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Trump Secretly Deports 9 to Cameroon in Africa

By Jeralyn, Section Civil Liberties
Posted on Sun Feb 15, 2026 at 02:55:35 AM EST
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Just when you think our country is at an all-time low and things can't get any worse, Donald Trump brings us even lower.

According to the New York Times (free link here),

In a secret deportation arrangement, the Trump administration flew nine people, nearly all of whom had been granted U.S. court protections from being sent back to their home countries, to the African nation of Cameroon in January.

None of them are from Cameroon, according to government documents obtained by The New York Times and lawyers for the deportees, and the United States has not made any public deal with Cameroon to accept deportees who hail from other nations.

How much of our taxpayer money did Donald Trump offer Cameroon to take these detainees?

To make matters worse, they have been held for the past month in a "compound" in Cameroon's capital, and have been told they will only be released to their home countries, despite the U.S. having granted 8 of the 9 of them protection against being returned to their home countries due to risk of torture or persecution.

“Sending people to a third country where they are coerced into deportation to the country that we cannot deport them to is flatly illegal,” said Scott Shuchart, a former ICE official who worked in the Biden administration.

[More...]

On Friday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee released a report, "“At What Cost? Inside the Trump Administration’s Secret Deportation Deals,” showing Trump has authorized payments of more than $32 million to various countries in exchange for taking custody of deported individuals who it claimed couldn't be returned to their home countries.

This report finds that the Trump Administration has expanded and institutionalized a system in which the United States urges or coerces countries to accept migrants who are not their citizens, often through arrangements that are costly, wasteful and poorly monitored. It catalogs the ...waste of taxpayer funds through unnecessary removals, ...the lack of oversight on U.S. funds to foreign governments and secret deals that do not serve American interests.

Taken together, these actions have created an expensive and dangerous form of shadow diplomacy that prioritizes the appearance of toughness over the security of Americans.....For an Administration that claims to be reigning in fraud, waste and abuse, this policy is the epitome of all three.”

The full report is available here.

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    Trump Secretly Deports 9 to Cameroon in Africa | 201 comments (201 topical)
    It is a basic legal principle -- with (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by Peter G on Sun Feb 15, 2026 at 01:38:07 PM EST
    international humanitarian law being no exception -- that no one is permitted to do indirectly what they are forbidden to do directly. This is a further illustration, utterly unsurprising, of this regime's utter contempt for the rule of law generally. I used to say "this administration," but I think "this regime" is more accurate.

    There is no new low. (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Feb 15, 2026 at 03:35:15 PM EST
    The bottom doesn't exist for this regime.

    This is a cabal of genuinely evil people. There is nothing they won't do to stay in power and carry out their sick agenda.

    Collateral damage is irrelevant. Pain and suffering, irrelevant. They have no cognizance of of the long term consequences of any of their actions.

    Bottom line. We are effed.

    If anyone believes (5.00 / 3) (#24)
    by Chuck0 on Sat Feb 21, 2026 at 07:36:01 PM EST
    all the very large warehouses being bought by DHS, especially in the northeast (PA, NJ) are for housing immigrants, I have, well, a warehouse to sell you.

    They are coming the likes of US. These will be the new concentration camps. I believe this in every fiber of my being.

    There are zero, zilch, nada signs that this evil cabal has any plans to leave in 2029, or ever. The ballroom, the outrageous acts and behavior before the public. And Congress. The banners with dear leader on them. The renaming of public buildings. The erasure of history.

    I do not have a real theory on what they have planned. However, I think it is something very, very bad. Evil on the scale of the Nazis.

    They are systematically eliminating anyone sane from military leadership. I see stories online (I get feeds from US Naval Institute, Stars & Stripes and Navy Time), constantly, about skippers (Capt) of US naval vessels being relieved of command. Way too many for any normal times. I am guessing this is going in the other service branches as well.

    Trump (none / 0) (#26)
    by KeysDan on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 11:10:14 AM EST
    "joked" that if it was up to Stephen Miller, the US population would only be 100 million.  Note: immigration policy seems to be up to Miller.  Also, the current population is about 342 million.

    Miller rhapsodically praises the Immigration Act of 1924 as a heritage that the U.S. should emulate. This Act restricted immigration by implementing a national origins quota system targeting/reducing immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and banning Asian immigration.

    Some of the commanders seem captured as indicated with reports  of coercion at eight military facilities worldwide where complaints were registered about troops feeling forced to see Melania, the Movie. Some commanders included the film as a part of unit activity events.


    Parent

    For a Master Race they sure are losing a lot (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 10:20:50 AM EST

    Turns out breaking laws is a big nope

    This will cheer you up

    This week featured a whole lotta courts telling the administration a whole lotta nope. Nope to malicious deportations. Nope to vindictive detentions. Nope to busting into churches to arrest immigrants. Why, it's almost as if pretty much everything this administration wants to do is just straight-up illegal.

    Nope, you can't deport college students for being pro-Palestinian

    Nope, you can't bust into churches to arrest immigrants

    Nope, you can't keep detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia even though you really want to

    Nope, you can't successfully indict people if you can't actually identify a law they broke

    Nope, you can't stop schools from teaching woke DEI
    And Trump is not just losing in court (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 11:20:23 AM EST
    This is a Morning Joe chart that is pretty amazing.  Those massive cuts to EPA, HUD, CDC, NIH?

    They never happened.  In nearly every case spending was actually increased.  This chart should be seen.

    Trump's 26 budget cuts requested vs enacted

    Parent

    Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 05:21:29 PM EST
    I've really been enjoying this.  Someone described it as the Game of Thrones acoustic album.

    No big effects.  So far.  Just good story telling.
    The season finale is tonight.  It's already been renewed.  

    Pointing at Democrats, (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by KeysDan on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 10:36:04 AM EST
    Trump proclaimed, "these people are crazy. I'm telling you they're crazy. Lucky we have a country with people like this.  Boy, oh, boy. Democrats are destroying the country.  Stopped them in the knick of time, didn't we?"  

    The vice president, speaker, cabinet members, and most of the Republican stood and applauded.

    Why would Democrats attend the SOTU?  Why didn't those Democrats in attendance walk out?  Or, why not , be looking at their phones, or watches?  Trump did seem rattled by the stoical demeanor of the Democrats, so there was, at least, that.

    If Democrats are crazy and destroying the country, according to the president, how long will it be before a MAGAt sets out to make things "right" and save the country from Democrats?

    Now you're starting to get it (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 11:25:04 AM EST
    I'e said before. They have no plans to leave. Something is afoot vis-a-vis the midterms.

    MAGAts have already called Dems a terrorist organization. They are quick to call anyone who stands up to them a domestic terrorist.

    This is the thread to follow. Democrats will be declared terrorists. The loud ones, the ones serving in office will end up in one those DHS warehouse concentration camps

    People need to stop believing this government, this regime is business as usual. The are going to attempt to change the course of this country. And not in any good way. 250 years was a good run. I fear that's the end of the American story.

    Parent

    I just attended a college baseball game ... (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 02:46:19 PM EST
    ... last Thursday night in Honolulu, in which host Hawaii was being no-hit by Wichita State for seven inning and was down 6-0. They then scored seven runs in the last two innings to win it, 7-6. To quote the late, great Yogi Berra's famous quip about baseball games, "It ain't over 'til it's over!"

    Regarding our country's present predicament, our story ain't over and we're not done yet - not by a long shot. We've been in tough spots before, and we worked our way through it. We'll do it again. We have no choice.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I wish I had your optimism (none / 0) (#102)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 05:34:56 PM EST
    But I don't live in a pure blue state 4800 miles from Washington DC.

    Parent
    You know who else said 'woe is us' ... (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 06:41:24 PM EST
    ... back in the spring of 1864, when Union military forces appeared mired in a protracted and increasingly bloody stalemate with their Confederate counterparts with no end in sight?

    That would be Gen. George B. McClellan, former Union commander-in-chief and prospective Democratic nominee for president in the Nov. 1864 election who, while privately opposing the influential and adamantine "peace at all costs" faction of his own party, nevertheless ran on a party platform which specifically pronounced President Lincoln's war a failure and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in favor of a negotiated settlement with the rebel government in Richmond, VA.

    The storm is almost always its darkest just before it breaks. In Sept. 1864, Gen. William Sherman's Union Army of the Cumberland captured and burned Atlanta. By mid-autumn, Union troops were cutting a scorched-earth 60-mile-wide swath through Georgia toward the rebel port city of Savannah and the Atlantic seaboard, an advance which effectively dismembered the Confederacy both militarily and economically.

    McClellan lost both his mojo and the election to Lincoln in Nov. 1864, much the same way he lost successive military battles to Gen. Robert E. Lee in the spring and summer of 1862, i.e., rather decisively. Five months after the election, Richmond fell to Union forces on April 3, 1865 and six days later, Gen. Lee surrendered his rebel Army of Northern Virginia four days to Union Gen. Ulysses Grant.

    We fight on because there's no alternative other than our acquiescence to Trump and surrender to MAGA Republicans - and I'm not at all willing to concede that point. To paraphrase Warren Zevon, I'll rest my weary bones in this struggle when I'm dead.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I think that's the plan. (none / 0) (#109)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 07:52:53 PM EST
    They want us dead. And are moving forward to make that happen. Good and Pretti were just the beginning.

    I fully expect to be carried out of my home in a body bag. I'm exactly 102 miles from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

    Parent

    You (none / 0) (#110)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 08:13:37 PM EST
    Will be fine. You live in a state where the governor will do everything to.protect you. I am somewhat safer here in NC than i would be in Georgia.  Here i have a governor and AG that would at least attempt to save us.in Georgia there would be no one to stop it

    Parent
    I don't see Josh Shapiro (none / 0) (#117)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 11:45:56 AM EST
    standing at the foot of my street with an AR-15 when the Gestapo is deployed.

    There is a story on Huffpost today about Dementia Donnie considering declaring a "national emergency" before the midterms. The draft EO has already been written.

    First comes the national emergency then the Gestapo starts roundibg up the opposition.

    Parent

    I just tuned into ABC Nightly News. (none / 0) (#126)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 05:36:26 PM EST
    They are covering the EO story tonight.

    Parent
    A race between Jasmine Crockett (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 03:31:17 PM EST
    And Ken Paxton.

    That would be fun.

    Crockett Holds Big Lead in Texas Primary
    February 25, 2026 at 10:56 am EST By Taegan Goddard 301 Comments

    A new University of Texas poll finds Jasmine Crockett (D) with a big lead James Talarico (D) in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, 56% to 44%.

    On the Republican side, Ken Paxton and Sen. John Cornyn running neck-and-neck, with neither candidate close to the 50%-plus-one-vote threshold needed to avoid a runoff.

    Paxton led with 36% to Cornyn's 34%. Rep. Wesley Hunt was in third, garnering 26% of the vote.
    Talirico is young (none / 0) (#97)
    by jmacWA on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 03:42:35 PM EST
    There is plenty of time for him to help shape TX's future.  

    GO Crocket.

    Parent

    He seems like a very smart and capable guy (none / 0) (#98)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 04:46:54 PM EST
    but I think Jeralyn once described Mayor Pete as Mayonnaise

    That guy is Miracle Whip

    An election with him would be a civics class.  Interesting snooze.

    Whatever else Crockett/Paxton would not be boring

    And I think she can beat Paxton.  Probably either could.

    Parent

    James Talarico (none / 0) (#100)
    by KeysDan on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 05:16:57 PM EST
    seems to have been made in a lab for state-wide election in Texas. A very white, young and good looking male, whose Christian-laced political formula fosters his electoral prospects and  helps make his progressive medicine go down.

    Jasmine Crockett, while favored in the Democratic primary, may have a tougher road in the general election.

    Parent

    I think you nailed it (none / 0) (#101)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 05:26:37 PM EST
    As much as Paxton is disliked, Texas is just not ready to elect a black woman to the US Senate. I love Crockett. She is exactly the new blood the Democratic party needs. But I believe this is the wrong race at the wrong time.

    I am a former Texas resident and still have ties to folks doen there. Talerico can beat Paxton. Cornyn would tougher in the general.

    His bramd of Miacle Whip is what can win. Snooze fest or not

    Parent

    Normally I would agree (none / 0) (#103)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 05:45:30 PM EST
    but IMO we left normal in about 2016.

    This is a very different kind of year.  I agree with everything you said about him.  But not this year.

    IMO this is a Jasmin Crockett kind of election year.  She can turn the people out who have never voted.

    And it looks like she's winning the primary so...

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#111)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 08:19:46 PM EST
    While I like Jasmine I dont think she can win.

    Parent
    Y'all are all underestimating (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 08:33:59 AM EST
    Jasmine Crockett

    Texas Tribune via kos

    As in other polls, Crockett had a massive advantage with Black voters, drawing 87% support. The Dallas congresswoman also led among seniors and voters without a college degree.

    Talarico had a narrow advantage with white voters -- winning them by only 6 percentage points -- while Hispanic voters were a virtual tossup, with Crockett leading by 4 points.



    Parent
    Christian nationalists (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 08:37:29 AM EST
    are not going to vote for this guy  because he talks like a Sunday school teacher.

    That's really not what they are looking for.  They will vote for Paxton.  

    Parent

    Just heard this on Morning Joe (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 08:53:16 AM EST

    According to state data Texas Democrats have cast one and a half times as many ballots in early voting in this years midterms as the did in all of early primary voting back in 2024.

    Not a normal year

    Parent

    Nobody (none / 0) (#115)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 10:06:03 AM EST
    Thinks those people are going to vote for either Talarico or Crockett. I think the concern is that she wont get the margins in rural areas and with Hispanics to win.


    Parent
    It's hard for me to believe (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 03:55:14 PM EST
    Hispanics are going to elect many republicans this year.

    But I would not have expected Trump to get 40ish% last time.

    schadenfreude would be inappropriate but it's tempting.

    Parent

    Yeah (none / 0) (#127)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 07:31:03 PM EST
    Hispanics voted for both Biden and Hillary but wouldn't vote for Kamala.

    Parent
    Crockett better her opponent (none / 0) (#118)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 11:47:15 AM EST
    is Paxton. He is scum and even the GQP knows it.

    Parent
    Paxton is so awful. What is his appeal (none / 0) (#116)
    by Peter G on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 11:45:15 AM EST
    to the substantial number of Texans who have repeatedly supported him?

    Parent
    That (none / 0) (#119)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 12:29:25 PM EST
    Requires a deep dive into evangelical culture but in a nutshell they think Paxton is defending white Christian nationalism and are willing to overlook all his shortcomings

    Parent
    Disagree (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 12:39:39 PM EST
    Paxton fans, like Trump fans now, "overlook" nothing.  They love it.

    Parent
    Hes a mini Trump (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 12:38:12 PM EST
    Felonies and all.  I would think even Christian nationalists are tired of electing criminals.
     But he's winning.


    Parent
    No save act (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 03:23:00 PM EST
    'Major loss' for Trump as bill that could have put midterm in his hands halted: expert

    'Major loss' for Trump as bill that could have put midterm in his hands halted: expert
    A bill which Donald Trump had been pushing for Congress to pass will not likely make it through, putting the Republican Party at further risk in this election.

    LOL (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 10:09:58 AM EST

    Pentagon puts Scouts 'on notice' over DEI and girl-centered policies

    Just, LOL

    So yesterday (5.00 / 3) (#153)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:10:38 PM EST
    Bubba said that Trump told him he had a lot of fun with Epstein and that he broke up with Trump over a real estate deal. This is probably why we are bombing Iran today instead of another day.

    That's why he had to launch (5.00 / 5) (#155)
    by Peter G on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:47:29 PM EST
    Operation Epstein Fury.

    Parent
    More brilliant strategerie (5.00 / 1) (#176)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 09:23:15 AM EST

    U.S. Races to Finish Mission Before Munitions Run Out
    March 1, 2026 at 8:49 am EST By Taegan Goddard 61 Comments

    "When the U.S. military's top general laid out the risks to President Trump of launching a major and extended attack on Iran, one of the issues he flagged was America's stockpile of munitions," the Wall Street Journal reports.

    "Now that is being put to the test, as the U.S. races to destroy Iran's missile and drone force before it runs out of interceptors to fend off Tehran's retaliation."

    "The precise size of the U.S. stock of air-defense interceptors--what the Pentagon calls magazine depth--is classified. But repeated conflicts with Iran and its proxies in the Middle East have been eating into the supply of air defenses in the region."

    l

    Maybe, (none / 0) (#179)
    by KeysDan on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 11:03:55 AM EST
    A little extra will help the cash-strapped Defense Department. After the House passed a $839 billion defense spending bill, the Pentagon asked for another $50 billion.  This late-stage request included $26.5 billion to correct accounting errors and $28.8 billion for munitions contracts.

    Parent
    The items the Donald (none / 0) (#181)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 03:53:44 PM EST
    Is depleting from our stockpile are very expensive, but they also require extensive production time to replace. He risks our national security so he can do these trust destroying flexes. And our press fails and fails

    Parent
    Very troubling (none / 0) (#180)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 03:49:27 PM EST


    Parent
    Logistics, i.e., supply chains, are vital ... (none / 0) (#182)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 04:13:21 PM EST
    ... in the conduct of any military operation. We tend to focus inordinately on our military's front-line capabilities, which are admittedly considerable. But we often forget a main rule of thumb in the conduct of military operations, which is that for every soldier serving at the front, there are five to eight people needed in the line of supply to sustain that soldier and maintain his effort.

    The great catastrophes in military history were often rooted in the initial breakdown or disruption in the line of supply, resulting in forces being first overextended and then stranded / surrounded over the horizon with no means of resupply or extraction.

    Trump just issued a video stating that his goal is regime change in Teheran. Well, okay. What happens if Iran - admittedly rocked by this weekend's surprise attack - manages to weather this aerial assault? What if they then move to close the Straits of Hormuz to commercial traffic? Whiskey Pete's Pentagon appears to have no contingency plan in place for any subsequent insertion of U.S. boots on the ground to prevent that.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I would like to know (none / 0) (#1)
    by jmacWA on Sun Feb 15, 2026 at 04:27:55 AM EST
    how much of that $32 million is kicked back to TRUMP and his cronies as 'gratuities'.  I am sure the amount is > $0.  TRUMP's second term is all about the grift, and he's either better at it or more bold than he was in the first term.

    GWBush talks about Trump (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 16, 2026 at 05:24:33 PM EST
    by talking about George Washington.

    This is nicely done.

    George Washington by George W. Bush
    For a Leader, Humility Is the Ultimate Strength
    In Pursuit and George W. Bush
    Feb 16, 2026

    Trump's greatest contribution (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by jondee on Mon Feb 16, 2026 at 05:32:40 PM EST
    to the legacy of the Republican Party: making the Bushs and the Chaneys look good in comparson. Sorta.

    Parent
    Other than Trump (none / 0) (#6)
    by jondee on Mon Feb 16, 2026 at 07:45:04 PM EST
    acting like a pig, what are the significant policy differences?

    Parent
    For all their faults, Bush pere et fils ... (none / 0) (#174)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 02:09:49 AM EST
    ... weren't stupid enough to do Bibi Netanyahu's bidding for him in Iran.

    Parent
    NPR (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 07:20:19 AM EST

    U.K. police have arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of "misconduct in public office." U.K. media reports that this man is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew.



    If you listen (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 09:09:46 AM EST
    to Andrew's biographer, don't remember the name, Andrew has more easily prosecutable crimes that have nothing to do with Epstein but his time on the trade authority or something like that.

    Parent
    The British criminal legal system differs (none / 0) (#11)
    by Peter G on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 09:26:30 AM EST
    from ours in several ways, one of which is that they disclose much less detailed official information at the time of an arrest than we do.

    Parent
    My point about the British system was (5.00 / 3) (#17)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 09:46:49 AM EST
    that a person does not have to be charged at all, not with anything, to be taken into custody under UK law "on suspicion" for investigative questioning. In the US, that would (does) violate our Fourth Amendment. As I understand it, Andrew M-W was detained (we would call that arrested) and held for questioning for some 12 hours before being released, without being charged (yet) with anything. Here, a person can only be arrested on "probable cause" (a significantly higher standard than "suspicion"), and only for the commission of a particular, specified criminal offense.

    Parent
    The news (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 10:32:20 AM EST
    media does not realize the difference here and honestly I thought he was charged from the reporting. Glad to know the difference between here and England.

    Parent
    It's interesting his charges (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 10:25:19 AM EST
    do not, reportedly, involve girls.  

    That might be a disappointment to some but is it possibly this will move the investigation into the areas of Epsteins life that no one has seemed to want to talk about, that was he a spy?

    Why did he want this info from Andy?  Who did he sell it to.   Ive always thought that the girls get most of the discussion but spy stuff is way more interesting.  Geopolitically speaking.

    Parent

    Thank you. (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 01:46:27 PM EST
    I've been saying for quite some time that our media has been overly focused on the salacious sexualized aspects of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal like a bunch of precocious adolescent boys.

    Now, I don't mean to diminish those crimes; they are truly horrific in nature. But when the book is finally written on Epstein, the sex trafficking may well prove to be a sideshow to the main event under Epstein's big top, which includes financial fraud, money laundering and espionage.

    The sex crimes are mostly personal in nature, with the impact falling inordinately upon Epstein's individual victims. And it was, after all, his perverse sexual proclivities with underage girls which finally tripped him up. But if he was also an active agent working on the Kremlin's behalf, that actually poses an existential threat to our entire country.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Mandelson (none / 0) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 05:03:49 PM EST
    is gay.  Probably no minors involved.

    Parent
    Yep. No nubile young things for Lord Peter. (none / 0) (#106)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 06:48:54 PM EST
    Just a promise of prospective financial windfalls, in exchange for an indeterminate number of confidential British government information, intelligence and documents.

    Parent
    My understanding is (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 10:28:43 AM EST
    that's other stuff is still related to information he gave Epstein.


    Parent
    I heard he is not (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 06:16:39 PM EST
    charged with anything involving the women.  But it's Epstein he passed the info to  

    Maybe Epstein was blackmailing him. That pic of him on his all fours leering over a teenager is pretty bad.

    Parent

    Today is (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 07:35:54 AM EST
    The Princes 66th birthday.

    Parent
    The King speaks (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 08:41:50 AM EST
    "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

    "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

    "In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

    "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

    "As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.

    Parent

    Not impossible (none / 0) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Feb 19, 2026 at 06:11:52 PM EST

    Iranian hackers are claiming they have sensitive videos allegedly showing Donald Trump with minors and are threatening to release them if the United States launches a military attack on Iran. The claim has quickly gone viral on social media, sparking heated debate, political reactions, and widespread speculation. However, as of now, no verified evidence has been publicly released to support the hackers' allegations.

    INSTA

    Yep (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 08:50:35 AM EST
    especially with Iran being a client state of Russia and Epstein's contact with Russia. Epstein could have easily sold copies of what he had with regards to Trump to Putin. If that happened it would explain a lot.

    Parent
    Imagine that.. (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by jondee on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 07:33:53 PM EST
    a country sinking so low as to utilize assets to gather blackmail material on people in positions of power in the U.S.

    We're talking about Iran and Russia here, right?

    Parent

    How about (none / 0) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 21, 2026 at 09:11:06 AM EST
    Israel

    Parent
    Bibi sez (none / 0) (#42)
    by jondee on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 07:37:37 PM EST
    Epstein spending so much time with ex-IDF General, ex-Prime Minister Barak is just more proof that this has nothing to do with Israel.

    Believe Bibi, your our own lyin' eyes, in other words.

    Parent

    Not your own lyin' eyes (none / 0) (#43)
    by jondee on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 07:54:19 PM EST


    Parent
    I have (none / 0) (#16)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 08:54:25 AM EST
    to wonder if Charles will spill the beans on what he knows. Andrew's biographer said that Trump gave Andrew a list of women like a menu to choose from. Trump and Andrew both appear to have been in deep with Epstein. He could bargain for a lighter sentence maybe with the info he has if there is corroborating evidence.

    Problem is, unfortunately, that Andrew (none / 0) (#18)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 09:49:42 AM EST
    already has a history of bald-faced lying about this and other important subjects, which makes him a much less useful witness, particularly if his testimony were to be crucial in an important matter.

    Parent
    True. (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Feb 20, 2026 at 10:27:13 AM EST
    That is why there should be additional evidence. He's like Ghislane in that respect. Unlikely Andrew would have even been questioned or had to settle with Giuffre if there wasn't a picture and emails.

    Parent
    Gee, who else has a history of bald-faced lying? (none / 0) (#107)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 07:02:09 PM EST
    Would that beeeee - Donald Trump?

    I would assume that if and when MAGA's Orange Overlord ever again sees the inside of a courtroom from the criminal defendant's docket, the Andrew Formerly Known as Prince will not likely be the only person who's on the prosecution's witness list.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    So Trump just called CSPAN (none / 0) (#28)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 12:50:14 PM EST
    as John Barron

    to complain about the tariff decision.

    Unbelievable

    Do you (5.00 / 3) (#29)
    by KeysDan on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 01:02:00 PM EST
    think it's really John Barron (aka Trump)?  The voice sounds a little too young--like a 75-year old.

    Parent
    I think it was him (none / 0) (#30)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 02:08:20 PM EST
    "disguising" his voice.  If not they are very good.  Whoever they are.

    Parent
    Buzzfeed (none / 0) (#31)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 02:11:56 PM EST
    Either a great prank or the most pathetic phone call ever made -- and the fact that we can't tell which it is really says it all.

    There is no consensus about authenticity

    Parent

    From CSPAN website (none / 0) (#32)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 02:45:04 PM EST

    User Clip: Trump pretending to be a Virginia voter



    Parent

    That was 100% (none / 0) (#35)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 04:08:54 PM EST
    Dementia Donnie. Just listen to the speech pattern and inabilty to focus on the subject.

    Parent
    I agree (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 04:32:15 PM EST
    Every impressionist I've ever heard was good but not exactly    

    That was Trump.
    Trying to sound different.  Or I'm a monkeys uncle

    And Peter, to conserve comments by responding to you, what makes no sense, with all due respect, is the idea of projecting normal motives to Trump.

    I'll tell you why he would do it, he want you to think someone else is saying it.  Of course HE can say it.  He want you to think others agree.

    Which is exactly the same reason he did it in the 80s.  Or whenever that was.

    Do you really think he is above doing this?  

    Parent

    I can see him doing it (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 04:34:20 PM EST
    just to create another distraction

    Parent
    It could also be AI (none / 0) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 05:01:19 PM EST
    I suppose

    Parent
    Good comment (5.00 / 2) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 05:05:00 PM EST
    The really disturbing part of this is that so many ppl find it credible he would actually do it

    Parent
    Great prank. Theory that it's real makes (none / 0) (#34)
    by Peter G on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 04:05:39 PM EST
    no sense to me. He can express those thoughts, in those same terms, by calling in to any number of Fox shows or sympathetic influencers/ youtubers/ podcasters, any time he wants. Does he even know C-SPAN has a call-in show (I didn't)? Or any interest in reaching that audience (whatever it is)?

    Parent
    It doesn't make any sense (none / 0) (#41)
    by jondee on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 06:38:42 PM EST
    but, maybe the dementia was at the wheel, in which case all bets are off.

    Parent
    WTF... (none / 0) (#44)
    by desertswine on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 09:08:43 PM EST
    "We are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

    "It's on the way!!!" he added.

    Where's the guys with the big nets?

    Parent

    That (none / 0) (#46)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 09:33:12 PM EST
    Seemed to be a sure sign of dementia

    Parent
    Great story behind that (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 06:04:15 AM EST
    It started when a sailor on a US nuclear submarine parked off Greenland need medical attention.  The Norwegians cheerfully provided it on shore.

    That's why Trump said he was sending a Medical Ship.  But the thing is all our medical shops are in drydock and going nowhere.

    All true.  Google it.

    Parent

    Here (none / 0) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 06:29:19 AM EST

    Based on reports from February 21-22, 2026, a U.S. Navy sailor aboard a nuclear-powered submarine operating off Greenland was urgently evacuated by Danish forces due to a medical emergency.

    As of late January, the 1,000-bed hospital ship was firmly in drydock at Alabama Shipyard in Mobile,

    <

    Parent

    Of course (none / 0) (#45)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 09:30:42 PM EST
    It was him. What normal person would call up about tariffs and complain about Hakeem Jeffries?

    Parent
    An impressionalist, parodist, mimic (none / 0) (#49)
    by Peter G on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 09:30:41 AM EST
    making fun of him. And very effectively. Also, proving they could get over on C-SPAN's screeners.

    Parent
    Is there any recourse (none / 0) (#50)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 11:34:39 AM EST
    can this be reversed?

    Judge Aileen Cannon bars the release of special counsel report on Trump's handling of classified documents



    Parent

    A court order cannot be appealed except by (5.00 / 3) (#52)
    by Peter G on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 01:54:39 PM EST
    an existing party to the case who is aggrieved by the decision, or by an approved intervenor. But here, the parties are in agreement (the former defendants and the current "captured" DOJ; not the real prosecutor, that is, Jack Smith's office). As of now, J. Cannon had denied permission to intervene to members of the press or public interest sunshine groups. So either she or the Court of Appeals (Eleventh Circuit, covering all federal cases from Georgia and Florida) will first have to grant permission for someone to intervene for the purpose of bringing an appeal, so her decision can be reviewed. There is precedent for that, as there also is precedent for releasing a special counsel report that discusses subjects/targets and cases that did not result in convictions.

    Parent
    Georgia, Florida and (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by Peter G on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 01:55:41 PM EST
    Alabama, I meant to say, are in the Eleventh Circuit.

    Parent
    Trump (none / 0) (#65)
    by KeysDan on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:03:01 PM EST
    Is, in effect, both defendant and prosecutor. Could this be appealed on the issue of standing?

    Apparently Cannon did not allow any third parties to intervene for disclosure.   The Knight First Amendment Institute of Columbia University has been working on this issue, but seems their good efforts have been frustrated.

    Parent

    The special counsel's report ... (none / 0) (#93)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 02:26:15 PM EST
    ... is required by federal law, with the congressional intent being that the counsel's findings should be public information.

    Judge Aileen Cannon's order to seal Jack Smith's report runs entirely counter to that law and its intent as expressed by Congress, and her motive for issuing it is cartoonishly obvious and thoroughly corrupt.

    The idea that nobody has legal standing in this matter, save for the defendants and AG Pam Bondi's now-hopelessly compromised DOJ, is absolutely nonsensical on its face. Judge Cannon's order insults the intelligence of every honest attorney practicing their profession. It practically begs for outside intervention by an interested third party. Why wouldn't someone take up the challenge?

    That morally corrupt and intellectually dishonest woman would have no business even serving on a municipal board or county commission, never mind allowing her to continue as a federal district court judge. If ever a judge deserved impeachment and removal, it's Aileen Cannon.

    >:-O

    Parent

    Well, to intervene in a case, the proposed (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by Peter G on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 03:39:59 PM EST
    intervenor must have "standing" under Article III, that is, a particular (typically, personal or commercial) interest in the case beyond that of the average, well-informed, public-spirited citizen. Intervention by a non-party is exceptional and even more so in a criminal case. For example, even the alleged crime victim typically cannot be heard as a party to a criminal case. But there is precedent for representatives of the press or government-in-the-sunshine, open-government groups to intervene in criminal cases for the particular purpose of objecting to sealing of documents, closing the courtroom, and similar decisions that both parties (prosecution and defense) may agree on. This case seems to come within that category, so I do expect that American Oversight or someone like that, will be able to intervene and appeal, and perhaps may prevail.

    Parent
    Merrick Garland.. (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by jondee on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 02:23:11 PM EST
    who people had such unwarranted hopes for, has been thick-as-thieves for most of his career with Kushner family lawyer Jamie Gorelick. If people think that relationship played no part in the way Garland glacially proceeds in certain matters, I've got a long bridge in Brooklyn for sale.

    As George Carlin said, they've got their own club, and you ain't in it.

    Parent

    I don't (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 02:40:17 PM EST
    Think that had anything to do with it simply because he was overly deliberate on everything

    Parent
    He would probably (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 03:04:51 PM EST
    have been a better justice.

    Parent
    I guess what I mean is (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 12:57:46 PM EST
    do you think it will be reversed

    Parent
    Yeah, NO (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 at 03:47:36 PM EST

    EU says it will accept no increase in US tariffs after Supreme Court ruling

    Markets took a real dump today. (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 03:59:15 PM EST
    Because of man-baby's tariff temper tantrum.

    Forbes is speculating that Asian markets will simply turn away from US markets because of the constant uncertainty.

    I would expect similar actions from the EU. They will turn to Asia and tell the US to go screw.

    Dementia Donnie has done more for the Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Singapore economies than any of their own leaders. I read a report last week that the US trade deficit has increased over the last 12 months, not decreased has Donnie seems to think the tariff strategy has done. My dog Napoleon has a better understanding of economics than this fool.

    He will drive this country's economy into the toilet. No one will want to buy here, sell here or invest here. No one, absolutely no one wants to do business with a bully. The bullying just gets worse. The only way to stop a bully is to put him down. This a life lesson from my nearly 67 years on this planet. 30 of those years as an active participant in biker subculture. I've dealt with more than my share of bullies.

    Parent

    This one is interesting (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 03:00:37 PM EST

    PETER Mandelson has been arrested as part of a probe into misconduct in public office - just days after Andrew was quizzed by cops.

    The ex-ambassador, 72, is accused of leaking sensitive government intelligence to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

    Among other reasons, Mandelson is gay.  
    No girls here.  

    Boy, the STOU is looking like (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 03:10:40 PM EST
    a mess.  The country is not going to be happy with more of the same Trump.
    After that performance after the tariff ruling if this really goes off the rails we really could be at a turning point,

    new polls are grim

    We got the alternate Democrat event and the world is waiting to see if all 9 justices file in to be insulted and abused.

    There is no way I can listen (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:02:47 PM EST
    to him drone on and lie for 90+ minutes. I'll watch the recap on MSNOW. I can live with short clips and highlights.

    How far in do you suppose it will take for him to rehash the "stolen" 2020 election? Then pivot to birthright citizenship.

    Parent

    I'm hoping for a wander (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by jondee on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 05:34:50 PM EST
    off script moment where he talks about Lincoln's and Washington's p*nises.

    Parent
    Oh (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:04:53 PM EST
    It will be a greatest hits of mouldy oldies.

    I'm hoping he spends a lot telling people affordability is a hoax.  And I expect he will.

    Parent

    And (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:12:53 PM EST
    A lot of time complaining about not being appreciated.

     

    Parent

    Speaker Johnson (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by KeysDan on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:21:58 PM EST
    is trying to accommodate both the men's and women's Olympic hockey winners at the STOU after being invited by Trump. Johnson, apparently, was unaware that the Women's team declined the invitation claiming scheduling commitments.  

    However, Trump's invitation seems to have been sullied by his crack about being impeached if he did not invite the women's team.. And, then there is FBI Director Patel's "stolen valor" and beer swilling escapade in the locker room after the win by the men's team---not to mention Patel `s questionable trip to Milan on the taxpayers dime.

    Parent

    After making a career out of (5.00 / 3) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:43:44 PM EST
    criticism is Wray for similar imagined things.

    Of all the people in this clown show I sure would love to see that slimeball Patel held accountable.

    Parent

    Wonder (none / 0) (#73)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 05:29:19 PM EST
    If we have laws similar to England regarding public misconduct

    Parent
    Pretty sure we have something (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 05:31:36 PM EST
    but you need a DOJ to enforce them.

    Parent
    I hear a lot of survivors (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:44:49 PM EST
    plan to attend.  I guess taking dem seats?

    Parent
    I couldn't watch, even muted... (none / 0) (#86)
    by desertswine on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 10:53:27 PM EST
    I had to watch that show about 'the money pit' where they look for buried templar treasure. I can't believe this is their 13th season.  It's terrible. But still, better than that obscene orange turd.

    Parent
    I'm thankful for Netflix. (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 11:01:06 PM EST
    Got plenty of stuff in my list to keep me entertained for 2 hours.

    I did tune in for Spanberger's response and some MSNOW recap.

    Parent

    What (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 07:28:43 AM EST
    Did you think about Spanberger s speech?

    I didn't even watch the response and am only watching recaps now. It seems the whole Trump speech was a lying snoozefest

    Parent

    Frankly, I am not expecting (none / 0) (#59)
    by Peter G on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 03:18:00 PM EST
    many of the Justices to attend.

    Parent
    3 (none / 0) (#60)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 03:36:43 PM EST
    Would be a safe bet

    Parent
    Not even sure (none / 0) (#61)
    by Peter G on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 03:52:22 PM EST
    of that, tbh.

    Parent
    Maybe (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:02:00 PM EST
    Justice Baby Teeth will be shy about the expected effusive praise and call in sick.

    Parent
    But (none / 0) (#66)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 04:03:08 PM EST
    I doubt it

    Parent
    Four (none / 0) (#89)
    by KeysDan on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 09:30:55 AM EST
    Roberts, Kagan, Kavanaugh, and Barrett.

    Parent
    The HULU show Paradise (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 23, 2026 at 05:19:52 PM EST
    just dropped a new season.  It's good but my comment is about a plot point in the last minutes of season one.  It's fictional, I checked.  But it shouldn't be.

    The way it worked, the world was on the brink of annialation.  The missiles has been launched but the American president reveals a secret function of the Football.  In addition to the nuke codes it could also trigger a world wide set of EMPs.

    Doing that would fry every electronic device in the world. Including bombs.  It would set the world back 500 years but it would survive.

    WHAT A GREAT IDEA

    Someone with billions should do this.

    This could be something (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 10:23:28 AM EST

    Epstein hid secret files in storage units across US

    Paedophile paid private detectives to remove equipment from his home in apparent attempt to thwart investigators, Telegraph can reveal

    Jeffrey Epstein hid computers and photographs from United States authorities in secret storage lockers across the country, The Telegraph can reveal.

    Documents uncovered by this newspaper show the paedophile paid private detectives to remove equipment from his Florida home in an apparent attempt to prevent investigators from finding it

    The documents also show that he rented six storage units across the US and used them to house items from his properties, including computers from Little Saint James, his private island in the Caribbean.

    Search warrants reviewed by The Telegraph suggest US authorities never raided the lockers, raising the possibility that they may contain unseen evidence relating to Epstein and his associates, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Mandelson.
    Could also be something (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 04:25:10 PM EST

    Justice Department withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump

    They seem to have them dead to rights.

    Parent

    Here (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 04:32:51 PM EST

    Bombshell reporting verifies missing FBI interviews with Trump accuser



    Parent

    This could be (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 04:40:39 PM EST
      with the feeding frenzy of the world press, the thread that causes this to unravel.

    And it will be 100% ham handed incompetence.

    Seems so clear what happened.  They tried to scrub al the references to Trump, at least the really bad ones, and they did it badly.

    They left clear evidence of a group of interviews they probably don't have anymore.

    These people are idiots and clowns

    Parent

    Several (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 05:01:34 PM EST
    podcasters that I watch have pointed out that Maxwell has copies of the interviews with the 13 year old. It was given to her attorneys prior to her trial. That case also puts Trump and Epstein together long before any other evidence I have seen.

    As far as the storage units, the article says he held stuff there until 2019. It seems the estate would have what was in those storage units.

    Epstein obviously had a mole in the FBI and a mole in the Palm Beach PD because I have read several times that he knew the police/FBI were sniffing around trying to find evidence that he was up to something nefarious.

    Also the name of the 13 year old was accidentally (??) released in one of the files. So I am sure the press is on her doorstep as we speak

    Parent

    Which is more impressive (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 05:10:58 PM EST
    The hubris or the incompetence

    Parent
    With the whole ADHD thing (none / 0) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 04:50:03 PM EST
    I will not watch the whole thing.  Just typing that was unpleasant.  

    But I am going to keep an eye on it.  It has a good chance of being History.

    Parent

    The STOU (none / 0) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 04:55:03 PM EST
    I mean
    :)

    Parent
    And this is kind of fun (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 10:27:12 AM EST

    Candace Owens has released a trailer for her new hit piece  series into Erika Kirk titled 'Bride of Charlie.'

    How long before Erika (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by jondee on Tue Feb 24, 2026 at 05:47:01 PM EST
    is on Dancing With The Stars, is my question.

    Parent
    I would imagine just as soon as ... (none / 0) (#108)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 07:08:40 PM EST
    ... she's through dancing on-- er, excuse me, I mean "mourning at" - her husband's grave.

    Parent
    We all mourn in different ways (none / 0) (#122)
    by jondee on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 01:41:25 PM EST
    if Erika needs light shows, groping JD Vance, and tallying merch sales, who are we to question it?

    Parent
    This is very smart (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Feb 25, 2026 at 06:41:21 PM EST
    who knows if they will get any money but it's a great way to make people understand Trump took about 1700 bucks of their money

    Senate Democrats unveil Trump tariffs refund legislation

    And Trump is going to force them to vote on Tariffs

    Right before the election the 150 days will be up.
    And they have to vote for them or suffer the wrath

    Federal judge in Boston (none / 0) (#123)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 03:02:29 PM EST
    has ruled Dementia Dementia can't deport people to third countries like Cameroon without due process.

    Too bad (none / 0) (#124)
    by jmacWA on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 03:34:56 PM EST
    that these court rulings have no mechanism that ensures enforcement.  If there is such a mechanism why hasn't it been used up to now.  Court orders mean nothing to the TRUMP administration.

    Parent
    Melania Trump (none / 0) (#128)
    by KeysDan on Thu Feb 26, 2026 at 10:14:16 PM EST
    will chair a meeting of the U.N. Security Council Monday as the U.S. assumes the monthly rotation presidency.

    Our U.N. Ambassador or a Cabinet member usually presides. Maybe the agenda will be," I don't care, do you?

    yes (none / 0) (#129)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 08:07:16 AM EST
    that was gag worthy. However maybe it will be a chance for those on the council to ask her about her relationship with Epstein.

    Parent
    That's assuming those on the council (none / 0) (#130)
    by jondee on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 11:08:36 AM EST
    didn't know Epstein.

    I'm starting to think we're the only ones who missed out on all the fun. s/

    Parent

    I know that (none / 0) (#133)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 03:10:04 PM EST
    was snark but honestly that guy knew literally everybody it seems. He wormed his way into the lives of a lot of people for sure but nobody claims to have known him. Best of all Nutlick who was his neighbor didn't even know him until we found out that he went into business with Epstein, visited him at the island etc. Would not be surprised to learn that Nutlick participated in the trafficking and his nannies were who he trafficked.

    Parent
    Here we go I guess (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 11:39:07 AM EST

    U.S. tells embassy staff in Israel to leave now if they want amid Trump threats to attack Iran
    The message was conveyed in an email from Ambassador Mike Huckabee that was sent to the U.S. mission Friday and seen by NBC News.

    "The most anti-war president in history" (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by jondee on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 03:24:38 PM EST


    Parent
    Has there ever been a President (none / 0) (#140)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 10:33:14 PM EST
    who can fairly be called "anti-war"? I doubt it, and cannot think of one.

    Parent
    Carter (none / 0) (#143)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 08:23:47 AM EST


    Parent
    Weekends are better (none / 0) (#132)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 11:39:59 AM EST
    for ratings

    That's assuming things go well.

    Parent

    Two for Texas (none / 0) (#136)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 03:33:28 PM EST

    Harris Records Robocall for Jasmine Crockett
    February 27, 2026 at 4:01 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 21 Comments

    Former Vice President Kamala Harris has recorded a robocall for Rep. Jasmine Crockett to turn out voters for the Dallas congresswoman in Tuesday's hard-fought Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, the Texas Tribune reports.

    The call gives Crockett a boost from one of her party's biggest stars in the homestretch of her primary against state Rep. James Talarico

    -----

    Thune Warns Texas Senate Seat Could Flip
    February 27, 2026 at 11:32 am EST By Taegan Goddard 99 Comments

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is warning that the Texas Senate seat long held by Sen. John Cornyn (R) could flip to Democrats in the November election if the incumbent is defeated in the GOP primary, The Hill reports.

    Said Thune: "Honestly, if you look at the polling in a general election setting, I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that the seat flips
    At this (none / 0) (#149)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:04:46 PM EST
    point I wonder if Cornyn could win simply because maga has been so radicalized against him. Of course November is a long ways off and there's always Dems to hate.

    Parent
    RFK sez DONT EAT CAKE (none / 0) (#137)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 04:29:24 PM EST
    eat liver

    RFK Jr. Suggests People Eat Liver if They're So Broke

    The health secretary thought he was offering practical advice to people who can't afford their groceries anymore.

    I really like liver and onions (none / 0) (#141)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 10:34:10 PM EST
    With bacon is even better.

    Parent
    Gak! (5.00 / 3) (#142)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 08:11:53 AM EST
    The list of things I won't eat is short but liver is number 1

    Parent
    You and my (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:06:19 PM EST
    husband. My husband loves liver and onions and I make it with bacon. My grandfather used to give my mother a cow and we took the liver because hubby was the only one in the family that ate it. Since my grandfather passed and we no longer get free liver I don't make it anymore and he died over 20 years ago.

    Parent
    My (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:50:17 PM EST
    Sister

    Parent
    He also (none / 0) (#151)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:07:19 PM EST
    ignores the fact that anyone with high cholesterol should never eat organ meats. So for all his claims of knowing nutrition he doesn't even know that either.

    Parent
    I have never been one (5.00 / 1) (#165)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:52:54 PM EST
    for organs.  Or tongues or entrails like tripe.

    Parent
    Why... that's offal. (5.00 / 3) (#173)
    by desertswine on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 10:59:14 PM EST


    Parent
    For a guy (none / 0) (#138)
    by KeysDan on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 06:11:05 PM EST
    taken up  with the children vaccine/autism hoax, you would think he would provide cautionary advice for eating liver during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester.  The high levels of Vitamin A in liver carry a risk of birth defects.

    Right (none / 0) (#139)
    by jondee on Fri Feb 27, 2026 at 07:20:58 PM EST
    nutritionists recommend that regular folks eat it no more than once a week.

    Parent
    So... (none / 0) (#144)
    by desertswine on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 08:48:00 AM EST
    the slaughter continues.

    Justification (none / 0) (#145)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 09:49:57 AM EST

    "Donald Trump had just posted on Truth Social what appears to be a justification for war with Iran, claiming Tehran tried to interfere in the 2020 and 2024 U.S. elections,"
    There are (none / 0) (#147)
    by KeysDan on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 10:19:30 AM EST
    as many reasons being given for bombing Iran than there are references to Trump in the Epstein files.  Based on the latest, looks like the Russians better head for the air raid shelters because of 2016.

    Parent
    There are so many ways (5.00 / 2) (#148)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 10:50:38 AM EST
    this could go wrong.  


    Parent
    I'm glad (5.00 / 5) (#159)
    by KeysDan on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:11:10 PM EST
    Congress is not alive to see this. It would have been appalled.

    Parent
    Trump (none / 0) (#154)
    by KeysDan on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:25:29 PM EST
    is too lazy to be a "war president". He didn't even stay in DC.   He went to Mar a Lago this weekend where he is "monitoring"the war---apparently in that improvised situation room in the ballroom cordoned off with black sheets.  And, tonight, he will be hosting a $1 million/ plate fundraiser for his PACs and MAGAts.

    Parent
    I seriously (none / 0) (#152)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:09:16 PM EST
    think that Israel and Russia both have copies of those Epstein files and are using them to get Donald to do what they want him to do. Even the pundits while not admitting there is an Epstein issue say that Netanyahu has a ring in Donald's nose.

    Parent
    I really think the Israeli right (none / 0) (#156)
    by jondee on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 12:56:41 PM EST
    is in such demographic panic that they think more antisemitism in world is good for Israel, because more people will emigrate.

    Is that a conspiracy theory? So be it.

    Parent

    I should add (none / 0) (#157)
    by jondee on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 01:35:30 PM EST
    ditto for the so-called 'Christian Zionists.'

    They want a gathering of the tribes in Holy Land so the Naz will come back and  cast all the non-believers in the Lake of Fire.

    Parent

    Trump (none / 0) (#158)
    by KeysDan on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:06:14 PM EST
    is determined to repeat the mistakes of the past.

    Parent
    Trump is full of sh!t. (5.00 / 1) (#160)
    by desertswine on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:28:14 PM EST


    Parent
    You know what really pi$$es me off (none / 0) (#161)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:42:40 PM EST
    This could actually be a good thing.   For entirely the wrong reasons.

    It makes my head hurt.

    Parent

    COULD (none / 0) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:45:31 PM EST
    be a good thing

    Parent
    CNN says (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 04:44:06 PM EST
    they are celebrating in the streets of Tehran

    Parent
    I'm just sayin (none / 0) (#166)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 05:04:39 PM EST
    If you have not kept up with what they have been doing to the citizens of Iran pretty much since Trump encouraged them to rise up against the government, the repression has been brutal.  Beyond brutal.

    Seems like conventional wisdom that current government can expect to be dragged out and - use your imagination.

    If the leadership is really gone...,

    I can see Trump thinking this is all good.  For him.  He expected the crackdown probably thinking it helps justify all this.  

    Sick.  

    Parent

    What I said four weeks ago ... (5.00 / 2) (#170)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 07:20:17 PM EST
    ... still stands, when I noted that:

    "[T]he questions 'Then what?' and 'Now what?' are two of the most criminally underutilized queries in the realm of government policy development."

    [...]

    "I mean, if we're so determined to oust the ruling Iranian Shiite theocracy on the cheap without putting any U.S. military boots on the ground, can anyone honestly ensure that what follows the Ayatollah and the mullahs wouldn't be markedly worse?"

    I can't even fathom what Trump and his regime officials were thinking here. To have launched a surprise military attack on Iran like this, while Trump regime officials in Geneva were still (ostensibly) in negotiations with diplomats from that country, is eerily reminiscent of Japan's sneak attack on U.S. military forces in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941.

    I also don't think Trump's folks have thought about any of this before they acted today. They are playing entirely to their MAGA base, I daresay most of whom couldn't even find Iran on a world map without assistance.

    The Ayatollah Khameini is likely dead, killed along with Iran's defense minister and perhaps the head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), by repeated Israeli strikes today on his secured compound in Teheran.

    But let's please remember that Iran is a country of 92 million people, and its theocratic regime has been in power for 47 years, with its power and influence widely diffused throughout the country's society. This is a tent that's probably not going to fold up like yesterday's newspaper.

    And suffice to say that Iran's hardcore and 1.2 million-strong IRGC - not to be confused with that country's large regular army - are not the types who are likely to go "Poof!" and disappear into the ether with the passing of the Supreme Leader.

    Now, I'm not going to speculate about what will happen next in Iran and the region because honestly, I don't know - and to be blunt, neither does anybody else because it's simply too early to tell. And when we really don't know, it's terribly risky to act upon assumptions that may have no basis in fact for being.

    So, let's all please pose the question again to the powers that be in Washington:

    "Now what?"

    Parent

    Surely you don't think Trump cares (none / 0) (#184)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 05:13:04 PM EST
    about what's next.  Beyond how it helps or hurts him.

    What was he thinking?

    This was done against the advise of everyone from the military to the Vice President to every sane ally.  Only Beebee.

    It was done to distract.  Like everything else.
    Distracting, which is job one, is going to be an uphill battle now I think.  And the distractions are going to get bigger badder.  We have a shooting war and it's March 1st.  It could be nukes by September.  
    ----

    They never searched the Zorro Ranch.  Because, of course they didn't

    Jeffrey Epstein's New Mexico Ranch Gets Scrutiny at Last
    March 1, 2026 at 4:03 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 16 Comments

    New York Times: "His palatial 30,000-square-foot New Mexico mansion sits on a ridge overlooking thousands of acres of southwestern land he named Zorro Ranch. A sea of tufted grass, prickly cholla cactus and cracked arroyos, the sparsely populated high desert south of Santa Fe is a land where the nearest neighbors are miles away and most everyone minds their own business."

    "Some of the financier's victims have said they were trafficked there, famous figures visited, and Mr. Epstein mused about turning Zorro into a headquarters for outlandish genetic engineering experiments."

    "And yet, New Mexico leaders say there has never been a thorough investigation of the criminal activity that may have occurred at the ranch during the 26 years the convicted sex offender owned it."



    Parent
    Even worse (none / 0) (#188)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 06:22:39 PM EST
    Than that. Apparently Wray andor Barr told local New Mexico authorities to stand down during Trump 1. Another thing the new committee is investigating

    Parent
    This "Epstein thing" (none / 0) (#190)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 06:55:58 PM EST
    seems to be coming to a head just in time for elections.  

    And I don't think anyone planned it.  Karma maybe

    Parent

    My God, just sick (none / 0) (#191)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 08:07:29 PM EST
    Sick and evil.

    Did you read any of that Epstein file stuff about Ghislaine being a part of developing Qanon?

    I never thought a single thing about Qanon could be reality based. I could have never even dreamt it was some kind of projection racket.

    But one thing's for sure, the FBI are the rotten crooked so and so's that Jeralyn has often implied lololol. I wouldn't trust any of them as far as I could throw them now. They are a damn joke.

    Parent

    One of the evil things this government has done (5.00 / 2) (#192)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 09:37:01 AM EST
    has been to spoil my ability to take government officials like FBI and DHS seriously when presented in fiction.

    Every time the FBI shows up all I can think of is the bugeyed freak is making the decisions.

    Parent

    That (5.00 / 1) (#197)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 11:09:29 AM EST
    totally shocked me too. I thought that it was just completely made up but she was feeding stuff to the owner of 4Chan.

    One thing that is never discussed is how the police just don't listen to women. So unless they come in the statioin bloody and battered with torn clothes the police just perfunctorily take a report and probably file it somewhere never to be seen again. A friend of mine's daughter that was raped by a boy she knew went to the police and they talked her out of filing a report saying oh, you don't want to ruin that boy's life do you??? As it has been shown numerous times women's lives just aren't worth much in this country. Thankfully we haven't sunk to the level of the Mullahs YET.

    BTW listened to Malcolm Nance for the first time and he did a great job explaining what was going on in Iran and what needed to happen. There is no way we are just going to bomb them into democracy. It seems the Trump plan may be to parachute the Shah's son to rule the country. According to people who know the situation that isn't going to work.

    Parent

    I did a GOOGLE (none / 0) (#167)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 05:10:07 PM EST
    and found one from 2018
    NPR.

    Trump Administration's Support For Iran Protests May Backfire, Experts Warn
    July 23, 2018



    Parent

    The regime (none / 0) (#168)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 07:07:16 PM EST
    Has been brutal for sure and Trump did encourage the protests ironically while denouncing protests here.

    Trump always screws things up.

    Parent

    Hmmm (none / 0) (#177)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 09:26:30 AM EST
    Putin Condemns Khamenei Killing
    March 1, 2026 at 7:19 am EST By Taegan Goddard 53 Comments

    "Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday sent his condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei," the Wall Street Journal reports.

    Putin characterized Khamenei's killing during U.S. and Israeli strikes as "a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law."

    "The Russian leader said Khamenei would be remembered in Russia for bringing the two countries closer and deepening their strategic partnership

    Parent

    Hmmm (none / 0) (#178)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 10:32:14 AM EST

    Canada backs United States actions in Iran



    Parent

    Polling (none / 0) (#169)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 07:10:15 PM EST
    Is out on the Iran war and only 34% support it. I have to say it doesn't surprise me

    34% (none / 0) (#171)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 08:20:20 PM EST
    is up for anything

    Parent
    Pretty (none / 0) (#172)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Feb 28, 2026 at 09:29:44 PM EST
    Much. This is the cult plus John Bolton fans.

    Parent
    Not Bolton :-) (none / 0) (#187)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 06:21:45 PM EST
    Just saw on MSN he's not sure this was a good idea.

    Parent
    I want Quentin Tarantino to make ... (none / 0) (#175)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 03:19:46 AM EST
    ... a big-screen revenge fantasy in which a representative sampling of Trump's 34% MAGA base suffer a fate similar to the Nazis in that theater at the climax of Inglourious Basterds -- locked inside Trump's newly constructed White House ballroom by Latino immigrant mothers whose children were disappeared by ICE and CBP, as the surviving family members of Renee Good and Alex Pretti then set the place ablaze, while Elton John's "Burn Down the Mission" plays in the overlaying musical soundtrack.

    You think they'd be up for that?

    Parent

    100$ a barrel just in time for summer (none / 0) (#183)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 05:01:09 PM EST

    Oil jumps 10% on Iran conflict and could spike to $100 a barrel, analysts say

    I just got a new vehicle that's uses literally half as much gas as the old one.  So that's good.

    Higher oil (5.00 / 1) (#185)
    by KeysDan on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 05:17:13 PM EST
    prices will be a bonanza for Sunni Saudi Arabia---the long time enemy of uShia Iran.  Also, could be good for Jared Kushner, Trump's som-in-law  and Iran negotiator as well as money manager for Saudi $billions.

    Parent
    Hopefully short term bonanza (none / 0) (#186)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 05:26:13 PM EST
    by leading to the election of Democrats who will not be their friend.

    Parent
    Also helps (none / 0) (#189)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Mar 01, 2026 at 06:24:47 PM EST
    Russia

    Parent
    Anna Paulina Luna (none / 0) (#193)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 09:53:30 AM EST
    I just saw a vid of Ms Luna explaining that MAGA is actually OK with forever wars
    'as long as it's just bombs and stuff and we don't have to, like, DO anything'

    My Representative. (5.00 / 1) (#196)
    by vml68 on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 10:36:42 AM EST
    Making me proud as always! :-(

    Parent
    Here she is (none / 0) (#194)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 09:58:58 AM EST

    MAGA Rep Humiliated After Bizarre Insistence That U.S. Is Not at War



    Parent

    So, (5.00 / 3) (#195)
    by KeysDan on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 10:06:34 AM EST
    Hegseth is now Secretary of Strategic Strikes?

    Parent
    This is good (none / 0) (#198)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 03:15:19 PM EST
    Trump  to Abandon Defense of Law Firm Sanctions
    March 2, 2026 at 2:14 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 52 Comments

    "The Trump administration plans to abandon its defense of the president's executive orders sanctioning several law firms," the Wall Street Journal reports.

    "The Justice Department as soon as Monday is expected to drop its appeals of four trial-court rulings that struck down President Trump's actions against law firms Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, and Susman Godfrey."

    Trump (none / 0) (#199)
    by KeysDan on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 03:31:09 PM EST
    has a nasty rash or has sustained an injury on the right side of his neck, at the shirt collar level.  It covers a large area and looks like a shingles rash.

    Parent
    Nasty (none / 0) (#200)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 03:55:12 PM EST
    indeed

    Parent
    I had shingles (5.00 / 1) (#201)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Mar 02, 2026 at 03:57:19 PM EST
    not sure about that but maybe. I hope it's at least as painful as shingles

    Parent
    Trump Secretly Deports 9 to Cameroon in Africa | 201 comments (201 topical)