In Profane Rant, Melania Trump Takes Aim at Migrant Children and Critics

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The audio recording puts the first lady’s frustrations on full display just weeks before President Trump faces the voters in his bid for a second term.

WASHINGTON — The first lady, Melania Trump, delivered a profanity-laced rant about Christmas decorations at the White House and mocked the plight of migrant children who were separated from their parents at the border in 2018 during a conversation secretly taped by a former aide and close confidante.

“I’m working like a — my ass off at Christmas stuff,” Mrs. Trump laments to the former aide, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who has just published a tell-all book, in a recording that was first broadcast on CNN on Thursday night. Mrs. Trump continued, “You know, who gives a fuck about Christmas stuff and decoration?”

Later in the conversation, which occurred in July 2018, the first lady complained about the criticism leveled at President Trump and his administration that summer for separating families in a crackdown on illegal immigration.

“I say that I’m working on Christmas planning for the Christmas, and they said, ‘Oh, what about the children?’ That they were separated.” She used another obscenity to express her exasperation, asking Ms. Winston Wolkoff, “Where they were saying anything when Obama did that?”

The audio recording puts the first lady’s frustrations on full display only weeks before Mr. Trump faces voters in his bid for a second term. » | Michael D. Shear | Thursday, October 1, 2020

Donald Trump: From Denial to Testing Positive

As President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus, we take a look at POTUS' turbulent approach with the virus since it emerged at the start of this year.

Jen Is a Longtime Republican Voter Who Is Voting against Trump for the Sake of the Country

"I'm not going to leave my country in this emotionally abusive presidency, and I'm going to vote for Biden."

The Murder of Jamal Khashoggi | DW Documentary

Did the Saudi state plan the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi? Was Khashoggi so much of a threat to the Saudi regime that it was prepared to commit a terrible crime to get rid of him?

This documentary reconstructs Jamal Khashoggi’s personal plans and movements in his final days. It also examines records, leaks and reports related to his assassination, as well as motivations that may have led Saudi Arabia to commit such a shocking crime.

The film’s key feature is exclusive testimony from Khashoggi’s close circle, including from his fiancée Hatice Cengiz. She tells of her emotional struggle in dealing with his death; hoping against hope he was still alive despite accounts of how he was killed; the struggle to discover his fate; and the pain of not knowing where his body is.

The documentary also uncovers how the Saudi government handed the incident, including the attempts it made to cover up the story. In London, Washington, Istanbul and Montreal, the film visits and speaks with Khashoggi’s friends, security experts, analysts and activists. The events surrounding Khashoggi's killing and the assassination itself are reconstructed in reenactments and with aerial photographs, graphics and animations, including archive footage. In the words of one official close to the case, UN Special Rapporteur Agnès Callamard: "There is credible evidence that requires further investigation into the involvement of senior Saudi officials in the crime, including the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman himself."

Saudi Expats Launch Opposition Party on Anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's Death

THE GUARDIAN: National Assembly party aims at creation of representative government in Saudi Arabia

A group of intellectual Saudi Arabian expatriates have launched an opposition party on the second anniversary of the murder of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.

The aim of the National Assembly party is to gather the support of people inside and outside Saudi Arabia for the formation of a representative government, which would be the first elected democratic institution inside the country since its birth 90 years ago.

Madawi al-Rasheed, a scholar and party co-founder, said the party’s leaders were “already being bombarded by threats, including threats of beheading, since we violated the taboo of uttering the words democracy and political party”.

Rasheed said the new non-sectarian party would try to show how claims by the powerful Saudi crown prince and heir to the throne, Mohammed bin Salman – that the country was modernising – were a sham, and that total obedience to the royal family was still demanded.

Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018. » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Friday, October 2, 2020

Trump Tests Positive for Coronavirus. What Now? | DW News

US President Donald Trump and the first lady tested positive for coronavirus Thursday. Trump tweeted that he and his wife Melania would begin their "recovery process immediately" and "get through this together."

The Trumps had entered quarantine earlier in the day after senior aide Hope Hicks had also tested positive. She spent a substantial amount of time in close proximity with Trump this week, including traveling with him to a campaign rally on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported, citing an administration official. She also traveled with Trump several other days this week, including on board the presidential helicopter Marine One as well as on Air Force One. If Trump were unable to do his job — even due to a short illness — the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution allows the vice president becomes the president.

Sheikh Sabah al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait Obituary

THE GUARDIAN: Ruler of Kuwait for 14 years who was known as ‘the dean of Arab diplomacy’

The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who has died aged 91, ruled his country for 14 years and acquired a reputation for being committed to peaceful dialogue and unity among other Gulf states known for their divisive quarrels in recent times. Discreet, mild-mannered and valuing his personal links with fellow monarchs, Sabah was known as “the dean of Arab diplomacy”.

Since 2017, however, when the younger, more assertive leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates boycotted their rival Qatar, he found it increasingly hard to play the role of regional mediator, but was still credited with having forestalled potentially disastrous military action. The war in Yemen, scene of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, was another nightmarish situation. » | Ian Black | Thursday, October 1, 2020

A Day after Refusing to Condemn White Supremacists, Trump Aims a Xenophobic Attack at Ilhan Omar

Read the NYT story HERE »

Kingdom of Silence: 2 Years after Khashoggi Murder, New Film Explores Deadly US-Saudi Alliance

Two years ago, in a story that shocked the world, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul for marriage documents and was never seen again. It was later revealed that Khashoggi — a Saudi insider turned critic and Washington Post columnist — was murdered and dismembered by a team of Saudi agents at the direct order of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We speak with a friend of Khashoggi and with the director of a new documentary, “Kingdom of Silence,” that tracks not only Khashoggi’s brutal murder and the rise of MBS, but also the decades-long alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia. “What drew me into this story is Jamal was one of our own,” says director Rick Rowley. “When one of our colleagues is killed, it falls on all of us as journalists to try to do what we can to rescue their story from the forces that would impose silence on it.”

Amazon, Jeff Bezos and Collecting Data | DW Documentary

No company stores more data than Amazon, the former online bookseller. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos has become the richest man in the world. Every second Euro in online trading is spent at Amazon. Is the IT giant, with its unabated growth, about to turn our economic system upside down?

Amazon is a machine that can simultaneously observe, compare and analyze more than 300 million people worldwide. The company is not just a marketplace, market supervisor and provider of more and more services and consumer items - it also controls all the data streams in this market and uses them to its own benefit. Who suspects that a single click on an Amazon page will forward information to the company that fills a printed DIN-A-4 page? A conversation with Alexa, watching a streaming offer on Amazon-Prime, ordering vegetables via Amazon-Fresh - all this put together creates a whole library of information about every customer. The group collects everything - it just won’t reveal what conclusions it draws from it. What would be possible if data from other, new business areas were added? In the USA, Amazon is also active in the health and insurance sectors, and police officers are using its facial recognition software to search for wanted persons.

Amazon Empire: The Rise and Reign of Jeff Bezos (Full Film) | FRONTLINE

An inside look at how Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos built one of the largest and most influential economic forces in the world — and the cost of Amazon’s convenience.

Democracy Now!: Top US & World Headlines — October 1, 2020

Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on nearly 1,400 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream 8-9AM ET: https://democracynow.org

Donald Trump : Focus Group

Donald Trump lost the debate.

Brexit: Ireland Needs to Press for Reunification Vote, Says Sinn Féin

THE GUARDIAN: Party leader Mary Lou McDonald says Boris Johnson’s attitude to EU withdrawal agreement means her country cannot trust him

Ireland cannot trust an “erratic” and “dangerous” Boris Johnson on Brexit and needs to start pressuring Downing Street for a referendum on Irish unification, according to Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin.

Johnson has forfeited credibility by unpicking the withdrawal agreement and cannot be believed when he says he wants a trade deal, said McDonald. “He’s the prime minister and perfidious Albion just got perfidiouser, if there’s such a word.”

If Britain did not “honour a bargain fairly struck” it would face a backlash from Ireland’s allies in the EU and US, where congressional leaders could sink Downing Street’s hopes of a US trade deal, said McDonald. “If there is damage in Ireland, if there’s a hardening of the border – well, then all bets are off.” » | Rory Carroll, Ireland correspondent | Thursday, October 1, 2020

Brexit: EU Launches Legal Action against UK for Breaching Withdrawal Agreement

THE GUARDIAN: UK put on formal notice over internal market bill, which ministers admit breaks international law

The EU has launched legal action against Boris Johnson’s government over breaching the terms of the withdrawal agreement.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European commission president, announced that the UK had been put on formal notice over the internal market bill, which ministers admit breaks international law. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Thursday, October 1, 2020

'Evil': Three Ex-Trump Aides Join to Oust Trump after Debate Debacle | MSNBC

Three of Donald Trump's top aides speak out about why they oppose his re-election and are backing Joe Biden in this exclusive interview with MSNBC anchor Ari Melber. Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen, "The Art of the Deal" co-author Tony Schwartz and former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci reflect on how Trump’s star power made them want to work with him. Cohen reacts to Trump calling out the Proud Boys during the debate, arguing they are “his army and he will call them to arms when he loses.” (This interview is from MSNBC’s “The Beat with Ari Melber, a news show covering politics, law and culture airing nightly at 6pm ET on MSNBC. http://www.thebeatwithari.com). Aired on 09/30/2020.

Mary Trump: Donald Trump’s Debate Attack on Biden Children Was ‘Horrifying’ | The Last Word | MSNBC

Mary Trump says Donald Trump’s attacks on Joe Biden’s two sons during the first presidential debate showed the country he is “cruel” and “contentious.” She adds Donald Trump’s disregard for those serving in the military should disqualify him from the election, and that “if character mattered, he shouldn’t have been allowed to speak another word on that stage.” Aired on 09/30/2020.

ADL CEO: Proud Boys Don't Belong in the Political Conversation | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

The head of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, reacts to Trump refusing to denounce white supremacists and telling the Proud Boys to 'stand by' at his first debate with Joe Biden. Aired on 09/30/2020.

Opinion: Trump Calls on Extremists to ‘Stand By’

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Instead of condemning violent groups, the president marshals them.

President Trump didn’t hurt Joe Biden in Tuesday’s debate, but he badly damaged our country.

Trump harmed the United States in three ways, reminding us that the biggest threat to America comes not from desperate migrants, not from “socialists” seeking universal health care and not from “anarchists” in the streets — but from the White House itself.

The first way in which Trump damaged the country was in his salute to violent extremists.

“Are you willing tonight to condemn white supremacists?” Chris Wallace, the Fox News anchor who moderated the debate, asked Trump. Trump initially dodged the question but finally asked petulantly, “Who do you want me to condemn?”

Biden suggested the Proud Boys, a militant group that is fervently pro-Trump.

“Proud Boys, stand back and stand by,” Trump declared.

Stand by?

The Proud Boys, founded in 2016, are part of what the Southern Poverty Law Center calls “a fascistic right-wing political bloc.” The Anti-Defamation League compares it to a gang. The Proud Boys’ founder once said, “I cannot recommend violence enough,” and its members have brandished guns, committed criminal assaults and engaged in rioting. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have banned Proud Boys. » | Nicholas Kristof. Opinion Columnist | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

The Trump-Biden Debate Revealed the Dangers of Britain's 'Special Relationship'

THE GUARDIAN: If the US no longer stands as an inspirational model for the world, where does that leave those who defer to it?

Ever since the pioneeringKennedy-Nixon encounter in 1960, the questions that political journalists pose after US presidential debates have been the same. Who performed best? Who had the better of this or that part of the argument? Who exceeded expectations or fell short? Who had the best lines and delivered the best zinger? And has any of it changed the election odds?

They are still being asked after the first televised match-up between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. With five weeks to go before the US votes, the questions still matter. But after Tuesday’s verbal roughhouse they also feel crowded out by other uncertainties that seem more epochal, more dystopian and more pressing, not least when seen from this side of the Atlantic.

It can seem overblown, but it now makes sense to ask if America is on the edge of becoming ungovernable, or if the rule of impartial law enforcement still commands respect. It is also possible, in ways that were not true in the past, to consider whether the US can be relied on internationally, and whether it is realistic to continue to regard it as an ally. But if it is not an ally, what follows from that? The answers are increasingly uncomfortable.

Perhaps most potently, it has to be asked whether America, with all its fabulous energy, wealth, liberty and ambition, still offers the inspirational model to the world that it did to so many, for so long. Or instead is today’s America, defined increasingly by its inequalities, violence, fundamentalism and racism, becoming a model to be rejected, to be guarded against and even, in some cases, to be resisted? » | Martin Kettle | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Germans Embrace Fresh Air to Ward Off Coronavirus

THE GUARDIAN: Angela Merkel says ventilation may be one of cheapest and most effective ways of containing virus

Ventilating rooms has been added to the German government’s formula for tackling coronavirus, in refreshing news for the country’s air hygiene experts who have been calling for it to become official for months.

The custom is something of a national obsession, with many Germans habitually opening windows twice a day, even in winter. Often the requirement is included as a legally binding clause in rental agreements, mainly to protect against mould and bad smells.

But while some people may dismiss the method as primitive, “it may be one of the cheapest and most effective ways” of containing the spread of the virus, Angela Merkel insisted on Tuesday.

The German chancellor explained that the government’s guidelines to tackle the virus, encapsulated in the acronym AHA, which stands for distancing, hygiene and face coverings, will be extended to become AHACL. The “C” stands for the government’s coronavirus warning app, and “L” for Lüften or airing a room.

“Regular impact ventilation in all private and public rooms can considerably reduce the danger of infection,” the government’s recommendation explains. » | Kate Connolly in Berlin | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Religious Group Scrubs All References to Amy Coney Barrett from Its Website

THE GUARDIAN: People of Praise, a tiny charismatic Catholic organization, admits removing mentions and photos of Trump’s supreme court pick

A tiny religious organization tied to Amy Coney Barrett, Donald Trump’s supreme court nominee, sought to erase all mentions and photos of her from its website before she meets with lawmakers and faces questions at her Senate confirmation hearings.

Barrett, a federal appeals judge, has declined to publicly discuss her decades-long affiliation with People of Praise, a Christian group that opposes abortion and holds that men are divinely ordained as the “head” of the family and faith.

Former members have said the group’s leaders teach that wives must submit to the will of their husbands.

A spokesman for the organization has declined to say whether the judge and her husband, Jesse Barrett, are members.

But an analysis by the Associated Press shows that People of Praise erased numerous records from its website during the summer of 2017 that referred to Barrett and included photos of her and her family. » | Associated Press | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Coronavirus: Reviving Italy's Wine Windows

When the coronavirus forced Italy's pubs and restaurants to close, century-old wine windows allowed some to keep safely serving their customers.

The Guardian View on the US Presidential Debate: A Bad Night for the World

THE GUARDIAN: The dismal spectacle reminded viewers what is at stake in November for the US – and the rest of us

One unmistakable winner emerged from Tuesday’s presidential debate: Xi Jinping. The loser was the American public – and anyone else unfortunate enough to have sat through the grim 90-minute spectacle.

Variously described by commentators as a trainwreck, dumpster fire, shitshow and the worst debate in presidential history, it reflected the state of the race and the nation after four years of Donald Trump. This is America in 2020: wracked by a pandemic that has killed 200,000 people and highlighted its deep structural failings on healthcare and inequality, as well as the parlous state of its politics – a realm of bitter divisions in which facts appear to be optional.

Mr Trump lied, he blustered, he harangued and, above all, he interrupted. Most frighteningly, when invited to condemn white supremacists, he instead told the far-right Proud Boys to “stand back – and stand by”. He did this both by instinct and because Joe Biden remains ahead in the polls, with a lead that may well have been cemented by their performances. His base may have seen him as dominant, but to non-believers he was merely domineering. » | Editorial | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Half of Conservative Party Members Believe Islam Is Threat, Poll Finds

THE GUARDIAN: Survey finds six in 10 card-carrying Tories have negative attitude towards Muslims

Almost half of Conservative party members believe Islam “a threat to the British way of life,” according to a poll which has reignited concerns over Islamophobia within Britain’s ruling party.

It found that more than one-third of card-carrying Tories believed that Islamist terror attacks reflected a widespread hostility to Britain among the Muslim community, and nearly six in 10 thought “there are no-go areas in Britain where sharia law dominates and non-Muslims cannot enter.”

Attitudes hardened among those who had backed Boris Johnson in the 2019 leadership election, 44% of whom believed that Islamist terror reflected widespread hostility of British Muslims, and two-thirds of whom believed there were “no-go areas”.

Conservative members were far more likely to have negative attitudes towards Muslims than members of the public in general, 30% of whom said they thought Islam was a threat, according to the poll, which was commissioned by the antiracism organization Hope Not Hate. » | Damien Gayle | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Trump gegen Biden - wenn sich zwei alte Männer beschimpfen

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Das Fernsehduell wirft die bange Frage auf, wie es in den USA nach der Wahl am 3. November weitergeht. Der erste Bürgerkrieg der USA ist 155 Jahre her. Ein zweiter ist nicht mehr ausgeschlossen, kommentiert Holger Schmale.

Berlin – Zwei alte weiße Männer stehen in einem Fernsehstudio und beschimpfen einander anderthalb Stunden lang pausenlos. Das soll ein Höhepunkt eines Wahlkampfes sein, in dem es um die Zukunft einer der ältesten Demokratien, des wirtschaftlich und militärisch mächtigsten Landes der Welt mit 330 Millionen Bürgerinnen und Bürgern geht? Tatsächlich ist es ein neuer Tiefpunkt dessen, was man einmal politische Kultur genannt hat. Nicht Trump, nicht Biden ist der Verlierer dieses Spektakels. Es sind die Amerikaner.

Es ist aber noch mehr. Es kann einem wirklich angst und bange werden, was aus diesem Land nach der Wahl am 3. November werden wird. Man kann aus dem brachialen Auftreten Donald Trumps nur den Schluss ziehen, dass er die Wahl bereits verloren gegeben hat. Dafür sprechen alle Umfragen. Er hätte die Fernsehdebatte als Chance nutzen können, noch unentschlossene Wähler der Mitte mit Argumenten für sich zu gewinnen. Das wäre nötig gewesen, um die Umfragen zu beeinflussen. Er hat darauf verzichtet und allein seine hundertprozentigen Anhänger bedient. » | Holger Schmale | Mittwoch, 30. September 2020

Face-à-face Trump-Biden : un débat inquiétant pour la démocratie américaine

LE MONDE : Editorial. De l’affrontement brouillon entre Donald Trump et Joe Biden, mardi soir, on retiendra surtout la menace que le président persiste à laisser planer sur la validité du scrutin du 3 novembre. Un danger pour la démocratie.

Editorial du « Monde ». A cinq semaines de l’élection présidentielle américaine, le premier débat télévisé opposant le président républicain Donald Trump et l’ex-vice-président démocrate Joe Biden a confirmé, mardi 29 septembre, toutes les inquiétudes apparues depuis quatre ans sur la démocratie aux Etats-Unis.

Les moments les plus marquants de cet affrontement chaotique et brutal des deux candidats septuagénaires n’auront pas été les exclamations exaspérées de Joe Biden à l’égard d’un président qui ne cessait de l’interrompre et qu’il a traité de « clown », ni les attaques personnelles de ce dernier sur les affaires faites à l’étranger par l’un des fils de son adversaire. Ce que l’on retiendra surtout de ce débat, c’est l’avertissement lancé à la fin par Donald Trump sur le scrutin du 3 novembre : « Cela ne va pas bien se terminer. » » | ÉDITORIAL | mercredi 30 septembre 2020

Donald Trump: I'm Smart

Don't use the word "smart"

Geneva to Raise Minimum Wage to £3,500 a Month

THE GUARDIAN: Voters back increase amid reports of growing poverty linked to Covid-19 pandemic

Geneva is to raise its minimum wage to almost £3,500 a month, reported to be the highest in the world, after locals approved the measure in a surprise vote result sparked by reports of growing coronavirus-linked poverty in the Swiss city.

The canton’s 500,000 voters passed the increase proposed by local unions and leftwing parties, after twice rejecting it in 2011 and 2014.

The minimum hourly wage will rise to just under £19.50 an hour, more than twice the rate in neighbouring France, with a guaranteed minimum monthly salary of 4,086 Swiss francs (£3,457) based on a 41-hour working week, or 49,000 Swiss francs (£41,430) a year, in one of the world’s most expensive cities to live. » | Kim Willsher in Paris | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

America Is in Pain. The Presidential Debate Offered No Help

THE GUARDIAN: Donald Trump spent the evening whining in a circus of vanity, lies and hostility

With more than 200,000 Americans dead from Covid-19, the economy in tatters, the west on fire, schools shuttered, police brutality against Black people still rampant, and millions of Americans grieving, scared and unable to recognize their lives, the first of three presidential debates on Tuesday night came at a time of pain, desperation, and anxiety for the American people. The debate itself reflected absolutely none of this anxiety. It was a display of vulgarity and egotism that insulted the Americans it was purportedly meant to persuade.

For more than 90 minutes, instead of substantive discussion of the multiple ongoing national emergencies that have warped their lives, viewers were shown three old white men – Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Fox News’ Chris Wallace, nominally the moderator – interrupting, shouting at and insulting one another. The coarseness, dishonesty, and grandstanding on display was a mockery of the dignity of the electoral process and a slap in the face to the Americans whose lives will be shaped by the actions of the next president. » | Moira Donegan | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

First Biden vs. Trump Presidential Debate–90 Minutes Uninterrupted

Meacham: Trump Declared War on Decency, Democracy Last Night | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Historian Jon Meacham assesses Tuesday night's debate, saying that Trump declared war on decency and democracy during the debate. Aired on 9/30/2020.

Why the US Presidential Debate Saw No Winner | DW News

US President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden have faced off in what's being being called the worst presidential debate ever. The chaotic, 95-minute, televised clash touched on on issues including the coronavirus, race relations and the economy. But the discussion descended into a series of interruptions and personal mud-slinging.

The first presidential debate capped an unedifying spectacle in which Trump papered over his policy blindspots, and Biden his age. In this era of polarization the debate managed to yield a consensus: there were no winners.

Is This the End of Democracy? (w/ Prof. Jason Stanley)

How close is the United States to fascism? How far away from democracy has Trump taken us? Professor Jason Stanley joins Thom Hartmann for the devastating answer!

There are ten elements of fascism. Where is the US on the scale today? The Republican party has become less willing to defending democracy, following the cult of the leader. This could lead to a stolen election in 2020.

Professor Jason Stanley joined Thom to discuss ow the US is heading towards becoming a fascist society and is walking into it with eyes closed.

Jason Stanley is the author of “How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them” and the Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy at Yale University.

'Trump Is a Clear and Present Danger' to US National Security: Clinton | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talks about how the Donald Trump's debts, exposed by recent New York Times reporting, represent a national security liability, and wonders if some of that indebtedness explains Trump's deference to Vladimir Putin. Aired on 09/29/2020.

Trump Refuses to Denounce White Supremacy | US Presidential Debate Analysis

With just weeks to go until the November 3 election, Donald Trump and Joe Biden went head-to-head in a debate that sought to energize supporters and win over undecided voters. Interruptions, tense exchanges and insults dominated the debate, with moderator Chris Wallace struggling to get a word in. This first debate mainly focused on US domestic issues, with the COVID-19 pandemic, a Supreme Court vacancy, the economy, and racial justice topping the agenda.

Trump also refused to condemn far-right militia groups, including a group known as Proud Boys mentioned by the moderator. "Proud Boys, stand back, stand by, but I'll tell you what, somebody's got to do something about antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem. This is a left-wing problem."

With Cross Talk, Lies and Mockery, Trump Tramples Decorum in Debate With Biden

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Interrupting Joe Biden nearly every time he spoke, President Trump made little attempt to reassure swing voters about his leadership. Mr. Biden hit back: “This is so unpresidential.”


WASHINGTON — The first presidential debate between President Trump and Joseph R. Biden Jr. unraveled into an ugly melee Tuesday, as Mr. Trump hectored and interrupted Mr. Biden nearly every time he spoke and the former vice president denounced the president as a “clown” and told him to “shut up.”

In a chaotic, 90-minute back-and-forth, the two major party nominees expressed a level of acrid contempt for each other unheard-of in modern American politics.

Mr. Trump, trailing in the polls and urgently hoping to revive his campaign, was plainly attempting to be the aggressor. But he interjected so insistently that Mr. Biden could scarcely answer the questions posed to him, forcing the moderator, Chris Wallace of Fox News, to repeatedly urge the president to let his opponent speak.

“Will you shut up, man?” Mr. Biden demanded of Mr. Trump at one point in obvious exasperation. “This is so unpresidential.” » | Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns | Tuesday, September 29, 2020; Updated: Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Proud Boys Celebrate Trump’s Mention of Them at the Debate

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that has endorsed violence, celebrated on Tuesday night after President Trump mentioned them during the first presidential debate.

Asked whether he condemned white supremacists and military groups, Mr. Trump demurred and then said, “Proud Boys — stand back and stand by.”

Within minutes, members of the group were posting in private social media channels, calling the president’s comments “historic.” In one channel dedicated to the Proud Boys on Telegram, a private messaging app, group members called the president’s comment a tacit endorsement of their violent tactics.

In another message, a member commented that the group was already seeing a spike in “new recruits.”

Mr. Trump’s rival, Joseph R. Biden Jr., noted that the group was celebrating Mr. Trump’s remark, pointing in a retweet to some of the comments being made. When asked what Mr. Trump meant by “stand by,” Jason Miller, a senior adviser to the president’s campaign, said it was “very clear he wants them to knock it off.” The Proud Boys describe themselves as “a pro-Western fraternal organization for men.” The group has openly endorsed violence, and has recently been tied to several violent incidents at recent protests. » | Sheera Frenkel and Annie Karni | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Donald Trump Refuses to Condemn White Supremacists at Presidential Debate

THE GUARDIAN: President tells Proud Boys, a far-right group often associated with violent protests, to ‘stand back and stand by’

Donald Trump declined to condemn white supremacists and violent rightwing groups during a contentious first presidential debate, instead urging a far-right group known for street brawling to “stand by” and arguing that “somebody’s got to do something” about the left.

The president was asked repeatedly by the moderator, Chris Wallace, to condemn violence by white supremacists and rightwing groups, such as armed militias, as well as criticizing leftwing protesters.

Instead, Trump addressed the Proud Boys, a far-right group whose members have been sentenced to prison for attacking leftwing protesters in political street fights, and said: “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by! But I’ll tell you what, somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left.”

The Proud Boys, whose uniform is a black polo shirt, immediately celebrated the president’s comment in posts on social media platform Telegram. One Proud Boys group added the phrase “Stand Back, Stand By” to their logo. Another post was a message to Trump: “Standing down and standing by sir.”

Experts who study extremist groups said Trump’s message was dangerous, and could encourage additional violence.

“A green light like ‘stand back and standby’ is catastrophic,” Kathleen Belew, a historian of American white power movements, wrote on Twitter. » | David Smith, Lois Beckett, Maanvi Singh, Julia Carrie Wong | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Trump Ensures First Presidential Debate Is National Humiliation

THE GUARDIAN: Analysis: Only one man looked remotely presidential on the debate stage in Cleveland, Ohio, and it was not the incumbent

Cry, the beloved country. Donald Trump ensured Tuesday’s first US presidential debate was the worst in American history, a national humiliation. The rest of the world – and future historians – will presumably look at it and weep.

More likely than not, according to opinion polls, his opponent Joe Biden will win the November election and bring the republic back from the brink. If Trump is re-elected, however, this dark, horrifying, unwatchable fever dream will surely be the first line of America’s obituary.

Only one man looked remotely presidential on the debate stage in Cleveland, Ohio, and it was not the incumbent. He interrupted, ranted, raged, spewed lies and interrupted some more. Oh, and he passed on an opportunity to condemn white supremacists, instead telling them to “stand back and stand by”.

The debate moderator, Chris Wallace of Fox News, did not cover himself in glory either. He was a like a school supply teacher, hopelessly out of his depth as unruly children run riot. He did not enforce the rules or cut the president’s mic.

Facing this asymmetric bullying, Biden showed self-control and stood his ground. He spoke for tens of millions of Americans when he demanded: “Will you shut up, man?” – the Biden campaign rushed out this slogan on a T-shirt before the debate was even over.

Five weeks before the election, the debate pitted an ageing white male against an ageing orange male sweating like Richard Nixon in 1960. Anyone hoping for elegant verbal jousting or rapier-like wit was in for a disappointment. » | David Smith in Washington | Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Dies at Age 91

The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has died at the age of 91. The announcement was made on state television on Tuesday. He had been in power since 2006. Jamal Elshayyal takes a look back on his life.

GOP Takeover of the Supreme Court: What You Need to Know

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich explains what's at stake in the SCOTUS nomination fight to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Led by Mitch McConnell, Republicans are gearing up to reverse the precedent they themselves set in 2016, when they blocked President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee for 293 days because, they said, “this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.” They know if they let the people decide who should appoint the next Supreme Court justice, their last chance to implement minority rule could be lost.

Remember: Trump lost the popular vote by 3 million people. And he was impeached. If confirmed, his nominee would be approved by Senate Republicans representing 11 million fewer Americans than their Senate Democratic counterparts. That justice would join a Supreme Court alongside four conservative justices who were nominated by Republican presidents who also lost the popular vote. And these 5 would have the power to negate laws supported by a majority of Americans.

In other words, a president elected by a minority will appoint a justice who will be confirmed by senators representing a minority. That justice will have the power to subvert the will of the majority and possibly hand the election to a president who’s already been impeached.

The majority of Americans will not go down without a fight. First, we must defeat Trump and his Republican enablers in the upcoming election. Next, when Democrats have control of the Senate, the House, and the presidency, the top priority must be to restructure the Supreme Court so it better reflects the will of the people.

We must see the GOP’s exercise of raw power for what it is and meet it with even greater force.

David Cay Johnston: Trump Deserves to Be Jailed, But System Is Set Up to Let Rich Avoid Paying Taxes

Ahead of the first of three presidential debates between President Trump and Joe Biden, we speak with David Cay Johnston, founder and editor-in-chief of DCReport.org, who says the bombshell New York Times report on Trump's taxes highlights the existence of "two income tax systems, separate and unequal." The Times reports that Trump paid no federal income tax in 10 of the past 15 years and just $750 in 2016 and 2017. In a follow-up report, the Times reveals Trump made $427 million in connection to the hit reality TV show "The Apprentice," providing him a financial lifeline as other investments lost money. "People who own their own businesses, like Donald Trump, are under a different system," says Johnston.

The Story of Trump as Tycoon Is 'a Fiction', But Will It Matter to Voters? | Morning Joe | MSNBC

The Morning Joe panel continues its discussion on new NYT reporting on the president's tax returns and why many of his supporters are likely to stay with him despite the revelation he paid just $750 in income tax. Aired on 9/29/2020.

NYT Report Shows 'The Apprentice' Helped Boost Trump's Finances | Morning Joe | MSNBC

In its second reports on the president's tax returns, the NYT shows how 'The Apprentice' helped give Trump's finances a boost to the tune of $427 million. Steve Rattner's charts also show how Trump managed to avoid paying federal income taxes. Aired on 9/29/2020.

Do Trump's Personal Debts Pose a Risk to the US' National Security? | DW News

US Democrats went on the attack on Monday after a report by The New York Times (NYT) revealed that President Donald Trump paid little to no income tax in recent years and held large amounts of debt. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Donald Trump's debts were a "national security" issue. If it involved different countries, she said, they could hold leverage over the president. "To me this is a national security question," she said. "It's so strange that in 2017, the president paid $750 in federal taxes, and he paid over $300,000 in taxes to other countries."

Trump dismissed the NYT report as "fake news" and tweeted that he had paid "many millions of dollars in taxes" but was entitled to depreciation and tax credits and was "extremely under-leveraged" in terms of his debt and assets.

NYT Tax Story Puts Trump in a Bind: Admit Being a Business Failure or Admit Lying on Taxes | MSNBC

Rachel Maddow points out that one of the key takeaways from the New York Times' story on Donald Trump's taxes is that the tax record portrays Trump as a terrible, money-losing businessman, unless he'd like to explain that he was illegally lying about business losses to avoid paying taxes. Aired on 09/28/2020.

NYT Details Damning Trump Business Woes Just Before First Debate | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

Just hours before the president's first debate with Joe Biden, The New York Times reveals records show Trump's finances are in disarray and he has spent years avoiding income taxes. Aired on 09/28/2020.

Trump Tax Returns: 10 Things You Need to Know

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich breaks down 10 things you need to know about Trump's serial tax dodging.

He paid $0 in income taxes in 10 of the past 15 years and claimed a $70,000 tax deduction for hairstyling. He faces federal and state prosecution for bank fraud, tax fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, as does his entire family.

In many ways, Trump's tax returns show once again that he represents the worst side of America -- a cheat, conman, someone who doesn't give a fig about the United States, who puts himself first every chance he gets, and a hypocrite.

Not surprisingly, Trump claims this bombshell is "totally fake news." But the easiest way to refute it would be to make his tax returns public, which he refuses to do. Now we know why.

Fmr. Trump Campaign Manager Brad Parscale Hospitalized | Morning Joe | MSNBC

The former top manager of President Donald Trump's re-election campaign, Brad Parscale, was taken to a hospital Sunday after his wife reported that he was armed and threatening to harm himself, authorities said. Aired on 9/28/2020.

Brad Parscale, former Trump campaign manager, hospitalised after self-harm threats »

The Choice 2020: Valerie Biden Owens (Interview) | FRONTLINE

Valerie Biden Owens is Joe Biden’s sister and has managed his seven senatorial campaigns, as well as his two previous presidential campaigns.

The following interview was conducted by FRONTLINE’s Jim Gilmore on July 21, 2020 during our reporting for the “The Choice 2020: Trump vs. Biden” — FRONTLINE’s critically acclaimed election series featuring the interwoven, investigative biographies of both presidential candidates. It has been edited for clarity and length.

Opinion: Trump’s Tax Avoidance Is a National Disgrace. Don't Let Him Blame 'The System'

THE GUARDIAN: Americans paid for Trump’s $73m tax refund – and he’s laughing all the way to the bank

Well, now we know why Donald Trump didn’t want the public to see his tax returns. A New York Times investigation looking at years of previously undisclosed documents found that Trump used countless maneuvers to avoid having to pay federal income tax. He ended up paying $750 total in 2016 despite hundreds of millions of dollars in income from The Apprentice and his various companies and licensing arrangements. Many years he paid nothing at all, and even received an income tax refund of $72.9m, which included millions in interest, straight from the federal treasury to Trump’s pocket.

The New York Times paints a picture of an elaborate shell game in which losses from some of his companies are used to wipe out tax liabilities elsewhere. It is not always clear how much of his “losses” are real losses rather than creative accounting, but the Times suggests that Trump may be both living large on hundreds of millions in annual income and overseeing distressed and unprofitable businesses. » | Nathan Robinson | Monday, September 28, 2020

The President’s Taxes: Long-concealed Records Show Trump’s Chronic Losses and Years of Tax Avoidance

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The Times obtained Donald Trump’s tax information extending over more than two decades, revealing struggling properties, vast write-offs, an audit battle and hundreds of millions in debt coming due.

Donald J. Trump paid $750 in federal income taxes the year he won the presidency. In his first year in the White House, he paid another $750.

He had paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years — largely because he reported losing much more money than he made.

As the president wages a re-election campaign that polls say he is in danger of losing, his finances are under stress, beset by losses and hundreds of millions of dollars in debt coming due that he has personally guaranteed. Also hanging over him is a decade-long audit battle with the Internal Revenue Service over the legitimacy of a $72.9 million tax refund that he claimed, and received, after declaring huge losses. An adverse ruling could cost him more than $100 million. » | Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig and Mike McIntire | Sunday, September 27, 2020

Opinion: Is Amy Coney Barrett Joining a Supreme Court Built for the Wealthy?

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Future decisions by a very conservative majority could give corporations even more weight and workers less.

Much of the public anxiety about Amy Coney Barrett — judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Notre Dame law professor and Donald Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court — has focused on the question of abortion, and whether as a believer in originalism and a practicing Catholic she would be likely to vote to reverse Roe v. Wade.

At least as consequential might be her position on the Social Security Administration: She has suggested that an originalist — whose view of the law is rooted in the idea that the duty of judges is to ascertain whether laws reflect the original meaning of the Constitution — might say that it is not clearly permissible given a strict reading of the Constitution. This isn’t to say that she thinks it should or even could be repealed. “Some decisions,” she wrote, “thought inconsistent with the Constitution’s original public meaning are so well baked into government that reversing them would wreak havoc.” But it does indicate that in the area of judicial philosophy, there are many ways to be extreme. » | Kim Phillips-Fein | Ms. Phillips-Fein is the author of “Invisible Hands: The Businessmen’s Crusade Against the New Deal.” | Sunday, September 27, 2020

America has turned into a joke! A sick one at that! – Mark

Yuval Noah Harari - Q&A on Being Gay

Prof. Yuval Noah Harari presents a scientific perspective on homosexuality, and shares how this has affected his personal experience of being gay.

The Choice 2020: Mary Trump (Interview) | FRONTLINE

Mary Trump is the niece of Donald Trump and the author of Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man.

The following interview was conducted by FRONTLINE’s Gabrielle Schonder on July 30, 2020 during our reporting for the “The Choice 2020: Trump vs. Biden” — FRONTLINE’s critically acclaimed election series featuring the interwoven, investigative biographies of both presidential candidates. It has been edited for clarity and length.

Iron Iran? Ft. Javad Zarif, Iranian Foreign Minister

There’s an old Persian saying that “when there’s fire, dry and wet burn together”. It could be an apt description of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected every country on the planet but Iran and the United States - more than others. Can this new invisible adversary, which upended so many things in our lives, shake up their sworn and tired enmity? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif.

Im Eiltempo zum Supreme Court

SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG: Nur eine Woche nach dem Tod der liberalen Richter-Ikone Ruth Bader Ginsburg nominiert Donald Trump die konservative Abtreibungsgegnerin Amy Coney Barrett für das höchste US-Gericht. Statt Konsens sucht Trump Streit.

Es soll jetzt vor allem schnell gehen. US-Präsident Donald Trump steht am Samstag hinter seinem Pult im Rosengarten des Weißen Hauses, um Amy Coney Barrett für den vakanten Platz im obersten Gericht der USA zu nominieren. Nur eine Woche nach dem Tod der liberalen Richter-Ikone Ruth Bader Ginsburg, noch bevor sie in dieser Woche beerdigt werden wird.

Und noch vor der Präsidentschaftswahl am 3. November wird voraussichtlich der US-Senat mit seiner republikanischen Mehrheit Barretts Nominierung zustimmen. Keine 40 Tage sind es bis dahin. Im Schnitt haben Nominierungsverfahren bisher 67 Tage gedauert. Am 12. Oktober sollen die Anhörungen beginnen.

Nennenswerte Opposition aus den eigenen Reihen ist nicht zu erwarten. Zumindest keine, die die Mehrheit im Senat gefährden könnte. Trump sagte am Samstag, "dies sollte eine unkomplizierte und schnelle Bestätigung werden". Mit nichts anderem ist zu rechnen. » | Von Thorsten Denkler, New York | Sonntag, 27. September 2020

How Trump Laid Groundwork for Election Result Mayhem

CNN's Ana Cabrera looks back at the ways President Donald Trump has laid the groundwork for election rigging claims since 2016.

'She Lies about Lying': Brianna Keilar Fires Back at McEnany

The White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany baselessly linked CNN reporter Brianna Keilar's comments about the Kentucky Attorney General to the shooting of two Louisville police officers after the killing of Breonna Taylor. Hear her response.

Don Winslow Films: #StopTheMadnessStopTrump

The Role of Women in Islam | DW Documentary

Is there room for feminism in the Muslim world? The role of women in Islam is a frequent subject of controversy. Few other religions are so tainted with bias. But does Islam have any justification for its discrimination against women?

In this film, director Nadja Frenz introduces Muslim women who have set out to find their own path to emancipation. Together they investigate the role of women in Islam and study the Surah, the chapters of the Quran. Can the western concepts of gender equality be transferred directly to the Islamic world? Is wearing a headscarf a clear gesture of submission? Does the Quran really permit men to control women and beat them? Is the image of modern woman anti-Islamic? Must a woman choose between being a faithful Muslim or an independent feminist?

This documentary also consults women who are Islamic scholars. They say it is not Islam or the Quran that vilifies women, but rather certain interpretations of it and patriarchal traditions. They are campaigning for a more gender-neutral interpretation of the Quran and are trying to bring religion and feminism together. In contrast, women's rights advocates such as Zineb El Rhazoui, a former employee of the French satirical magazine "Charlie Hebdo", refuse to reconcile themselves with their religious roots, saying that Islam cannot be reformed.

America’s Pandemic Election: What Could Go Wrong? | The Economist

America’s 2020 presidential election will be a contest like no other. From the effects of mass mail-in voting to the threat of disinformation and delayed results—how ugly could it get?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, UK's Richest Person, Moves to Tax-free Monaco

THE GUARDIAN: Brexiter Ineos boss, who has an estimated £17.5bn fortune, officially changes tax domicile

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the UK’s richest person and high-profile Brexiter, has quit Britain for tax-free Monaco.

Ratcliffe, a petrochemicals magnate with an estimated £17.5bn fortune, has this week officially changed his tax domicile from Hampshire to Monaco, the sovereign city-state that is already home to many of the UK’s richest people.

It has been estimated that the move will save him £4bn in tax payments. People who live in Monaco for at least 183 days a year do not pay any income or property taxes. The highest tax rate in the UK is 45% on income above £150,000-a-year.

Before he left for Monaco, Ratcliffe was the UK’s third-highest individual taxpayer, paying £110m to the exchequer in 2017-18, according to the Sunday Times tax list.

His decision to quit Britain came soon after he was knighted by the Queen for “services to business and investment”, and the UK voted to leave the European Union. » | Rupert Neate, Wealth correspondent | Friday, September 25, 2020

The Choice 2020: John Bolton (Interview) | FRONTLINE

John Bolton served as national security adviser to Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019. He was previously the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and is the author of The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir.

The following interview was conducted by FRONTLINE’s Gabrielle Schonder on July 31, 2020 during our reporting for the “The Choice 2020: Trump vs. Biden” — FRONTLINE’s critically acclaimed election series featuring the interwoven, investigative biographies of both presidential candidates. It has been edited for clarity and length.

Prof. Christian Troll: Als Christ dem Islam begegnen

Knapp sechshundert Jahre nach Entstehung des Christentums tauchte der Islam auf, mit dem Anspruch, das Christentum zu korrigieren und zu ersetzen. Muslime sind überzeugt, durch den Propheten Mohammed zur letztgültigen und einzig wahren Religion geführt worden zu sein. Sie glauben, von Gott den Auftrag erhalten zu haben, eine weltweite islamische Ordnung zu errichten, in der die von Gott offenbarten Gesetze gelten. Wie sollten Christen auf den Absolutheitsanspruch des Islam und seinen religiös-politischen Anspruch reagieren? Sind Konkurrenz und Konflikte zwischen diesen beiden Weltreligionen unvermeidlich? Oder kann es auch Wege einer Zusammenarbeit im Dienst einer gerechten Gesellschaft und friedlichen Koexistenz geben? Antworten gibt Prof. Dr. Christian Troll, einer der renommiertesten Islamwissenschaftler der katholischen Kirche, der seit Jahrzehnten im christlich-islamischen Dialog engagiert ist.

Warum hat sich der deutsche Anwalt für den Islam entschieden?

Cooper: Are Elderly People Now Disposable? Look in Mirror, Trump

CNN's Anderson Cooper shows all the times President Donald Trump has contradicted himself on who is affected by the coronavirus and how serious the pandemic is.

Trump keeps on lying, keeps on conning the people, keeps on screwing America, keeps on dividing America, and much more besides. Who said God is omnipotent? – Mark

Don Winslow Films - #TrumpsSheep

Sadly, for almost 1/3 of America this is a daily ritual.

Cindy McCain Rebukes Trump and Publicly Endorses Joe Biden for President

THE GUARDIAN: McCain was motivated in part by Trump’s recent comments on the military, where he called war heroes ‘losers’ and ‘suckers’

Cindy McCain has endorsed Joe Biden for president, a stunning rebuke of Donald Trump by the widow of the Republican party’s 2008 nominee.

Cindy McCain tweeted on Tuesday: “My husband John lived by a code: country first. We are Republicans, yes, but Americans foremost. There’s only one candidate in this race who stands up for our values as a nation, and that is Joe Biden.” » | Guardian staff and agencies | Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Boris Johnson's Address to the Nation on Coronavirus Restrictions | LBC

Experience the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

This “Cruising on Rail” episode is produced by Cruising on Rail media productions, aired by Amazon Prime and documents the classic Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express journey by private train.

The 15-day all-inclusive journey between Moscow and Vladivostok, is the only way to complete the world's longest single service railway journey in luxury, comfort and style.

American Empire Collapse: It's about to Get Much Worse. Chris Hedges Joins [for a Discussion]

"RBG": Film Director Reflects on Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Lifelong Fight for Gender Equity

In her later years, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was internationally known simply as her initials — RBG — and a 2018 documentary film by the same name about Ginsburg's legal career, personal history and unexpected celebrity became a surprise smash hit. We speak with Julie Cohen, co-director of the Academy Award-nominated documentary "RBG," about Ginsburg's early years and leadership in fighting for equal rights for women, including arguing a case before the Supreme Court with nine male justices who were condescending to her. "She never let that condescension get her down," notes Cohen. "She was a deeply strategic person."

Theresa May Says 'Reckless' Brexit Bill Risks UK's Reputation

THE GUARDIAN: Ex-PM says internal market bill could lead to a united Ireland and undermine trust in UK

Theresa May has launched a blistering attack on the government’s plan to give itself powers to renege on the special arrangements for Northern Ireland in the Brexit deal.

She described the plans as “reckless” and “irresponsible” and said they “risked the integrity of the United Kingdom”, as they would not only tarnish Britain’s reputation globally as an upholder of the law but could contribute to a reunited Ireland.

In a strongly worded speech in the House of Commons, she said: “I cannot emphasise enough how concerned I am [that] the Conservative government is willing to go back on its word to break an international agreement signed in good faith, and to break international law.” » | Lisa O’Carroll, Brexit correspondent | Monday, September 21, 2020

BoJo simply has to go! He is dishonorable and no leader. He thinks he’s the re-incarnation of Churchill, but he is nothing of the sort. He and his sidekick, Cummings, need to be sent packing! – Mark

Donald Trump : Maxwell

What does Ghislaine Maxwell have on Donald Trump?

Covid Lockdowns in Four More Areas of Wales as Cases Rise

THE GUARDIAN: Stricter rules from Tuesday in Newport, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent

About a quarter of the Welsh population will be subject to local lockdowns after sharp rises in Covid-19 cases triggered restrictions in four new areas.

Strict limits on travel and socialising will come into force from 6pm on Tuesday across Newport, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent in south Wales.

Lockdowns are already in place in Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Welsh government made it clear that other local restrictions or even a national lockdown could be brought in.

No lockdown has been imposed in Cardiff but three of the areas now restricted have borders with the Welsh capital and many people from the lockdown areas travel there every day for work and education.

Announcing what he called “genuinely extraordinary” measures, the Welsh health minister, Vaughan Gething, said the rise of coronavirus cases in the four new areas had been “worrying and rapid”. » | Steven Morris | Monday, September 21, 2020

No 10 Denies Reports Boris Johnson Went on Secret Italy Trip

THE GUARDIAN: Minister also rejects airport’s statement PM flew into Perugia in past fortnight

One of Boris Johnson’s ministers has denied a report in the Italian media that the UK prime minister made a secret trip to the country less than a fortnight ago, a claim Downing Street has also rejected as “completely untrue”.

Asked if Johnson had landed in Perugia in the past two weeks, which the Umbrian airport said had happened in a statement, Grant Shapps, the transport minister, told Sky News: “Not that I’m aware of. I think it’s mistaken, as far as I’m aware.”

reported on the alleged trip after the Barcelona footballer Luis Suárez flew into Perugia on 17 September. The airport put out a press release saying that as well as Suárez, Johnson had also arrived there in recent days. » | Peter Walker, Political correspondent | Monday, September 21, 2020

Taiwan: China's Next Target? | DW Analysis

Despite China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour both at home and abroad, Beijing’s open threat to take control of Taiwan by force is receiving comparatively little attention – leaving this flourishing liberal democracy uniquely isolated and vulnerable. The threat may be far more imminent than many imagine. According to Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu “the Chinese authoritarian leaders may find Taiwan as a convenient scapegoat. Therefore, Taiwan needs to be doubly concerned about a possible Chinese use of force against us.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Look Back at Her Life

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer, the court announced. She was 87.

Ginsburg was appointed in 1993 by President Bill Clinton and in recent years served as the most senior member of the court's liberal wing consistently delivering progressive votes on the most divisive social issues of the day, including abortion rights, same-sex marriage, voting rights, immigration, health care and affirmative action.

Trump Says He Can Negotiate a Third Term Because He's Entitled to It

At a rally last weekend, Donald Trump mentioned that he might try to "negotiate" a third term as president because he says that he is "entitled" to it. While the negotiation part is absolutely ridiculous, the part about being entitled says a lot about the state of the President's psyche. Ring of Fire's Farron Cousins explains the President's rantings and what they mean.

Thailand: Anti-Government Protest in Bangkok Draws Massive Crowd | DW News

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters are rallying in the streets of Thailand's capital Bangkok to demand democratic reforms. The student-led demonstrations are calling for the prime minister's resignation and changes in tough laws against criticizing the monarchy. Organizers say tens of thousands have turned out. That would make it the biggest protest since a 2014 coup when now-prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha took power. Authorities have warned against holding demonstrations amid fears that the coronavirus could spread rapidly among participants.

Coronavirus Protesters in London 'May Get Arrested', Police Warn

THE GUARDIAN: Officers try to disperse crowds after ‘outbreaks of violence’ at protest against restrictions
Protesters “may get arrested” if they defy orders to leave a demonstration in central London against coronavirus restrictions and mass vaccinations, the Met police has warned.

More than a thousand people are estimated to have joined the central London rally, among them 5G conspiracy theorists, coronavirus sceptics and “anti-vaxxers”.

Sections got into scuffles with police – some officers, with their batons drawn, were pushed back by crowds on the margins of the demo.

In a statement issued at 3pm on Saturday, the Met said it would take enforcement action to disperse the Resist and Act for Freedom rally following “outbreaks of violence towards officers”. » | Aaron Walawalkar and Damien Gayle | Saturday, September 19, 2020

Most Americans Think Trump Has Given Up Trying to Handle the Pandemic

According to the latest round of polling, a majority of Americans believe that the President has simply given up trying to actually manage and handle the pandemic. This isn't a good sign for the President who is in a tight race to retain his office. If the people believe that you have given up on them, they are far more likely to give up on you, as Ring of Fire's Farron Cousins explains.

England-wide Covid Lockdown Needed 'Sooner Rather Than Later', Says Former Adviser

THE GUARDIAN: Prof Neil Ferguson says new rules should be imposed to minimise deaths in ‘perfect storm’ second wave

The epidemiologist whose modelling helped shape Britain’s coronavirus lockdown strategy has warned that new coronavirus restrictions will be needed in England “sooner rather than later” if the government is to prevent the disease surging again.

Prof Neil Ferguson – who resigned from the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) – said the country was facing a “perfect storm” following the easing of controls over the summer. » | Nicola Slawson | Saturday, September 19, 2020

Is There a Global Movement behind Donald Trump?

Is Donald Trump backed by international support aimed at nothing short but the merger of corporate and state power?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court’s Feminist Icon, Is Dead at 87

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The second woman appointed to the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg’s pointed and powerful dissenting opinions earned her late-life rock stardom.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, who in her ninth decade became a much younger generation’s unlikely cultural icon, died at her home in Washington on Friday. She was 87.

The cause was complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer, the Supreme Court said.

By the time two small tumors were found in one of her lungs in December 2018, during a follow-up scan for broken ribs suffered in a recent fall, Justice Ginsburg had beaten colon cancer in 1999 and early-stage pancreatic cancer 10 years later. She received a coronary stent to clear a blocked artery in 2014.

Barely five feet tall and weighing 100 pounds, Justice Ginsburg drew comments for years on her fragile appearance. But she was tough, working out regularly with a trainer, who published a book about his famous client’s challenging exercise regime. » | Linda Greenhouse | Friday, September 18, 2020

Outcry as Super-rich Trump Donor Given Permission to Avoid Canada Quarantine

THE GUARDIAN: Billionaire Liz Uihlein landed in Toronto in August and did not have to follow mandatory 14-day coronavirus self-isolation rules

A billionaire backer of Donald Trump who has been outspoken in her criticism of coronavirus restrictions was granted an exemption to a mandatory quarantine when she visited Canada by private jet.

Liz Uihlein, the head of Wisconsin-based packaging company Uline, landed at Toronto’s Pearson airport on 25 August to visit one of the company’s warehouses, according to a report by CBC News.

Under the Quarantine Act, visitors to Canada are required to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival to the country. Failure to comply with restrictions carry a maximum penalty of up to $750,000 in fines and/or imprisonment for six months.

But neither Uihlein, nor her two travelling companions, were required to quarantine. » | Leyland Cecco in Toronto | Friday, September 18, 2020

Trump's October Surprise Could Be Explosive! (w/ Dr Trita Parsi)

Mike Pompeo is planning an October surprise. What surprise? Declaring an ‘election’ war on someone? Is the plan to start a conflict with Iran? Pompeo is said to be claiming to start UN sanctions which don’t exist, but why should reality affect an election war?

Dr. Trita Parsi from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, joined Thom to discuss what Pompeo is up to.

Opinion: Facebook Has Been a Disaster for the World

THE NEW YORK TIMES: How much longer are we going to allow its platform to foment hatred and undermine democracy?

For years, Myanmar’s military used Facebook to incite hatred and genocidal violence against the country’s mostly Muslim Rohingya minority group, leading to mass death and displacement. It took until 2018 for Facebook to admit to and apologize for its failure to act.

Two years later, the platform is, yet again, sowing the seeds for genocidal violence. This time it’s in Ethiopia, where the recent assassination of Hachalu Hundessa, a singer and political activist from the country’s Oromo ethnic group, led to violence in its capital city, Addis Ababa. This bloodshed was, according to Vice News, “supercharged by the almost-instant and widespread sharing of hate speech and incitement to violence on Facebook, which whipped up people’s anger.” This follows a similar incident in 2019, where disinformation shared on Facebook helped catapult violencethat claimed 86 lives in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.

Facebook has been incredibly lucrative for its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, who ranks among the wealthiest men in the world. But it’s been a disaster for the world itself, a powerful vector for paranoia, propaganda and conspiracy-theorizing as well as authoritarian crackdowns and vicious attacks on the free press. Wherever it goes, chaos and destabilization follow. » | Jamelle Bouie, Opinion columnist | Friday, September 18, 2020

Scaramucci: Trump Has Sycophants Who Are Willing to Lie for Him

Former White House Director of Communications Anthony Scaramucci reacts to a stunning rebuke from former coronavirus task force member Olivia Troye of Trump's response to the pandemic.