Notes, Facts, Recent Developments On This Presidential Administration

The following are just some of the most recent developments emanating from this Presidential Administration. Source: Wake Up To Politics

--The Senate Intelligence Committee concluded in a bipartisan report that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump and hurt Hillary Clinton.

--The Senate Judiciary Committee released more than 2,500 of pages of testimony and documents related to the 2016 Trump Tower meeting between top Trump campaign officials (Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort) and Russians. Trump Jr. told the panel that he had been expecting the Russians to provide "potential information about an opponent" in the meeting, which was set up after he received an email promising dirt on Hillary Clinton as part of "Russia and its government's support for Mr. Trump."

So with that, right there, the Trump family, the Trump campaign to have Donald J Trump, was willing to turn to a self-sworn enemy of the United States in order for him to become President.

If that's not treason, ladies and gentlemen, nothing else is.

--In a new financial disclosure form, President Trump formally acknowledged reimbursing his longtime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, for an October 2016 $130,000 payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.

Proving the President did, in fact, lie when he said, publicly, on the record, on Air Force One, that he had no knowledge of any payment to Stormy Daniels.

--The Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) detailing payments Michael Cohen received from AT&T, pharmaceutical company Novartis, and a firm tied to a Russian oligarch were leaked by a law enforcement official who became considered after other reports went missing, the official told the New Yorker. 

But wait.  It gets better.

The official said that two reports documenting even larger transactions flowing into Cohen's accounts suddenly disappeared from the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) database, a rare occurrence, driving him to leak the third report.

A summary of the last year of the investigation of this President and his election campaign:

In the past year, Mueller has...brought 75 criminal charges against 19 people — including President Trump's former national security adviser, former campaign chairman, and two other former campaign aides — and three companies, racking up five guilty pleas and one sentence, according to CNN.

Additionally and finally here, for today, from the last 24 hours:

Trump on immigrants: 'These aren't people. 

These are animals.'

In Rebuke of Trump, 

Tillerson Says Lies 

Are a Threat to Democracy

Fascinating, Even Surprising, Fantastic Information From “Most Violent Cities” List

There is an article just out today with fascinating statistics from the FBI on crime in the US, in our cities and which of them have the most violent crime per 100,000 residents.

FBI data reveals some of the most violent cities in nearly every state

There are some surprises on it, at least to me.

Little old Topeka, Kansas is on the list at number 32 with 29.2 violent crimes per 10,000 residents

Omaha, too, is at number 30 on the list with 31.4 violent crimes per 10,000 residents

Minneapolis is on the list at number 12 w/ 23.7 violent crimes per 10,000 people.

Tulsa at number 14 with 50.9 violent crimes per 10,000 residents.

Little Rock, Arkansas on the list at a scary, depressing #4 w/ 87.4 violent crimes per 10,000.

Our own St. Louis, however, is on the list and at a depressing #3 w/ 91.5 violent crimes per 10,000.

Memphis hit #2 and poor Baltimore, Maryland is at number 1 with 98.6 violent crimes per 10,000.

But here’s the kicker, Kansas City.


We aren’t on the list.


We aren’t even on the list.


Not Kansas City, Missouri.

Not Kansas City, Kansas.

Neither one.

It gets better, too.

We're not in the top 20 worst.

Not in the top 10.

Not the top 5.

Nothing.

So kudos to you, Kansas City. Great on you, great on us.

Don’t let some blogger in his mother’s basement scare you, folks, with ALL CAPITOL LETTERS and yellow journalism tactics.

We’re not going to Hell in any handbasket.

The Very Dangerous President Who's Trying To Bamboozle You, America

I don't think most people realize how dangerous this President is.

Besides watching a great deal of Fox TV (it's not "news") and then responding to it all, he is also, according to news reports and this from Gabe Fleisher at Wake Up To Politics today:

"Trump has reportedly been musing about firing Rosenstein lately, which would give him more control over the Russia probe. According to CNN, the White House is preparing an effort to undermine Rosenstein's credibility, instructing allies to highlight potential areas of conflict that would preclude the Deputy Attorney General from overseeing the investigation.

--- The meeting comes as Trump's outside allies have increased calls for Rosenstein and Mueller to be fired. CBS News' Jacqueline Alemany: 'A source tells me that Trump called yesterday and asked source to go on TV to call for Trump to fire Mueller.'"

So understand, everyone, Americans. This President is trying to undermine an investigation into his own possible wrongdoings, illegalities, by having his own people go on television news programs to call for he, himself, to fire the man overseeing the investigation of him.

He's trying to flim-flam you, America.

And that's just one of the ways in which he's dangerous, presently.

Oh, and according to that same source, this President also has zero, zilch, nothing whatever on his official business/work schedule/calendar today other than an 11:45 am intelligence briefing.

I'm busier than that and I'm not leading the entire nation.

As if that's not bad enough, by itself, for the foreseeable future, as former FBI Director James Comey tours on his new book, expect this President to become increasingly unhinged.

Comey paints unsparing portrait of Trump 

in devastating tell-all book

I would love, love to get good news out of this administration.

One Helluva News Day

Incredible News Day and So, Headlines Today

Comey says he was fired because of Russia investigation

James Comey Accuses Trump of 'Lies' in Bombshell Congressional Testimony

James Comey testifies in historic hearing, accuses Trump administration of defaming him

Note this one from Fox:

Comey testimony: Ex-FBI boss says Trump team lied

Comey: White House Lied 'Plain and Simple' About Firing - NBC News

Comey says Trump fired him to undermine FBI Russia investigation

Comey: White House "lies"

Comey says he was fired because of Russia investigation

One thing he said is what occurred to me at the time, weeks ago, when Trump first threatened he had tapes.

'Lordy, I Hope There Are Tapes': Highlights Of James Comey's Testimony

And here’s what they’re saying “across the pond”:

Comey: Trump White House 'lied' about the FBI - BBC News

Keep in mind, this is what he said in public, in the testimony. There is a strong chance he’s said even more behind the closed doors of his further testimony to the Senate.

Oddly, however, given all the above article and headlines, The Trumpster remains defiant and confident.

Trump feels "vindicated" by James Comey's testimony, lawyer says

This, his public response, sounds as though it might well be a public, pre-thought press release from his attorneys.

We shall see what we shall see, of course.

Meanwhile, there is this, too, breaking today:

Trump's approval rating has fallen to a record low

And I wouldn’t want to be Daniel Richman today.

Who Is Daniel Richman, the Columbia Professor Who Leaked Comey’s Trump Memo?

The Republicans must be so happy.

And proud.

And if that isn’t enough news for one news day, this happened, too.

North Korea launches another salvo of missiles

Finally, it was on this day, coincidentally, June 8, 1949 that George Orwell’s “1984” was published.

Just saying.

So think good thoughts, y’all, and hope and wish for good things for everyone.


Link: Big Brother is watching you as '1984' is published

Most Dangerous Nation In The World?

There is a terrific article out today over on TomDispatch. It's all about America--what we've been doing for some time, across the globe, what we're capable of and what we may yet do.

The Most Dangerous Country on Earth

It ain't Russia, kids.

The article poses the possibility of whether we, the United States, are, very likely and literally, the most dangerous nation in the world.

Honestly, no hyperbole, I think it's unquestionable.

Given our "yooge" army, our military and all our weapons and what we spend on what we call "defense" alone, that can be argued. Then, when you add in how many nations in the world we have military bases in? Over 700? All interfering in other nations' internal affairs?

Oh, yeah.

We think ourselves the most peaceful, peace-loving people in the world, sure. Standing up for peace and justice and fairness and right and equality. Sure we do.

But the truth? What we actually do? What we've done? What we're doing?

Read the article.

As it states, we just had the head of our own "..leading domestic investigative outfit...", the FBI, interfere in our own national election for our president.

Karma is most surely a bitch, isn't it?

And then, consider these facts. First, we spend more, as a nation, on what we call defense, than any other nation and in huge numbers.

Secondly, we supply more arms to the world than any other.



After repeatedly interfering in other nation's elections, at times assassinating one here or there and just "taking others out", our own investigative unit guides our own election.

The irony is virtually dripping.

You can go way back, at least decades, into what America has done in other nation's affairs or you can go to far more recent history with the Republican Party's and George W. Bush's very chosen war in Iraq to oust Saddam Hussein. And then there's all over the Middle East, of course, and Southern and Central America.

So, yeah, America, get over yourself. Look around. You are the biggest threat to world peace in the world.

And you have been for some time.

And you have no intention of stopping.

Notes on "America's Most Dangerous Cities"

The online blog site, 24/7 came out with their annual list of "America's Most Dangerous Cities" at the end of last month, and it's pretty interesting. Their data is compiled from the FBIs own list. There some interesting points in and on it, worth noting.

Let's start with a bit of their overall data:

24/7 Wall St. reviewed violent crime rates in major U.S. cities from the FBI’s 2015 Uniform Crime Report. Violent crime includes all offenses involving force or threat of force and are broken into four categories: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. For every 100,000 U.S. residents, 372 of these crimes were committed in 2015.
Then, some notes.

First, unfortunately---and no surprise, really---Kansas City is on it. Second thing to note about it, we were in the top ten, too.

10. Kansas City, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,417.3
> 2015 murders: 109
> Poverty rate: 19.4%
> Unemployment rate: 5.5%

While the nationwide violent crime rate rose by 3.9% in 2015, the increase in Kansas City was far more dramatic. With homicide and aggravated assault rates surging, the city reported a 14.4% spike in violent crime last year. Crime in the city is up even more from five years ago. The city’s violent crime rate increased by 21.2% from 2011 through 2015, even as the nationwide rate declined by 0.7% over that period.

Not good.

In fact, we, Kansas City, were worse on this list than Washington, DC (15), Indianapolis, Indiana (13) and Stockton, California (12).  That hurts.

Next thing to note about the list is that Missouri gets hit pretty hard. We are on the list three different times.

Then on to this note from the list, our own Springfield, Missouri, "Queen City of the Ozarks", followed as close as could be at number 11 on the list.

11. Springfield, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,355.6
> 2015 murders: 10
> Poverty rate: 26.4%
> Unemployment rate: 4.3%

Crime rates tend to be higher in economically depressed areas where opportunities are scarce. In Springfield, Missouri, more than one-quarter of area residents live in poverty, one of the highest poverty rates in the country. After spiking by 73.2% over the five years through 2015 — the second highest increase of any major U.S. city — Springfield’s violent crime rate is the 11th highest in the country. In 2015, there were 179 rapes for every 100,000 residents, the highest incidence of rape in the country.

In fact, along with Missouri's Springfield, there were two more on the list. Springfields Illinois, at number 23 and Massachussetts at 21. I guess that all comes from it being such a common name in this country, maybe.

Next note, right next door in Arkansas, little old Little Rock comes in at number 9, higher and so, worse than Kansas City. Who'd have guessed?

Which brings us to our last point (points?) and the highest, worst ranking of all the most dangerous cities in America this year, at this time.  It ain't good, Missouri.

1. St. Louis, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,817.1
> 2015 murders: 188
> Poverty rate: 27.8%
> Unemployment rate: 6.1%

Including 188 homicides, there were 5,762 violent crimes in St. Louis in 2015. Adjusting for population, the city’s murder and violent crime rates, at 59 murders and 1,817 per 100,000 city residents, are each the highest in the country. The number of violent crimes reported in St. Louis increased by 7.7% last year, faster than the national uptick of 3.9%. Over the last five years, however, the incidence of violent crime is down by 3.2%.

Yes sir, good ol' St. Lou.  

Not Detroit. Heck, not even Chicago.  In fact, check out the list, folks. Chicago isn't even on the list (it's too large a city for this study).

It's not looking good for us, danger-wise, Missourians. Heck, remember this study, that came out in 2012?

Missouri: 

Ranked one of the "Most Depressing States"

We have to work on our safety and image, folks. These are some pretty awful lists.

Kansas City, St. Louis and Missouri not on a good list

The FBI's latest murder rate list came out and St. Louis and Kansas City, specifically and so, Missouri, in general, don't come out looking very good. The list?

These Are The Major U.S. Cities With The Highest Murder Rates, According To The FBI

Check out number 10: Kansas City, Missouri
Allan Baxter via Getty Images

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter rate per 100,000 people: 21

Total murders and non-negligent manslaughters: 99

Violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,260

Total violent crimes: 5,864

Population: 465,514

All data from FBI's 2013 Uniform Crime Report.

To lick our collective wounds on the West side of the state, here's St. Lou---

No. 4

Byron Jorjorian via Getty Images

And their rather lamentable stats:

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter rate per 100,000 people: 38

Total murders and non-negligent manslaughters: 120

Violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,594

Total violent crimes: 5,077

Population: 318,563

All data from FBI's 2013 Uniform Crime Report.

Note, only one other state had two cities on the ignominious list (and that was Louisiana).

Missouri, it's starting to suck to be you, kiddo.

Any ideas, citizens of Missouri? Solutions, anyone?

KCMO: Sweet 16 on "25 Most Dangerous Cities"

I've always appreciated the fact that, when a list of the top 10 most dangerous cities was released, Kansas City wasn't on it.

So far, anyway.

But expand that list to 25 and we just can't miss, dangit. It happens to be one of the top stories on Yahoo! News right now.

From the FBI's compilation of crime statistics in the nation:

16. Kansas City, Mo.

Kansas City reported 1,200 violent crimes per 100,000.

The city also reported 57.4 forcible rapes per 100,000, more than twice the national average of 26.8 forcible rapes per 100,000 people.

At least we're not St. Louis (number 3) or, heaven forbid, Detroit and its environs (numbers 1 and 2 when you take in top-ranked, nearby Flint, Michigan).

Link: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-25-most-dangerous-cities-in-america.html

Poor St. Louis--still hanging on to that bad ranking

News out today:  St. Louis and a couple other midwest cities are ranked on 2010 FBI crime data show them--St. Louis--to be still hanging on to their number 3 spot of "most dangerous":

America's most dangerous cities

3. St. Louis

Population: 355,151
Violent Crime Per 1,000: 17.5
2010 Murders: 144
Median Income: $34,801 (30.7% below national average)
Unemployment Rate: 9.3% (0.3% above national average)

Violent crime in St. Louis fell dramatically between 2009 and 2010, and has decreased since 2007. Despite this, crime rates remain extremely high compared with other cities. In 2010, the city's murder rate and rate of aggravated assault were each the third worst in the country. With regards to both violent and nonviolent crime, St. Louis was rated the most dangerous city based on FBI data released six months ago. As of December 2010, the murder rate in St. Louis was 6.3 times that of the state of Missouri. The city's gunshot murder rate for residents between 10 to 19 years old is also the second highest in the country, behind only New Orleans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you look at specifics of the report as well as generalities, there is some good news in there, thankfully:

"...the FBI trumpeted the news that violent crime dropped 5.5% in 2010 while reported property crimes fell 2.8%..."

and:  Violent crime in St. Louis fell dramatically between 2009 and 2010, and has decreased since 2007.

But did you get this part, from above on St. Louis?:

St. Louis was rated the most dangerous city based on FBI data released six months ago. As of December 2010, the murder rate in St. Louis was 6.3 times that of the state of Missouri. The city's gunshot murder rate for residents between 10 to 19 years old is also the second highest in the country, behind only New Orleans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Yikes.  That's some pretty tough statistics.  That won't be good for the Convention and Visitors Bureau over there.

Other news was Memphis, Tennessee coming in at 5 on the list while--this was a big surprise to me--Little Rock, Arkansas came in on the list and at number 7.  I always thought of Little Rock as a sleepy little burg.  So much for that.  They beat out Baltimore (no. 8), Rockford, Illinois (9) and Stockton, California, which came in at number 10, for pity's sake.  That was an eye-opener both on Little Rock being on the list and Stockton very nearly not making it.

So heads up, Kansas City.  We're not on the "10 Most Violent American Cities" this year.  Yeehaw.  

Now, let's see what we can do to get those drive-bys cut in number, eh?

On fear as a tool in America

“It’s not hard to bring out the worst in large numbers of citizens by constantly pressing their buttons; fear, hate, greed, false pride and blind loyalty are the main emotions used to manipulate people so much these last years. Reversing this process and empowering people through courage, love, generosity, humility and critical thinking is harder but it can and must be done.” -- Coleen Rowley for RootsAction; FBI whistle blower


Link:  http://rootsaction.org/

The FBI spied on Greenpeace?? Really?

True, according to this latest article at Truthdig just now: JUSTICE DEPT. HAND-SLAPS FBI FOR SPYING ON GREENPEACE AND FRIENDS Then guess under what Presidential administration this took place. Like me, you likely got it: A report by Inspector General Glenn A. Fine absolved the FBI of the most serious allegation against it: that agents targeted domestic groups based on their exercise of First Amendment rights. Civil liberties groups and congressional Democrats had suggested that the FBI employed such tactics during the George W. Bush administration, which triggered Fine’s review. I mean, come on--hasn't the FBI got any real work it needs to do? Not only is this stupid at virtually any time in our country's activities, look WHEN it happened: in the years between the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and 2006. You gotta' be kidding me. The Bush administration was supposedly keeping us safe from terrorists during this time but they had the FBI chasing Greenpeace? Check this out, too: the report said, the FBI extended probes “without adequate basis” and improperly kept information about activist groups in its files. Among the groups monitored were the Thomas Merton Center, a Pittsburgh peace group; People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; and Greenpeace USA. Activists affiliated with Greenpeace were improperly put on a terrorist watch list, the report said. A Pittsburgh peace group? PETA? And look at this description of the Thomas Merton Center from their website: Organizes, educates, and takes action around issues of peace and social justice. And you're spying on them? Let me ask you this--when do you suppose the really stupid, stupid things will stop coming out about Former President George W. Bush, his Vice President Dick Cheney and their administration? 20 years from now? 50? It can't be soon enough but we surely need to learn everything--and I mean everything--these chuckleheads did while they were in power, no matter how long it takes. And no matter how mad or angry it makes us. Links: http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/justice_department_hand-slaps_fbi_for_spying_on_greenpeace_and_friends_2010/; http://www.thomasmertoncenter.org/