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

Tuesday, September 29, 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.


Monday, September 28, 2020

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

Sunday, September 27, 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.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

'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

Friday, September 25, 2020

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.


Wednesday, September 23, 2020

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

Tuesday, September 22, 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.


Monday, September 21, 2020

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

Sunday, September 20, 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.”

Saturday, September 19, 2020

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