Two quotes are all you need to know about this infamous memo

A long advertised memo reportedly authored by Representative Devin Nunes has been released from the Republican led House Intelligence Commiittee to the cry of foul by the minority party. The memo was edited after the meeting to approve it without going back for review, which is unethical and in violation of parliamentary procedure. Yet, the claim by the FBI and Democrats on the committee say it left out a lot of facts, while still confirming surveillance had been started off an earlier event which throws water on the larger claim.

But, there are two interesting quotes which tell you all you need to know about the issue.

Per The Hill, “Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) on Friday admitted that did not personally review the applications for surveillance warrants that provide the basis of the classified memo released earlier in the day.

Nunes said he relied on the review of committee member Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.).

‘No, I didn’t,’ Nunes told Fox News’ Brett Baier, when asked if he saw the applications.”

In essence, Nunes wrote a paper off a cliff notes without reading the novel. How does he know what he left out if he did not read the document on which the memo is based?

In contrast, here are words Republican Senator John McCain on the Nunes memo.

“The latest attacks on the FBI and Department of Justice serve no American interests – no party’s, no president’s, only Putin’s. The American people deserve to know all of the facts surrounding Russia’s ongoing efforts to subvert our democracy, which is why Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation must proceed unimpeded. Our nation’s elected officials, including the president, must stop looking at this investigation through the warped lens of politics and manufacturing partisan sideshows. If we continue to undermine our own rule of law, we are doing Putin’s job for him.”

We must heed the words of this man of integrity and let another one, Robert Mueller do his job. If the President is as innocent as he says he is, he should welcome that.

This tells you all you need to know about the veracity of the memo’s author. Conservative pundit David Brooks said Friday on PBS Newshour that the normal way to register concerns would be for the committee to invite the FBI in to ask them questions. I have said before, anytime a legislative body deviates from a normal process, take it to the bank, it is political.

Mr. President, listen to the Department of Defense and CIA

One of the hardest jobs of any employee is managing up when they have a boss who is not very good at his or her role. Business is littered with stories of high performing individuals who fail miserably as managers. The President is not an exception as he has always been a better salesperson than manager as reported by financial reporters and biographers.

The folks working beneath him are doing their darnedest to keep him between the white lines and on message. Too often, he derails an effort by tweeting or being less than truthful or aware of the issues. Yet, there are two consistent messages that are being ignored by the boss from two important groups, which are making us less safe and secure.

First, the Department of Defense reiterated its recurring message that climate change is a key threat to national security due to destabilization and impact on readiness. As reported in Reuters yesterday, the DoD said 1,700 of its bases (about half) are threatened by wild weather patterns due to climate change. Per Reuters, “‘Changes in climate can potentially shape the environment in which we operate and the missions we are required to do,’ said the DoD in a report accompanying the survey.”

Yet, what is the President doing about? He is pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Change Accord, he has promoted more fossil fuel through words and actions, he has naysayed the climate science and his EPA director has removed climate change intellectual capital from the websites while firing, driving out or repositioning climate scientists.

Second, Mike Pompeo, the CIA director, said on Sunday, not only is there no question the Russians influenced our recent election, but he is certain they will do it again this fall. Yet, what is the President doing about it?

Although our Congress overwhelmingly voted on sanctions on Russia over the summer, the President said this week he would not impose those sanctions saying the threat is enough. And, in response to a request by Congress on the people who might be sanctioned, a cut and paste list was provided by the Treasury department. The term for this is called “phoning it in.” This on top of the President denying the intelligence, lying about his involvement, changing his stories multiple times and trying to undermine the efforts of the FBI and Special Prosecutor. All while the Russians continue their efforts.

These are threats to our national security and democracy, but we are failing to act. I am not alone in this view, but the Russians      have attacked our country though social media and cyber warfare and our Nero fiddles. His own DoD says climate change is a threat, but Nero’s response is to enable the threat, not circumvent it.

So, as the President fails to act, what are we going to do about it?

 

 

Fantasy Headlines in 2018 (or are they?)

The following are fantasy predictions of headlines based on opinions formulated over the last few years and months from actual news stories. Will some of them come true? Who knows, but I tried to come up with a plausible forecast, recognizing I took many liberties to tell a story.

Rex Tilllerson tenders his resignation; Trump names CIA Director Mike Pompeo new State head

Damaging videotapes from “The Apprentice” are released – Blacks, Jews outraged as Trump denies authenticity, threatens lawsuit of producer

Congress, Governors condemn Trump’s racist language in Apprentice tapes

More women come forward to accuse President of sexual assault after release of tapes; Trump says all are lying

Several female GOP Senators and Congress members add their voice asking for an ethics investigation of the President

Trump attacks Collins, Murkowski, Ernst for daring to condemn him

McCain, Corker, Flake and Graham call for  ethics investigation joining growing a number of female legislators

Huckabee-Sanders tenders resignation after being unable to defend President – Sources say she was fired

Congress yields to pressure for ethics investigation of the President. President, Bannon threaten all involved

Mueller indicts Jared Kushner on collusion with Russian agents and not reporting all financial dealings with foreign interests

Trump asks Sessions to have Mueller fired, Rosenstein and Sessions refuse to do so

Trump fires Sessions, appoints Chris Christie

Christie fires Rosenstein, Senate leadership assumes Mueller investigation

Mueller indicts Trump, Jr. for lying to the FBI, Senior says he is not involved throwing son under the bus

Trump tweets reveal a totally unhinged President causing alarm to supporters

Trump’s approval rating falls beneath 30% as base shows concern and support wanes

Senate leadership pushes Trump to consider resigning – he refuses calling them cowards

Trump is indicted for obstruction of justice and collusion with Russians

Congress begins the impeachment process, Ryan and McConnell again encourage Trump’s resignation

Putin turns on Trump saying he should consider resigning

Kelly, McMaster and Mattis threaten resignation en masse unless Trump resigns

Ivanna begs father to resign to save himself, brother and husband, Trump refuses

Donald J. Trump resigns as 45th President, Pence to be sworn in

Trump base cries foul, violent protests break out. Bannon, Hannity rage

Pence names Senator Joni Ernst as Vice President in surprise move

Plea deal is revealed. Trump, Kushner, Trump, Jr. won’t face trial if Trump resigned

Pence, McConnell and Ryan ask for calm as global leaders look forward to working with Pence

Vindictive Trump appears on Hannity accusing everyone of a witch hunt and unfair treatment

Mueller arrests Trump for violating plea deal after Hannity appearance

Recalcitrant Trump is released, goes into seclusion

Democrats retake majority in House. GOP keep slim majority lead in Senate.