has so much to add and clarify. And, he knows that and still balks.

    Hard to know just why.  He knows, more than anyone, after studying Trump and gang for two years, what the threat Trump is to the country.  But, what lurks in his mind does not really matter... get him into public hearings and ask away. Pronto.

    Parent

    Latest Q poll from Texas (none / 0) (#124)
    by CST on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 01:33:18 PM EST
    Joe Biden beats Trump, and he's the only Democrat to do so.  More surprising  - look who is coming up in the second best spot for Dems in Texas (hint, it's not Beto or Bernie).   Yes, it's one poll.  No, I don't expect these numbers to hold, yes, I am baiting/trolling just a little by posting this.

    Just wondering how that conventional wisdom about electability is working out.

    Link

    Biden (none / 0) (#133)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:11:40 PM EST
    Seems to be doing everything in his power to remind people why they never really liked him.

    But polls like this one are going to keep driving the whole electability thing.  And it really shouldn't.  There is a new MI poll that has nearly all the candidates beating Trump.

    And still another poll that says almost 60% of voters think he will win in 20.  Voters join pols in fighting the last war.

    If any politician, lookin at you Nancy, figures out they need to stop fighting the last war they will be rewarded.

    Parent

    Biden seems (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:27:18 PM EST
    adverse to modernizing his thinking.  Still on the side of the Hyde Amendment (which when discussed should give a little history on the law's namesake.)

    And, his staff is busy cutting and pasting on climate change solutions.  Biden is still benefits from the Obama halo effect.  

    Parent

    No kidding (none / 0) (#139)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:33:12 PM EST
    Like the "Hastert Rule"

    Parent
    Biden (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 07:09:38 PM EST
    Officially reverses his "position" on the Hyde Amandment

    Ya THINK Joe?

    Parent

    19 mins ago (none / 0) (#153)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 07:13:10 PM EST
    Biden reverses stance on Hyde abortion amendment at Atlanta event



    Parent

    I'd love to live in a country (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by CST on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:53:09 PM EST
    Where Biden was the right-wing opposition. I do think the debates will be interesting, especially to see if people team up on Biden or go after each other to become the default "not-Biden" alternative.

    Parent
    Yes, (none / 0) (#151)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 07:07:10 PM EST
    you can always count on Biden to shoot himself in the foot. Too many people have forgotten why he never got out of 3 previous primaries.

    Parent
    Anyone watching Barry? (none / 0) (#126)
    by CST on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 01:55:05 PM EST
    Not sure what's better,  the fake existential crisis about being a hitman,  or what seems like a real existential crisis about being an actor,  but both are hilarious.   Also Hank was in my graduating class (college), and he's from MA.  He looks very different today but is clearly killing it.

    I ha season one (none / 0) (#129)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 02:48:41 PM EST
    On my DVR.  still trying to get to it.

    Parent
    Enjoyed season one (none / 0) (#145)
    by McBain on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 04:22:28 PM EST
    of Barry, just started season two.  Yes, Anthony Carrigan (Hank) is excellent.  

    Recently watched the unrelated Barry movie about Obama's college years.  Solid lead performance.  

    Almost finished with Dead to Me and Chambers on Netflix... good female lead shows.

    Watched the first episode of season 4 of Black Mirror last night, Striking Vipers....  would have been decent for another show but kind of wimpy for a Black Mirror episode.  

    Parent

    We watched Black Mirror last night as well. (none / 0) (#147)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 05:31:32 PM EST
    We thought is was pretty strong, including my older son who's seen all the prev episodes.

    Parent
    I probably liked (none / 0) (#148)
    by CST on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 05:42:12 PM EST
    Season 1 slightly more but Season 2 was still strong and there are definitely some standout episodes, it finishes strong.  One thing  I like is that it always manages to surprise you.  Will probably start Dead to Me next, I like both leads.

    I can't get into black mirror. I've seen two episodes and get that it's "good", but it makes me too uncomfortable. I  get that that's the point, but I don't enjoy it, and it's (IMO) not quite good enough for me to want to watch it anyway.

    Parent

    Ha! Ya, last night's Black Mirror made me squirm. (none / 0) (#149)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 06:09:02 PM EST
    Highly recommend Dead To Me.

    Parent
    I meant to say season 5, not 4 (none / 0) (#150)
    by McBain on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 07:04:58 PM EST
    Yes, some of the episodes are "good" but not necessarily fun to watch. That's how I felt about When They See Us.  

    I wouldn't be surprised if Christina Applegate gets some emmy love for her work in Dead to Me, assuming Netflix shows can get emmys.    

    Parent

    Just looked up a few clips of scenes (none / 0) (#146)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 05:29:09 PM EST
    it looks excellent.

    Parent
    sigh (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:02:53 PM EST
    another day, another....

    FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LITTLE ROCK HAS EXPANDED THE * FLASH FLOOD WATCH TO INCLUDE PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS AND NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS, IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS, WHITE. IN NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS, BAXTER, CLEBURNE, FULTON, INDEPENDENCE, IZARD, SHARP, AND STONE. * THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING * SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE LIKELY OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. RAIN COULD BE HEAVY AT TIMES. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF ONE TO THREE INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE IN AND NEAR THE WATCH AREA, WITH LOCALIZED HEAVIER AMOUNTS. * WITH ALREADY SATURATED GROUND FROM HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODING FROM THE LAST FEW WEEKS, IT WILL NOT TAKE MUCH RAIN TO CREATE FLASH FLOODING AND RUNOFF PROBLEMS. LARGE RISES IN WATER LEVEL COULD BE SEEN ALONG THE BUFFALO RIVER, AS WELL AS OTHER SMALLER RIVERS ACROSS NORTHERN AND WESTERN ARKANSAS.



    New data says (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 07:59:11 PM EST
    The last 12 months have been the wettest on record for the state.

    Parent
    When Trump Lapsed into Truth Telling (none / 0) (#140)
    by RickyJim on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:39:51 PM EST
    But Mr. Trump has poked fun at Mr. Bolton's reputation for hawkishness, joking in meetings with him. "If it was up to John, we'd be in four wars now," one of the senior officials recalled Mr. Trump as saying.
    Link It is a big mystery to me why Trump wants Bolton hanging around.

    IMO (none / 0) (#141)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 03:42:09 PM EST
    If he decides to wag the dog he is staffed to do it

    Can't think of another reason.

    Parent

    The White Mustachio (none / 0) (#143)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jun 06, 2019 at 04:04:15 PM EST
    was present at the Queen's soire.  Only the most loyal and dearest were allowed to come, such as Mnuchin, HuckabeeS. Kellyanne.  And, of course, the entire Kettle Family except Barron.  So, Bolton must really be a good doormat.

    Parent
    Not sure what this means. If anything. (none / 0) (#154)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 11:58:24 AM EST
    But it seems like a good thing.

    Trump faces rare Republican revolt on judicial pick
    A growing number of Senate Republicans and conservative activists are opposed to Michael Bogren's nomination.

    But unlike most other Trump judicial nominees, Bogren could still be confirmed with backing from Democrats.

    A managing partner at the law firm Plunkett Cooney, Bogren has support from his two Democratic home-state senators, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters of Michigan.
    The nominee, (none / 0) (#156)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 01:27:04 PM EST
    Michel Bogren's defense of the City of East Lansing (which protects against discrimination) brought out the usual suspects such as Tony Perkins and Ed Meese. Really? Ed of one of the DOJ's other cover-ups--putting curtains over naked statues.

     Bogen's legal brief on behalf of the City he represented stated that there could be no Constitutionally sound argument that sincerely held religious beliefs would permit a secular business to avoid the prohibitions against racial or gender discrimination.  But, he appears to have made a mistake in providing an illustrative example that, of course, was twisted into a pretzel.  

    Bogren's ill-fated  example was that a KKK member who opposed inter-racial marriage who ran a business similar to the plaintiff's would not be able to invoke the First Amendment free-exercise clause to avoid anti-discrimination statutes that apply to public accommodations if inter-racial couples were refused service.

     A double-whammy, using an inter-racial example in an same sex wedding venue refusal. And, was opened up to mischief by one of the Republican senators, Josh Hawley (MO) who accused the nominee of comparing a good Catholic family's adherence to their Church to activities of the KKK and radical imans.  Ted Cruz (R.TX) joined in the umbrage showed down on the nominee.

    Parent

    Obvious question (none / 0) (#157)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 02:52:33 PM EST
    How did he get on "the list"?

    Parent
    Mistakes were made. (none / 0) (#162)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 03:49:07 PM EST
    Bogren's nomination was, apparently, a "bipartisan" negotiation with the White House by Michigan's two Democratic senators, Stabenow and Peters. The Republicans must have belatedly found out that the nominee's practice included civil rights law. Civil rights are not popular these days with wingers, and, so much, therefore for bipartisanship. And, Bogren, probably.

    Besides Ted and Josh, it looks like more are climbing aboard the railroading car.  Tillis (R. NC) is a no, and even Casey (D PA) could be a no.  New Rule: Never say good things about anti-discrimination or bad things about the Catholic Church--or the Spotlight is on you.

    Parent

    John Ashcroft (none / 0) (#163)
    by leap on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 04:29:15 PM EST
    was the cover-up prude. He could not abide the brazen breasts of the Spirit of Justice, espcially being photographed in front of her right boob.

    Guess he knew from boobs. What a boob he was.

    Parent

    Yes, thanks. (none / 0) (#164)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jun 07, 2019 at 05:02:24 PM EST
    Guess I got my prudes mixed up.  It was Ed who, when presenting his pornography report with the "Spirit of Justice" in the background,  that photographers laid on the floor, flat on their backs, to ensure that the partially unclad statue got in the shots.

    Parent
    This has the feeling (none / 0) (#172)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 08, 2019 at 10:07:53 AM EST
    Of an opening chapter of what might be a much more complicated story.

    Two former state senators found dead in their homes within two days

    Two former republican senators one in AR on in OK.

    Not sure about that (none / 0) (#180)
    by ragebot on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 11:48:40 AM EST
    Linda Collins-Smith death is being investigated as a homicide and there are some theories that relate to her fairly recent and difficult divorce.  I got the impression Senator Jonathan Edgar Nichols's death was by his own hand.

    While it is still early I am not sure this is anything but a freak natural occurrence.

    Parent

    I didn't mean to suggest (none / 0) (#181)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jun 09, 2019 at 01:07:35 PM EST
    Anything necessarily nefarious

    Only that it had the feel of the first chapter of a detective story.

    Parent

    Just got home - watching Biden live (none / 0) (#192)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 11, 2019 at 01:00:29 PM EST
    I gotta say.

    I'm sure this will be on the news but he had a heckler

    I'm totally open to the possibility it was a planted heckler but it was quite a moment.

    The contrast to the same thing in a Trump rally.

    If it' was fake, I approve.  It worked.

    And now he's talking, and I gotta say.  He's pretty good.

    Is he my choice?  No.

    D I think he could win?  I do.

    And (5.00 / 1) (#195)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 11, 2019 at 05:15:26 PM EST
    He is old.

    Very old.

    Parent

    He looks (none / 0) (#196)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jun 12, 2019 at 05:57:24 AM EST
    kind of frail. He's like Bob Dole in 1996 and if he falls or does anything to reinforce the fact that he's elderly he's done in the primary.

    One of the reasons I think Sanders' campaign has been collapsing is because of his fall in the shower. It reminds people how elderly he is along with the fact that he has the old man shuffle when he walks.

    Parent

    He is setting a tone though (none / 0) (#197)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jun 12, 2019 at 09:16:27 AM EST
    That all D candidates need to emulate to the best of their ability, leading with decency. Trump has been so gross and disgusting for so long, and that comes into focus clearly when a possible replacement comes forward displaying leadership via decency. The nation's psyche has been damaged and I believe most people want off this ride ASAP.

    This is not Bernie Sanders forte though LOL.

    Parent

    Frankly (none / 0) (#199)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jun 12, 2019 at 02:42:36 PM EST
    I see a lot of candidates emulating this for the most part. The other day Gillibrand went shopping with Buttigieg for Pride attire and would not say anything bad about Biden and the Hyde Amendment. And that's just one example I ran across in social media. All the problems and nastiness is coming from the same quarter it was in 2016 and probably even before then.

    Parent
    Wait till Trump sees how this plays (none / 0) (#198)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jun 12, 2019 at 09:22:42 AM EST
    Out in polling. He's really going to lose it then. We have yet to see that blankety blank really really really have a meltdown.

    Parent
    25 years ago today, ... (none / 0) (#200)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jun 12, 2019 at 04:00:29 PM EST
    ... Ronald Goldman, a waiter at Mezzaluna Trattoria in Brentwood, offered to return Juditha Brown's misplaced sunglasses to Brown's daughter Nicole Simpson after his shift was over.

    And thus, through a random and nonchalant act of kindness, young Ron's fate would be unwittingly sealed as a victim in one of the most notorious murder cases in the history of Los Angeles.

    It's hard to believe that had they lived, Nicole Brown Simpson would be 60 years old today and Ron Goldman, 51. Instead, they're forever young.

    May they both rest in peace.

    Thursday Open Thread | 201 comments (201 topical)