Crime Connections Expand In Latest Episode of 'As Trump Turns'

Good Day World!

Opening Scene: As Trump Turns

The investigation on Russia's interference in America's 2016 election takes another twist...

Backround:

Trump claims Paul Manafort had little influence on him during his three months as his campaign manager last year. Basically Trump has acted like he barely knows Manafort.

Update:

Guess what? We now know that Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law) and Manafort go back a long way. Their connection? 

What else but real estate?

As the Russian inference committees progress, Manafort will called upon to testify. Meanwhile he's been investigated by the New York attorney general and Manhattan's district attorney over real estate dealings.

Think about that...real estate dealings. Manafort. Kushner. Trump.

Kushner is going to have to testify before one or more committees about his Russian connections - beyond Manafort - like a certain Russian banker who has a direct line to Putin.

And speaking of direct lines: investigators would like to know more about Kushner's attempt to set up a "back channel" between Russia and Trump before he took office.

In addition:

Real estate runs through the Manafort-Trump relationship. In 2006, a limited liability company linked to the Manaforts purchased a unit in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. 

Stay tuned for the next installment of "As Trump Turns."

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Stonewall Trump Fears Transparency, Cuts Back On Press Briefings

Good Day World!

Well folks, looks like Trump and staff are circling the wagons to prevent information from getting out of the White House again.

This is getting kinda old.

(Photo: White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer avoiding the press)

Live White House Press briefings may soon become a thing of the past. Donny's promised wall turns out to be a stone wall to keep the media as uninformed as possible.

It's war. Donny and Bad Boy Bannon have called the American press "the opposition," opting instead for alt-right news sources like Breitbart and InfoWars.

Press secretary Sean Spicer conducted an off-camera briefing with reporters on Monday in which the press was told it could not film or broadcast audio of the proceedings.

Say what?

Apparently, the White House is hoping the press briefings don't come across as badly when in print. That's some pretty creative thinking...and really stupid.

The last live press briefing was the Monday before when Sean Spicer couldn't seem to answer any questions.

After the latest dog and pony show CNN White House reporter Jim Acosta grumbled, "The White House press secretary is getting to the point where he's just kind of useless."

Indeed. Spicer and deputy press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have given pretty fair performances on the art of the dodge with the use of alternate realities, and outright lies.

The word now is that if Trump speaks anywhere publicly there's not going to be a White House press briefing. Period. The rationale? He only needs one voice every day. 

Okay. I translate that to mean they don't want Spicy to say one thing, and Donny another, in the same day. Another sign of the great communication going on behind closed doors.

The result. The White House has no credibility. Not a shred. They're not fooling anyone. It's really bad optics for Donny's new reality show. 

It's also par for the course for a president who would rather be golfing.

Hollywood is smiling.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Lock him Up! Pence and His Private Email Account being investigated by Multiply Agencies

Good Day World!

The vice president of the United States is a dangerous hypocrite.

If you recall, his role in last year's election was to trumpet whatever Trump said. No original thoughts. Just a good - loyal - suck ass.

What's happening now:

Indiana is paying a law firm $100,000 to help deal with a backlog of public records requests, most of which seek access to emails from Vice-President Mike Pence’s tenure as governor, including correspondence routed through a private AOL.com account he used to conduct state business.

Pence’s AOL account was subjected to a phishing scheme last spring, before Donald Trump chose him to join the Republican presidential ticket in a campaign marked by fierce attacks on the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, for her use of a private email server while serving as secretary of state.

So now we know Pence's private emails could have jeopardized national security - the very thing he accused Clinton of doing.

Lock him up, I say! Lock him up!

Pence has touted himself as a champion of a free press and the first amendment, though he repeatedly stonewalled public records requests as governor, often withholding documents or delaying their release if not denying them outright. 

Earlier this year, his lawyers argued unsuccessfully in a lawsuit that Indiana courts had no authority to force him to comply with public records law.

He lost. This investigation proves that.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

All in the Family: Eric Trump's Foundation Under Investigation For Funneling Money To Dad's Foundation

"The program you are about to see is All in the Family. It seeks to throw a humorous spotlight on our frailties, prejudices, and concerns. By making them a source of laughter, we hope to show—in a mature fashion—just how absurd they are.’’ - disclaimer that CBS ran prior to the very first episode of All in the Family. 

                                     Good Day World!

Nothing like keeping corruption within the family.

Trump's mob buddies and the Russians must be so proud. Our story today is the 21st Century version of the iconic TV show, "All In The Family."

In This episode:

The New York attorney general is looking into the Eric Trump Foundation after reports emerged that the foundation may have funneled money to the Donald J. Trump Foundation.

Eric Schneiderman's office, which had previously been investigating the Donald J. Trump Foundation, is now looking into the Eric Trump Foundation for potential violation of state laws, a spokesman told Forbes.

It was reported earlier this week that President Trump’s charity foundation funneled $100,000 in donations meant for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital into revenue for the Trump Organization by using his son’s charity.

Additionally, more than $500,000 over 10 years was then re-donated to other charities, including charities connected to members of the Trump family. 

At least four of those charities also held charity golf tournaments at Trump golf courses, according to the report.

Eric tried to dissolve his charitable organization last December, but Schneiderman stopped that attempt, saying it was under criminal investigation and it's status remains with him in charge.

Then there's Ivanka's Chinese sweatshop's that make her crap, and the violations of basic human rights in those factories. Just following Daddy's footsteps abroad. 

I'm not even going to go into Kushner's crimes. As Donny's son-in-law, he's been elevated to a position in government where he can exploit his and Trump's brand with impudence.

How does this American crime family get away with so much corruption? 

It's actually because of a toxic brew of circumstances.

Millions of dollars, crime connections, connections with Russia, connections in the media world, and a small fearful following willing to let Donny get away with murder have brought us to this place.

The story isn't over yet, however. This investigation on Eric is only one of many being looked into against members of the Trump family.

Stay tuned for the latest "All In The Trump Family" when Trump gets tried for obstruction of justice.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Compromise Is Not A Dirty Word, Regardless of What Some Politicians Think

"All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter."
- Edmund Burke

                                      Good Day World!

I'm here today to say, it's wise to compromise.

I don't care what some Republicans say, it's the path to getting fair legislation passed for all Americans, rich and poor. 

Because the Republicans dominate Congress and the White House, there's been no forum for compromise. They're changing the rules to suit their agenda. The nomination process has uncovered that fact.

Consider this recent poll taken by The Hill: 

"In a survey we conducted, 69 percent of those who voted for Republicans for Congress admired “political leaders who stick to their positions” over those “who make compromises.” Just 31 percent preferred leaders willing to make compromises.

Voters who supported Democrats presented nearly a mirror image. Sixty-seven percent admired leaders who make compromises, while just 33 percent were inclined toward those who stick to their positions."

Republicans’ inability to work with Democrats, or even each other, to achieve the possible is evident across their flagging agenda.

Tax and budget bills that don’t yet exist are on life support because GOP lawmakers can’t agree with each other on the basics.

The difference between a totalitarian state and a democracy is compromise. For the good of the country, I hope Congress will get the message.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Who Will Take The First Step To Promote Unity For All Americans?

                                   Good Day World!

It wasn't an ISIS inspired terrorist who shot Rep. Steve Scalise while he was practicing for an upcoming annual Congressional baseball game between the two parties Wednesday.

It was one lone deranged man. A white man. A man who hated Trump, and the Republican party with a sick passion.

The shooter, James Hodgkinson, of Belleville, Illinois had a long public record of crimes, including domestic abuse.

Using an assault rifle, Hodgkinson shot seven people before being shot - and killed - himself. 

The aftermath. 

* Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) said members of Congress should cut down the number of town halls they host due to security concerns.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been receiving various threats in the wake of the shooting.

The office of Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), for example, reported receiving a message saying, “One down, 216 to go.”  

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.) said several Democratic House lawmakers were at the receiving end of threatening phone calls saying, "You guys are next.”

In a highly unusual bi-partisan emergency meeting in Congress, all members called for unity. Both sides saw the shooting for what it was:

A reflection of the deadly polarization that is tearing America in half.

A possible catalyst for more crazies that want to kill lawmakers.

A possible Civil War.

All the talk about banning Muslims from six countries to make us safe is missing the mark. The real problem is homegrown. Police and lawmakers across the nation have been saying this for years.

Politics have turned so toxic we have people like Hodgkinson who blindly hated Republicans to the point he was ready to kill some. The same is true for Democrats.

There is no way to stop a determined lone gunman from killing people. No matter how many laws are passed. So what's the answer?

It seems to me that we need a national dialogue about respecting people's opinions, and the art of compromise. Perhaps the two parties can fund efforts to bring all Americans together.

Numerous events could be planned to pursue a mission of peace among Americans. Rallies could be held showing unity. 

Parades and picnics dedicated to bringing Americans of all nationalities together are another avenue for a proactive campaign to reverse the hate that has taken hold.

We just need someone to take the first step.

Time for me to walk on down the road... 

Memo To Trump: Build a Cyber Firewall - Not a Wall Between Two Countries

Good Day World!

Question of the day: why doesn't America have an "election firewall?"  

Germany is building a cyber firewall - it's currently up and running - to protect their voting system from being compromised by hackers.

I applaud Germany's urgency, and for being so proactive about the problem.

You'd think it would be our number one priority to protect our democracy and electoral process going forward after what happened last year. Apparently it's not. 

We've had plenty of warnings from cyber experts to protect ourselves quickly.

Ex-FBI director, James Comey, identified the Russian threat in a public hearing, but never got a chance to be part of a cyber team devoted to protecting our elections.

Trump fired him because of that "Russian thing."

The fact is, security department heads have been calling for a concerted effort at combating cyber hacking since Day One of Trump's presidency.

It comes as no surprise then when you hear Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, telling members of the Senate Intelligence Committee that Trump never spoke to him about Russia's interference in the elections.

We all know Trump wants the whole "Russian thing" to go away. So don't expect him to initiate anything that ties into Russian influence among his campaign staff.

It's up to Congress to do something immediately. It's up to 17 intelligence agencies to come together and to propose something.

Donny...build that cyber wall, or step down and let someone else do it!

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Dictators and Kings: Trump Aspires To Incorporate The Two

                 King Trump's rapture as his Cabinet members praise him                                              
                                     Good Day World!

It was a surreal moment on live TV (Fox of course).

Trump channeling his best North Korean dictator during his first full Cabinet meeting Monday.

Each cabinet member was summoned upon to heap praise upon the Strong Man. Like Kim Jong-un, who only surrounds himself with adoring minions, Trump called upon his gutless cronies to compliment him.

Frankly I was surprised none of them dropped to their knees to pledge their eternal loyalty. That probably happened off camera while they were kissing Trump's gold ring inscribed with the motto "There's a Sucker Born Every Minute."

If you have the stomach to listen to these kiss-asses here's the video showing them shredding whatever dignity they may have once had.

I wonder of the knights of the fabled King Arthur's Round Table summarily debased themselves while pledging allegiance to their lord?

My guess is they did. 

There's a real difference however, between Trump's men, and the knights. King Arthur's brave lads were out and about in the country doing good deeds.

Trump's crew is out and about destroying our country. They're turning back environmental laws to help Big Oil and associated corporations get richer.

Trump himself has tried to flout the laws of the land, but the judiciary system has stymied him thus far. His illegal Muslim Ban has been repeatedly repealed.

If you watched that vomit-worthy video, did you take note of the rapt expression on King Trump's face? I'd say it was almost...regal.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

How Exciting! It's Jeffy's Big Day Today

                                        Good Day World!

Attorney General, Jeff "the Elf" Sessions, is sweating a lot these days.

No wonder. He's been on the run ever since Comey brought his name up as part of the Russian investigation last week.

Today he's appearing before The Senate Intelligence Committee to testify about his involvement in the firing of James Comey...and more.

At the last minute Jeffy agreed to let it be a public hearing after pressure from the Democrats. 

Running and hiding. Jeffy was scheduled to publicly testify before the House Appropriations Committee (the one he sits on) twice, but cancelled both times.

The reason was obvious. 

Senator Patrick Leahy has it out for Jeffy tweeting, "Atty Gen Sessions provided false testimony in response to questions from me."

I loved Leahy's warning to Jeffy, "You can run, but you can't hide."

We'll find out today about that.

Jeffy is now on borrowed time. One way, or the other, he's going to lose his job, as investigators uncover his complicity in this whole Russian mess.

He may lose it before the investigation goes too far. Daddy Trump has been mad at him - especially lately. He's seeing Jeffy as a liability, and when that happens it doesn't matter if you were the first senator to endorse the Donald - you're fired!

Wouldn't it be interesting if Jeffy made a deal with the Justice Department where he could deflect any liability (such as treason) towards himself by ratting Trump out?

I'd pay bigly for a seat to that hearing...

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Donny Won't Visit England If People Aren't Nice To Him

Good Day World!

Donny Little-Hands isn't going to visit Britain until everyone there promises to be nice to him.

Trump recently contacted Britain's Theresa May by phone and said that he won't come to visit if there were going to be large-scale protests.

That thin-skinned condition effectively put the visit on hold forever.

Millions of Britain's can sleep good now, knowing that the Mango Mussolini won't be sitting in a carriage with the Queen. 

Earlier this year, the Brits put together an online petition requesting the government not let Chump visit.

It was signed by millions, which kind of put the government in an awkward position.

May had already offered an invitation to visit.

But it looks like little Donny won't be coming by anytime soon since the majority of Brits hate him and will make it a field day if he dares to show up.

I can almost understand Stump's position. 

He's fully aware the Brit's hate him, and the government can't stop protests, unlike when he was in Saudi Arabia where protesters lose their heads and are rarer than the fabled Dodo bird.

I can see this becoming a trend. Rump won't be able to visit countries like France and Germany (where he's deeply unpopular) because there will be mass protests.

It'll get to the point that the only countries Rump can visit
will be totalitarian ones with a strong grip on their people. It's enough to bust a narcissists chops.

Lump the Showman isn't enjoying his real life worldwide audience. There's a difference between fans of his TV show, and the entire rest of the world.

White House apologizers like Sean Spicer and KellyAnne Conway spend a lot of time lamenting how unpopular their boss is and how unfair the media is to him.

I'm pretty sure there's a good reason why. The man is senile, a racist, a liar, and also quite nuts!

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Hate Group Sponsored Anti-Muslim Rallies Nationwide And Was Met With Counter-Protesters

                                     Good Day World!

Hate was on the march again.

Yesterday anti-Muslim rallies swept across nearly 30 cities across America. Far-right activists held so-called "anti-Sharia" rallies organized by Act For America.

The group claims to be protesting human rights violations but has been deemed an anti-Muslim hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Each rally was met with large crowds of counter-protesters. Mosques across the country were on high alert. This all comes at a time when hate crimes against Muslims are on the rise.

At least some elected officials condemned the rallies, which they argued promoted fear and hatred under the guise of free speech.

Concerns within the Muslim American community have risen since the election of Donald Trump, whose campaign routinely drew upon Islamophobic comments. 

Trump pledged to ban Muslims from entering the US, falsely claimed Muslims celebrated on the roofs of New Jersey on 9/11 and suggested Barack Obama sympathized with extremists.

Those pledges are what stopped Trump's attempted Muslim Ban twice in Federal courts. Now it's going to the Supreme Court.

The fact that hate groups of all stripes have slithered out from beneath their rocks since Trump's election hasn't been lost on most Americans.

Resistance against hate rallies has been strong and is increasingly becoming more organized. 

Resistance against Trump's policies spurned nationwide counter-protests that will continue until Trump is either impeached or leaves office after his first (and only) term.

Time for me to walk on down the road...