McConnell: Schumer Poisoned Well of Harmony & Goodwill

By NCD on Sat, 10/09/2021 - 6:28pm |

McConnell even managed to connect Schumer with Chinese Communists, a clever move to incite rage in the easily manipulated racist core of the Republican Base:

"McConnell ... refused to co-operate with raising the debt limit, a step Democrats took repeatedly with Donald Trump in power. ..... McConnell insisted: “In light of Senator Schumer’s hysterics and my grave concerns about the ways that another vast, reckless, partisan spending bill would hurt Americans and help China, I will not be a party to any future effort to mitigate the consequences of Democratic mismanagement.”

URL:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/09/mitch-mcconnell-chuck-schumer-poisoned-the-well-republicans-debt-ceiling

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Right wing oligarch update:

Jeffrey Clark, the DOJ Trump appointee who tried to throw the election to Trump by becoming Trump's new Attorney General, a plot that failed, is now Chief of Litigation and Director of Strategy at the Koch funded New Civil Liberties Alliance. On it's home page it proclaims to be a "nonpartisan nonprofit civil rights organization which protects constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State".

'New' civil liberties and rights apparently include support for actors with experience in using the "Administrative State" to overthrow elections, and end American democracy. Funded by, and in the service of, right wing anti-democratic oligarchs.

by NCD on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 8:01pm

Scalise refused to reject the Big Lie

Manchin is still looking for 10 Republicans

Democrats will not protect us.

by rmrd0000 on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 8:11pm

Biden, Democrats and the will of a majority of voters are confronted by a narrowly divided Senate where members are often for sale. The Senate being an undemocratic relic described in a founding document composed by 18th century enslavers. The main purpose at the time being "union". Protection of the power of slave states from free states, small population states from large. Add that 70% of American voters have little interest, grasp or conception of the issues facing the nation, or the composition and operation of their own federal government.

Result: a federal government routinely obstructed into immobility, influenced by big money, indoctrinated, delusional, distracted and often desperate voters voting on anti-government and personal grievance, ginned up hate, ignorance and culture wars. Result? Competent presidents with important agendas, are unable to pass policy sufficient to meet the issues and challenges of this century.

by NCD on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 12:04am

There it is. I’ve been waiting for the seed to be planted. Pelosi plants it. Here comes “something is better than nothing” “this is a down payment for more later” “we did the best we could”. Let the gaslighting narratives begin!! https://t.co/wIT1INa51G
— Devin Nunes Mom (@NotDevinsMom) October 12, 2021

by artappraiser on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 10:40pm

Mom is part of Devin's right wing Nuneverse? Apple doesn't far from the tree.

"Nunes has acted as Trump’s attack dog, defending the president from accusations that he pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden. Nunes sat in House Intelligence Committee meetings and derided the impeachment proceedings against Trump as a “hoax.” Yet he was sitting on a ticking time bomb the entire time. The newly-released phone records prove that Nunes’ staff also engaged in secret efforts to damage Biden. .... “I remember that call, which was very odd, random, talking about random things,” Nunes told Fox. ...Nunes hasn’t held a townhall with his constituents in years, yet he expects people to believe his conversation with a now-indicted Ukrainian-American operative was completely normal?

We doubt any regular constituent from Nunes’ district would have much luck getting the congressman on the phone. Yet some “random” businessman with Ukraine connections had no trouble reaching Nunes on his cell. ..."

by NCD on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 11:21pm

Um, NO, the user name is facetious parody and sarcasm, as in "mom tells you to stop being such an idiot." Too bad you've got so invested in partisanship that you can't see that but feel the need to inform me (me! as if I am clueless about Nunes!) that he is a scoundrel and dope.

I actually find it pretty insulting that I need to be instructed about Devin Nunes, as if I made a mistake.

You're actually the one that has so much invested in ranting about the evil Republicans that you often seem to have lost all rationality at times, believing your own shitck. More on that angle--to me it seems you and rmrd have obsessed over the supposed treachery of Manchin and Sinema and the evil of McConnel. With nary a peep about how all this gamesmanship came about via the House progressive caucus refusing to vote on Biden's infrastructure plan unless GOP agreed first to the $3.5 number as well. There's no innocents here on the gaming, just a lot of extreme partisanship, yes, on both sides.

And Devin Nunes Mom @NotDevinsMom has got your number just as much as Devin's I am not a Republican nor a Democrat. If you cannot criticize your party then you are no better than the other party. Demand More. Question Everything. I'm with her, you're so blinded by your partisanship.sometimes you can't see. If there was more support for liberals for like Adam Kinzinger types, liberals might be in less of a bind. But no, to your type they're evil Republicans! No can do, even if I agree with them, must keep beating that drum.

AND FURTHERMORE, none of this matters as to my comment! Is proof of that pudding. I posted it for the NEWS of it, she was announcing news of negotiation and movement and it's the only reason I posted it. Her approval of that should be neither here nor there to you. But no, you dismiss it because the news bears a name which you mistakenly interpreted as approval of that name! Just more proof how his country will continue to go nowhere with screaming partisans leading the way.

by artappraiser on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 1:11am

Worth remembering Devin Nunes

https://lithub.com/how-deeply-involved-is-devin-nunes-in-the-conspiracy-...

Now back to late 2021:

FOR THOSE IN THE BACK.

THEY’RE PROTECTING THE INSTITUTIONS AT ALL COST!! https://t.co/fdjpNPAH1r
— Devin Nunes Mom (@NotDevinsMom) October 13, 2021

Democrats caved and kicked the debt ceiling to December like McConnell wanted. Really sad.
— Devin Nunes Mom (@NotDevinsMom) October 13, 2021

The motherfuckers are on vacation. They don’t wanna work. https://t.co/Sznx0Lcl54
— Devin Nunes Mom (@NotDevinsMom) October 12, 2021

They’ll get my vote when they start fucking fighting for us. Until then they can all kick rocks.
— Devin Nunes Mom (@NotDevinsMom) October 12, 2021

They really suck man. This pisses me off. They’re going to destroy infrastructure and budget bills. They really really suck at being the majority. https://t.co/ZJwqbSdj6M
— Devin Nunes Mom (@NotDevinsMom) October 12, 2021

Seriously dude. STFU and do something. https://t.co/cKlaRoudM4
— Devin Nunes Mom (@NotDevinsMom) October 12, 2021

by PeraclesPlease on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 2:30am

Republicans are evil because they are trying to create an authoritarian government

Regarding the current legislation, Biden sides with the Progressives.

After he vanquished Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the Democratic primary, he brought the liberal icon’s ardent supporters into the fold by embracing much of the senator’s platform even as he ran on unifying the country. When moderate Democrats came to call, he used the tones of centrism to assure them of his conciliatory bona fides.

But when Mr. Biden ventured to the Capitol on Friday to help House Democrats out of their thicket, he had to choose sides. He effectively chose the left.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/02/us/politics/biden-progressives-moderates-agenda.html

by rmrd0000 on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 7:59am

Regarding Manchin and Sinema, there is confusion about why they object to bills that would help their stated.

From the WaPo 's Jennifer Rubin

Manchin

Take Medicare expansion. Manchin seems to oppose extending Medicare benefits to cover vision, dental and hearing benefits — among the most popular components of the bill. Supermajorities of Democrats and voters in general support this proposal. In Manchin’s home state, as of 2020, more than 442,000 West Virginians receive Medicare. (In Arizona, the number is about 1.35 million people.) So he wants to swim against the tide of overwhelming public opinion? If his argument is that spending on the elderly should be a lower priority than spending on children and families with children, he has yet to articulate it.

And what about children and families in his state? Given that West Virginia as of 2019 had a child poverty rate of roughly 20 percent, he should be the first one cheering the proposed extension of the child tax credit, universal pre-K and subsidized child care.

Sinema

Likewise, the Children’s Action Alliance reports on data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation: “Since 2019, more Arizona children are living in high poverty areas, and more children in the state are without health insurance. . . . In Arizona, 15% of children live in high poverty areas compared with the national average of 9%, and in 2019, 9% of Arizona children are without health insurance compared with the national average of 6%.” Sinema should be all in favor of programs that cut child poverty, make child care affordable and make education available earlier. Why wouldn’t she be cheering this bill?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/10/13/why-would-west-virginia-arizona-senators-balk-bill-that-helps-their-states-so-much/

The danger to democracy that the Republicans represent has been known for a long time

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/17/opinion/lincoln-project.html

by rmrd0000 on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 9:44am

Republicans accept the Big Lie

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a statement claiming "Republicans will not be voting in [2022] or [2024]" unless the "thoroughly and conclusively documented" presidential "election fraud of 2020" is investigated. He then goes on to call abstaining from voting "the single most important thing for Republicans to do." Quite the interesting call to action for a man reportedly readying his own 2024 campaign.

https://theweek.com/donald-trump/1006008/trump-tells-republicans-they-should-not-vote-in-2022-or-2024-without-answers

At the same time, Republicans are ready to steal elections

Trump Is Laying the Groundwork to Steal Michigan in 2024

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-biglie-stopthesteal-2024-biden-1241492/

Republicans believe that the Big Lie is part of being a member of the party

59% of GOP Voters Say 'Believing' Trump Won 2020 'Important' to Being a Republican: Poll

https://www.newsweek.com/59-gop-voters-say-believing-trump-won-2020-important-being-republican-poll-1628281

There can be no bipartisanship

by rmrd0000 on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 9:13pm

Checking your math, if 59% think believing Trump won is important to being a party member, what % think it's not important?

by PeraclesPlease on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:31pm

Enjoy your bubble

Trump is promoting the Big Lie

Grassley is proud to share the same podium

DES MOINES, IOWA – Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley cut straight to the chase when asked if he’d gladly accept the support of former President Trump as the longtime lawmaker fromIowa runs next year for an eighth six-year term in the Senate.

"Anybody who’s got the approval rating of 91% of the Republicans in Iowa, you surely wouldn’t be stupid enough to turn down that help," Grassley told Fox News on Saturday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, minutes before Trump’s first rally in the Hawkeye State since last November’s election got underway.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/iowas-grassley-lines-up-with-trump-as-senates-most-senior-republican-runs-for-reelection

Steve Scalise will not say that the election was legitimate

Opinion: Steve Scalise still can’t break the grip of Trump’s lies

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/10/10/steve-scalise-election-stolen-2020/

The majority of Republicans accept the Big Lie. One of the authors of "How Democracies Dies" is on the Don Lemon show now. He points out that it is hard for a democracy to continue when a major political party refuses to accept the validity of an election.

by rmrd0000 on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:45pm

Enjoy being an ass who pretends to be giving some huge insight by reading back the headlines in a hysterical tone to college educated people who follow the news. Yes, we all understand Trump is a liar and Republicans are still flocking to him, but we also understand that 41% not totally glued to Trump is more than 2/5, striking distance in most elections, so if Democrats can peel off some of that support by finding ways to attend to their needs, we just might be able to hold onto the House and Senate in 2022.

"It is hard for a Democracy to continue..." - it's always hard for anything to continue in America - it's 250 years of infighting and playing smashball and occasionally accomplishing something. Sure, you can invoke "knife in the back", but it took 15 years from Germany's loss & Versailles to electing Hitler - lots of room for other scenarios to have taken place while the Depression/stock crash added its own one-time kicker to the process.

by PeraclesPlease on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 2:50am

I came to the conclusion some time ago that he doesn't even "get" living in a country with people that disagree with him, much less in a republic. Anytime he uses the bubble accusation, it is 100% pure projection. From like: Wakanda or some such. There's a reason he has never given an inkling on where he resides, not even a hint. We only know for certain it's a clueless bubble.

by artappraiser on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 3:20am

Considering it's largely 2 Democrats disagreeing with the President and the rest of Democratic Congress, and our lack of an extra Senator (some scraps from that 41%?) to break the impasse that makes their disagreement even significant?

https://digbysblog.net/2021/10/13/the-divas-disagree/

by PeraclesPlease on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 3:28am

The best answer I saw to those obsessed with whining about Manchin was: so you'd rather have Mitch still be majority leader with a GOP Senator from WV?

by artappraiser on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 4:46am

Manchin is a United States Senator.

He represents one of the poorest states in the country.

His actions can be criticized.

Edit to add,:

The Presidential party tends to lose seats in the midterms

The time to pass something big is now.

If Democrats don't pass Biden's agenda, they will lose seats anyway.

by rmrd0000 on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 10:48pm

I don't hate Manchin, I disagree with his rationale for opposing bills

Manchin’s work requirement for child benefits would throw grandparent-led families under the bus

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/10/18/manchins-work-requirement-child-benefits-would-throw-grandparent-led-families-under-bus/

by rmrd0000 on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 1:13am

p.s. The massive irony is that it all comes down to being very pro-segregation in theory. And it's in his imagination, fed by the current identitarian elites. I.E., in the real world, there is no "black community." In the only places where one could even apply that thought, they're fucking shooting each other!

by artappraiser on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 3:37am

From Newsweek

In March, 71 percent of Black adults said they strongly approved of Biden's job performance while around half (49 percent) say so in Pew's latest survey. A third of Hispanic (34 percent) and about a quarter of Asian adults (27 percent) also said they strongly approved of the job Biden is doing.

https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-approval-rating-fallen-most-black-adults-pew-1638502

Biden had Black support in part because the John Lewis and George Floyd bills. If Democrats are blocking those bills, it may be hard to have enthusiasm to vote in the midterms. If Je Manchin and Krysten Sinema are doing McConnell's job, what is the difference?

Democrats will get the majority of the Black vote, the question is how many wil show up if promises aren't keep.

by rmrd0000 on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 9:59pm

If the cost is too high for the two conservative democrats congress should take a page out of the republican play book. Cut the cost in half by only funding it for 5 years instead of 10. spend the full amount for all the programs for just 5 years. Put all the tax increases for just 5 years. Let the republicans deal with the fall out when they're in power when the programs and taxes expire.

by ocean-kat on Tue, 10/12/2021 - 5:10pm

(Run it for 5 years, cut in half) "Let the republicans deal with the fall out when they're in power when the programs and taxes expire."

Best plan I have seen.

by NCD on Tue, 10/12/2021 - 5:42pm

Oceankat, here is a tweet of the idea I just ran across from a NY state guy active in Dem politics, so it's clearly going around:

.@SenSchumer @SpeakerPelosi, don’t cut ANY items in the #BuildBackBetter bill—just reduce the period from 10 to 5 years. Everything stays and Manchin/Sinema get the price tag closer to $2 trillion. It’s a win/win. Plus, Dems can run on keeping these popular programs in ‘22 & ‘24.
— Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) October 12, 2021

by artappraiser on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 1:30pm

What "solidarity" looks like to the left?

Protest at Nancy Pelosi's house for M4All. Biden is tanking in the polls. Now is the time to strike! pic.twitter.com/U0NRy0RaFq
— Sabby Sabs (@SabbySabs2) October 13, 2021

by artappraiser on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 1:07pm

As Manchin and Sinema refuse to publicly reveal demands, Jayapal makes clear to @arogDC that progressives will stand firm behind their key pillars — but will agree to scale back number of years, the line Pelosi took. Says there’s no red line on top line. https://t.co/w1uBMeLuB9
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 13, 2021

by artappraiser on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 1:09pm

Wasn't Biden *bragging* about a $3 trillion bill, before he started splainin'?

by PeraclesPlease on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 2:42pm

speaking of, this article goes over some of the things the Biden admin. has been negotitating cutting:

‘We Suffer While You Debate’: Many Fear Being Left Behind as Democrats Trim Spending Bill https://t.co/9xuhpRZWlG
— Poligon Education Fund (@poligonnational) October 13, 2021

by artappraiser on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 4:23pm

Maybe I'm missing something, but this doesn't sound like a winning populist feature to me.

Speaker Pelosi confirms IRS monitoring account deposits of $600+ will be in Reconciliation Bill. “Yes there are concerns that some people have but if people are breaking the law & not paying their taxes one way to track them is through the banking measure.”pic.twitter.com/u0kQudp4bV
— Fiorella Isabel (@Fiorella_im) October 13, 2021

We covered this several times but weeks ago while the squad & progressives were cheering for AOC’s “Tax the rich” dress, they never said a word about this being in the cherished reconciliation package https://t.co/cXFTruihJV
— Fiorella Isabel (@Fiorella_im) October 13, 2021

IRS: Sorry, but It's Just Easier and Cheaper to Audit the Poorhttps://t.co/Qrer2cJoCt
— Ripper’s Ghost (@DenyThemEssence) October 13, 2021

Sort of confirms all the GOP smears of Democrats supporting big brother gummint and the jokes about running the other way when you hear "I'm from the Federal government and I'm here to help."

Heck, I personally don't like it, because I can't afford a bookkeeper to keep records explaining every single deposit in my checking account. Way to encourage a cash economy; big boon for check cashing businesses, wonder if they lobbied for it? They already got small businesses filling out 1099 forms for all kinds of sundry services. Now they need this too?

by artappraiser on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 1:22pm

Bernie's Fox News op-ed today:

Question: Given the overwhelming support of the reconciliation bill from the American people, why is it taking so long for Congress to pass this bill?

Answer: Follow the money. https://t.co/x9L6NJOntR
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) October 13, 2021

It is no doubt highly intentional on his part to use the Fox News. He knows some of their demographic are sympathetic to him.

by artappraiser on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 4:31pm

Sure looks like harmony and good will to me, even tho other progressives think of one of them as the spawn of the devil:

Video: Just two buds heading home after meeting in the Capitol: pic.twitter.com/M4ZYIxdcdP
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) October 18, 2021

by artappraiser on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 8:52pm

"We're talking"

We're talking"

From "The Hill"

Sanders also published an op-ed in a West Virginia newspaper over the weekend touting the benefits of a $3.5 trillion bill, which Manchin has said he can't support, and saying that “two Democratic senators remain in opposition, including Sen. Joe Manchin.”

Manchin issued a fiery statement in response, calling Sanders an "out-of-stater."

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/577295-manchin-meets-with-sanders-jayapal-amid-spending-stalemate

Sanders op-ed

Sen. Bernie Sanders: Let's stand together to protect working families (Opinion)

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/op_ed_commentaries/sen-bernie-sanders-lets-stand-together-to-protect-working-families-opinion/article_a3c7ca4e-ed65-522b-9693-a9dc32076187.html

Manchin's response

Manchin Rips Sanders over Reconciliation-Bill Op-Ed in West Virginia Newspaper

“This isn’t the first time an out-of-stater has tried to tell West Virginians what is best for them despite having no relationship to our state,” Manchin said in a statement posted on Twitter.

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/manchin-rips-sanders-over-reconciliation-bill-op-ed-in-west-virginia-newspaper/

by rmrd0000 on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 9:46pm

um yes I know and so does the tweeter, who covers Congress. Clearly the point of tweeting the video is it is from today and also clearly, if you watch it, it was meant to show they are talking about the issues argued in those op-eds, that they want to make it clear they are still friendly

by artappraiser on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 9:52pm

p.s. and the bigger point would be, that is what Congress is for, coming together to make sausage, rather than writing op-eds trying to influence voters (who may end up believing you are enemies, when you're not.)

by artappraiser on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 9:55pm

In deep red West Virginia, Biden’s $3.5tn spending proposal is immensely popular

Working-class people – even Trump voters – understand the Build Back Better plan will benefit them

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/28/west-virginia-joe-biden-spending-plan-popular

Edit to add:

As Paul Krugman notes, Manchin may be the one with an out of date vision of what will help his state's economy

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/18/opinion/joe-manchin-biden-climate-child-care.html

by rmrd0000 on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 10:24pm

Jayapal says that $1.9T-$2.2T is the number Biden floated again today. "It's not the number that we want ... But at the end of the day, the idea that we can do these programs" is what we're focused on.
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 19, 2021

by artappraiser on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 4:16pm

So Manchin is one hold up

"Poll after poll shows overwhelming support for this legislation. Yet, the political problem we face is that in a 50-50 Senate we need every Democratic senator to vote 'yes.' We now have only 48. Two Democratic senators remain in opposition, including Sen. Joe Manchin," Sanders wrote in a jab at his colleague.

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/577439-manchin-says-hell-push-for-spending-framework-by-weeks-end

Is Sinema back from fundraising in Paris?

by rmrd0000 on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 6:46pm

New - Biden told House progressives tuition-free community college is out of package, per multiple sources. Child tax credit won’t go as far as some would like — likely a 1-yr extension. Home health care likely less than $250B. Dems had wanted $400B. Climate change still a debate
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 19, 2021

They’re looking at “community college scholarships.” Also Medicare expansion is still on the table, as is universal pre-K and ACA funding. Dems had discussed with Biden $300B for climate change measures — but it’s not clear how that shakes outs. Price tag: Around $2T
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 19, 2021

Biden told progressive lawmakers that negotiators are weighing a reduction of the duration of the paid leave benefit in the economic and climate package to four weeks, down from a proposed 12 weeks, three sources tell @Phil_Mattingly and me. https://t.co/6MpdWdMtCj
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 19, 2021

interesting mixture of replies to Raju's tweet here

by artappraiser on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 8:09pm

Also Rep. Jayapal basically told NPR news late this afternoon that both bills are almost ready to pass and that THEY ARE GOING TO PASS, she is sure. I heard it myself in my car. This is what I could find from a quick search on Twitter:

Following a long meeting with President Biden today, Jayapal sounding very optimistic on NPR. Same tone she sounded last night on Maddow. Climate is in, but still TBD as to contours. As others have reported, she conceded that free community college is likely out.
— Josh Dorner (@JoshDorner) October 19, 2021

New story on NPR: Rep. Jayapal on negotiations between Biden and House Democrats over Build Back Better https://t.co/b2BtbDQuJ0
— CUSTODIBUS (@custodibus) October 19, 2021

One can still blame everything on Manchin, I guess, but I didn't hear much about him, mostly about lots of negotiating by the White House with "progressives"

by artappraiser on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 8:25pm

Yglesias on the sausage making regarding the CTC in BBB:

The wrangling about headline dollar figures and phase-in, phase-out budget gimmicks has left very little time for debating the actual structure of the BBB early childhood proposals which are pretty iffy — best option by far is to put $$$ into the CTC and improve administration.
— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) October 20, 2021

by artappraiser on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 9:02pm

In talking to House progressives at votes tonight, what’s clear is the climate change provisions are not settled - and still a sticking point after WH meeting. Jared Huffman told me he’s a NO if the final bill doesn’t have the aggressive emissions reductions.
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 20, 2021

by artappraiser on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 10:39pm

Joe Manchin leads opposition to Biden’s climate bill, backed by support from oil, gas and coal

West Virginia senator objects to bill that would steadily retire the coal industry which continues to provide ample financial support to him

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/20/joe-manchin-oil-and-gas-fossil-fuels-senator

by rmrd0000 on Wed, 10/20/2021 - 11:54am

Manchin still can't find 10 Republicans to support voting rights

Senate Republicans Block Voting Rights Bill, Leaving Its Fate in Doubt

The third filibuster of such a measure underscored how the legislation is unlikely to move forward without a change in Senate rules.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/20/us/senate-voting-rights-filibuster.html

by rmrd0000 on Wed, 10/20/2021 - 7:20pm

Well they're talking

Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) squabbled behind closed doors Wednesday, with Manchin using a raised-fist goose egg to tell his colleague he can live without any of President Biden's social spending plan, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The disagreement, recounted to Axios by two senators in the room, underscores how far apart two key members remain as the Democratic Party tries to meet its deadline for reaching an agreement on a budget reconciliation framework by Friday.

It also shows that despite the "kumbaya meeting" between Manchin and Sanders on Monday — after which they posed together for photos — the two remain sharply divided.

Manchin's comfort level with zero as a final number — and his willingness to threaten Sanders with it publicly at Wednesday's lunch for Senate committee chairs — reveals a stark reality for Democratic negotiators: Manchin can control the final dollar amount.

Spokespersons for both Manchin and Sanders declined comment.

https://www.axios.com/manchin-sanders-reconciliation-fight-789c8441-fa49-404f-9d36-4adaa8e1d908.html

by rmrd0000 on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 5:28pm

memories:

CNN’s Anderson Cooper: Is the "Build Back Better" agenda the toughest deal you’ve worked on?

President Biden: “No. I think banning assault weapons is the toughest deal I worked on. And succeeded” https://t.co/WZBO4LgkDR #BidenTownHall pic.twitter.com/r2O6br8igU
— CNN (@CNN) October 22, 2021

by artappraiser on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 10:16pm

In the News

Russia plays weak hand in Palestine
Russia plays weak hand in Palestine

submitted by PeraclesPlease 9 months ago

The intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow has precedent

Russia's hosted such meetings in the past, most recently Feb 2019

Russia has long lamented the US' "monopolization" of the peace process & tried to carve out a niche for itself: mediating among the disunited Palestinians/2
— Hanna Notte (@HannaNotte) February 29, 2024

Read the article at https://twitter.com/HannaNotte/status/1763116222256701787

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Mother Jones is Reaching out to Alternative Party Voters
Mother Jones is Reaching out to Alternative Party Voters

submitted by HSG 9 months ago

Here's what I told them: https://halginsberg.com/vote-for-jill-stein-again/

Read the article at https://halginsberg.com/vote-for-jill-stein-again/

2 comments

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Controversial Brazil law curbing Indigenous rights comes...
Controversial Brazil law curbing Indigenous rights comes into force

submitted by artappraiser 11 months ago

Controversial Brazil law curbing Indigenous rights comes into force https://t.co/pCoDg05irX
— Gareth Harris (@garethharr) December 28, 2023

Read the article at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/28/brazil-law-indigenous-land-rights-claim-time-marker?CMP=share_btn_tw

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Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti (...
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti (December 25, 2023)

submitted by artappraiser 11 months ago

Location: U.S. Embassy and residential compounds

Events: Heavy gunfire is occuring around the area of the U.S. Embassy and residential compounds adjacent to the Trutier area of Tabarre. All Embassy personnel have been instructed to remain indoors and shelter-in-place until further notice. All others should avoid the area.

Actions to take:

Avoid the area;

Avoid demonstrations and any large gatherings of people;

Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; and

If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and get to a safe area.

Read the article at https://ht.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-port-au-prince-haiti-december-25-2023/

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Pakistan Is Creating the World’s Next Refugee Crisis
Pakistan Is Creating the World’s Next Refugee Crisis

submitted by artappraiser 11 months ago

By The Editorial Board @ Bloomberg.com, December 8, 2023

A mass expulsion of Afghan migrants could destabilize the region and fuel radicalization. The West should pressure Islamabad to change course.

Read the article at https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-12-08/pakistan-s-expulsion-of-afghan-refugees-risks-another-crisis

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Internet shut down in Chad
Internet shut down in Chad

submitted by artappraiser 11 months ago

All eyes on #Chad right now
Chad has two internet trunks coming into the country: One from the Red Sea via Sudan; the other from Cameroon. Not possible for the totality of the country's internet network to be shut unless done centrally. A lot of rumors swirling; few facts. https://t.co/N6bDJZ2ixO

Read the article at https://x.com/_hudsonc/status/1732891968709992511?s=20

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[Economy] where Joe's success falls short
[Economy] where Joe's success falls short

submitted by PeraclesPlease 11 months ago

Read the article at

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[CRIME News] 3 loss-prevention employees in Macy’s across...
[CRIME News] 3 loss-prevention employees in Macy’s across the street from Philadelphia City Hall stabbed

submitted by artappraiser 11 months ago

BREAKING: Three loss prevention employees in Macy’s across the street from Philadelphia City Hall stabbed, one of them has died from stab wounds, @PhillyPolice sources tell me. Police converged on the store as the three workers were rushed to Jefferson Hospital. pic.twitter.com/4U1eKycL4W

Read the article at https://x.com/KeeleyFox29/status/1731713272942940365?s=20

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Former U.S. Ambassador Arrested, Charged With Working As...
Former U.S. Ambassador Arrested, Charged With Working As Secret Agent For Cuba

submitted by artappraiser 11 months ago

Former US Ambassador Arrested, Charged With Working As Secret Agent For Cuba https://t.co/LDwo4ZJI1K
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) December 4, 2023

Read the article at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/manuel-rocha-ambassador-arrested-cuba_n_656d1e2ae4b028b0f3d07478

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[War in Israel, Chapter II] UNRWA under scrutiny
[War in Israel, Chapter II] UNRWA under scrutiny

submitted by artappraiser 12 months ago

[Chapter I news is HERE, Oct. 7 til today]

You don’t get it.
It’s not about an UNRWA teacher who held an Israeli kid hostage in his house.
It’s all about how for 75 years you have destroyed the future of generations of Palestinians, including my family.
My cousins in Arab countries are still not citizens - not even the… https://t.co/nv6anubGhc
— George Deek (@GeorgeDeek) December 2, 2023

Note 'Community Notes' attached to UNWRA's statement.

Read the article at https://x.com/GeorgeDeek/status/1731020551328579863?s=20

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Maduro, Under Pressure, Holds Vote to Annex Territory From...
Maduro, Under Pressure, Holds Vote to Annex Territory From a Neighbor

submitted by artappraiser 12 months ago

Imperialism for me but not for thee?

It's wild that Venezuela is now holding a vote on whether 2/3 of Guyana actually belongs to them! Analysts suggest that Modoru may want military action to pump up his sinking popularity.

Could we have a war in South America?!?

"The people who live in Essequibo are largely… pic.twitter.com/QvMEjkkgwy

Read the article at https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/03/world/americas/maduro-vote-essequibo-guyana.html

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[Where is the GOP headed?] Divisions leave Florida’s House...
[Where is the GOP headed?] Divisions leave Florida’s House Republicans powerless

submitted by artappraiser 12 months ago

The lack of a cohesive delegation has allowed attention-seeking lawmakers to act on their own.

McCarthy: “You have [Rep. Matt] Gaetz, who belongs in jail…”

Gaetz: “Tough words from a guy who sucker punches people in the back. The only assault I committed was against Kevin’s fragile ego.”https://t.co/LctPuz6Pcf

Read the article at https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/29/divisions-leave-floridas-house-republicans-powerless-00129200

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‘She got so mad at me’: book on the ‘Squad’ details AOC-...
‘She got so mad at me’: book on the ‘Squad’ details AOC-Pelosi clashes

submitted by artappraiser 12 months ago

By Martinn Pengelly in Washington DC for TheGuardian.com, Nov. 30

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tells Ryan Grim life in Congress ‘completely transformed’ after Democratic leader stepped down

Read the article at https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/nov/30/squad-book-aoc-nancy-pelosi?CMP=share_btn_tw

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US health insurers Humana, Cigna in talks to merge -source
US health insurers Humana, Cigna in talks to merge -source

submitted by artappraiser 12 months ago

@ Reuters, Nov. 29

Read the article at https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/us-health-insurers-humana-cigna-talks-merge-wsj-2023-11-29/

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Central Africa’s dinosaur regimes and the art of coup-...
Central Africa’s dinosaur regimes and the art of coup-proofing

submitted by artappraiser 1 year ago

"Both the AU and the intl community place more weight on whether elections are held than whether they are free and fair. Sanctions/expulsions occur when there is a coup but not necessarily when elections are rigged or if an “institutional coup” occurs." https://t.co/m9dNimJP0D
— Cameron Hudson (@_hudsonc) November 28, 2023

Read the article at https://africanarguments.org/2023/11/central-africas-dinosaur-regimes-and-the-art-of-coup-proofing/

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