https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/14/1680715/-American-Medical-Association-health-groups-sound-alarms-over-Trumpcare-3-0
"Other major industry groups agree. The president of the American Hospital Association, Rick Pollack, says it would mean "real consequences for real people. […] Among them people with chronic conditions such as cancer, individuals with disabilities who need long-term services and support, and the elderly." Darrel Kirch, president of the Association of American Medical Colleges, specifically address the harm the Cruz amendment would cause, saying that it "will hurt those with preexisting conditions and further destabilize insurance markets." Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, reinforces that, saying that the bill as a whole, including the Cruz amendment, would make health care worse for cancer patients and everyone. "This bill would leave patients and those with pre-existing conditions paying more for less coverage and would substantially erode the progress our nation has been trying to make in providing affordable, adequate and meaningful coverage to all Americans," he said. None of these groups or any others in the industry or representing patients had any say in this bill. Neither did at least 45 of the 52 Republican senators who are about to vote on this thing, if Mitch McConnell has his way. One, just one, of those 45 or so who've been shut out of the process could put an end to this thing right now. It only takes three to torpedo the bill, and Susan Collins and Rand Paul are already there."
Saturday, July 15, 2017
The U.S. health care system has been rated the worst (by far) among high-income nations
http://www.newsweek.com/united-states-health-care-rated-worst-637114
"The Commonwealth Fund focused on care process, access, administrative efficiency, equity and health care outcomes, studying 72 indicators within those fields. The 11 countries analyzed were Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. In addition to ranking last or close to last in access, administrative efficiency, equity and health care outcomes, the U.S. was found to spend the most money on health care. The U.S. rated especially poor in equality of coverage."
"The Commonwealth Fund focused on care process, access, administrative efficiency, equity and health care outcomes, studying 72 indicators within those fields. The 11 countries analyzed were Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. In addition to ranking last or close to last in access, administrative efficiency, equity and health care outcomes, the U.S. was found to spend the most money on health care. The U.S. rated especially poor in equality of coverage."
Republicans Are Trying to Exempt Themselves from the More Brutal Aspects of Trumpcare
https://thedailybanter.com/2017/07/republicans-are-trying-to-exempt-themselves/
"the GOP is trying to carve out special language in Trumpcare to avoid the more punitive cuts in the embattled Trumpcare bill. They tried it once in the House bill, only to be forced to close the loophole. It's back."
"the GOP is trying to carve out special language in Trumpcare to avoid the more punitive cuts in the embattled Trumpcare bill. They tried it once in the House bill, only to be forced to close the loophole. It's back."
Republican governor fact-checks Pence’s lie about Medicaid
https://thinkprogress.org/republican-governor-fact-checks-pences-lie-about-medicaid-fb7c0783a095
"the Trump administration has no shame about the disinformation campaign officials are waging."
"the Trump administration has no shame about the disinformation campaign officials are waging."
What Trump’s GOP health cuts mean for rural America
What Trump’s GOP health cuts mean for rural America
"Rural health care has at times been characterized as patchwork. In part, that’s because the costs of sustaining health care infrastructure in rural areas are higher thanks to the large service areas, the inability to negotiate bulk pricing and lack of financial incentives to fill in provider gaps. The ACA, intended to turn this around, has in fact led to dramatic gains in insurance coverage among rural Americans. Broadly speaking, insurance rates in rural areas reached almost 86 percent in early 2015, up from an estimated 78 percent in 2013. In Kentucky – a state with high poverty, a large rural population (42 percent of residents) and a successful Medicaid expansion initiative – tens of thousands of newly insured low-income adults began using preventative services after previously being unable to afford it. The state’s uninsured fell by half and, as a result, fewer people skipped taking their medications due to financial hardships relative to other states that didn’t expand Medicaid. The ACA also strengthened rural health care institutions by investing in upgrades to hospitals and clinics, preventative health programs and support for providers to stay in rural areas. While rural hospitals are often laden with the expense of providing extensive care without payment to indigent patients, rural hospitals in states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA finally were able to better balance their books when caring for this vulnerable group. At the same time, the ACA supported innovative models ideal for rural areas that prioritized outreach, integration of services and collaboration between safety-net players. Both the House and Senate bills to repeal and replace Obamacare would drastically reduce rural Americans’ insurance coverage and significantly threaten the ability of many rural hospitals and clinics to keep their doors open."
"Rural health care has at times been characterized as patchwork. In part, that’s because the costs of sustaining health care infrastructure in rural areas are higher thanks to the large service areas, the inability to negotiate bulk pricing and lack of financial incentives to fill in provider gaps. The ACA, intended to turn this around, has in fact led to dramatic gains in insurance coverage among rural Americans. Broadly speaking, insurance rates in rural areas reached almost 86 percent in early 2015, up from an estimated 78 percent in 2013. In Kentucky – a state with high poverty, a large rural population (42 percent of residents) and a successful Medicaid expansion initiative – tens of thousands of newly insured low-income adults began using preventative services after previously being unable to afford it. The state’s uninsured fell by half and, as a result, fewer people skipped taking their medications due to financial hardships relative to other states that didn’t expand Medicaid. The ACA also strengthened rural health care institutions by investing in upgrades to hospitals and clinics, preventative health programs and support for providers to stay in rural areas. While rural hospitals are often laden with the expense of providing extensive care without payment to indigent patients, rural hospitals in states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA finally were able to better balance their books when caring for this vulnerable group. At the same time, the ACA supported innovative models ideal for rural areas that prioritized outreach, integration of services and collaboration between safety-net players. Both the House and Senate bills to repeal and replace Obamacare would drastically reduce rural Americans’ insurance coverage and significantly threaten the ability of many rural hospitals and clinics to keep their doors open."
Trump voter fighting cerebral palsy fears life would be ‘destroyed’ by massive Trumpcare cuts
Trump voter fighting cerebral palsy fears life would be ‘destroyed’ by massive Trumpcare cuts
"An Arkansas man who voted enthusiastically for President Donald Trump last fall is now worried about how he’ll be affected by both the GOP’s proposed budget and the party’s proposed health care legislation. The Washington Post’s Catherine Rampell reports that 36-year-old Trump voter Bradley Ledgerwood is worried about proposed cuts to two programs that have helped him survive ever since he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of just two years old: Medicaid and legal aid."
"An Arkansas man who voted enthusiastically for President Donald Trump last fall is now worried about how he’ll be affected by both the GOP’s proposed budget and the party’s proposed health care legislation. The Washington Post’s Catherine Rampell reports that 36-year-old Trump voter Bradley Ledgerwood is worried about proposed cuts to two programs that have helped him survive ever since he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of just two years old: Medicaid and legal aid."
Indiana Republicans ask for Obamacare horror stories and get ... something different
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/5/1678062/-Indiana-Republicans-ask-for-Obamacare-horror-stories-and-get-something-different
"Now, Obamacare is getting more popular as people are facing the prospect of losing it, and a lot of people have stories of their own or their loved ones’ lives being saved, or not being stuck in a bad job for the health coverage, or not facing mountains of debt for minor health problems."
"Now, Obamacare is getting more popular as people are facing the prospect of losing it, and a lot of people have stories of their own or their loved ones’ lives being saved, or not being stuck in a bad job for the health coverage, or not facing mountains of debt for minor health problems."
Sean Hannity Pretends To Care About ‘The American People’ As He Demands GOP Take Away Health Insurance | Crooks and Liars
Sean Hannity Pretends To Care About ‘The American People’ As He Demands GOP Take Away Health Insurance | Crooks and Liars
"If Hannity really cared about upheld promises, he’d be bugging Donald Trump about violating his promises that Trumpcare would have insurance for everybody, regardless of their income; that he would not cut Medicaid; that people would still get coverage of pre-existing conditions; and that “nobody is going to be better on women’s health issues than Donald Trump,” for example."
"If Hannity really cared about upheld promises, he’d be bugging Donald Trump about violating his promises that Trumpcare would have insurance for everybody, regardless of their income; that he would not cut Medicaid; that people would still get coverage of pre-existing conditions; and that “nobody is going to be better on women’s health issues than Donald Trump,” for example."
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Why did the DOJ abruptly settle Russian money laundering case with attorney at center of collusion?
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/12/1680101/-Why-did-the-DOJ-abruptly-settle-Russian-money-laundering-case-with-attorney-at-center-of-collusion
"In March, U.S. Attorney Preet Bhrara was abruptly fired by Donald Trump, even though Trump had previously called Bhrara to Trump Tower and assured him he could keep his job after Trump took office. At the time, Bhrara was overseeing a case against Russian mobsters accused of massive money laundering. That case was abruptly settled in May by Bhrara’s replacement and raised eyebrows at the time. From CNN in May: The case aimed to expose how Russian mobsters allegedly stole $230 million and hid some of the cash in New York City real estate. Also sure to come up was the suspicious death of the Russian lawyer who exposed the alleged fraud, though US prosecutors weren't alleging that the defendants were behind it. The trial was set to start on Monday, but late Friday night, federal prosecutors in New York announced they settled the case with Prevezon, the company accused of buying up "high-end commercial space and luxury apartments" with laundered money. The abrupt conclusion has some involved in the trial wondering why this Russian investigation had been cut short. "What most concerns me is: Has there been any political pressure applied in this?" asked Louise Shelley, an illicit finance expert who was set to testify in support of the US government on Tuesday. Wow, Denys Katsyv, the owner of Prevezon, must’ve had one fantastic lawyer to make this all go away. What was her name? Natalia Veselnitskaya. If that name sounds familiar, that’s because she is also the same attorney who flew from Moscow to meet with Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort at Trump Tower."
"In March, U.S. Attorney Preet Bhrara was abruptly fired by Donald Trump, even though Trump had previously called Bhrara to Trump Tower and assured him he could keep his job after Trump took office. At the time, Bhrara was overseeing a case against Russian mobsters accused of massive money laundering. That case was abruptly settled in May by Bhrara’s replacement and raised eyebrows at the time. From CNN in May: The case aimed to expose how Russian mobsters allegedly stole $230 million and hid some of the cash in New York City real estate. Also sure to come up was the suspicious death of the Russian lawyer who exposed the alleged fraud, though US prosecutors weren't alleging that the defendants were behind it. The trial was set to start on Monday, but late Friday night, federal prosecutors in New York announced they settled the case with Prevezon, the company accused of buying up "high-end commercial space and luxury apartments" with laundered money. The abrupt conclusion has some involved in the trial wondering why this Russian investigation had been cut short. "What most concerns me is: Has there been any political pressure applied in this?" asked Louise Shelley, an illicit finance expert who was set to testify in support of the US government on Tuesday. Wow, Denys Katsyv, the owner of Prevezon, must’ve had one fantastic lawyer to make this all go away. What was her name? Natalia Veselnitskaya. If that name sounds familiar, that’s because she is also the same attorney who flew from Moscow to meet with Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort at Trump Tower."
The Trump-Russia Conspiracy Is Now Very Simple
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/07/the-trump-russia-conspiracy-is-now-very-simple/
"This is what ought to register: The scheme appears to have been put into play by a Putin regime official and a Putin-friendly oligarch who was Trump’s business partner in Russia—and Trump’s son, son-in-law, and campaign manager all joined in. (A pop singer, a Russian lawyer, and a talent manager all had supporting roles.) Trump Jr., Kushner, and Manafort were looking to collude with a foreign power to gain an advantage in the election—an allegation the Trump team has repeatedly and passionately denied. This is not Alex Jones stuff. This was straightforward conniving. Moreover, this is reality within the part of the universe where Trumpland overlaps with Putin’s world."
"This is what ought to register: The scheme appears to have been put into play by a Putin regime official and a Putin-friendly oligarch who was Trump’s business partner in Russia—and Trump’s son, son-in-law, and campaign manager all joined in. (A pop singer, a Russian lawyer, and a talent manager all had supporting roles.) Trump Jr., Kushner, and Manafort were looking to collude with a foreign power to gain an advantage in the election—an allegation the Trump team has repeatedly and passionately denied. This is not Alex Jones stuff. This was straightforward conniving. Moreover, this is reality within the part of the universe where Trumpland overlaps with Putin’s world."
Every suspicion about Trump and Russia turns out to be true
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/12/1680016/-Every-suspicion-about-Trump-and-Russia-turns-out-to-be-true
"Every. Single. Statement from Donald Trump Jr.’s account of his meeting with a Kremlin-backed lawyer were themselves lies signed off on by his father, we’re reaching the point where there is nowhere for the Trump regime to hide. They have lied. About everything. No meetings? There were meetings. Meetings with Junior. Meetings with Flynn. Meetings with Sessions. Meetings with Kushner. Meetings with Manafort, and Page, and … there were meetings. No attempt at collusion? They jumped at the chance for collusion. They “loved” it."
"Every. Single. Statement from Donald Trump Jr.’s account of his meeting with a Kremlin-backed lawyer were themselves lies signed off on by his father, we’re reaching the point where there is nowhere for the Trump regime to hide. They have lied. About everything. No meetings? There were meetings. Meetings with Junior. Meetings with Flynn. Meetings with Sessions. Meetings with Kushner. Meetings with Manafort, and Page, and … there were meetings. No attempt at collusion? They jumped at the chance for collusion. They “loved” it."
The blackmail factor: Trumpworld’s Russia lies are a major risk to national security
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/7/12/15955314/trump-russia-blackmail
"The Trump team’s habit of lying in public about its contacts with various official and unofficial emissaries of the Russian government is problematic on its own terms, but especially troubling because it raises the possibility that American foreign policy could be influenced by the fear of blackmail."
"The Trump team’s habit of lying in public about its contacts with various official and unofficial emissaries of the Russian government is problematic on its own terms, but especially troubling because it raises the possibility that American foreign policy could be influenced by the fear of blackmail."
Here’s exactly how Russia can hack the 2018 elections
https://news.vice.com/story/russia-hacking-2018-midterms?utm_source=vicenewsfbads
"And while the Obama administration retaliated against Russia with some sanctions and the Senate recently passed a bill tacking on a few more, Donald Trump’s White House and the Republican-led Congress have done almost nothing to defend against the kind of election interference perpetrated by Russia in November. Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia was behind the election cyberattacks and has extended an open hand to the country’s president, Vladimir Putin. In fact, Trump tweeted Sunday morning that he and Putin may be partnering on cybersecurity, an idea that lead to widespread criticism from lawmakers. (Trump later backtracked). But even the talk of a potential collaboration was confounding given that many current and former members of the American intelligence community believe Russia will use cyberattacks to sabotage future elections and that the U.S. is vulnerable to attacks on the most basic function of any democracy. The meddling in last year’s presidential election, which the American intelligence community maintains was coordinated by Russia, could very well be just a taste of what’s to come, and has the potential to infect hundreds of races around the country in 2018."
"And while the Obama administration retaliated against Russia with some sanctions and the Senate recently passed a bill tacking on a few more, Donald Trump’s White House and the Republican-led Congress have done almost nothing to defend against the kind of election interference perpetrated by Russia in November. Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia was behind the election cyberattacks and has extended an open hand to the country’s president, Vladimir Putin. In fact, Trump tweeted Sunday morning that he and Putin may be partnering on cybersecurity, an idea that lead to widespread criticism from lawmakers. (Trump later backtracked). But even the talk of a potential collaboration was confounding given that many current and former members of the American intelligence community believe Russia will use cyberattacks to sabotage future elections and that the U.S. is vulnerable to attacks on the most basic function of any democracy. The meddling in last year’s presidential election, which the American intelligence community maintains was coordinated by Russia, could very well be just a taste of what’s to come, and has the potential to infect hundreds of races around the country in 2018."
Russia scandal presents congressional Republicans with a choice
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/russia-scandal-presents-congressional-republicans-choice
"They know Trump and his team lied about their contacts with Russian nationals. They know Trump fired an FBI director because of the president’s opposition to an ongoing investigation in the Russia scandal. They know the Trump campaign was eager to accept support from a foreign adversary. Congressional Republicans, however, by and large, simply don’t care."
"They know Trump and his team lied about their contacts with Russian nationals. They know Trump fired an FBI director because of the president’s opposition to an ongoing investigation in the Russia scandal. They know the Trump campaign was eager to accept support from a foreign adversary. Congressional Republicans, however, by and large, simply don’t care."
Trump’s Pick for FBI Director Made His Living Defending Shady Businessmen Just Like the President @alternet
Trump’s Pick for FBI Director Made His Living Defending Shady Businessmen Just Like the President @alternet:
"Wray’s Russian client conflicts deserve scrutiny considering Trump’s own Russian connections. As a lawyer at King & Spaulding, the giant Atlanta-based law firm that has been Wray’s home base since the 1990s, he represented Russian companies Gazprom and Rosneft."
"Wray’s Russian client conflicts deserve scrutiny considering Trump’s own Russian connections. As a lawyer at King & Spaulding, the giant Atlanta-based law firm that has been Wray’s home base since the 1990s, he represented Russian companies Gazprom and Rosneft."
Kellyanne Conway struggles mightily to defend Trump Jr.’s lies — and her own
https://thinkprogress.org/kellyanne-conway-struggles-mightily-to-defend-trump-jr-s-lies-and-her-own-ce10237a6ce9
"It’s hard to defend the indefensible. Not only did Conway make false public statements about the Trump campaign’s meetings with Russians, but so did Vice President Mike Pence."
"It’s hard to defend the indefensible. Not only did Conway make false public statements about the Trump campaign’s meetings with Russians, but so did Vice President Mike Pence."
U.S. officials say Russian government hackers have penetrated energy and nuclear company business networks
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-officials-say-russian-government-hackers-have-penetrated-energy-and-nuclear-company-business-networks/2017/07/08/bbfde9a2-638b-11e7-8adc-fea80e32bf47_story.html?utm_term=.8c473f9b3ecb
"The NSA has detected malicious cyber-based activity by Russia’s FSB spy agency, U.S. officials said."
"The NSA has detected malicious cyber-based activity by Russia’s FSB spy agency, U.S. officials said."
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
A Timeline: Russia and President Trump
http://billmoyers.com/story/the-trump-resistance-plan-a-timeline-russia-and-president-trump/
"Investigative reporters are fleshing out the Trump/Russia timeline. To keep everything in one location, here’s an updated summary (so far)."
"Investigative reporters are fleshing out the Trump/Russia timeline. To keep everything in one location, here’s an updated summary (so far)."
What did Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell know about Trump/Russia collusion and when did they know it?
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/11/1679616/-What-did-Paul-Ryan-and-Mitch-McConnell-know-about-Trump-Russia-collusion-and-when-did-they-know-it
"Don't forget that the CIA was giving confidential briefings to leadership with information "indicating that Russia was working to help elect Donald J. Trump president, a finding that did not emerge publicly until after Mr. Trump’s victory months later, former government officials say." The classified briefings that the C.I.A. held in August and September for the so-called Gang of Eight—the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and the Senate and of the intelligence committees in each chamber—show deep concerns about the impact of the election meddling. In the briefings, the C.I.A. said there was intelligence indicating not only that the Russians were trying to get Mr. Trump elected but that they had gained computer access to multiple state and local election boards in the United States since 2014, officials said. Here's what CIA chief John Brennan told then Democratic leader Sen. Harry Reid in a private, classified briefing: "Russia’s hackings appeared aimed at helping Mr. Trump win the November election," and that "unnamed advisers to Mr. Trump might be working with the Russians to interfere in the election." It's too incredible to believe that House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not get that same briefing, did not know that the CIA had solid enough intelligence that the Russians could possibly be in the Trump campaign, trying to influence the outcome of the election. In September, intelligence officials had a secret meeting with the Gang of 12—including the House and Senate leaders and the chairmen and ranking members of both chambers’ committees on intelligence and homeland security. That meeting was intended to get leadership behind a "show of solidarity and bipartisan unity" publicly condemning Russia for interference. Who stood in the way? "McConnell raised doubts about the underlying intelligence and made clear to the administration that he would consider any effort by the White House to challenge the Russians publicly an act of partisan politics"."
"Don't forget that the CIA was giving confidential briefings to leadership with information "indicating that Russia was working to help elect Donald J. Trump president, a finding that did not emerge publicly until after Mr. Trump’s victory months later, former government officials say." The classified briefings that the C.I.A. held in August and September for the so-called Gang of Eight—the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and the Senate and of the intelligence committees in each chamber—show deep concerns about the impact of the election meddling. In the briefings, the C.I.A. said there was intelligence indicating not only that the Russians were trying to get Mr. Trump elected but that they had gained computer access to multiple state and local election boards in the United States since 2014, officials said. Here's what CIA chief John Brennan told then Democratic leader Sen. Harry Reid in a private, classified briefing: "Russia’s hackings appeared aimed at helping Mr. Trump win the November election," and that "unnamed advisers to Mr. Trump might be working with the Russians to interfere in the election." It's too incredible to believe that House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not get that same briefing, did not know that the CIA had solid enough intelligence that the Russians could possibly be in the Trump campaign, trying to influence the outcome of the election. In September, intelligence officials had a secret meeting with the Gang of 12—including the House and Senate leaders and the chairmen and ranking members of both chambers’ committees on intelligence and homeland security. That meeting was intended to get leadership behind a "show of solidarity and bipartisan unity" publicly condemning Russia for interference. Who stood in the way? "McConnell raised doubts about the underlying intelligence and made clear to the administration that he would consider any effort by the White House to challenge the Russians publicly an act of partisan politics"."
How Much More Absurdity Can You Handle?
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a56258/donald-trump-jr-email/
"The government of the United States is a shambles. An incompetent administration headed by an unqualified buffoon is now descending into criminal comedy and maladroit backstabbing. It is an administration that not only self-destructs, but glories in the process. There seems to be no end to it, and no desire to end it by the people who actually have the power to do so. That, in itself, seems curious, and it probably should remind us all that Paul Ryan's Super PAC was hip-deep in the borscht itself. Ryan, who really is the person best situated to close the circus down, seems to be afflicted with one of his periodic bouts of invisibility, poor lad. There's a great unfolding treason now—not just the precise constitutionally defined treason, but a general betrayal of reason, of self-government, of honesty and of high office. They are now committing treason against themselves, grim betrayal winding around itself in coils ever tightening until there is nothing but the foul exhaling of the final breath of things that once belonged to better people than them."
"The government of the United States is a shambles. An incompetent administration headed by an unqualified buffoon is now descending into criminal comedy and maladroit backstabbing. It is an administration that not only self-destructs, but glories in the process. There seems to be no end to it, and no desire to end it by the people who actually have the power to do so. That, in itself, seems curious, and it probably should remind us all that Paul Ryan's Super PAC was hip-deep in the borscht itself. Ryan, who really is the person best situated to close the circus down, seems to be afflicted with one of his periodic bouts of invisibility, poor lad. There's a great unfolding treason now—not just the precise constitutionally defined treason, but a general betrayal of reason, of self-government, of honesty and of high office. They are now committing treason against themselves, grim betrayal winding around itself in coils ever tightening until there is nothing but the foul exhaling of the final breath of things that once belonged to better people than them."
Emails show Trump Jr’s eagerness to collude with Russia
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/emails-show-trump-jrs-eagerness-collude-russia
"Donald Trump Jr. initially said he hadn’t spoken to any Russian nationals during the campaign. Then he said he changed his story, saying he attended a meeting, but it was about adoption policy. Then he changed his story again, saying he hoped to acquire campaign dirt, but was disappointed by what he’d been offered. Then, asked for comment about emails the New York Times had already obtained and was poised to publish, Trump Jr. decided to tweet the materials himself. If he thinks this is an example of being “totally transparent,” he’s very confused."
"Donald Trump Jr. initially said he hadn’t spoken to any Russian nationals during the campaign. Then he said he changed his story, saying he attended a meeting, but it was about adoption policy. Then he changed his story again, saying he hoped to acquire campaign dirt, but was disappointed by what he’d been offered. Then, asked for comment about emails the New York Times had already obtained and was poised to publish, Trump Jr. decided to tweet the materials himself. If he thinks this is an example of being “totally transparent,” he’s very confused."
Here’s Why Donald Trump Jr’s Russian Meeting Almost Certainly Constitutes Treason
https://forwardprogressives.com/heres-donald-trump-jrs-russian-meeting-almost-certainly-constitutes-treason/
"To summarize all of this bluntly: Trump’s son, son-in-law, and then-campaign manager agreed to a secret meeting with a foreign agent, working for an enemy to the United States — in Trump Tower — under the guise of obtaining damaging information against an American political opponent that, at the time, they had no way of knowing, or seemingly any regard, for how it was obtained. I’m sorry folks, but the way I read Article III, Section 3 of the United States Constitution: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. That June 9th meeting sure seems to constitute treason."
"To summarize all of this bluntly: Trump’s son, son-in-law, and then-campaign manager agreed to a secret meeting with a foreign agent, working for an enemy to the United States — in Trump Tower — under the guise of obtaining damaging information against an American political opponent that, at the time, they had no way of knowing, or seemingly any regard, for how it was obtained. I’m sorry folks, but the way I read Article III, Section 3 of the United States Constitution: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. That June 9th meeting sure seems to constitute treason."
Donald Trump Jr. Hires Crime Mob Lawyer for Russia Investigation @alternet
Donald Trump Jr. Hires Crime Mob Lawyer for Russia Investigation @alternet:
"Donald Trump Jr. has hired New York lawyer Alan Futerfas to represent him in ongoing investigations regarding his father Donald Trump and his potential ties to Russia, according to Reuters. Futerfas, a criminal defense lawyer, has had experience in the past representing members of organized crime mobs, particularly the Gambino, Genovese, and Colombo families."
"Donald Trump Jr. has hired New York lawyer Alan Futerfas to represent him in ongoing investigations regarding his father Donald Trump and his potential ties to Russia, according to Reuters. Futerfas, a criminal defense lawyer, has had experience in the past representing members of organized crime mobs, particularly the Gambino, Genovese, and Colombo families."
Republican Lawmakers Buy Health Insurance Stocks as Repeal Effort Moves Forward
https://theintercept.com/2017/07/06/republican-lawmakers-buy-health-insurance-stocks-as-repeal-effort-moves-forward/
"Health industry stocks, including insurance giants like UnitedHealth, have surged as Republicans move forward with their repeal effort, which rolls back broad taxes on health care firms while loosening consumer regulations which prevent insurance companies from denying coverage for medical treatment"
"Health industry stocks, including insurance giants like UnitedHealth, have surged as Republicans move forward with their repeal effort, which rolls back broad taxes on health care firms while loosening consumer regulations which prevent insurance companies from denying coverage for medical treatment"
“I love it”: Trump Jr.'s response to meeting about “Russia and its government's support”
https://www.vox.com/world/2017/7/11/15953188/donald-trump-jr-russia-emails
"Trump Jr. appears to have posted the damning emails in an attempt to preempt a New York Times story that published shortly afterward."
"Trump Jr. appears to have posted the damning emails in an attempt to preempt a New York Times story that published shortly afterward."
‘We’d have them in custody by now’: Bush lawyer says Trump Jr.’s actions ‘border on treason’
‘We’d have them in custody by now’: Bush lawyer says Trump Jr.’s actions ‘border on treason’
"An ethics lawyer to President George W. Bush’s White House said that what he’s heard about President Donald Trump’s son and campaign staff meeting with Kremlin-aligned lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya “borders on treason” and that his administration would already have taken Trump’s team in for questioning."
"An ethics lawyer to President George W. Bush’s White House said that what he’s heard about President Donald Trump’s son and campaign staff meeting with Kremlin-aligned lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya “borders on treason” and that his administration would already have taken Trump’s team in for questioning."
Trump’s Man With a Plan ... to Suppress the Vote Nationwide
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/07/07/trumps-man-plan-suppress-vote-nationwide
"What is most troubling to voting-rights and civil-rights activists is the potential that this commission is ramping up and institutionalizing voter suppression, which has long been central to Republican electoral strategy. In the fall of 1980, Paul Weyrich, a conservative Republican activist who went on to found such right-wing institutions as The Heritage Foundation, the Moral Majority and the American Legislative Exchange Council, addressed a conference in Dallas. “I don’t want everybody to vote,” he said. “Elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country, and they are not now. As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down.” Think of Kris Kobach as the new Paul Weyrich."
"What is most troubling to voting-rights and civil-rights activists is the potential that this commission is ramping up and institutionalizing voter suppression, which has long been central to Republican electoral strategy. In the fall of 1980, Paul Weyrich, a conservative Republican activist who went on to found such right-wing institutions as The Heritage Foundation, the Moral Majority and the American Legislative Exchange Council, addressed a conference in Dallas. “I don’t want everybody to vote,” he said. “Elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country, and they are not now. As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down.” Think of Kris Kobach as the new Paul Weyrich."
Trump administration steps on Trump’s ‘death spiral’ talking point
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-administration-steps-trumps-death-spiral-talking-point
"The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, last week released a report about a wonky aspect of the Affordable Care Act related to insurance payments. Tucked away in the report, however, was evidence that the health insurance marketplaces set up by Obamacare were relatively stable in 2016. Contrary to the “death-spiral” narrative, the CMS report found that the mix of healthy and sick people buying insurance on the Obamacare marketplaces in 2016 was surprisingly similar to those who enrolled in 2015."
"The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, last week released a report about a wonky aspect of the Affordable Care Act related to insurance payments. Tucked away in the report, however, was evidence that the health insurance marketplaces set up by Obamacare were relatively stable in 2016. Contrary to the “death-spiral” narrative, the CMS report found that the mix of healthy and sick people buying insurance on the Obamacare marketplaces in 2016 was surprisingly similar to those who enrolled in 2015."
Skewing Democracy White
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/07/06/skewing-democracy-white
"American quasi-democracy has a long, long history of what one might call protective racism, and it hasn’t gone away. What requires protection is the status quo of power. And nothing is more inconvenient to the status quo than real democracy, with regular people having a say in the creation of their social structure. That means the politically powerful are always vulnerable, especially if they focus on serving their own interests, not their constituents’. You can see the problem with that. The Crosscheck program, as well as the presidential claim that the problem with America’s democracy is that too many people are voting, are examples of contemporary — deeply coded — racial politics. According to Palast, Crosscheck’s list of suspect voters in the 2016 election “was so racially biased that fully one in six registered African-Americans were tagged in the Crosscheck states that include the swing states of Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona and more"."
"American quasi-democracy has a long, long history of what one might call protective racism, and it hasn’t gone away. What requires protection is the status quo of power. And nothing is more inconvenient to the status quo than real democracy, with regular people having a say in the creation of their social structure. That means the politically powerful are always vulnerable, especially if they focus on serving their own interests, not their constituents’. You can see the problem with that. The Crosscheck program, as well as the presidential claim that the problem with America’s democracy is that too many people are voting, are examples of contemporary — deeply coded — racial politics. According to Palast, Crosscheck’s list of suspect voters in the 2016 election “was so racially biased that fully one in six registered African-Americans were tagged in the Crosscheck states that include the swing states of Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona and more"."
Ken Burns to Evangelical Voters: 'What Part of Donald Trump Reminds You of Jesus Christ?'
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a46441/ken-burns-evangelicals-trump/
"Burns did not mince words when it came to Donald Trump and the religious right, the culmination of what he sees as a long con: "The Republican Party has been extraordinarily successful at getting many groups of people to vote against their self-interest. Evangelicals are voting for Donald Trump. What part of Donald Trump reminds you of Jesus Christ? Trump lusts after his own daughter on national radio, talks about women's bodies and breasts in such a disparaging way, and mocks them. How is this in any way Christian? When you make the "other" the enemy, how is that Christian?"
"Burns did not mince words when it came to Donald Trump and the religious right, the culmination of what he sees as a long con: "The Republican Party has been extraordinarily successful at getting many groups of people to vote against their self-interest. Evangelicals are voting for Donald Trump. What part of Donald Trump reminds you of Jesus Christ? Trump lusts after his own daughter on national radio, talks about women's bodies and breasts in such a disparaging way, and mocks them. How is this in any way Christian? When you make the "other" the enemy, how is that Christian?"
Report: Trump Ex-Business Associate To Assist Kazakh Money Laundering Probe
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/trump-associate-felix-sater-cooperating-kazakh-money-laundering-probe
"A former business associate of President Donald Trump who has extensive ties to organized crime is cooperating with a money laundering probe that stretches across three continents, the Financial Times reported Thursday."
"A former business associate of President Donald Trump who has extensive ties to organized crime is cooperating with a money laundering probe that stretches across three continents, the Financial Times reported Thursday."
Trumpcare could force 4 million special needs kids into pricy ‘pediatric nursing homes’
Trumpcare could force 4 million special needs kids into pricy ‘pediatric nursing homes’
"Under the version of Trumpcare being considered in the United States Senate, four million special needs children would be at risk for institutionalization due to cuts in the Medicaid programs that currently allow them to live at home with their families."
"Under the version of Trumpcare being considered in the United States Senate, four million special needs children would be at risk for institutionalization due to cuts in the Medicaid programs that currently allow them to live at home with their families."
Tillerson Considered Central Figure In ExxonMobil Investigation
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/tillerson-exxon-investigation-intensifies
"NEW YORK (AP) — “Wayne Tracker” cannot be forced to testify under oath. He does not exist. But the man who used the “Tracker” alias, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, can be questioned — and is increasingly expected to be — as New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman expands his sweeping probe into whether Tillerson’s former employer, ExxonMobil, misled investors about the impact of climate change."
"NEW YORK (AP) — “Wayne Tracker” cannot be forced to testify under oath. He does not exist. But the man who used the “Tracker” alias, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, can be questioned — and is increasingly expected to be — as New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman expands his sweeping probe into whether Tillerson’s former employer, ExxonMobil, misled investors about the impact of climate change."
Unprecedented spite: The American carnage of the GOP health care bill
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/7/2/1676305/-Unprecedented-spite-The-American-carnage-of-the-GOP-health-care-bill#
"A calamity a wiser Donald Trump might call “American carnage”—22 million more uninsured Americans, millions more facing financial ruin, gutted essential health protections, skyrocketing premiums to maintain comparable coverage, jacked-up deductibles, spiraling out of pockets costs and over 200,000 needless deaths by 2026, all to fund an $600 billion tax cut windfall for the wealthy—Mitch McConnell’s “Better Care Reconciliation Act” has nothing to do with “replacing” Obamacare. For 25 years, Republicans have never wanted to enable universal health care coverage for the American people, but only to prevent the Democratic Party from doing so. We know this—that is, that Republicans feared not Obamacare’s failure, but its success—because they told us so. Barack Obama himself never fully articulated this crucial point. During an August 2013 press conference, President Obama pondered why the GOP's "number one priority, the one unifying principle in the Republican Party at the moment is making sure that 30 million people don't have health care." But in attributing the 40-plus Affordable Care Act repeal votes, the threats to shut down the government over Obamacare funding, the tens of millions of dollars in misleading ads and another summer of town hall rage to the GOP's "ideological fixation," the president was only partly right. At its core, the Republicans' scorched-earth opposition to Obamacare has never been so much about "freedom" or "limited government" or any other right-wing ideological buzzword as it has been about political power, pure and simple. Now as for the past 20 years, Republicans have feared not that health care reform would fail the American people, but that it would succeed. Along with Social Security and Medicare, successful healthcare reform would provide the third and final pillar of Americans' social safety net, all brought you by the Democratic Party."
"A calamity a wiser Donald Trump might call “American carnage”—22 million more uninsured Americans, millions more facing financial ruin, gutted essential health protections, skyrocketing premiums to maintain comparable coverage, jacked-up deductibles, spiraling out of pockets costs and over 200,000 needless deaths by 2026, all to fund an $600 billion tax cut windfall for the wealthy—Mitch McConnell’s “Better Care Reconciliation Act” has nothing to do with “replacing” Obamacare. For 25 years, Republicans have never wanted to enable universal health care coverage for the American people, but only to prevent the Democratic Party from doing so. We know this—that is, that Republicans feared not Obamacare’s failure, but its success—because they told us so. Barack Obama himself never fully articulated this crucial point. During an August 2013 press conference, President Obama pondered why the GOP's "number one priority, the one unifying principle in the Republican Party at the moment is making sure that 30 million people don't have health care." But in attributing the 40-plus Affordable Care Act repeal votes, the threats to shut down the government over Obamacare funding, the tens of millions of dollars in misleading ads and another summer of town hall rage to the GOP's "ideological fixation," the president was only partly right. At its core, the Republicans' scorched-earth opposition to Obamacare has never been so much about "freedom" or "limited government" or any other right-wing ideological buzzword as it has been about political power, pure and simple. Now as for the past 20 years, Republicans have feared not that health care reform would fail the American people, but that it would succeed. Along with Social Security and Medicare, successful healthcare reform would provide the third and final pillar of Americans' social safety net, all brought you by the Democratic Party."
Monday, July 10, 2017
These top Trump associates have all lied about contacts with Russia — and the list is growing
These top Trump associates have all lied about contacts with Russia — and the list is growing
"The recent revelation that Donald Trump Jr. met with a Russian attorney with close ties to the Kremlin is just another in a long line of coincidental meetings that President Donald Trump’s friends, family, and associates had with Russians."
"The recent revelation that Donald Trump Jr. met with a Russian attorney with close ties to the Kremlin is just another in a long line of coincidental meetings that President Donald Trump’s friends, family, and associates had with Russians."
The Trump administration is quietly making it easier to abuse seniors in nursing homes
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-admin-nursing-home-95a1aa1cb79d
"The Trump administration is poised to undo rules issued by the Obama administration last year to protect seniors from a common tactic used by businesses to shield themselves from consequences for illegal conduct. Under these rules, issued last September, Medicare and Medicaid would cut off payments to nursing homes that require new residents to sign forced arbitration agreements, a contract which strips individuals of their ability to sue in a real court and diverts the case to a privatized arbitration system. But last month, the Trump administration published a proposed rule which will reinstate nursing homes’ ability to receive federal money even if they force seniors into arbitration agreements. Forced arbitration can prevent even the most egregious cases from ever reaching a judge. According to the New York Times, a 94 year-old nursing home resident “who died from a head wound that had been left to fester, was ordered to go to arbitration.” In another case, the family of a woman who suffered “two spine fractures from serious falls, a large, infected ulcer on her heel that prevented her from walking, incontinence from not being able to get to the bathroom, receding gums from poor hygiene assistance, and a dramatic weigh loss from not being given her dentures,” was also sent to an arbitrator after they sued the woman’s nursing home alleging neglect. Moreover, as law professor and health policy expert Nicholas Bagley notes, arbitration tends “to favor the repeat players who hire them — companies, not consumers.” Several studies have found that forced arbitration typically produces worse outcomes for consumers and workers."
"The Trump administration is poised to undo rules issued by the Obama administration last year to protect seniors from a common tactic used by businesses to shield themselves from consequences for illegal conduct. Under these rules, issued last September, Medicare and Medicaid would cut off payments to nursing homes that require new residents to sign forced arbitration agreements, a contract which strips individuals of their ability to sue in a real court and diverts the case to a privatized arbitration system. But last month, the Trump administration published a proposed rule which will reinstate nursing homes’ ability to receive federal money even if they force seniors into arbitration agreements. Forced arbitration can prevent even the most egregious cases from ever reaching a judge. According to the New York Times, a 94 year-old nursing home resident “who died from a head wound that had been left to fester, was ordered to go to arbitration.” In another case, the family of a woman who suffered “two spine fractures from serious falls, a large, infected ulcer on her heel that prevented her from walking, incontinence from not being able to get to the bathroom, receding gums from poor hygiene assistance, and a dramatic weigh loss from not being given her dentures,” was also sent to an arbitrator after they sued the woman’s nursing home alleging neglect. Moreover, as law professor and health policy expert Nicholas Bagley notes, arbitration tends “to favor the repeat players who hire them — companies, not consumers.” Several studies have found that forced arbitration typically produces worse outcomes for consumers and workers."
Russia steps up spying efforts after election
http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/06/politics/russia-steps-up-spying-efforts-after-election/index.html
"Since the November election, US intelligence and law enforcement agencies have detected an increase in suspected Russian intelligence officers entering the US under the guise of other business, according to multiple current and former senior US intelligence officials. The Russians are believed to now have nearly 150 suspected intelligence operatives in the US, these sources said. Officials who spoke to CNN say the Russians are replenishing their ranks after the US in December expelled 35 Russian diplomats suspected of spying in retaliation for election-meddling."
"Since the November election, US intelligence and law enforcement agencies have detected an increase in suspected Russian intelligence officers entering the US under the guise of other business, according to multiple current and former senior US intelligence officials. The Russians are believed to now have nearly 150 suspected intelligence operatives in the US, these sources said. Officials who spoke to CNN say the Russians are replenishing their ranks after the US in December expelled 35 Russian diplomats suspected of spying in retaliation for election-meddling."
As Trump caves to Putin, former Director of National Intelligence issues dire 2018 election warning
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/7/1678709/-As-Trump-caves-to-Putin-former-Director-of-National-Intelligence-issues-dire-2018-election-warning
"Putin tells Donald Trump Russia wasn’t involved in the criminal hacking of U.S. voter databases and Trump’s response is to simply accept that and bro hug it out? We are talking about the safety and security of the elections in the United States of America being disrupted by our biggest political foe and Trump says, no biggie and then goes on to tell Putin he believes the media is hyping the story? Outrageous. Meanwhile, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was a guest on CNN Thursday and he is sounding the alarm, saying plainly the 2016 hacking was “prepping the battlefield” for 2018. Meanwhile, we’ve learned that not only did Donald Trump not rebuke Putin and Russia for their hacking of U.S. voter databases, the DNC and at least a dozen U.S. power plants, including a nuclear facility in Kansas, Trump promised to set it up a mutual cybersecurity group. Together. As in, sharing cybersecurity information with the Russians. This cannot happen. It is complete incompetence, dereliction of duty. As Jasmin Mujanovic, an expert in southeast European and international affairs, notes, this is game over for the U.S. if Trump opens the door for a joint cybersecurity group"
"Putin tells Donald Trump Russia wasn’t involved in the criminal hacking of U.S. voter databases and Trump’s response is to simply accept that and bro hug it out? We are talking about the safety and security of the elections in the United States of America being disrupted by our biggest political foe and Trump says, no biggie and then goes on to tell Putin he believes the media is hyping the story? Outrageous. Meanwhile, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was a guest on CNN Thursday and he is sounding the alarm, saying plainly the 2016 hacking was “prepping the battlefield” for 2018. Meanwhile, we’ve learned that not only did Donald Trump not rebuke Putin and Russia for their hacking of U.S. voter databases, the DNC and at least a dozen U.S. power plants, including a nuclear facility in Kansas, Trump promised to set it up a mutual cybersecurity group. Together. As in, sharing cybersecurity information with the Russians. This cannot happen. It is complete incompetence, dereliction of duty. As Jasmin Mujanovic, an expert in southeast European and international affairs, notes, this is game over for the U.S. if Trump opens the door for a joint cybersecurity group"
Healthcare’s biggest losers: Which states are harmed the most under the Senate TrumpCare plan?
Healthcare’s biggest losers: Which states are harmed the most under the Senate TrumpCare plan?:
"In Alabama, for example, premiums would increase 164 percent from $156 a month to $411 under the BRCA. In Alaska, they would increase 142 percent from $334 a month to $802 a month. The reductions in premium subsidies, in concert with tax cuts for the wealthy, will cost Americans jobs as well. Because low- and moderate-income households tend to spend a much higher share of their disposable income, the overall effect of the BCRA would be less spending and lower aggregate demand across every state and congressional district."
"In Alabama, for example, premiums would increase 164 percent from $156 a month to $411 under the BRCA. In Alaska, they would increase 142 percent from $334 a month to $802 a month. The reductions in premium subsidies, in concert with tax cuts for the wealthy, will cost Americans jobs as well. Because low- and moderate-income households tend to spend a much higher share of their disposable income, the overall effect of the BCRA would be less spending and lower aggregate demand across every state and congressional district."
4 Times Trump Has Inspired Widespread Speculation About His Cognitive Decline @alternet
4 Times Trump Has Inspired Widespread Speculation About His Cognitive Decline @alternet:
"Donald Trump has spent more than 20 percent of his presidency on the golf course, and this past weekend was no exception. After three days of hitting balls around at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the president finally decided to return to Washington, D.C. on Monday. Footage of Trump’s arrival shows him exiting Air Force One, then descending the stairs leading from the plane to the tarmac, where a limousine festooned with American flag awaits. But instead of climbing inside, Trump wanders off in a different direction, taking several steps off course before a Secret Service agent can corral him. It’s an odd moment, one in which Trump briefly appears befuddled and out of sorts. The president’s confusion has only fueled further speculation about his cognitive decline. 1. He also wandered off in the middle of a foreign press event Trump met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in May at a joint press conference. In the middle of the event, as Netanyahu stood for photos, Trump got up from his chair and wandered away from the Israeli leader. A few seconds later, staffers ushered him back toward where he should have been standing. 2. He forgot to sign an executive order at an executive order signing press event Back in April, Trump invited media to watch as he signed two orders focused on trade. He gave brief remarks at the event, then left the podium, absentmindedly opened a door and started for another room. Mike Pence had to tap the president on his way out to remind him about the unsigned orders. After a brief discussion, Trump continued walking, and Pence followed him out the door with the paperwork."
"Donald Trump has spent more than 20 percent of his presidency on the golf course, and this past weekend was no exception. After three days of hitting balls around at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the president finally decided to return to Washington, D.C. on Monday. Footage of Trump’s arrival shows him exiting Air Force One, then descending the stairs leading from the plane to the tarmac, where a limousine festooned with American flag awaits. But instead of climbing inside, Trump wanders off in a different direction, taking several steps off course before a Secret Service agent can corral him. It’s an odd moment, one in which Trump briefly appears befuddled and out of sorts. The president’s confusion has only fueled further speculation about his cognitive decline. 1. He also wandered off in the middle of a foreign press event Trump met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in May at a joint press conference. In the middle of the event, as Netanyahu stood for photos, Trump got up from his chair and wandered away from the Israeli leader. A few seconds later, staffers ushered him back toward where he should have been standing. 2. He forgot to sign an executive order at an executive order signing press event Back in April, Trump invited media to watch as he signed two orders focused on trade. He gave brief remarks at the event, then left the podium, absentmindedly opened a door and started for another room. Mike Pence had to tap the president on his way out to remind him about the unsigned orders. After a brief discussion, Trump continued walking, and Pence followed him out the door with the paperwork."
Trumpcare is Even Worse for America Than You Think
https://thedailybanter.com/2017/07/trumpcare-is-even-worse-for-america-than-you-think/
"Remember, before the ACA, insurance companies could jack your premiums through the roof if you got sick or they could kick you off of your policy. Got breast cancer? No more coverage for you. It was cruel and immoral but 100% legal. Insurance companies also set yearly and lifetime caps on coverage. Did you get HIV through a blood transfusion? Wow, that's rough. Fortunately, there are drugs that can keep it from turning into AIDS indefinitely. Unfortunately, they're very expensive and you reached your lifetime cap after 6 months. Better luck next time. Then there were pre-existing conditions, children being thrown off their parents' policy at age 18, policies that didn't actually cover anything beyond a summer cold, etc. etc. Racking up enormous medical debt was extremely easy and the United States is the only country in the world where this is a routine problem. But this is the system Republicans would like very much to return to. Trump and the GOP say they want to maintain coverage for pre-existing conditions and no yearly of lifetime caps but the system they're trying to create will bankrupt insurance companies unless they can throw people off of their coverage or raise their premiums so high they can't pay them. We can't even hold it against them because they won't have any choice but to reduce the number of people they cover. This, by the way, is the lie behind the Republican catchphrase "guaranteeing access to healthcare." Sure, you have access to healthcare, you just won't be able to pay for it. It's like saying you have access to food but it's up on a ledge 20 feet off the ground. And I just took your ladder away and gave it to the guy over there who already has 100 ladders."
"Remember, before the ACA, insurance companies could jack your premiums through the roof if you got sick or they could kick you off of your policy. Got breast cancer? No more coverage for you. It was cruel and immoral but 100% legal. Insurance companies also set yearly and lifetime caps on coverage. Did you get HIV through a blood transfusion? Wow, that's rough. Fortunately, there are drugs that can keep it from turning into AIDS indefinitely. Unfortunately, they're very expensive and you reached your lifetime cap after 6 months. Better luck next time. Then there were pre-existing conditions, children being thrown off their parents' policy at age 18, policies that didn't actually cover anything beyond a summer cold, etc. etc. Racking up enormous medical debt was extremely easy and the United States is the only country in the world where this is a routine problem. But this is the system Republicans would like very much to return to. Trump and the GOP say they want to maintain coverage for pre-existing conditions and no yearly of lifetime caps but the system they're trying to create will bankrupt insurance companies unless they can throw people off of their coverage or raise their premiums so high they can't pay them. We can't even hold it against them because they won't have any choice but to reduce the number of people they cover. This, by the way, is the lie behind the Republican catchphrase "guaranteeing access to healthcare." Sure, you have access to healthcare, you just won't be able to pay for it. It's like saying you have access to food but it's up on a ledge 20 feet off the ground. And I just took your ladder away and gave it to the guy over there who already has 100 ladders."
Trump's visit to Poland staged to boost radical nationalists
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/7/1678603/-Trump-s-visit-to-Poland-staged-to-boost-radical-nationalists
"So while Poland has long been a frequent stop for America presidents abroad, there is one big difference between those previous visits and that of Donald Trump. President Donald Trump is … the first sitting American president in decades to visit Warsaw while forgoing a stop at the city’s monument to the Jewish Ghetto Uprising. Why skip this stop? Because Trump’s bused-in crowd of nationalist supporters aren’t just anti-immigrant, they’re anti-Semitic."
"So while Poland has long been a frequent stop for America presidents abroad, there is one big difference between those previous visits and that of Donald Trump. President Donald Trump is … the first sitting American president in decades to visit Warsaw while forgoing a stop at the city’s monument to the Jewish Ghetto Uprising. Why skip this stop? Because Trump’s bused-in crowd of nationalist supporters aren’t just anti-immigrant, they’re anti-Semitic."
Trump's Horrendous EPA Chief Wins Golden Padlock Award for Govt. Secrecy @alternet
Trump's Horrendous EPA Chief Wins Golden Padlock Award for Govt. Secrecy @alternet:
"As a government official, Scott Pruitt does a stellar job at keeping secrets. So far, he's evaded open record requests about his communications with the fossil fuel industry and has directed the EPA to wipe climate change data from its website. Pruitt has become so adept at keeping the public in the dark that Investigative Reporters and Editors, a grassroots group dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting, has awarded him the Golden Padlock Award, which recognizes "the most secretive publicly funded agency or person in the United States." In awarding him with this dubious distinction, IRE writes, "Scott Pruitt was selected for this honor for steadfastly refusing to provide emails in the public interest and removing information from public websites about key environmental programs." Pruitt's penchant for secrecy in public office stretches back to his tenure as attorney general of Oklahoma. It was normal for him to ignore public records requests while using a private email account to conduct government business. A New York Times report revealed that what Pruitt was hiding in his government account was a "secretive alliance" with oil company Devon Energy, one of the largest oil and gas companies in Oklahoma. Lawyers from Devon even wrote letters to the EPA in Pruitt's name and the company subsequently donated thousands to Pruitt's campaign."
"As a government official, Scott Pruitt does a stellar job at keeping secrets. So far, he's evaded open record requests about his communications with the fossil fuel industry and has directed the EPA to wipe climate change data from its website. Pruitt has become so adept at keeping the public in the dark that Investigative Reporters and Editors, a grassroots group dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting, has awarded him the Golden Padlock Award, which recognizes "the most secretive publicly funded agency or person in the United States." In awarding him with this dubious distinction, IRE writes, "Scott Pruitt was selected for this honor for steadfastly refusing to provide emails in the public interest and removing information from public websites about key environmental programs." Pruitt's penchant for secrecy in public office stretches back to his tenure as attorney general of Oklahoma. It was normal for him to ignore public records requests while using a private email account to conduct government business. A New York Times report revealed that what Pruitt was hiding in his government account was a "secretive alliance" with oil company Devon Energy, one of the largest oil and gas companies in Oklahoma. Lawyers from Devon even wrote letters to the EPA in Pruitt's name and the company subsequently donated thousands to Pruitt's campaign."
Felix Sater is cooperating with a money laundering investigation. That’s bad news for Trump.
https://thinkprogress.org/https-thinkprogress-org-felix-sater-news-bad-for-trump-99e4ebe9a1ad
"The Financial Times reported Thursday morning that Felix Sater, former business partner of President Donald Trump with deep ties to the Mafia and Russian government, is cooperating in an international investigation into an alleged money-laundering network. Sater has a history of channeling money from prominent families in the Eastern bloc into Trump properties. This could pose problems for Trump, given Sater’s history of outing former close associates in exchange for immunity."
"The Financial Times reported Thursday morning that Felix Sater, former business partner of President Donald Trump with deep ties to the Mafia and Russian government, is cooperating in an international investigation into an alleged money-laundering network. Sater has a history of channeling money from prominent families in the Eastern bloc into Trump properties. This could pose problems for Trump, given Sater’s history of outing former close associates in exchange for immunity."
Why Are 'Pro-Life' Republicans Pushing a Bill That Will Kill Tens of Thousands?
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/pro-life-republicans-are-pushing-bill-that-will-kill-thousands-w489867
"Here's a dark fact: Every single GOP senator who calls him or herself pro-life who votes for the Republican health care bill knowingly will be voting for legislation that will kill tens of thousands of Americans per year."
"Here's a dark fact: Every single GOP senator who calls him or herself pro-life who votes for the Republican health care bill knowingly will be voting for legislation that will kill tens of thousands of Americans per year."
Very Dangerous Times: The Media Is Under Attack by an Authoritarian White House @alternet
Very Dangerous Times: The Media Is Under Attack by an Authoritarian White House @alternet:
"And make no mistake, the Republican Congress is complicit in these attacks, which amount to an assault on democracy."
"And make no mistake, the Republican Congress is complicit in these attacks, which amount to an assault on democracy."
What Happened to America’s Wealth? The Rich Hid It.
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/06/28/what-happened-americas-wealth-rich-hid-it
"Government officials will tell us “there’s no money” to repair or properly maintain our tired infrastructure. Nor do we want to raise taxes, they say. But what if billions of dollars in tax revenue have gone missing? New research suggests that the super-rich are hiding their money at alarming rates. A study by economists Annette Alstadsaeter, Niels Johannesen, and Gabriel Zucman reports that households with wealth over $40 million evade 25 to 30 percent of personal income and wealth taxes. These stunning numbers have two troubling implications. First, we’re missing billions in taxes each year. That’s partly why our roads and transit systems are falling apart. Second, wealth inequality may be even worse than we thought. Economic surveys estimate that roughly 85 percent of income and wealth gains in the last decade have gone to the wealthiest one-tenth of the top 1 percent."
"Government officials will tell us “there’s no money” to repair or properly maintain our tired infrastructure. Nor do we want to raise taxes, they say. But what if billions of dollars in tax revenue have gone missing? New research suggests that the super-rich are hiding their money at alarming rates. A study by economists Annette Alstadsaeter, Niels Johannesen, and Gabriel Zucman reports that households with wealth over $40 million evade 25 to 30 percent of personal income and wealth taxes. These stunning numbers have two troubling implications. First, we’re missing billions in taxes each year. That’s partly why our roads and transit systems are falling apart. Second, wealth inequality may be even worse than we thought. Economic surveys estimate that roughly 85 percent of income and wealth gains in the last decade have gone to the wealthiest one-tenth of the top 1 percent."
EPA’s New Water Safety Official Is a Lobbyist With Deep Ties to the Dakota Access Pipeline
https://theintercept.com/2017/06/28/epas-new-water-safety-official-is-a-lobbyist-with-deep-ties-to-the-dakota-access-pipeline/
"The appointment signals a victory for industrial opponents of clean water regulations."
"The appointment signals a victory for industrial opponents of clean water regulations."
Guide to right-wing media myths and facts about the Senate health care bill
https://www.mediamatters.org/research/2017/06/28/guide-right-wing-media-myths-and-facts-about-senate-health-care-bill/217083
"Right-wing media figures are trying to curry favor for the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) by attacking the Affordable Care Act (ACA), pushing lies about the BCRA, disparaging the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) or distorting its analysis of the legislation, and muddying the truth about the health care system in general. Here is a guide to the myths right-wing media are employing to sell the Senate Republican health care bill."
"Right-wing media figures are trying to curry favor for the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) by attacking the Affordable Care Act (ACA), pushing lies about the BCRA, disparaging the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) or distorting its analysis of the legislation, and muddying the truth about the health care system in general. Here is a guide to the myths right-wing media are employing to sell the Senate Republican health care bill."
With Nation's Attention Elsewhere, Trump Quietly Intensifies War on Workers
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/06/28/nations-attention-elsewhere-trump-quietly-intensifies-war-workers
"President Donald Trump on Tuesday night announced the nomination of William Emanuel—a lawyer for a firm that represents large corporations—to fill a vacant seat on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Emanuel, as Reuters noted, is a member of the Federalist Society, an ultra-right-wing group of lawyers and donors that has been credited with producing the list of possible Supreme Court nominees the Trump administration flaunted during his presidential campaign. If Emanuel and Trump's other nominee—Washington attorney Marvin Kaplan—are confirmed by the Senate, Republicans will control the NLRB for the first time in nearly a decade. Since November, Republicans at the state level have been passing anti-union laws at a torrid pace, and leverage over federal employment rules will further enable them to dismantle what is left of organized labor."
"President Donald Trump on Tuesday night announced the nomination of William Emanuel—a lawyer for a firm that represents large corporations—to fill a vacant seat on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Emanuel, as Reuters noted, is a member of the Federalist Society, an ultra-right-wing group of lawyers and donors that has been credited with producing the list of possible Supreme Court nominees the Trump administration flaunted during his presidential campaign. If Emanuel and Trump's other nominee—Washington attorney Marvin Kaplan—are confirmed by the Senate, Republicans will control the NLRB for the first time in nearly a decade. Since November, Republicans at the state level have been passing anti-union laws at a torrid pace, and leverage over federal employment rules will further enable them to dismantle what is left of organized labor."
Media Boosts Trumpcare Promoter Without Asking Who’s Writing His Checks @alternet
Media Boosts Trumpcare Promoter Without Asking Who’s Writing His Checks @alternet:
"Avik Roy’s primary function is to be the Reasonable Conservative and lobby centrists and liberals in their own media spaces that their worries about smoke-filled backroom Republican health care plans are unwarranted. This is done with a mix of “aw, shucks” nuance trolling and warmed-over discredited claims that health care coverage does not, in fact, affect mortality. This isn’t a post about the substance of Avik Roy’s argument. Lots of other writers have written about his claims and sought to debunk them. This post is about whether the source of his funding and his sudden rise as the face of the otherwise faceless, secret GOP plan is worth an ounce of scrutiny. Given his enthusiastic and unqualified spin (even before anyone knew what was in the legislation), some, such as MSNBC’s Joy-Ann Reid, have understandably begun to question Roy's motives. Avik Roy and others involved with his generically named Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity have ties to far-right billionaires through the Manhattan Institute and other organizations. FREOPP itself is associated with the Koch-backed State Policy Network, but FREOPP’s website does not reveal any of its donors, nor does it share its tax number, as most nonprofits do. This could be because FREOPP is a new corporation (it was founded in May 2016), but neither the firm nor Roy responded to multiple questions via email and Twitter about who funds the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. Others are noticing the sudden importance of the heretofore obscure think tank. FREOPP is "a very official-sounding think tank that popped up in 2016 seemingly just to orchestrate a repeal of the Affordable Care Act," The New Republic's Cilo Chang wrote. The online address for Roy’s “think tank" is for a P.O. Box inside a UPS store in Austin. The physical address on record for the state of Texas for FREOPP is Roy’s personal home in Austin."
"Avik Roy’s primary function is to be the Reasonable Conservative and lobby centrists and liberals in their own media spaces that their worries about smoke-filled backroom Republican health care plans are unwarranted. This is done with a mix of “aw, shucks” nuance trolling and warmed-over discredited claims that health care coverage does not, in fact, affect mortality. This isn’t a post about the substance of Avik Roy’s argument. Lots of other writers have written about his claims and sought to debunk them. This post is about whether the source of his funding and his sudden rise as the face of the otherwise faceless, secret GOP plan is worth an ounce of scrutiny. Given his enthusiastic and unqualified spin (even before anyone knew what was in the legislation), some, such as MSNBC’s Joy-Ann Reid, have understandably begun to question Roy's motives. Avik Roy and others involved with his generically named Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity have ties to far-right billionaires through the Manhattan Institute and other organizations. FREOPP itself is associated with the Koch-backed State Policy Network, but FREOPP’s website does not reveal any of its donors, nor does it share its tax number, as most nonprofits do. This could be because FREOPP is a new corporation (it was founded in May 2016), but neither the firm nor Roy responded to multiple questions via email and Twitter about who funds the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. Others are noticing the sudden importance of the heretofore obscure think tank. FREOPP is "a very official-sounding think tank that popped up in 2016 seemingly just to orchestrate a repeal of the Affordable Care Act," The New Republic's Cilo Chang wrote. The online address for Roy’s “think tank" is for a P.O. Box inside a UPS store in Austin. The physical address on record for the state of Texas for FREOPP is Roy’s personal home in Austin."
Latest Republican Health Care Tactic: A Sneak Attack on People With Pre-Existing Conditions @alternet
Latest Republican Health Care Tactic: A Sneak Attack on People With Pre-Existing Conditions @alternet:
"It’s becoming clear that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plan to decimate the American health care system is to tinker around the edges of his bill until, as Charles Pierce of Esquire argued, “you get a CBO score you can plausibly use to con the country, the elite political press, and the mind of Susan Collins into thinking you’re ‘moderating’ the bill.” McConnell is counting on the fact that the press is easily bored and always eager to move onto the next new thing — often meaning whatever President Trump has just said on Twitter — and all he needs is a week of such distractions to pass this stinker under the cover of darkness. But don’t let the tinkering or assurances that the health care bill is somehow becoming more moderate fool you. Republicans still plan on passing a bill that will lay waste to the protections offered ordinary Americans in the Affordable Care Act, leaving people vulnerable to financial ruin or even death from illnesses or conditions that are covered under existing law. One of the ways Republicans plan to do this is to gut the part of the Affordable Care Act that guarantees coverage of what are deemed “essential health care benefits"."
"It’s becoming clear that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plan to decimate the American health care system is to tinker around the edges of his bill until, as Charles Pierce of Esquire argued, “you get a CBO score you can plausibly use to con the country, the elite political press, and the mind of Susan Collins into thinking you’re ‘moderating’ the bill.” McConnell is counting on the fact that the press is easily bored and always eager to move onto the next new thing — often meaning whatever President Trump has just said on Twitter — and all he needs is a week of such distractions to pass this stinker under the cover of darkness. But don’t let the tinkering or assurances that the health care bill is somehow becoming more moderate fool you. Republicans still plan on passing a bill that will lay waste to the protections offered ordinary Americans in the Affordable Care Act, leaving people vulnerable to financial ruin or even death from illnesses or conditions that are covered under existing law. One of the ways Republicans plan to do this is to gut the part of the Affordable Care Act that guarantees coverage of what are deemed “essential health care benefits"."
How the debate over pesticides unfolds in Donald Trump’s ‘swamp’
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/how-the-debate-over-pesticides-unfolds-donald-trumps-swamp
"The Trump administration’s top environmental official met privately with the chief executive of Dow Chemical shortly before reversing his agency’s push to ban a widely used pesticide after health studies showed it can harm children’s brains, according to records obtained by The Associated Press. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt’s schedule shows he met with Dow CEO Andrew Liveris on March 9 for about a half hour at a Houston hotel. About three weeks later, Pruitt ignored the findings of his own agency’s chemical safety experts to allow the use of Dow’s chlorpyrifos pesticide on food. The AP’s report added that EPA scientists concluded “ingesting even minuscule amounts of the chemical can interfere with the brain development of fetuses and infants.” A spokesperson for Pruitt’s agency said that when he spoke to Dow Chemical’s CEO, the two did not discuss the pending decision on the pesticide. The timing, apparently, is supposed to be seen as a coincidence. A separate AP report noted in April, “Dow Chemical chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris is a close adviser to President Donald Trump. The company wrote a $1 million check to help underwrite Trump’s inaugural festivities…. When Trump signed an executive order in February mandating the creation of task forces at federal agencies to roll back government regulations, Dow’s chief executive was at Trump’s side"."
"The Trump administration’s top environmental official met privately with the chief executive of Dow Chemical shortly before reversing his agency’s push to ban a widely used pesticide after health studies showed it can harm children’s brains, according to records obtained by The Associated Press. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt’s schedule shows he met with Dow CEO Andrew Liveris on March 9 for about a half hour at a Houston hotel. About three weeks later, Pruitt ignored the findings of his own agency’s chemical safety experts to allow the use of Dow’s chlorpyrifos pesticide on food. The AP’s report added that EPA scientists concluded “ingesting even minuscule amounts of the chemical can interfere with the brain development of fetuses and infants.” A spokesperson for Pruitt’s agency said that when he spoke to Dow Chemical’s CEO, the two did not discuss the pending decision on the pesticide. The timing, apparently, is supposed to be seen as a coincidence. A separate AP report noted in April, “Dow Chemical chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris is a close adviser to President Donald Trump. The company wrote a $1 million check to help underwrite Trump’s inaugural festivities…. When Trump signed an executive order in February mandating the creation of task forces at federal agencies to roll back government regulations, Dow’s chief executive was at Trump’s side"."
Three New Marijuana Myth-Busting Studies That the Mainstream Media Isn't Picking up On @alternet
Three New Marijuana Myth-Busting Studies That the Mainstream Media Isn't Picking up On @alternet:
"Allegations surrounding the supposed dangers of pot are frequently reported and repeated without criticism. But these new studies cast serious doubts on three of the more prominent marijuana myths."
"Allegations surrounding the supposed dangers of pot are frequently reported and repeated without criticism. But these new studies cast serious doubts on three of the more prominent marijuana myths."
READ: Manafort’s Foreign Agent Filing Details His Richly-Paid Work For Ukraine
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/read-paul-manafort-foreign-agent-registration-filing
"Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort’s lavishly-compensated work for a pro-Russian Ukrainian political party came into sharper focus when he retroactively filed with the U.S. Justice Department under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) late Tuesday."
"Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort’s lavishly-compensated work for a pro-Russian Ukrainian political party came into sharper focus when he retroactively filed with the U.S. Justice Department under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) late Tuesday."
Trump lawyer and Hannity regular Jay Sekulow regularly pushes false claims and conspiracies
https://www.mediamatters.org/research/2017/06/27/trump-lawyer-and-hannity-regular-jay-sekulow-regularly-pushes-false-claims-and-conspiracies/217013
"Jay Sekulow, a member of President Donald Trump’s legal team, is a regular Fox News guest, particularly on staunch Trump ally Sean Hannity’s TV and radio shows (which Sekulow has also sometimes guest-hosted). Fox and Hannity have repeatedly given Sekulow a platform to push misinformation; in fact, Sekulow made at least seven misleading or dubious allegations on Hannity’s shows between late May and June, some of which Hannity encouraged."
"Jay Sekulow, a member of President Donald Trump’s legal team, is a regular Fox News guest, particularly on staunch Trump ally Sean Hannity’s TV and radio shows (which Sekulow has also sometimes guest-hosted). Fox and Hannity have repeatedly given Sekulow a platform to push misinformation; in fact, Sekulow made at least seven misleading or dubious allegations on Hannity’s shows between late May and June, some of which Hannity encouraged."
All of Donald Trump’s Lies
http://billmoyers.com/story/donald-trumps-lies/
"The New York Times has printed every lie Donald Trump has told since taking office. The effort deserves the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service."
"The New York Times has printed every lie Donald Trump has told since taking office. The effort deserves the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service."
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