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Author: TriSec    Date: 11/22/2016 10:46:25

Good Morning.

We'll start today we're we've all been recently - in Washington, DC. Among the many names floated for a possible Trump cabinet place are two from Massachusetts. Mitt Romney is no prize, but compared to Giuliani or Bolton - I'll gladly take him as Secretary of State. While he'd have to push Trump's policy around the world, at least he would be civil and proper - and that does go a long way in negotiations, even if you're arguing about dog poo.

The other is our erstwhile Senator Scott Brown, possibly as the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs. Surprisingly enough - we at AAV would not have a problem with this. While you know my feelings towards him as a Senator, I constantly harangued his office during his tenure about Veteran's issues. I never once felt that these concerns went unlistened to - and I received some positive responses from his office staff during those days. Mr. Brown is a veteran himself, although as a peacetime warrior he never fired a shot in anger. Nevertheless - he's not the worst choice.


But before we even get to what the new might do, there's still the atrocities of the past that need to be addressed. You probably heard that Russia and now the Philippines have pulled out of the International Criminal Court, and many South African nations are also thinking about doing so - all allegedly over unfair treatment.

Well...the USA remains, and the ICC isn't shy about their latest allegations from a decade and a half ago in Afghanistan. Think about this - WWII ended 71 years ago. There are still active Nazi-hunters at work every day trying to track down perpetrators of war crimes. So why should we be any different?


The former administration of president George W. Bush authorized the use of so-called enhanced interrogation techniques --including waterboarding -- after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Their use was abolished by President Barack Obama when he took over the White House in January 2009.

But the ICC could be set for a collision course with president-elect Donald Trump, who has said he is in favor of such harsh interrogation techniques and may re-authorize their use.

War crimes allegedly carried out by US forces were "not the abuses of a few isolated individuals," Bensouda insisted in her annual report to the 124 states that belong to the ICC.

Rather it appeared "these alleged crimes were committed" as part of "a policy or policies aimed at eliciting information through the use of interrogation techniques involving cruel or violent methods".

The aim was to "support US objectives in the conflict in Afghanistan".

Detailing her office's initial findings, Bensouda said "at least 61 detainees" were subjected to "torture (and) cruel treatment" by US armed forces in Afghanistan between May 1, 2003 and December 31, 2014.

"Members of the CIA" also appeared "to have subjected at least 27 detained persons to torture, cruel treatment... and/or rape on the territory of Afghanistan" as well as in secret detention centres in Poland, Romania and Lithuania between December 2002 and March 2008.


Unfortunately though, the United States has never actually ratified the ICC treaty, so there's nothing stopping us from leaving the court, either. Only time will tell.


But the United States has not ratified the court's founding Rome Statute, and it is unlikely Washington would cooperate in any investigation which would expose US forces for the first time to the glare of an ICC probe.

And while the US has been leading calls for those behind atrocities in the Syrian conflict to be brought to justice in The Hague, there is little chance of any US soldiers ending up in the dock here.


But alas, it's back to politics for our last story. Perhaps you heard about a Gold Star family that was disrespected on a recent flight aboard a commercial airliner? A flight was held up so the soldier's remains could be transferred from plane to plane. Some folks booed the family on board the plane because of the delay. I wonder, perhaps, if the President-Elect publicly insulting a Gold Star family might have inspired others to do so? At the very least, because the President-Elect does it, it's now OK for everyone else to do the same?


STOCKTON, Calif. -- The father of a California soldier recently killed in Afghanistan says he felt disrespected and hurt by passengers who booed him and his family when they were on a flight to meet his son's remains.

Stewart Perry, his wife and daughter were on an American Airlines flight Monday from Sacramento to Philadelphia with a transfer in Phoenix to receive the remains of his son, Sgt. John Perry, of Stockton, when the flight was delayed, the Stockton Record reported Saturday.

Perry, an ex-Marine who lives in Stockton, said the flight to Phoenix was 45 minutes late and the crew, fearing the Gold Star family could miss their connecting flight, made an announcement for passengers to remain seated to let a "special military family" deplane first.

Perry said several passengers in first class booed, complaining that it was "baloney" and that they paid first-class fares. He said he doesn't know if the passengers from Sacramento knew there was a Gold Star family on board or whether people sitting in the coach section complained.

"It was just disgusting behavior from people in first class; it was terrible to see," Perry said.

Perry, 30, and another U.S. Army soldier died of injuries inflicted by an improvised explosive device Nov. 12 inside Bagram Airfield.

The husband and father of two young children died a hero, his father said.

"He made a decision that saved a lot of people," he said. "I was told that he was found protecting a female soldier. . He didn't get to live a full life, but he lived."


One wonders, how much further away from the United States will we be by January 20?
 

32 comments (Latest Comment: 11/22/2016 22:16:07 by livingonli)
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Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/22/2016 13:45:12
Good morning, bloggers!!

TriSec, I fear that we have entered a new era. It seems that for the incoming administration, torture is acceptable. So is attacking anyone with whom you disagree.

The lack of respect for the Gold Star family is quite troubling. I am seeing too many Americans developing a sense of entitlement, viewing themselves as more privileged than their peers. This is not healthy for a democratic republic.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/22/2016 13:54:14
The Rev. Dr. Wiliiam J. Barber III, a leader of the Moral Mondays movement, offers a historical perspective on the rise of Donald Trump and the need for a Third Reconstruction in America.

Comment by Scoopster on 11/22/2016 14:02:36
Mornin' all..

So I've heard more than one report so far this morning about the TPP. It seems the other nations participating in the pact to go ahead with out the US.

They will still have full access to our market, since we don't really have major trade barriers now anyways. But since we're not participating, they will still be able to restrict our access to their markets.

But hey, let's keep working to bring those factories back, even if we can't sell the shit they make!

Comment by wickedpam on 11/22/2016 14:05:09
Morning

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 14:33:50
GOOD MORNING DAMMIT!





I figured I would get my yelling done first thing today....

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 14:37:11
This article is just stunning -- what the hell did they expect from Mango Mooselini?!?!
The over-all impression of the meeting from the attendees I spoke with was that Trump showed no signs of having been sobered or changed by his elevation to the country’s highest office. Rather, said one, “He is the same kind of blustering, bluffing blowhard as he was during the campaign.”

Another participant at the meeting said that Trump’s behavior was “totally inappropriate” and “fucking outrageous.” The television people thought that they were being summoned to ask questions; Trump has not held a press conference since late July. Instead, they were subjected to a stream of insults and complaints—and not everyone absorbed it with pleasure.

“I have to tell you, I am emotionally fucking pissed,” another participant said. “How can this not influence coverage? I am being totally honest with you. Toward the end of the campaign, it got to a point where I thought that the coverage was all about [Trump’s] flaws and problems. And that’s legit. But, I thought, O.K., let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. After the meeting today, though—and I am being human with you here—I think, Fuck him! I know I am being emotional about it. And I know I will get over it in a couple of days after Thanksgiving. But I really am offended. This was unprecedented. Outrageous!”



Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 14:38:41



Manafort is back.

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 14:47:56
Quote by Raine:
This article is just stunning -- what the hell did they expect from Mango Mooselini?!?!
The over-all impression of the meeting from the attendees I spoke with was that Trump showed no signs of having been sobered or changed by his elevation to the country’s highest office. Rather, said one, “He is the same kind of blustering, bluffing blowhard as he was during the campaign.”

Another participant at the meeting said that Trump’s behavior was “totally inappropriate” and “fucking outrageous.” The television people thought that they were being summoned to ask questions; Trump has not held a press conference since late July. Instead, they were subjected to a stream of insults and complaints—and not everyone absorbed it with pleasure.

“I have to tell you, I am emotionally fucking pissed,” another participant said. “How can this not influence coverage? I am being totally honest with you. Toward the end of the campaign, it got to a point where I thought that the coverage was all about [Trump’s] flaws and problems. And that’s legit. But, I thought, O.K., let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. After the meeting today, though—and I am being human with you here—I think, Fuck him! I know I am being emotional about it. And I know I will get over it in a couple of days after Thanksgiving. But I really am offended. This was unprecedented. Outrageous!”




In the presence of television executives and anchors, Trump whined about everything from NBC News reporter Katy Tur’s coverage of him to a photograph the news network has used that shows him with a double chin. Why didn’t they use “nicer” pictures?


Comment by Scoopster on 11/22/2016 14:55:40
Errr.. okay?




Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 15:02:13
Quote by Scoopster:
Errr.. okay?



This is alll so phugged up.

Comment by wickedpam on 11/22/2016 15:05:15
Quote by Raine:
This article is just stunning -- what the hell did they expect from Mango Mooselini?!?!
The over-all impression of the meeting from the attendees I spoke with was that Trump showed no signs of having been sobered or changed by his elevation to the country’s highest office. Rather, said one, “He is the same kind of blustering, bluffing blowhard as he was during the campaign.”

Another participant at the meeting said that Trump’s behavior was “totally inappropriate” and “fucking outrageous.” The television people thought that they were being summoned to ask questions; Trump has not held a press conference since late July. Instead, they were subjected to a stream of insults and complaints—and not everyone absorbed it with pleasure.

“I have to tell you, I am emotionally fucking pissed,” another participant said. “How can this not influence coverage? I am being totally honest with you. Toward the end of the campaign, it got to a point where I thought that the coverage was all about [Trump’s] flaws and problems. And that’s legit. But, I thought, O.K., let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. After the meeting today, though—and I am being human with you here—I think, Fuck him! I know I am being emotional about it. And I know I will get over it in a couple of days after Thanksgiving. But I really am offended. This was unprecedented. Outrageous!”



The thing that popped into my mind was that he thinks they work for him, he expects them to kowtow to his word.

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 15:27:40



Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 15:28:19
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
This article is just stunning -- what the hell did they expect from Mango Mooselini?!?!
The over-all impression of the meeting from the attendees I spoke with was that Trump showed no signs of having been sobered or changed by his elevation to the country’s highest office. Rather, said one, “He is the same kind of blustering, bluffing blowhard as he was during the campaign.”

Another participant at the meeting said that Trump’s behavior was “totally inappropriate” and “fucking outrageous.” The television people thought that they were being summoned to ask questions; Trump has not held a press conference since late July. Instead, they were subjected to a stream of insults and complaints—and not everyone absorbed it with pleasure.

“I have to tell you, I am emotionally fucking pissed,” another participant said. “How can this not influence coverage? I am being totally honest with you. Toward the end of the campaign, it got to a point where I thought that the coverage was all about [Trump’s] flaws and problems. And that’s legit. But, I thought, O.K., let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. After the meeting today, though—and I am being human with you here—I think, Fuck him! I know I am being emotional about it. And I know I will get over it in a couple of days after Thanksgiving. But I really am offended. This was unprecedented. Outrageous!”



The thing that popped into my mind was that he thinks they work for him, he expects them to kowtow to his word.
Sociopathological is the word that pops in my minds.


Comment by trojanrabbit on 11/22/2016 15:33:21
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
This article is just stunning -- what the hell did they expect from Mango Mooselini?!?!
The over-all impression of the meeting from the attendees I spoke with was that Trump showed no signs of having been sobered or changed by his elevation to the country’s highest office. Rather, said one, “He is the same kind of blustering, bluffing blowhard as he was during the campaign.”

Another participant at the meeting said that Trump’s behavior was “totally inappropriate” and “fucking outrageous.” The television people thought that they were being summoned to ask questions; Trump has not held a press conference since late July. Instead, they were subjected to a stream of insults and complaints—and not everyone absorbed it with pleasure.

“I have to tell you, I am emotionally fucking pissed,” another participant said. “How can this not influence coverage? I am being totally honest with you. Toward the end of the campaign, it got to a point where I thought that the coverage was all about [Trump’s] flaws and problems. And that’s legit. But, I thought, O.K., let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. After the meeting today, though—and I am being human with you here—I think, Fuck him! I know I am being emotional about it. And I know I will get over it in a couple of days after Thanksgiving. But I really am offended. This was unprecedented. Outrageous!”



The thing that popped into my mind was that he thinks they work for him, he expects them to kowtow to his word.
Sociopathological is the word that pops in my minds.

At this point I have NO SYMPATHY for the press, whatsoever. They created this asshole, maybe getting a few three letter organizations turned against them will make them think.

Comment by Mondobubba on 11/22/2016 15:35:39
Hello from the land of free-floating anxiety and spike in depression.

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 15:43:18
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hello from the land of free-floating anxiety and spike in depression.

Oh Mondo -- I was worried about you yesterday.




Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 15:49:58
REALLY?!?! A press release?

Obama had to give an entire speech with Jerimiah Wright!

Comment by Scoopster on 11/22/2016 15:54:33
Quote by Raine:
REALLY?!?! A press release?

Obama had to give an entire speech with Jerimiah Wright!

What a fucking joke. No one is saying anything about denouncing racism.

The problem is refusing to denounce white nationalism in his name, and stocking the cabinet and WH staff with people from that movement, who will push such policies.

To think or claim otherwise is a complete misrepresentation of REALITY.

Comment by Mondobubba on 11/22/2016 15:58:56
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hello from the land of free-floating anxiety and spike in depression.

Oh Mondo -- I was worried about you yesterday.




I just couldn't even yesterday. I didn't get out of bed until noon. Then I took a long-ass nap a couple of hours later. I am going to be calling EAP line sometime today.

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 16:08:05
New piece up from Farenthold.

and I swear to god, he just gets away with it.

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 16:09:05
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hello from the land of free-floating anxiety and spike in depression.

Oh Mondo -- I was worried about you yesterday.




I just couldn't even yesterday. I didn't get out of bed until noon. Then I took a long-ass nap a couple of hours later. I am going to be calling EAP line sometime today.
That sounds smart, Friend.




Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 18:08:19
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/22/2016 18:47:10
I hope that the press resists the pressure to become mere stenographers, despite the fact that several major media corporations have merger deals to be approved by the incoming Trump administration.

I think that we will be in for a very rough ride to 2020/

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 18:49:09
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I hope that the press resists the pressure to become mere stenographers, despite the fact that several major media corporations have merger deals to be approved by the incoming Trump administration.

I think that we will be in for a very rough ride to 2020/

Let's focus on 2018.

Seriously, we gotta GOTV in 2018.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/22/2016 19:07:19
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I hope that the press resists the pressure to become mere stenographers, despite the fact that several major media corporations have merger deals to be approved by the incoming Trump administration.

I think that we will be in for a very rough ride to 2020/

Let's focus on 2018.

Seriously, we gotta GOTV in 2018.



Yes, we need to start getting good people ready to run for Congress, state legislatures, county boards, city councils, as well as mayoral and gubernatorial offices. To use a baseball analogy, we need to get our farm teams ready even as we work on the major league offices.

Also, I worry that by 2018, we may see war and recession.

Comment by Scoopster on 11/22/2016 20:26:21
This shit going on in North Carolina is mindboggling. How the FUCK does the State Legislature have the power to just nullify an election?!

Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 20:34:47
I am just gonna put this here. From 1982 on CNN:



Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 20:35:04
Quote by Scoopster:
This shit going on in North Carolina is mindboggling. How the FUCK does the State Legislature have the power to just nullify an election?!

Wait, wut?


Comment by Scoopster on 11/22/2016 20:51:52
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Scoopster:
This shit going on in North Carolina is mindboggling. How the FUCK does the State Legislature have the power to just nullify an election?!

Wait, wut?

There's supposedly a state law that says if the election results are too close and overly contested without resolution, the state legislature can suspend the certification and simply declare one candidate the winner.

Comment by Scoopster on 11/22/2016 20:57:23
Comment by Raine on 11/22/2016 21:46:58

I hate the 10th sometimes.

Comment by livingonli on 11/22/2016 22:16:07
Quote by Raine:

I hate the 10th sometimes.

As Mike Malloy has always said: Have I mentioned tonight how much I hate these people?

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