News & Comment

Epstein is reported dead in his cell, and AG Bill Barr un-recuses himself to slam “serious irregularities” at NYC prison….--as millions express skepticism, corporate media tries to police the borders of “conspiracy theories” and force acceptance of official narrative
--my colleague Russ Baker at WhoWhatWhy says skepticism is warranted
--author David Talbot, who has exposed many government conspiracies, calls it a “politically necessary execution”

Politico offers deep, accurate account of Kamala's early years, and Prof. Stephen Zunes delivers well-researched contradictions of Joe's debate lies....
--Harris climbed the social ladder in San Francisco with big boosts from boyfriend Willie Brown, as Michael Kruse details

Unfocused demands for action after mass shootings could lead to bad laws expanding the police state without improving safety....

--Trevor Aaronson at The Intercept makes the case that we already have enough laws and unrestrained law enforcement authorities

Columbia journalism professor revives the term "hatriotism" from 1930's, used to describe racist founder of America First party Gerald LK Smith...
--read Prof. Samuel G. Freedman's commentary here
--our hatriot-in-chief dropped into Dayton and will visit El Paso today; 45 kept a low profile in Dayton, where he was greeted by protesters and "Welcome to Toledo" sign

Daily gun violence is now normal, numbing our outrage and leading to despair, as gun lobby, deadly partisanship prevent action....
--in very clear case of violent actions triggered by Trump rhetoric, Cesar Sayoc draws 20 years for mailing bombs to Trump's enemies
--Trump will visit El Paso and Dayton (maybe Toledo) to extend fake condolences, and faces protests

--FBI opens "domestic terrorism investigations" in Gilroy and El Paso, which could expand our police state

Following her debate attack on Sen. Kamala Harris, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is being smeared as “Assad apologist” by many Dems….--in this Facebook thread, political science professor Cynthia Boaz promotes the "Assad apologist" smear, and Prof. Stephen Zunes seems to agree

Each day, another Democrat in the House joins the call for impeachment inquiry; will they overcome Pelosi’s caution, and prevail?...
--yes, it’s risky; but expecting to beat Trump without impeachment is risky, too
--in baffling move, TrumpCo puts sanctions on Iran’s foreign minister, they guy they say they want to have talks with
--Danny Sjursen notes that US troops are back in Saudi Arabia, predicts it will end badly

In a case we’ve covered for 12 years, conviction of Hamid Hayat is overturned after he was framed by FBI…--Hayat has spent 14 years in prison, one of the early targets of St. Bob Mueller
--Trevor Aaronson, who has exposed many of the FBI entrapment cases, exposes the false bio claims of Trump’s DNI pick, Rep. John Ratcliffe

In 10-candidate group gropes, Democrats must be nimble and calculating to get camera time and deliver killer soundbites that resonate….--CNN has promoted the debates like prize fights, and the SportsCenter tone will likely infuse the coverage and the questions
--Kamala Harris, who has modified her health care positions, will face flak from Sanders and Warren to her left and a slew of moderates
--new poll gives Harris slim lead in California, national poll puts Biden at top

Using manufactured technicality, SCOTUS lets Trump grab Pentagon money to build some Wall, defying Congress, and Constitution’s separation of powers…--another gross example of minority rule
--the Stable Genius could’ve spent the weekend reveling in his victory, but he chose to attack more African-Americans on Twitter, calling them racists