Update from the Sunland
No.913
8.7.19 – 14.7.19
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
To all,
The follow-up news items:
-- After the BIC unilaterally withdrew [854] the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA)] [709] with the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) {I seem to be using the adverb ‘unilaterally’ a lot with respect to the BIC}, and the Royal Marines seized an Iranian oil tanker MV Grace I off Gibraltar [4.7.2019], the IRI attempted to seize the BP-run tanker MV British Heritage in the Strait of Hormuz. The HMS Montrose intervened, issued verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, and trained the warship's guns on the Iranians before they backed off—no shots fired. The IRI appears to be purposefully escalating conditions in the Gulf to provoke the Allies in the wake of the BIC’s unilateral action.
-- The House Judiciary Committee widened its probe of possible obstruction of justice and abuse of power in the White House [904], and to that end, voted to authorize subpoenas to a dozen people in the BIC's orbit, including:
** son-in-law Jared Kushner,
** former Attorney General Jeff Sessions,
** former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein,
** former National-Security Adviser Mike Flynn,
** former Chief of Staff John Kelly, and
** National Enquirer Publisher David Pecker.
There are a lot of ‘former’s in that bunch. Now, we have more testimony to look forward to hearing for ourselves.
-- The much-anticipated testimony of former special counsel Robert Mueller [804 et al] before the House Judiciary Committee scheduled for the 17th of July, has been postponed and tentatively scheduled for the 24th, although the new date is uncertain as of this writing. Apparently, some of the committee members felt there was insufficient time allotted for Mueller’s testimony. So, we continue to wait in anticipation.
-- The troubles and travails surrounding the Boeing 737-MAX aircraft [878,889, 896, 898, 900] continue to mount as the aircraft’s grounding is likely to stretch into 2020, an even as the company strives to get its jet back into service this year. This is the common consequence of cutting corners and suppressing expert counsel during the certification process. The cost to Boeing has been and will likely grow beyond any program lifetime savings they thought they might realize with their actions during certification. Further, I hope and trust the responsible executives are held criminally liable for their actions.
British Ambassador to the United States of America Sir Nigel Kim Darroch, KCMG, has resigned under the cloud of the public disclosure of his secret, classified and leaked counsel to Her Majesty’s Government. In the publicly released information, I can find nothing wrong, incorrect or untoward in Sir Kim’s assessment of the BIC and his administration; in fact, I would say he was spot on accurate. Of course, the BIC being the BIC, he virtually declared Sir Kim persona non grata, i.e., he cannot tolerate any whiff of criticism or the truth. As an accomplished and respected senior diplomat, Sir Kim stated in his resignation letter, “The current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like.” This is a most unfortunate loss for HMG and our relations with our cousins across the Atlantic Ocean. Once more, I offer my sincere apologies for the gauche behavior of the BIC. The best I can say beyond my apology is, this too shall pass.
In an easily overlooked, significant news item, the Turkish government began receiving a sophisticated, new, Russian S-400 Triumph (NATO: SA-21 Growler), air-defense missile system, potentially exposing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government to U.S. sanctions and testing his country’s position in NATO. I have been out of the intelligence biz for too long to know whether we have already exploited the S-400 system, but this could be an opportunity, if we have not already collected everything we can on the system. President Erdogan clearly wants to send a message to NATO, the EU, and the U.S.—quite akin to the middle finger. Since the BIC is good buddies with the Turkish wannabe dictator, I highly doubt anything of consequence will happen as a result of the Turkish action.
If anyone needed another example of why the BIC is a despicable person, not worthy of the office he holds, we have this series of early morning tweets:
So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly......
5:27 AM · Jul 14, 2019
. . . followed by:
....and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run. Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how....
5:27 AM · Jul 14, 2019
. . . and
....it is done. These places need your help badly, you can’t leave fast enough. I’m sure that Nancy Pelosi would be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!
5:27 AM · Jul 14, 2019
These tweets are referring to American citizens who also happen to be elected representatives of their districts within the United States of America. This is contemptible rhetoric from any American citizen. Such language and public statement by any POTUS is reprehensible and anti-American. I shout out to the world: the prick in the White House is NOT who we are; please join me in condemning the bastard.
I completed my review of Department of Commerce v. New York [588 U.S. ___ (2019); No. 18–966] [911]—the census citizenship ruling. The Court decided that the Enumeration clause [Art. I, §2, cl. 3; Amdt. 14, §2] allows for a citizenship question to be included in the constitutionally mandated, decennial census. However, the Court split on whether the Commerce Secretary’s decision regarding the citizenship question can be reviewed by courts under the Administrative Procedure Act [(APA) [PL 79-404; 60 Stat. 237; specifically, 5 U.S.C. §706(2)(A)], and noted that the administration's explanation for adding the question "appears to have been contrived" and was pretextual. The Court concluded: “The judgment of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is affirmed in part and reversed in part, and the case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.” The Supremes wanted a more developed and rational justification for inclusion of the citizenship question, rather than the I-have-the-authority rationale offered by the Secretary.
From the evidence provided and cited by the Supremes, the Commerce Secretary ignored the counsel of the Census Bureau Commissioner and unilaterally issued his decision memorandum without credible justification. The facts suggest there was only one purpose for the government’s citizenship question: depression of the population counts to alter the apportionment of representation in the House of Representatives. What’s more, they did virtually nothing to mask or hide their objective. In accordance with the Constitution, apportionment of representatives to the House is based on population (persons), not the number of citizens. The sad and tragic reality of this current manufactured crisis remains the BIC and his administration, along with his cohort of loyal believers, have probably accomplished what they set out to achieve . . . even without the explicit citizenship question. Those who would likely avoid answering a citizenship question out of distrust of the government will now quite likely avoid answering the census questionnaire altogether for exactly the same reason—mission accomplished for the far right . . . and all they needed was publicity.
These are the things that happen when people do not or cannot trust the motives of government officials. Like gerrymandering and all the other voter suppression actions, the USG sought to diminish the representation of minorities and political opponents. What shows up in graphic implied detail, a group of justices believe the Executive is granted nearly unbounded power and authority to do as they see fit with no judicial review, while another group seeks to find balance with the rights of We, the People, versus government in all its forms from federal to local. Of course, the BIC simply cannot tolerate being upstaged or defeated by the Supreme Court, so he held a Rose Garden “ceremony” to announce that he was issuing an executive order to direct other government agencies to provide associated documentation to establish the number of citizens in this Grand Republic, and claimed it was a better solution than the census (the counsel the USG received before this whole kerfuffle began), which is precisely why I surmised the underlying, unstated purpose.
Comments and contributions from Update no.912:
Comment to the Blog:
“The debate among Democrats is not about busing as such but what Senator Biden said or did about it in the 1970s. Senator Harris has disqualified herself from my vote by her personal attack.
“‘States' rights’ moves me less than ever. I re-read the Declaration of Independence to celebrate Independence Day, and I noticed the section beginning “We hold these truths . . . .” and ending “. . . . alter their former Systems of Government.” That struck me as a call to alter our system of government (the Constitution) in support of equity for all Americans. Let’s include making my vote equal to anyone’s, limiting the sale of political offices, and stopping gerrymandering somehow.
“Betsy Ross was an ancestor of mine, but I agree with Nike withdrawing the product featuring her flag. My issue is not historical but the fact that racists use that symbol as their own. Here's a link to a Newsweek story on that:
My response to the Blog:
Your choice entirely.
What a novel concept—equality for all. I believe that is ultimately the objective of the Founders/Framers; however, equality was a very narrow and limited practice at the Founding. Our herky-jerky progress toward the ultimate objective has brought us a long way, but we still have so bloody far to go, e.g., equal pay for equal work ala USWNT. We still face blatant discrimination and inequality for citizens based on any one or combination of the social factors that hold us back from the realization of the ultimate objective. Even worse, we have a POTUS and his administration who are hell-bent on returning us to those days centuries ago. Yes, we have a very long way to go.
Well, here is one of those topics where I absolutely and completely disagree with you (and others, including Colin Kaepernick, Nike, Newsweek, et al). The original U.S. flag is NOT racist or even remotely equivalent to the Stars & Bars of the CSA flag, period, full stop! I have never been a fan of revisionist history, and I remain so.
. . . follow-up comment:
“The original swastika was a Native American religious symbol. Its adoption by the Nazis gave it a new meaning altogether. I see a parallel with the Betsy Ross flag's use by U.S. racists.”
. . . my follow-up response:
Surely you jest?
Another contribution:
“I’m all in favor of asking the citizen question on the census .. not that anyone who is NOT a legal citizen would even complete a census so it does nothing to track down illegals .. if it were BO though wanting the question on the census we all know you would be lock-step accepting it !! Lol …(see BO quote pictured below)
“Oh and how about the latest on Jeff Epstein and his underage abuse charges? Some as young as 14 !! And BO’s good buddy, Hillary’s man BC is implicated as well !! Yes the BIC as you erroneously tag him also knew Epstein but drew the line when Epstein molested one of his young Mira Lago workers and banned him from the property. On the other hand Bill Clinton was known to fly the ‘Lolita Express’ to Epstein’s Orgy Island upwards of 20 times !!
“2020 Election .. anyone but a looney Communist Democrat!!”
My reply:
Re: citizenship question. So, Constitution be damned; it does not matter what the Constitution says . . . or why? You are absolutely wrong. I would be against any interpretation of the Constitution that the use of the word “persons” means or even implies citizens. This question is about the Constitution and nothing more. The census is NOT the tool for “tracking down illegals.” We should be demanding Congress to pass a veto-proof immigration reform law that includes border security measures and proper defense in depth enforcement methods, period, full stop.
The Epstein situation is a whole other sensitive and volatile topic. I shall avoid the root topic to confront the obvious topic. I noticed in your words that you exclude your vaunted BIC from your condemnation. I truly wonder why? Bill Clinton deserves our condemnation; he has consistently and persistently exhibited personal behavior quite akin to your vaunted BIC. I have condemned Clinton’s behavior and much as I have the BIC’s, especially with respect to female citizens. Once again, you inappropriately and unfairly point an accusatory finger at Barack Obama, while he has absolutely nothing to do with Epstein or this situation.
I know of no communist or communist-sympathizer in any party who is running for President (excluding the fringe Communist Party USA).
. . . follow-up comment:
“Why does the left fight so hard for Sanctuary Cities funded by taxpayer dollars and why do they fight so hard to not require IDs at the voting booths and why do they feel illegals should have the right to vote and get free health care when I have to purchase mine ?? Why do they and you call Trump a bully for sending them back to their countries because they are draining the funds needed for our own people .. accounts we have been paying into more than 50 years in many cases?”
. . . my follow-up reply:
Re: “Why does the left fight so hard for Sanctuary Cities funded by taxpayer dollars?” Actually, the answer is quite simple. Cities are far more concerned about dealing with local crime than worrying about federal immigration law. The federal government (multiple administrations including the current one) have rejected state & local enforcement assistance, e.g., several court cases in Arizona a few years back. This is precisely why I have argued for so long that we need immigration reform that includes a defense in depth, engaging state & local governments. The whole government (federal, state & local) must contribute to immigration control. Further, federal dollars WRT sanctuary cities is the serious exception, if it occurs at all; as the BIC is learning the hard way, reallocation without amendment to the law is illegal. Please do not be seduced by the nonsense of the right-wing xenophobes among us.
Re: “why do they fight so hard to not require IDs at the voting booths?” Again, the collateral issue in this topic is not you and me. I’ve had to present my photo ID at every election I have ever voted in. The issue is the less advantaged among us, e.g., citizens who are not as mobile, do not have a driver’s license, and would be intimidated to avoid voting. To my knowledge, every state in the Union requires a citizen to register to vote and must establish that they are the registered person. Frankly, I do not know what the issue is?
Re: “why do they feel illegals should have the right to vote and get free health care when I have to purchase mine?” Illegals do not have the right to vote; never have, never will. Over my voting lifetime, I have voted in not quite a dozen states. For an illegal to vote, state & county election officials would have to collude to violate established law. Are you arguing for universal health care? BTW, I lived and worked in England and Italy; both countries have universal health care. I never had to pay a dime (or a pence or euro cent) for medical treatment. How does that work in the USA?
Re: “Why do they and you call Trump a bully for sending them back to their countries because they are draining the funds needed for our own people .. accounts we have been paying into more than 50 years in many cases?” First, the BIC is the BIC because of his behavior, i.e., how he deals with people on a far larger scale than illegal immigrants [see tweets above]. Second, immigration law can and should be enforced with compassion, not vindictiveness. I’m not sure what you are referring to in your “draining the funds” comment. Politicians of both parties have been quite adept at “borrowing” from various general federal government funds, e.g., highway fund, social security fund, et al, for decades to pay for their largesse and pork-barrel generosity. I trust you are NOT implying that only Democrats have done this; Republicans have been equally good, if not better, at spending money they do not have.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
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2 comments:
On the unfortunate resignation of the British Ambassador, this bears on our discussion of secrecy and whether that's even possible today. Sir Kim's discussion of Chump's character and abilities is exactly what diplomats are expected to report to their superiors. Such reports have always been kept hidden, and that's an appropriate use of secrecy. However, secrecy, appropriate or not, may not be possible nowadays.
The relationships among Putin, Erdogan, and Chump are unknown to the US public. Good luck to the subjects of all their nations.
It's interesting that Chump stated those minority Congresswomen come from “countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe . . . .” given that all of them come from the country where he's the head of government. (One was born in Somalia, which arguably also has a troubled government.)
I was not joking about either the origin of the swastika or the racists' use of the Betsy Ross flag. Either of those facts can be easily researched on your choice of sources.
Good morning to you, Calvin,
As always, thank you so much for your contribution.
You may well be correct; however, I sincerely hope not. That was my impression and opinion of Sir Kim’s reportage to HMG; he was doing his job and accurate reflected the BIC. Unfortunately, the BIC is such a small man that he cannot tolerate criticism or the truth in any form. The BIC is such a small man.
The dictators and the BIC . . . quite so. I am far more concerned about the health and welfare of this Grand Republic, not the dictators of his world and our times. I will confess to my concern and apprehension about the people of those countries that must suffer dictators. I know the Russian people to be good, decent and endearing people that do not deserve the dictator they have.
I listened fully to the news conference of the four female representatives. They demonstrated far greater dignity, grace and nobility than the BIC ever possessed in even in the slightest. I was very impressed by their words, their message, their conduct, and most of all by their request for all of us to not take the bait offered up by the BIC and his minions. Like the BIC’s birthright accusation against Barrack Obama, his foolish accusations about the four female representatives are equally false, wrong and disrespectful. As I have written for this week’s Update, I stand with those four women (and all the others who stand up to power).
The original, circular, 13-star Union flag may have been absconded by white supremacists, but it is also the symbol of the Founders/Framers who fought for and won our independence along with recognition of our inalienable rights. Surely, you are not suggesting we indict the whole for the misguided conduct of a minority within the future Grand Republic.
“That’s just opinion, but I could be wrong.”
Cheers,
Cap
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