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IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD IS RAMPANT IN CALIFORNIA, BUT THE ACTIVISTS WANT TO REDUCE THE PENALTIES FOR MAKING, DISTRIBUTING, AND SELLING FAKE IDENTIFICATION

The use of fraudulent identification is a clear and present danger to the safety and security of the United States and all local and State entities. Not to mention the costs of dealing with identity theft and forcing law-abiding citizens to jump through hoops to prove their innocence when confronted with false documents that have impacted their tax, retirement, and medical records.

It appears that California politicians, in keeping with the adoption of sanctuary state policies that protect illegal aliens from federal identification, adjudication, and removal, once again, seek to promote the interests of illegal aliens with allegiance to a foreign sovereign nation at the expense of law-abiding citizens of the State of California and of the United States of America.

What better way to enhance the turnout of the upcoming presidential election in 2020 and bias the results in favor of the progressive socialist democrats than to introduce legislation favorable to illegal aliens?

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2017–2018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill No. 222

Introduced by Assembly Member Bocanegra
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Chiu, Cristina Garcia, and Medina)

An act to repeal Sections 113 and 114 of the Penal Code, relating to false documents.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 222, as amended, Bocanegra. False documents.

Existing law, added by Proposition 187, which was approved by the voters at the November 8, 1994, statewide general election, makes it a felony to manufacture or distribute false documents to conceal the true citizenship or resident alien status of another person. Proposition 187 also makes it a felony for a person to use false documents to conceal his or her true citizenship or resident alien status. The California Constitution authorizes the Legislature to amend an initiative statute by another statute that becomes effective only when approved by the electors.

This bill would amend Proposition 187 by repealing the above-referenced crimes. The bill would require the Secretary of State to submit the provisions of the bill that amend Proposition 187 to the electors for their approval at the November 3, 2020, statewide general election. <Source: Bill Text - AB-222 False documents.>

Cute how the politicians want to leave it to a vote of the people to reduce the penalties on those who manufacture, distribute, sell, and use false identification. One might think that the already strict penalties have not worked, so now we need to relax the penalties. Absolute idiocy.

Bottom line …

There is little or no doubt in my mind that California wants to drive the Hispanic vote to the polls in 2020 as well as to avoid any penalty enhancements for crimes committed by illegal aliens. Under the proposed law, prosecutors would have the discretion to charge suspects with either a felony offense which could mean deportation or lower-level misdemeanors which may not cause further action to be taken by ICE.

Let us also remember that a significant number of illegal aliens, mostly from China and Russia, enter through the front door – one, to have American-born children; and two, with plans to overstay their visas.  Not only are their Hispanic gangs, but Russian gangs, Chinese gangs, and gangs of other ethnicities. It is time to protect American and American citizens.

Forget the damage that illegal aliens do to California and our nation. If President Trump were sincere about immigration reform, he would develop a guest worker program and policies that would force every illegal alien to register within 90 days to apply for a renewal five-year residence permit or be subject to deportation. Anyone not registered would not be permitted to apply for a renewable five-year residence permit after the cutoff date. Then the question of citizenship would be mostly resolved with generational change. Additionally demanding Congress address the question of anchor babies and make voter identification a federal law in all elections.

We are so screwed when the politicians sell out their country in return for political power, prestige, and profits.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CALIFORNIA PROGRESSIVE SOCIALIST DEMOCRATS CRIMINALIZE MANY GUN OWNERS AFTER JULY 1, 2017

flaggun

It is time that the gun owners of California revolt against the progressive socialist democrats who have managed to corrupt the State of California with their nonsense …

In a State where legislators welcome illegal aliens with open arms and protect illegal alien criminals, it is now time to take action. I have a hard time imagining any politician telling you to your face that your inalienable rights to life and liberty should come second to any assailant looking to do you harm. The progressives who go on-and-on about women’s rights appear to want women to be raped rather than engage in self-defense with a handgun.

Who are these progressive socialist democrats who want to surrender California to criminals and illegal aliens?

As for high-capacity magazines, ask yourself what happens when you are faced with multiple criminals who neither respect nor obey any laws – let alone the guns laws? What happens to the laws on our books when progressive prosecutors would rather plea-bargain away serious gun charges to secure a conviction on a minor offense rather than fight for a conviction under the most severe offense? And, then watch legislators turn violent felons into our communities as being non-violent because their last crime was a minor misdemeanor rather than a felony. As if holding someone at gunpoint is simple robbery without a gun enhancement.

These are the asshole legislators who sent criminals into our local stores with calculators, so they shoplift just under the limit ($950) for prosecution and walk away with a ticket as if they got caught jaywalking?

Warning …

Why California gun owners may be breaking the law on July 1

Sweeping new gun laws passed last year by California voters and legislators require those with magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to get rid of them by July 1.

The question is: How many of California’s 6 million-plus gun owners are actually going to comply, even though violators face potential jail time if they’re caught? Talk to gun owners, retailers and pro-gun sheriffs across California and you’ll get something akin to an eye roll when they’re asked if gun owners are going to voluntarily part with their property because Democratic politicians and voters who favor gun control outnumber them and changed the law.

California banned the sale of high-capacity detachable magazines in 2000, but it remained legal to possess them, except in cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and Sunnyvale that enacted local bans. That changed this fall when voters and lawmakers passed overlapping gun laws that require Californians, with limited exceptions, to give up any magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. Sometimes incorrectly called “clips,” magazines are the part inserted into a gun that holds ammunition and can be quickly popped in and out for rapid reloading.

Gun-control advocates say getting rid of magazines that make shooters capable of firing a rapid volley of bullets in a matter of seconds will reduce threats to police and make it harder for gunmen to kill as many people in mass shootings.“There’s just a lot of data that shows that large-capacity magazines are particularly attractive to mass shooters and to individuals committing crimes against law enforcement,” said Ari Freilich, staff attorney for the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, one the backers of Proposition 63, the gun-control initiative that California voters passed last fall. “They do not have legitimate self-defense value.”

In a pending lawsuit challenging the ban, Chuck Michel, a prominent gun-rights attorney in Long Beach, disagreed.

“The reason for the popularity of these magazines is straightforward: In a confrontation with a violent attacker, having enough ammunition can be the difference between life and death,” he wrote. “Banning magazines over ten rounds is no more likely to reduce criminal abuse of guns than banning high horsepower engines is likely to reduce criminal abuse of automobiles.”  <California's new gun laws: high-capacity magazine ban starts July 1 | The Sacramento Bee>

Bottom line …

The progressive socialist democrats would much rather you die at the hands of an illegal alien gang member who does not respect or follow the law than defending yourself as is your inalienable Gog-given right.

We are so screwed, and nothing will get better until we vote the progressives out of our lives here in California.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CALIFORNIA: REPUBLICANS COMMITTED SUICIDE AND NOW WANT YOU TO PAY FOR THE FUNERAL

dead-gop

Jon Fleischman (Executive Director, CA Republican Party (1999-2001) & Vice Chairman, South - CA Republican Party (2007-2011)) wrote a whiny column lamenting the impossibility of Republicans to gain traction in the State of California, specifically the race for California Governor.

He cites two major factors and then cites the real reason as a throw-away …

GOP Field For California Governor Grows, and Chance of All-Democrat Runoff

There are two factors that, together, augur bad news for Allen, and other would-be GOP governors of the Golden State.

The first was the passage of Proposition 14, the so-called “Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act,” which went into effect in 2012. That measure changed the manner of voting in all partisan primaries in California, except for President of the United States, so that any voter could cast his or her vote for any candidate, from any party, – and the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election. No longer does the top voter from each political party have a guaranteed spot on the November ballot.

The other factor is the decisive and overwhelming voter registration advantage that Democrats have over Republicans in California. As of February 10 there were 8,600,440 registered Democrats in California, and only 5,027,714 Republicans. (In addition, there are 4,762,212 voters with no party preference). Then it is a simple matter of math. With three and half million more Democrats than Republicans eligible to vote in the next gubernatorial election, it is extraordinarily likely that two Democrats will be the top vote winners. In fact, the optimal path for the Republican Party to have a candidate make the runoff is for there to be just one serious GOP candidate on the ballot.

There is no serious money to help push a Republican into the runoff because, frankly, the run-off, if between a Republican and a Democrat, will not be competitive. The massive voter registration advantage held by the Democrats ensures the outcome.

Ironically, the when the primary sponsors of the open primary measure, then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado, were promoting it to the voters, one of their biggest pitches was that its passage would result in greater voter choice in California.

But in fact voters now have less choice, forced to choose between two Democrats in runoff elections in statewide elections.  <Source.>

Let us start with the second factor, the overwhelming number of Democrats in the State of California. Simply put, the California Republican Party is all talk and no walk. Like Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham they take every occasion to hop the aisle and support the opposition agenda. Even when they talk “conservative” like Representative Tom McClintock, they turn out to be ineffective and corrupted by the special interests. In the case of McClintock, using his parent’s home in Thousand Oaks as “his residence” while living in Sacramento, being bought and paid-for by the Indian gaming interests, and unable to win his race for Lt. Governor with Schwarzenegger on the ticket. Like Rand Paul, and his father Ron Paul before him, speaking conservative but being ineffectual.

Perhaps if the Republicans could be counted on to uphold the values which they tend to espouse, fiscal responsibility and social probity, there would be more registered Republicans. I quit the party in disgust and re-registered as an Independent. Re-registering only to vote for Trump to keep the corrupt crony socialist Hillary Clinton out of the White House.

Now let us look at the second factor, the crazy proposition that was designed by the progressive socialist democrats to ensure a Democrat majority, in perpetuity, in the State of California. Promoted by a corrupt RINO (Republican In Name Only) and a sell-out who sold the deciding vote in an historic tax increase for the title of Lieutenant Governor.

Schwarzenegger was a Republican because he said so. He also said he was so rich that he was beyond corruption. And, he positioned himself as a “post-partisan” politician in the mold of former President Barack Obama. All lies to jump the waiting list in the Democrat Party. Schwarzenegger's first act was to appoint a long-term lesbian Democrat operative/activist as his Chief of Staff – not so coincidently the very same Chief of Staff of his corrupt predecessor who he replaced after a recall election. Schwarzenegger governed like a Kennedy Democrat (He was married to one until he cheated with his maid, had a secret son out of wedlock, and then painted California’s First lady out of his official portrait.) Except for the portrait, Schwarzenegger appeared to emulate Senator Ted Kennedy, lecher and murderer. And, speaking of murder, Schwarzenegger's last act in office was to commute the sentence of a real murderer as a political favor to a powerful Democrat leader in California. To this day, Schwarzenegger is promoting the progressive socialist democrat agenda of global warming.

Bottom line …

As far as I can tell, California Republicans are content to allow the Democrats to take the heat for their political actions while enjoying the minority’s portion of the graft, campaign funds, and political benefits. Why would anyone invest in the Republican brand when they know that the Republicans, as a group, are not honorable and can be easily bought by Democrat’s promises of personal gain (political position or appointment to six-figure “no work” commissions after they are termed out) or professional gain like projects for their districts.

I do not even know what the Republicans stand for … on a local, state, or national basis.

We are so screwed.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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DEMOCRATS PROTEST AMERICANS WITH NO ABILITIES ACT

It is my understanding that only moments after the introduction of this bill by the progressive socialist democrats, the leadership of the Democrats in both the House and the Senate condemned their own bill as being racist, divisive, and non-inclusive.

The Congressional Black Caucus joined with La Raza in denouncing the bill which did not have carve-outs for “people of color” to redress their historical grievances of mistreatment at the hands of those benefiting from white privilege.

The ACLU threatened to sue because the legislative title included the word American which may be offensive to a large segment of the population.

Jumping on the civil rights bandwagon were the LGBTTQQIAAPXYZ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, ally, pansexual, and XYZ chromosomally challenged) community who believed that their interests should also be protected.

Public and private unions also swore that the legislation does not respect the struggle for worker’s rights because there are no provisions for mandatory collective bargaining with union representation and employer-union dues collection.

Both the House and Senate barber shops and hair salons demanded they be specifically exempted to protect the safety and welfare of their patrons.

SUMMARY ANNOUNCEMENT – TEXT TO FOLLOW

115th Congress

1st Session

Senate Bill # ____________

A Bill For An Act Entitled: THE AMERICANS WITH NO ABILITIES ACT OF 2017

In the Senate

June 27, 2017

Senators Charles E. Schumer, Richard J. Durbin, Patty Murray, Debbie Stabenow, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Bernard Sanders, Joe Manchin, Tammy Baldwin, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Diane Feinstein, Cory Booker, and Kamala Harris, for themselves and co-sponsors hereby introduce this proposal.

MAINSTREAM MEDIA RELEASE

ANAA – AMERICANS WITH NO ABILITIES ACT OF 2017

Democratic Senators are considering introducing legislation that will provide new benefits for many more Americans. The Americans With No Abilities Act is being hailed as a major legislative goal by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills and ambition.

“Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society,” said California Sen. Barbara Boxer. “We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability (POI) to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers, simply because they have some idea of what they are doing.”

In a Capitol Hill press conference, Nancy Pelosi pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has an excellent record of hiring Persons with No Ability (63 percent).
Under the Americans With No Abilities Act, more than 25 million mid-level positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance.

Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability (POI) into middle-management positions and give a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires.

Finally, the Americans With No Abilities Act contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the non-abled, banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as, “Do you have any skills or experience that relate to this job?”

“As a non-abled person, I can’t be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them,” said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint, Mich., due to her inability to remember “righty tighty, lefty loosey”. “This new law should be real good for people like me. I’ll finally have job security.” With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Said Sen. Dick Durbin, II: “As a senator with no abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities. It is our duty as lawmakers to provide each and every American citizen, regardless of his or her inadequacy, with some sort of space to take up in this great nation and a good salary for doing so.”

This message was approved by Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Maxine Waters, Elizabeth Warren & Nancy Pelosi........all Americans With No Abilities whatsoever!!

The Bottom Line ...

We are so screwed.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CAN YOU BELIEVE THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S BANK STRESS TESTS?

bankstress

Let us not forget that the Federal Reserve is not a governmental agency and that there is precious little oversight of its activities by anyone. The Federal Reserve is a private entity, ostensibly owned by its member banks – but there has never been any public release of the ownership positions by the various banks. Therefore, it should be assumed that the Federal Reserve will act on behalf of its owners and not the United States government.

The Federal Reserve Announcement …

Federal Reserve Board releases results of supervisory bank stress tests

The nation's largest bank holding companies have strong capital levels and retain their ability to lend to households and businesses during a severe recession, according to the results of supervisory stress tests released Thursday by the Federal Reserve Board.

The most severe hypothetical scenario projects $383 billion in loan losses at the 34 participating bank holding companies during the nine quarters tested. The "severely adverse" scenario features a severe global recession with the U.S. unemployment rate rising by approximately 5.25 percentage points to 10 percent, accompanied by heightened stress in corporate loan markets and commercial real estate.

The firms' aggregate common equity tier 1 capital ratio, which compares high-quality capital to risk-weighted assets, would fall from an actual 12.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 to a minimum level of 9.2 percent in the hypothetical stress scenario. Since 2009, the 34 firms have added more than $750 billion in common equity capital.

"This year's results show that, even during a severe recession, our large banks would remain well capitalized," Governor Jerome H. Powell said. "This would allow them to lend throughout the economic cycle, and support households and businesses when times are tough."

Capital is critical to banking organizations, the financial system, and the economy because it acts as a cushion to absorb losses and helps to ensure that losses are borne by shareholders. The Board's stress scenarios assume deliberately stringent and conservative hypothetical economic and financial market conditions. The results are not forecasts or expected outcomes.

This is the seventh round of stress tests led by the Federal Reserve since 2009 and the fifth round required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The 34 bank holding companies tested--generally those with $50 billion or more in total consolidated assets--represent more than 75 percent of the assets of all domestic bank holding companies. The Federal Reserve uses its own independent projections of losses and incomes for each firm.

In addition to releasing results under the severely adverse hypothetical scenario, the Board on Thursday also released results from the "adverse" scenario, which features a moderate recession in the United States. In this scenario, the aggregate common equity capital ratio of the 34 firms fell from an actual 12.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 to a minimum level of 10.7 percent.

The Dodd-Frank Act stress tests are one component of the Federal Reserve's analysis during the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR), which is an annual exercise to evaluate the capital planning processes and capital adequacy of large bank holding companies. CCAR results will be released on Wednesday, June 28, at 4:30 p.m. EDT.

Stress Test Details <Source: Federal Reserve Board>

By my calculations, applying a 5% loss to the total derivatives held by the major banks, JP Morgan, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and HSBC remain problematical and should be further scrutinized by the Federal Reserve as continuing threats to the systemic health of our financial system. If you wish to see the numbers for yourself, you may wish to read the Quarterly Report on Bank Derivatives Activities. To calculate the five percent stress test numbers I normally use for my analysis, simply compute five percent of the derivatives held by the institution and subtract that amount from the institution’s total assets to see who would be underwater if those derivatives ever went south.

The official explanation that TRILLIONS in derivatives do not matter because they would be “netted” in the settlement process is demonstrably false as all institutions would hang on to whatever assets they possessed and wait for the courts to settle the mess – if ever. If you want to see this failed process in action, look at Jon Corzine’s MF Global resolution.

Bottom line …

DODD-FRANK, allegedly introduced to reduce the systemic risk to our financial system is every bit a fraud as the two corrupt asshats who gave it their names; Representative Barney Frank, former Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Christopher Dodd, the former Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. Both lying to the public about the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac just before they were placed under a government conservatorship to forestall an official finding of insolvency.

Our financial system, the best in the world, is still full of loopholes that are amplified by the actions of corrupt politicians and the lobbyists for the special interests. It would not be far from the mark to suggest that Goldman Sach’s related people run our financial system.

We are so screwed.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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POLISHING THE TURD: BARACK OBAMA KNEW OF RUSSIAN ELECTION INTERFERENCE AND DID NOTHING...

The Washington Post laid out a comprehensive and compelling case against Barack Obama and his cadre of progressive socialist democrats who failed to protect the United States against known meddling in an American election.

Could it be that Barack Obama was afraid that any action against Vladimir Putin and Russia would result in infinitely more revealing emails that show either highly embarrassing information or information about him personally or high-ranking members of his administration that might lead to indictments for criminal activities?

Can this information be trusted since it came from the most anti-America/pro-Muslim Director of the CIA, John Brennan? Is this a backhand continuation of the “get Trump” resistance?

Obama’s secret struggle to punish Russia for Putin’s election assault

Early last August, an envelope with extraordinary handling restrictions arrived at the White House. Sent by courier from the CIA, it carried “eyes only” instructions that its contents be shown to just four people: President Barack Obama and three senior aides. Hacking Democracy

The White House debated various options to punish Russia, but facing obstacles and potential risks, it ultimately failed to exact a heavy toll on the Kremlin for its election interference.

Graphic: The main findings, highlighted

Inside was an intelligence bombshell, a report drawn from sourcing deep inside the Russian government that detailed Russian President Vladi­mir Putin’s direct involvement in a cyber campaign to disrupt and discredit the U.S. presidential race.

But it went further. The intelligence captured Putin’s specific instructions on the operation’s audacious objectives — defeat or at least damage the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, and help elect her opponent, Donald Trump.

At that point, the outlines of the Russian assault on the U.S. election were increasingly apparent. Hackers with ties to Russian intelligence services had been rummaging through Democratic Party computer networks, as well as some Republican systems, for more than a year. In July, the FBI had opened an investigation of contacts between Russian officials and Trump associates. And on July 22, nearly 20,000 emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee were dumped online by WikiLeaks. <Obama’s secret struggle to retaliate against Putin’s election interference - Washington Post>

Bottom line …

In the final analysis, we need to ask ourselves did Russia blackmail an American President and is the current President vulnerable to the same type of pressure? Both possibilities made possible by the two political parties who allowed two of the most corrupt and dishonest candidates in the history of the United States to run for the Presidency of the United States.

Considering that Obama allowed so many anti-America activities, one wonders if this is more of the same.

It is a bitch when you can’t trust your country’s leaders.

We are so screwed.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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SADISTS AND PSYCHOPATHS PREFER BITTER FOODS OR ANOTHER BS SCIENTIFIC "CORRELATION" STUDY?

DYSFUNCTION

The study …

Individual differences in bitter taste preferences are associated with antisocial personality traits

Highlights

  • Bitter taste preferences are positively associated with antisocial personality traits. 
  • Bitter taste preferences most robustly predict everyday sadism.
  • Results suggest close relationship between the gustatory system and personality.

Abstract

In two studies, we investigated how bitter taste preferences might be associated with antisocial personality traits. Two US American community samples (total N = 953; mean age = 35.65 years; 48% females) self-reported their taste preferences using two complementary preference measures and answered a number of personality questionnaires assessing Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, everyday sadism, trait aggression, and the Big Five factors of personality. The results of both studies confirmed the hypothesis that bitter taste preferences are positively associated with malevolent personality traits, with the most robust relation to everyday sadism and psychopathy. Regression analyses confirmed that this association holds when controlling for sweet, sour, and salty taste preferences and that bitter taste preferences are the overall strongest predictor compared to the other taste preferences. The data thereby provide novel insights into the relationship between personality and the ubiquitous behaviors of eating and drinking by consistently demonstrating a robust relation between increased enjoyment of bitter foods and heightened sadistic proclivities. <Source>

As reported in the media … 

Psychopaths drink their coffee black, study finds

If you like your coffee black, you may be someone who prefers strong flavours, takes good care of their health, or just wants to drink their coffee the way it’s supposed to be drunk. Or, you may be a psychopath.

At least, that’s according to a new study published in the journal Appetite, which found a correlation between a love of black coffee and sadist or psychopathic tendencies.

The research surveyed more than 1,000 adults, asking them to give their food and flavour preferences. The participants then took a series of personality tests assessing antisocial personality traits, such as sadism, narcissism and psychopathy.

The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Innsbruck, found that a preference for bitter flavours was linked to psychopathic behaviour. The closest association was between bitter foods and “everyday sadism” – that is to say, enjoyment of inflicting moderate levels of pain on others.

And it isn’t just black coffee that should ring alarm bells – the study also found participants who reported a fondness for radishes, celery and tonic water were also more likely to exhibit antisocial traits.

This is not the first time research has found a link between taste and personality. Previous studies have shown sweet taste experiences increase “agreeableness” and eagerness to help, while bitter taste experiences increase hostility and elicit harsher moral judgments.  

The researchers Christina Sagioglou and Tobias Greitemeyer believe this association may “become chronic” in people who have a strong liking for bitter flavours, and lead them to have more hostile personalities. So if your next Tinder date orders strong, black coffee at the end of a meal, or reaches over for a stick of celery, you have been warned. <Source>

Correlation is a tricky thing …

One could posit that there is a 99.999999999 percent correlation between any disease and those who drink water. The observation is so broad as to be unhelpful in understanding diseases or even the cause of science. Pick any group of people with the same characteristics and behaviors and then look for a common denominator may lead one to false and dangerous conclusions.

Are we to believe that someone who expresses a fondness for radishes, celery, and tonic water is more prone to exhibit aberrant behavior? Or could they be overweight and this is their salad diet being consumed with tonic water? Or could they be alcoholics because these ingredients are found in mixed drinks?

Bottom Line …

For those medical practitioners who are looking for a gold standard to diagnose disease and dysfunction, correlations studies may represent a clear and present danger. First, leading a diagnostician into overlooking the underlying cause of the dysfunction to the patient's detriment, and two, to misinterpret what they are seeing as a confirmation of their own beliefs, prejudices, and biases. (Confirmation bias.)

Personally, I believe that there is an extremely high correlation between those researchers who need to publish for professional reasons and the plethora of correlation studies, especially those who use other people’s research data without factoring in controls or co-morbidities.

Be careful of statistically derived conclusions as they can lead you down a never-ending rabbit hole.

-- steve 

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CALIFORNIA IS PURSUING A COERCIVE GAY AGENDA THAT INTENDS TO CRIPPLE LAWFUL BUSINESS CONDUCTED BETWEEN THE STATES

By what legal authority do a relatively few progressive socialist democrats in the State of California have the power to incur additional and unnecessary time, effort, and expense by pursuing a social agenda that does not benefit a majority of Californians?

Where in the Constitution of the United States or even the Constitution of the State of California does it convey authority to the legislators and the governor to defy the equal protection clause or the commerce clause to limit the people’s business to states that agree with their social engineering agenda?

Where in the law does it grant the progressive socialist democrats the right to use abusive and coercive tactics against the lawful actions of another state?

And, where does Xavier Becerra get the authority to interfere in another State’s legislative process using coercive tactics that punish a state’s residents and businesses on behalf of a social agenda that may run counter to their religious beliefs or constitutional rights?

This is akin to demand that state-governed or supervised pension funds divest profitable holdings because they do not advance a liberal social agenda. 

What makes this so troubling is that the California Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, seems to support this tyranny of the minority …

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Attorney General Becerra: Alabama, Kentucky, South Dakota and Texas Added to List of Restricted State Travel

California will prohibit state-funded and state-sponsored travel due to discriminatory legislation enacted in each state

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced that California will prohibit state-funded and state-sponsored travel to Alabama, Kentucky, South Dakota and Texas based on discriminatory legislation enacted in each state.

"Our country has made great strides in dismantling prejudicial laws that have deprived too many of our fellow Americans of their precious rights. Sadly, that is not the case in all parts of our nation, even in the 21st century. I am announcing today that I am adding four states to the list of states where California-funded or sponsored travel will be restricted on account of the discriminatory nature of laws enacted by those states," said Attorney General Becerra. “While the California DOJ works to protect the rights of all our people, discriminatory laws in any part of our country send all of us several steps back. That's why when California said we would not tolerate discrimination against LGBTQ members of our community, we meant it.”

The states added to the list of states subject to AB 1887’s travel restrictions are:

  • Alabama: HB 24 was enacted on May 2, 2017. HB 24 could prevent qualified prospective LGBT parents from adopting or serving as foster parents.
  • Kentucky: SB 17 was enacted on March 16, 2017. SB 17 could allow student-run organizations in colleges and K-12 schools to discriminate against classmates based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • South Dakota: SB 149 was enacted March 10, 2017. SB 149 could prevent qualified LGBT couples from adopting or serving as foster parents.
  • Texas: HB 3859 was enacted on June 15, 2017. HB 3859, allows foster care agencies to discriminate against children in foster care and potentially disqualify LGBT families from the state’s foster and adoption system.

AB 1887 prohibits state-funded and state-sponsored travel to states with laws that authorize or require discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression or against same-sex couples or their families. The California legislation went into effect on January 1, 2017. This restriction applies to state agencies, departments, boards, authorities, and commissions, including an agency, department, board, authority, or commission of the University of California, the Board of Regents of the University of California, and the California State University.

"These discriminatory laws in Texas, North Carolina, North Dakota, and other states are completely out of step with the values that make California the vibrant economic powerhouse that it is," said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. "As some state legislatures around the country choose to target and harm LGBTQ people and their families, it is imperative that California continue to denounce those actions publicly and financially. We applaud Attorney General Becerra for taking action to ensure that California is supporting the LGBTQ community and opposing discrimination both inside and beyond our borders."

“Today, the ACLU is proud to stand with our partners and Attorney General Becerra, and do our part to make freedom and justice a reality for every American – regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,” said Ashley Morris, Organizing Director, ACLU of Northern California.

For additional information on AB 1887 including the list of states and Frequently Asked Questions visit: www.oag.ca.gov/ab1887/faqs.

Attorney General Becerra: Alabama, Kentucky, South Dakota and Texas Added to List of Restricted State Travel | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General

Adoption of children into non-traditional families can introduce unnecessary strain and stress in a child’s life as well as increasing the tendency for the child to face unnecessary social pressures from peers and others. One would assume that any state’s actions – reflective of its constituent voters – should not face coercive and discriminatory practices because these practices do not comport with the fashionable and activist viewpoint in another state. 

Bottom line …

We are living in a very strange era, where a minority can impose their will on the majority. And, even worse, alter societal norms with bizarre behaviors that let young children self-select their sex and gender based on the whim of the day. This is not to say that there are sex and gender mismatches that need to be addressed – but they should be addressed individually and with privacy and respect. To make a class of girls uncomfortable when a boy is allowed to use their locker room speaks to a greater problem – the progressive socialist democrat’s which to destroy all societal norms to rebuild the nation as a cadre of unexceptional population units following government dictates.

California, once again, proves to the nation that it is out of control and believes that the progressive socialist democrats in the State of California have the lawful and moral right to impose economic sanctions on those who do not support their radical progressive socialist agenda or those who want to exercise their rights as affirmed under the Constitution of the United States.

We are so screwed.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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A $15/hr. MINIMUM WAGE IS A PROGRESSIVE JOKE TO KILL EMPLOYMENT

From the internet …

MW

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Philando Castile’s tragic death in a police shooting is being exploited by the progressive activists and agitators

Most people viewing the dash-cam footage of a routine traffic stop for broken taillights that resulted in the tragic police shooting of a man following the officer’s orders will be understandably upset because it could be any one of us behind that wheel. Many of the viewers believe that the officer should have been convicted of a criminal offense and sent to jail for executing Philando Castile, an innocent victim of a traffic stop.

But, let’s step back and look at the event in hindsight …

Philando Castile was armed when he was stopped and appropriately notified the officer. But, he could have handled the situation in a manner that would have reduced his chances of being shot. One, after announcing he was armed, he should have specified the location of the weapon. And two, before he reached for his license, he should have informed the office that he was reaching for his license – and asked for instructions how to do this safely if the license was located next to his weapon. This in no way mitigates the facts surrounding the shooting because Castile did nothing wrong and had restricted motion in the vehicle as he was still restrained by his seatbelt.

  • The officer appears to be poorly trained. He did not ask Castile where the gun and license were located. He did not explicitly instruct Castile on how to provide him with the license in a safe manner. And, if you look closely, the office appears to become hyper-vigilant when he hears Castile has a weapon. You can hear the officer tell the on-scene supervisor that he told Castile not to reach for the gun and that Castile's "grip (was) a lot wider than a wallet."  The officer says “I don't know where the gun was. He didn't tell me where the (expletive) gun was." Of course, the officer did not ask, which makes him culpable of poor procedure and judgment, but not criminally liable for the shooting. Discharging seven shots into a car containing a child is definitely irresponsible.
  • When Castile allegedly reaches for his license, the officer inappropriately panics and shoots Castile. If anyone thought this was easy for the officer, listen to his breathing and panicky words after the shooting. There is no doubt in my mind that the officer was in fear for his life – and is struggling to maintain professionalism after the shooting although he is clearly upset. This is why the officer was acquitted of criminal charges. It does not mean he got off scot-free. He was terminated and lost his job and probably his career as a police officer. He may suffer psychological issues, including PTSD for the rest of his life. Nobody knows if he will be the subject of a civil suit, or heaven forbid, a federal civil rights investigation by those progressives who pander to black activists.
  • Which brings us squarely to the cause of the officer’s apparent hyper-vigilant state. While this appears to be a routine traffic stop, the officer was already suspicious of the car’s occupants. “Yanez said he was going to stop a car to check IDs because two occupants look like armed robbery suspects. He says, "Driver looks more like one of our suspects just cause of the wide-set nose. ... I couldn't get a look at the other passenger, and I'll wait for you." <Source>  

And then there is the general background of police hostility. Led by black activists and agitators, in connection with a corrupt and progressive mainstream media, we have seen anti-police rhetoric repeated endlessly 24/7 over the past months since Ferguson. Much of this rhetoric has been over-the-top and urging violence against police officers – resulting in the executions of a number of police officers who were attempting to protect the very community that is spewing hatred. It is not all blacks and not all community members that engage in these disruptive and destructive behaviors, but there are enough activists and agitators to keep the issue simmering. Even politicians pandering to their base are condemning law enforcement in an inappropriate manner.

If you are wondering why the usual suspects, the activists, and agitators are not even more active, it is most likely because the police officer that shot Castile is Hispanic and does not fit their main theme of “white oppression and privilege.”

But that does not stop the corrupt progressive media from trying to create another firestorm …

Acquittal in Philando Castile case is deja vu

Yet another black man dead, and yet another police officer exonerated for killing him. Seems a lot like deja vu. Haven't we seen this tragic movie before -- all over the country? When investigated, the police are not indicted. And when indicted, they are not convicted. The venue this time -- Minnesota; the victim, motorist Philando Castile.

So what did Castile do that led to this tragic fate? He was driving with a broken tail light while supposedly fitting the description of a robbery suspect. His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, was in the passenger seat while her 4-year-old daughter was in the back. Upon being stopped, he reported to Officer Jeronimo Yanez that he had a firearm on him. Thereafter, when attempting to produce his driver's license as instructed, and trying to unbuckle his seat belt to do so, he was shot dead in a hail of seven bullets.

That's it! No verbal confrontation. No physical altercation. No disrespect of the police officer. No questioning of law enforcement authority. Instead, Castile was totally and completely compliant. Yet, he lost his life anyway. Really!

What's even more compelling is that Officer Yanez appeared unhinged in the viral Facebook Live video. Even after firing the barrage of fatal shots, Yanez stands outside the car, with his gun still trained on a bleeding and dying Castile while yelling hysterically: "I told him not to reach for it. I told him to get his hands open." Contrast this with Reynolds' calm and composed demeanor, while she addresses Yanez as "sir," and reminds him that what he asked Castile to do was produce his driver's license.

While we have no choice but to respect the judicial process, and accept the jury verdict, can we really blame people for being outraged, and taking to the streets in peaceful protest? How did a jury not see what the rest of the world did? And why does, and how could, this continue to happen? Will there ever be accountability? Or will those who have guns, wear badges, and say that they feared for their life, be given repeated immunity?

To be clear, what everyone witnessed was the aftermath, and not the incident itself. However, Reynolds gave her rendition of events immediately after the shooting -- for the world to see. And the gun that Castile made sure to tell the officer he had, was still in his pocket when he was shot.

Yanez is the only one who appears to be hyper and out of control. Reynolds is respectful and polite -- despite witnessing her boyfriend dying before her. Even her 4-year-old daughter is more composed than Yanez, as she reassures her mom by saying "it's okay, I'm right here with you."

Isn't it the officer who is supposed to be trained and experienced in these encounters? Isn't it the officer who takes the oath to protect and serve? Isn't it the officer who must adhere to that oath by exercising good judgment and self-control? Isn't it the officer who should be calm, steady, even tempered, composed and courteous?

What does it say when a civilian is more level-headed and restrained than law enforcement? Worse, what does it say when a 4-year-old has to calmly sooth and reassure her mom after witnessing an officer lose his composure. Should we expect children to be more reasonable than a man with a badge and gun?

Oh, but wait, Yanez feared for his life. And let's not forget the marijuana in Castile's system that the defense made much of at trial. I guess that justified killing him, especially after he told the officer he had an gun, and was asked to produce his license. Not!

Let's be clear. No one is saying that Yanez woke up that morning in July last year looking to kill a black man. That's not what the jury was considering, nor is that what I'm claiming here. Instead, he was charged with acting carelessly, irresponsibly and unreasonably. Even Stevie Wonder could see that this was the case.

The fact that Castile is dead -- for no reason, and that yet another officer escapes accountability is a shame. The public expected better and deserved more from Yanez. Castile certainly did -- and so did his family. When will this madness stop?

<Source: CNN LEGAL ANALYST JOEY JACKSON>

If you watch any of the national coverage, you can see the blatant dishonest media trying to “nationalize” by stating: “If this can happen to a compliant innocent individual, it could happen to you.”  Or confuse and conflate this situation with other politically-charged police actions which were found to be “in policy.” There is no doubt that the officer in Ferguson faced the imminent threat of being attacked by his assailant and his life was at risk.

Other media are excoriating the NRA for not issuing a statement supporting a licensed gun owner who was shot while reaching for his wallet.

And then there are those who are claiming that President Trump’s Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, is not likely to bring a civil rights investigation.

Bottom line …

There is no doubt in my mind that this was an avoidable shooting by a poorly-trained officer. This could be symptomatic of a younger generation of officers, who due to environmental influences, are unduly afraid of engaging suspects of color or who operate within the war zones of the inner cities.

In this case, the prosecutor was absolutely correct in bringing criminal charges against the officer and letting the matter be adjudicated in the courts where evidence could be presented, weighed, and a judgment made. It appears that even the two black jurors voted to acquit the police officer in the Castile shooting.

This does not mean that this singular event will not cost the taxpayers millions of dollars in a wrongful death lawsuit that will be brought against the city. The Castile family is represented by Glenda Hatchett, another celebrity lawyer in the Gloria Allred mold and who was the star of a former court-based reality show.

We are so screwed.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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