Ukraine does have a strategic value to the US. They are providing a line in the sand against Russia’s desire to rebuild its self into the USSR. And which NATO country do you think they will try to invade next? When that happens, the US will have to respond and many of our young people will be called to serve. You hear businesses saying they don’t have enough workers now, what happens when many of our young people leave to fight in another war. What happens to the US coffers when all that money is funding another war? And what happens when these young people come home broken from another war? Why not provide aid to Ukraine now, help them stop Russia which in turn will bring money back to the US by employing people in these factories to build military equipment? In my mind, it is a win/win. I would much rather fund a Cold War versus another combat war. I am a Cold War veteran, as such, I see value in having people serve under these circumstances rather than in combat.
You are just plainly wrong. European countries fund their own defense and they provide additional defense capabilities the the US. We are part of an alliance that benefits us as well as them. After 9/11 NATO stepped up in our defense, and when we forget our friends aid we are a terrible people. Fortunately not all of us are like that.
That’s good information, and it illustrates my point. Thank you. The US economy is something like 6 times that of Germany, 9 times that of the UK and they are providing much greater support in proportion to the US. Many smaller countries are providing much greater support proportionally and all of this is outside the bounds of their self defense commitment to NATO. We should also recognize that our spending is largely on hardware we are buying from US companies providing a stimulus to our own economy. On the flip side European countries have had to scramble to replace their reliance on Russian gas for heating and manufacturing. I appreciate your bringing these numbers which support my thesis to the conversation.
Have you read any history of World War II? The US experienced its strongest economy ever following WWII. Part of that economic success can be attributed to our European alliances. It is unbelievable that you dismiss that history.
Brenda Does War Make Us Richer? | Economics Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNDcfzNDtjg You can watch the whole thing or skip to time marker 11:19 So What About WW2
War is terrible for people, the planet, wildlife, etc. But it is in certain situations an economic stimulus.
That is not what Brenda said. Brenda said, “ The US experienced its strongest economy ever following WWII.” So Brenda was referring to the time when the US, having not lost much of its industrial capacity as had much of the rest of the world, provided the capacity to rebuild much of Europe and Asia. Building anew, build back better to coin a phrase, created massive wealth in this country.
So, please be a better, more careful reader who pays attention to the actual words and intent of the comment rather than the point you want to make.
Curious how you perceive our role in World War I and World War II. Globalist? Or trying to save other like-minded democracies. I don’t endorse war of any kind. But I’m not crazy about authoritarian governments either.
Yes. War of any kind is a failure of policy. Heather Cox Richardson reminded us recently of the Paul Manafort/Ukraine/Russia/Trump connection. The GOP base has been influenced by Putin’s disinformation. The US was/is war weary. Putin thought he could win quickly and it would be done, but he also surmised that the US would not support Ukraine in the long term. His blockade of Ukraine’s grain exports puts economic pressure on world grain prices and hurts many poor countries and particularly countries at war in Africa. That leads to famine and migrant crises that have become huge problems particularly for NATO nations. Putin figures that Ukraine is not worth it to us. If we lose Ukraine we lose much more than that nation. We lose the sort of credible projection of power that for decades has dampened major conflicts around the world.
I would counter that on the whole the US role in the world post WW2 has been exceedingly positive but punctuated with a relatively small number of very bad policies. Vietnam, Afghanistan 3, Iraq 2, and our numerous embraces of right-wing tin pots in various places were disastrous. We perpetrated war crimes, yes.
I read The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell and it changed the way I perceive the acts of people in the public sphere. And with that, I ask myself, when was the tipping point for our elected representative Elise Stefanik. What was the moment that truth held little or no sway in what she says and how she responds to the events of our time. I still get her newsletter where she claims to be proud to serve , and this tripe.."House Republicans delivered accountability for the American people today when we impeached Alejandro Mayorkas for his willful and systematic refusal to comply with federal immigration laws and his breach of public trust. " Huh? Where is the high crime? This from someone who has given aid and comfort to the criminals who stormed the US capital to stop the lawful proceedings of congress. Hostages? When and if house Republicans deliver accountability for the American people it would be big news. If you look at what she's says regarding our courts and our system of justice, you might think she is doing advertisements for 1960s USSR television spots, such as "Republican House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY) on Tuesday issued a 64-page letter to the New York Committee on Professional Standards demanding the disbarment of New York Attorney General Letitia James for allegedly violating “principles of fairness and impartiality” by engaging in “relentless lawfare” on social media against former President Donald Trump." From her news letter. She is now at the point that she can only point to stories where she is mentioned in Breitbart News, Daily Beast and Fox news. So when was the tipping point? And was it not just Ms. Setfanik, but when did the republican party ditch any connection to the truth and go all in on say what ever suits you to make a point that is not worth making...Was it the "grab 'em by the ..." moment? Was it the election was rigged fiasco? Hard to know, but the truth is now nothing more than an annoying footnote to one half of our political system. And we are in very dangerous and trying times. Sorry about the rant, but thanks for the story Ken, your newsletter helps...
Well said. I, however, believe her quest for power was imbedded in her from the very beginning. I have an acquaintance who knew her as a student in her classroom. That was 7th grade. As a former Middle School Teacher, we've all encountered that kid who comes from a privileged background, has no empathy for others outside her "class", embraces control and has been isolated from hardships of any kind. Elected office, particularly at the highest level, can easily corrupt someone of her nature. She is no more interested in her constituents or anyone unless they can benefit her rise to power. Reading about her is a gut punch every single time.
She is a younger female Trump (except she doesn’t much care about her appearance). She is preoccupied with herself and with manipulating the uneducated.it disturbs me that she has children.
People ask me from time not time why I dislike Stefanik. I tell them I don’t dislike her. I wish I never had to write about her, but I do believe that public officials that lie to their constituents should be held accountable. It is exhausting holding her accountable.
"One reader commented this week that Ukraine was of no strategic value to the United States. I reminded him that being the defenders of the democracy still has some value."
We also need to remember Vladimir Putin's quest to restore what he considers to be the glory of old Russia by re-acquiring long-lost territory, such as the Baltic states and Poland.
"By summoning the memory of Peter the Great, it also becomes clear that Putin’s aims are driven by some sense of historical destiny. And Putin’s project of imperial restoration could – in theory – extend to other territories that once belonged to the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union, something that should raise alarms in all the countries that emerged from the collapse of the USSR." (CNN)
America had no interest in getting involved while Nazism spread through Europe until Pearl Harbor was attacked. Putin will not stop at Ukraine. Putin is a ruthless dictator not a friend to America. We stop him now or we stop him on our own soil.
It is amazing to me how Sedition Stefanik continues to “represent “ NY 21. Are those who continue to vote for her avid Fox watchers? Do they continue to blindly support the diabolical sociopathic narcissist? The answer is clear. Miss Harvard’s main concern is self interest. She will say and do anything that will achieve her goal. I think most of us who recognize her ruse are holding our breath , she will stop at nothing including destroying the very foundation of our democratic republic.
Thank you Mr Tingly for staying on top of the tough news upstate.
What a pair, Stefanik and Carlson. He has that dumb look on his face and, as Fox News understands, he could care less about the truth, or is just dumb. As far as Stefanik, who can't say oops, she is smart enough to know that her public utterings about most issues are just simple lies. The fact that she wont say oops makes her totally untrustworthy. I hope the voters in her district are beginning to see that they can fix this on election days.
Navalny and his wife are superheros. Everyone knew what the end result would be. No one knew better than they did the suffering they would have to endure. I wasn't surprised that Putin kept him around for years of torture. The man is Satan in human form. Trump refused to say Putin killed him. He can barely control his criticism of anyone on the earth but when it comes to Putin he watches every word he utters. Not saying anything says so much in this situation.
The interesting thing to me is that MAGA thinks only for the present moment. Are people thinking long term. What will the impact of what you say and do have on the future of our country, children, grandchildren, climate? Elise and Trump are thinking about the future-their future. I can only pray that when it comes to voting, all join forces and think about our future and the destruction ahead should these people be in control of our country.
I don’t want to spoil the documentary for anyone, but when Navalny returns to Russia after being poisoned you had to ask yourself: How many of us would do something like that for the greater good knowing that it would probably end badly? I suspect, not many of us.
Thank you Ken, very well said today!!! Let's hope you are being "heard" by the MAGA's in the North Country. When everything is all said and done, we still need a viable candidate to oppose Elise...Republican or Democrat, doesn't matter, just a grown up willing to address the issued facing District 21 residents, and not the ideological BS that's being spewed today.
There are a couple of candidates but not viable ones to unseat Stefanik.
Perhaps she will withdraw.
After the results of the last several elections I can’t imagine anyone stepping forward to self fund or try to raise the money needed to run while at the same time facing the lies and character assassination for Stefanik’s camp.
Yes. And when considering when Stefanik changed…I accept Sara Idleman’s proposition, but certainly it was before she ran for office here. We should remember that she showed up with $240,000 from Karl Rove to primary a local Republican. Karl Rove did not give her $240,000 because he thought she would be more moderate than Matt Doheny.
Mr. Tingley, your work is very important for our understanding of the links between local and international political and economic relations. If Ukraine were not important, Russia would not be vying to annex it or annihilate every ounce of resistance, no matter how high the human cost. DT and the far right followers have been highly attracted to Putin and other international despots for years and yet, the chant we hear over and over from many politicians at home is that we must take care of internal problems first, over international ones. That is another sleight of hand tactic to divert attention to the fact that we are all linked, whether we are fully aware of it or not. It is the same tactic that poses DT as a victim rather than the corrupt and ruthless person he is. S-k is made of the same fabric, and there is no honesty, no self-reflection, no other aim but the need to fabricate "enemies" in her similar quest for unquestioned power. That has nothing to do with protecting the republic or the ideal of democracy.
I think at this point in time, those who can determine when lies and fake news are being spewed by Stefanik (all the time) are just getting more irritated about the lies and how far up Trump's rear end she has crawled. This is one of the greatest examples of a power hungry, morally and ethically bankrupt female politician ever (yes I'm using hyperbole just like she does stating Biden corruption is biggest in 100 years)! One can only hope that Trump chooses her as VP running mate and she takes the bait, then they lose and she gets tossed on the Trump manure pile like so many other fools that have attached their careers to a delusional madman. Sadly the 21st District is far too large and diverse in it's population. demo and psychographics, and that so called REPs keep voting for the REP candidates even when they have nothing in common with what the old REP party of the Rockefeller years actually stood for and accomplished. The Trump MAGA Moron Right wing extremist, bible thumping TeaThuglican party is what is left. It's a cult, led by a Narcissist who cares only about HIS money and power. Fools are his followers many of whom couldn't tell the truth and facts if it was wired in to their meager brains. Luckily, at over $500+ million in fines (and counting since 9% interest rates are involved and ticking) with so many additional lawsuits hitting trial dates in the coming weeks and months, I think Stefanik's Dear Leader may be faltering and about to finally implode. IF he wins in November, it will go down in history as the day Democracy Died in America. Let's hope the system holds one more time. Meanwhile, Putin, Iran, China and more are gearing up for a Trump election cycle and will do everything they can by cyber attacks, fake social media, and other tactics that could swing the election to Trump. If NATO folds, WWIII is a good likelihood so hopefully voters will wake up. Meanwhile, Trump the Greatest Grifter on Earth (PT Barnum no longer can claim the title), is hocking sneakers and perfume to the same sheep that send a billionaire (so called) money to pay his legal bills? LMAO. You can't fix stupid! BUT you can con them in to paying your legal bills. On another note to REPs in House. Wake the F**K UP! Putin is moving, Navalny is dead, Ukraine is in retreat, and Johnson and the other useful Idiots in the House are on a 2 week vacation?
Stefanik's screeds and blatant ambition makes me ill. She so obviously wants to become Trump's running mate in order to boost her career to the national stage. I am appalled that so many of her constituents in NY-21 continue to support her, and fervently hope that they come to their senses and see that she is selling them out for her personal gain.
"I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: there will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain," Cheney, vice chair of the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, said during the panel's first hearing.
Cheney only had one Stefanik anecdote in her book, but it was delicious. Cheney said members were upset about her impeachment vote because it was causing them trouble at home.
“I had heard this same complaint a few weeks earlier from an angry Elise Stefanik of New York. She told me that, because of my vote to impeach, people were writing letters to the editors of her local papers criticizing her and asking why she hadn’t taken the same “principled” stand I had.”
Truly heartwarming to know that she’s “angered.” I’ll send her a Snickers.
Just want to expand on the “bombshell” ( Hannity’s word) witness, Alexander Smirnov. He kind of pales next to Gal Luft. This is from Business Insider on Luft who, last I knew, is a fugitive from American justice. He was a former bombshell witness.
“The US Attorney's Office on Monday released the indictment against the US-Israeli dual citizen, who was arrested in Cyprus in February on charges of willfully failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act ("FARA"), arms trafficking, Iranian sanctions violations, and making false statements to federal agents.”
Devon Archer was supposed to be a big deal and they got bupkis. The current it girl is Tony Bobilinski. I didn’t check the spelling. He’s looking like a bust too.
I’ve heard mixed takes on whether Alejandro Mayorkas’ impeachment will actually happen. Apparently, the Senate can just basically deny it cert. I’ll be so disappointed if I have cancel the popcorn order. One of the impeachment managers is Marge Greene. I heard another name that was one of the absolute mooks, too. I think it was Troy Nehls.
They can’t even hang anything on Hunter. At some point between now and the election Joe Biden is clearly going to be EXONERATED while the Loser is going to be sitting in a court somewhere after already having numerous judgments go against him.
Since I got around to him I’ll end with, for someone who likes to compare himself to Jesus so much Trump isn’t a very stoic martyr. He doesn’t stand up well at all next to Alexei Navalny.
Thank you again, Ken, for capturing the incredible self righteousness and viciousness and vitriol of Stefanik's lying rhetoric--her newsletters all praise herself for all the actions i find despicable, impeaching the wrong people, defending our real enemies. She and Trump are our Fifth Column--those inside our country who support our enemies and endanger our country. I'd call it treason...because it is....
Ukraine does have a strategic value to the US. They are providing a line in the sand against Russia’s desire to rebuild its self into the USSR. And which NATO country do you think they will try to invade next? When that happens, the US will have to respond and many of our young people will be called to serve. You hear businesses saying they don’t have enough workers now, what happens when many of our young people leave to fight in another war. What happens to the US coffers when all that money is funding another war? And what happens when these young people come home broken from another war? Why not provide aid to Ukraine now, help them stop Russia which in turn will bring money back to the US by employing people in these factories to build military equipment? In my mind, it is a win/win. I would much rather fund a Cold War versus another combat war. I am a Cold War veteran, as such, I see value in having people serve under these circumstances rather than in combat.
You are just plainly wrong. European countries fund their own defense and they provide additional defense capabilities the the US. We are part of an alliance that benefits us as well as them. After 9/11 NATO stepped up in our defense, and when we forget our friends aid we are a terrible people. Fortunately not all of us are like that.
Mike The Countries Pledging the Most Military Aid to Ukraine https://www.statista.com/chart/27278/military-aid-to-ukraine-by-country/
That’s good information, and it illustrates my point. Thank you. The US economy is something like 6 times that of Germany, 9 times that of the UK and they are providing much greater support in proportion to the US. Many smaller countries are providing much greater support proportionally and all of this is outside the bounds of their self defense commitment to NATO. We should also recognize that our spending is largely on hardware we are buying from US companies providing a stimulus to our own economy. On the flip side European countries have had to scramble to replace their reliance on Russian gas for heating and manufacturing. I appreciate your bringing these numbers which support my thesis to the conversation.
Have you read any history of World War II? The US experienced its strongest economy ever following WWII. Part of that economic success can be attributed to our European alliances. It is unbelievable that you dismiss that history.
Brenda Does War Make Us Richer? | Economics Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNDcfzNDtjg You can watch the whole thing or skip to time marker 11:19 So What About WW2
War is terrible for people, the planet, wildlife, etc. But it is in certain situations an economic stimulus.
That is not what Brenda said. Brenda said, “ The US experienced its strongest economy ever following WWII.” So Brenda was referring to the time when the US, having not lost much of its industrial capacity as had much of the rest of the world, provided the capacity to rebuild much of Europe and Asia. Building anew, build back better to coin a phrase, created massive wealth in this country.
So, please be a better, more careful reader who pays attention to the actual words and intent of the comment rather than the point you want to make.
So, tell me mike what point did I want to make?
Curious how you perceive our role in World War I and World War II. Globalist? Or trying to save other like-minded democracies. I don’t endorse war of any kind. But I’m not crazy about authoritarian governments either.
Yes. War of any kind is a failure of policy. Heather Cox Richardson reminded us recently of the Paul Manafort/Ukraine/Russia/Trump connection. The GOP base has been influenced by Putin’s disinformation. The US was/is war weary. Putin thought he could win quickly and it would be done, but he also surmised that the US would not support Ukraine in the long term. His blockade of Ukraine’s grain exports puts economic pressure on world grain prices and hurts many poor countries and particularly countries at war in Africa. That leads to famine and migrant crises that have become huge problems particularly for NATO nations. Putin figures that Ukraine is not worth it to us. If we lose Ukraine we lose much more than that nation. We lose the sort of credible projection of power that for decades has dampened major conflicts around the world.
I would counter that on the whole the US role in the world post WW2 has been exceedingly positive but punctuated with a relatively small number of very bad policies. Vietnam, Afghanistan 3, Iraq 2, and our numerous embraces of right-wing tin pots in various places were disastrous. We perpetrated war crimes, yes.
I read The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell and it changed the way I perceive the acts of people in the public sphere. And with that, I ask myself, when was the tipping point for our elected representative Elise Stefanik. What was the moment that truth held little or no sway in what she says and how she responds to the events of our time. I still get her newsletter where she claims to be proud to serve , and this tripe.."House Republicans delivered accountability for the American people today when we impeached Alejandro Mayorkas for his willful and systematic refusal to comply with federal immigration laws and his breach of public trust. " Huh? Where is the high crime? This from someone who has given aid and comfort to the criminals who stormed the US capital to stop the lawful proceedings of congress. Hostages? When and if house Republicans deliver accountability for the American people it would be big news. If you look at what she's says regarding our courts and our system of justice, you might think she is doing advertisements for 1960s USSR television spots, such as "Republican House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY) on Tuesday issued a 64-page letter to the New York Committee on Professional Standards demanding the disbarment of New York Attorney General Letitia James for allegedly violating “principles of fairness and impartiality” by engaging in “relentless lawfare” on social media against former President Donald Trump." From her news letter. She is now at the point that she can only point to stories where she is mentioned in Breitbart News, Daily Beast and Fox news. So when was the tipping point? And was it not just Ms. Setfanik, but when did the republican party ditch any connection to the truth and go all in on say what ever suits you to make a point that is not worth making...Was it the "grab 'em by the ..." moment? Was it the election was rigged fiasco? Hard to know, but the truth is now nothing more than an annoying footnote to one half of our political system. And we are in very dangerous and trying times. Sorry about the rant, but thanks for the story Ken, your newsletter helps...
Well said. I, however, believe her quest for power was imbedded in her from the very beginning. I have an acquaintance who knew her as a student in her classroom. That was 7th grade. As a former Middle School Teacher, we've all encountered that kid who comes from a privileged background, has no empathy for others outside her "class", embraces control and has been isolated from hardships of any kind. Elected office, particularly at the highest level, can easily corrupt someone of her nature. She is no more interested in her constituents or anyone unless they can benefit her rise to power. Reading about her is a gut punch every single time.
She is a younger female Trump (except she doesn’t much care about her appearance). She is preoccupied with herself and with manipulating the uneducated.it disturbs me that she has children.
Agree with you 100%, Sara! You could also be writing the exact same description of Trump. Scary times!
People ask me from time not time why I dislike Stefanik. I tell them I don’t dislike her. I wish I never had to write about her, but I do believe that public officials that lie to their constituents should be held accountable. It is exhausting holding her accountable.
Spot on! Thank you for these observations.
Faust
"One reader commented this week that Ukraine was of no strategic value to the United States. I reminded him that being the defenders of the democracy still has some value."
We also need to remember Vladimir Putin's quest to restore what he considers to be the glory of old Russia by re-acquiring long-lost territory, such as the Baltic states and Poland.
https://www.businessinsider.com/vladimir-putin-baltic-states-future-escalations-nato-ukraine-war-2024-1?op=1
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/02/13/putin-plans-for-russia-troops-nato-border/72580109007/
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-ally-warns-enemy-poland-you-risk-losing-your-statehood-2023-11-02/
"By summoning the memory of Peter the Great, it also becomes clear that Putin’s aims are driven by some sense of historical destiny. And Putin’s project of imperial restoration could – in theory – extend to other territories that once belonged to the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union, something that should raise alarms in all the countries that emerged from the collapse of the USSR." (CNN)
https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/10/europe/russia-putin-empire-restoration-endgame-intl-cmd/index.html
Ignoring Putin's intentions amounts to appeasement. What's next? Ignoring a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
America had no interest in getting involved while Nazism spread through Europe until Pearl Harbor was attacked. Putin will not stop at Ukraine. Putin is a ruthless dictator not a friend to America. We stop him now or we stop him on our own soil.
Putin spread disinformation about Poland during the Carlson interview. He clearly has his eye on that country.
Thank you for keeping the important stories forefront for us all locally. notably the Navalny and Stefanik articles
It is amazing to me how Sedition Stefanik continues to “represent “ NY 21. Are those who continue to vote for her avid Fox watchers? Do they continue to blindly support the diabolical sociopathic narcissist? The answer is clear. Miss Harvard’s main concern is self interest. She will say and do anything that will achieve her goal. I think most of us who recognize her ruse are holding our breath , she will stop at nothing including destroying the very foundation of our democratic republic.
Thank you Mr Tingly for staying on top of the tough news upstate.
What a pair, Stefanik and Carlson. He has that dumb look on his face and, as Fox News understands, he could care less about the truth, or is just dumb. As far as Stefanik, who can't say oops, she is smart enough to know that her public utterings about most issues are just simple lies. The fact that she wont say oops makes her totally untrustworthy. I hope the voters in her district are beginning to see that they can fix this on election days.
Navalny and his wife are superheros. Everyone knew what the end result would be. No one knew better than they did the suffering they would have to endure. I wasn't surprised that Putin kept him around for years of torture. The man is Satan in human form. Trump refused to say Putin killed him. He can barely control his criticism of anyone on the earth but when it comes to Putin he watches every word he utters. Not saying anything says so much in this situation.
The interesting thing to me is that MAGA thinks only for the present moment. Are people thinking long term. What will the impact of what you say and do have on the future of our country, children, grandchildren, climate? Elise and Trump are thinking about the future-their future. I can only pray that when it comes to voting, all join forces and think about our future and the destruction ahead should these people be in control of our country.
I don’t want to spoil the documentary for anyone, but when Navalny returns to Russia after being poisoned you had to ask yourself: How many of us would do something like that for the greater good knowing that it would probably end badly? I suspect, not many of us.
Exactly-he was truly selfless.
Thank you Ken, very well said today!!! Let's hope you are being "heard" by the MAGA's in the North Country. When everything is all said and done, we still need a viable candidate to oppose Elise...Republican or Democrat, doesn't matter, just a grown up willing to address the issued facing District 21 residents, and not the ideological BS that's being spewed today.
I suspect if there was a groundswell of criticism from the general public that a political candidate would emerge.
There are a couple of candidates but not viable ones to unseat Stefanik.
Perhaps she will withdraw.
After the results of the last several elections I can’t imagine anyone stepping forward to self fund or try to raise the money needed to run while at the same time facing the lies and character assassination for Stefanik’s camp.
Stefanik continues to draw immense amounts of cash from American oligarchs.
Yes. And when considering when Stefanik changed…I accept Sara Idleman’s proposition, but certainly it was before she ran for office here. We should remember that she showed up with $240,000 from Karl Rove to primary a local Republican. Karl Rove did not give her $240,000 because he thought she would be more moderate than Matt Doheny.
Mr. Tingley, your work is very important for our understanding of the links between local and international political and economic relations. If Ukraine were not important, Russia would not be vying to annex it or annihilate every ounce of resistance, no matter how high the human cost. DT and the far right followers have been highly attracted to Putin and other international despots for years and yet, the chant we hear over and over from many politicians at home is that we must take care of internal problems first, over international ones. That is another sleight of hand tactic to divert attention to the fact that we are all linked, whether we are fully aware of it or not. It is the same tactic that poses DT as a victim rather than the corrupt and ruthless person he is. S-k is made of the same fabric, and there is no honesty, no self-reflection, no other aim but the need to fabricate "enemies" in her similar quest for unquestioned power. That has nothing to do with protecting the republic or the ideal of democracy.
Well stated, Beatriz!
I think at this point in time, those who can determine when lies and fake news are being spewed by Stefanik (all the time) are just getting more irritated about the lies and how far up Trump's rear end she has crawled. This is one of the greatest examples of a power hungry, morally and ethically bankrupt female politician ever (yes I'm using hyperbole just like she does stating Biden corruption is biggest in 100 years)! One can only hope that Trump chooses her as VP running mate and she takes the bait, then they lose and she gets tossed on the Trump manure pile like so many other fools that have attached their careers to a delusional madman. Sadly the 21st District is far too large and diverse in it's population. demo and psychographics, and that so called REPs keep voting for the REP candidates even when they have nothing in common with what the old REP party of the Rockefeller years actually stood for and accomplished. The Trump MAGA Moron Right wing extremist, bible thumping TeaThuglican party is what is left. It's a cult, led by a Narcissist who cares only about HIS money and power. Fools are his followers many of whom couldn't tell the truth and facts if it was wired in to their meager brains. Luckily, at over $500+ million in fines (and counting since 9% interest rates are involved and ticking) with so many additional lawsuits hitting trial dates in the coming weeks and months, I think Stefanik's Dear Leader may be faltering and about to finally implode. IF he wins in November, it will go down in history as the day Democracy Died in America. Let's hope the system holds one more time. Meanwhile, Putin, Iran, China and more are gearing up for a Trump election cycle and will do everything they can by cyber attacks, fake social media, and other tactics that could swing the election to Trump. If NATO folds, WWIII is a good likelihood so hopefully voters will wake up. Meanwhile, Trump the Greatest Grifter on Earth (PT Barnum no longer can claim the title), is hocking sneakers and perfume to the same sheep that send a billionaire (so called) money to pay his legal bills? LMAO. You can't fix stupid! BUT you can con them in to paying your legal bills. On another note to REPs in House. Wake the F**K UP! Putin is moving, Navalny is dead, Ukraine is in retreat, and Johnson and the other useful Idiots in the House are on a 2 week vacation?
Stefanik's screeds and blatant ambition makes me ill. She so obviously wants to become Trump's running mate in order to boost her career to the national stage. I am appalled that so many of her constituents in NY-21 continue to support her, and fervently hope that they come to their senses and see that she is selling them out for her personal gain.
I suspect she doesn’t care if he loses either and has her eye on 2028.
"I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: there will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain," Cheney, vice chair of the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, said during the panel's first hearing.
Cheney only had one Stefanik anecdote in her book, but it was delicious. Cheney said members were upset about her impeachment vote because it was causing them trouble at home.
“I had heard this same complaint a few weeks earlier from an angry Elise Stefanik of New York. She told me that, because of my vote to impeach, people were writing letters to the editors of her local papers criticizing her and asking why she hadn’t taken the same “principled” stand I had.”
Truly heartwarming to know that she’s “angered.” I’ll send her a Snickers.
Just want to expand on the “bombshell” ( Hannity’s word) witness, Alexander Smirnov. He kind of pales next to Gal Luft. This is from Business Insider on Luft who, last I knew, is a fugitive from American justice. He was a former bombshell witness.
“The US Attorney's Office on Monday released the indictment against the US-Israeli dual citizen, who was arrested in Cyprus in February on charges of willfully failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act ("FARA"), arms trafficking, Iranian sanctions violations, and making false statements to federal agents.”
Devon Archer was supposed to be a big deal and they got bupkis. The current it girl is Tony Bobilinski. I didn’t check the spelling. He’s looking like a bust too.
I’ve heard mixed takes on whether Alejandro Mayorkas’ impeachment will actually happen. Apparently, the Senate can just basically deny it cert. I’ll be so disappointed if I have cancel the popcorn order. One of the impeachment managers is Marge Greene. I heard another name that was one of the absolute mooks, too. I think it was Troy Nehls.
They can’t even hang anything on Hunter. At some point between now and the election Joe Biden is clearly going to be EXONERATED while the Loser is going to be sitting in a court somewhere after already having numerous judgments go against him.
Since I got around to him I’ll end with, for someone who likes to compare himself to Jesus so much Trump isn’t a very stoic martyr. He doesn’t stand up well at all next to Alexei Navalny.
“A vote for Trump is a vote for Putin.” Bill Kristol at Bulwark this morning.
Letters between Alexei Navalny and Natan Sharansky.
https://www.thefp.com/p/navalnys-letters-from-the-gulag?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Chris Cillizza has a nice Substack on the presidential rankings for anyone interested.
https://open.substack.com/pub/chriscillizza/p/guess-who-the-worst-president-ever?r=9qpud&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Navalny was a world hero. It would be interesting to see what he would say about Stefanik! Keep writing this good stuff!
Thank you again, Ken, for capturing the incredible self righteousness and viciousness and vitriol of Stefanik's lying rhetoric--her newsletters all praise herself for all the actions i find despicable, impeaching the wrong people, defending our real enemies. She and Trump are our Fifth Column--those inside our country who support our enemies and endanger our country. I'd call it treason...because it is....