Whatever happened to Matt Whitaker’s head? He has no hair. How old is this guy?
OMG he is 49 years old and he has no hair, why? Is this a religious thing or a fashion statement? I want to know because if in his other covert life he is a skin head, he needs to go!
I am confident every American including Matt Whitaker knows of the recent deaths at a Pittsburgh synagogue. People in Israel are writing editorials following those murders stating Trump is INSPIRING the global white supremacist movement.
If Whitaker is a deliberate choice because he aligns with this fear, he needs to be out of there.
I am sure everyone knows why the White Supremacists hate the Jews, right? It is because they BELIEVE Muslims and Jews want to eliminate Christianity. You know, the FOX News vigilante stuff of supposedprotecting Christians. While that might seem noble, they certainly don’t worry about all others in the same way.
The Middle Esst is a rough neighborhood for anyone, but, in Israel Christians are welcome and safe. There have been sincere problems for Christians including the bombing of a church where Christian priests and bishops if I remember correctly gathered to pray. It isn’t like these horrors do not happen but these are terrorists that carry out these acts.
I don’t find Matt Whitaker appropriate for any role in the Trump administration due to his inexperience or his appearance that inspires speculation to the basis of Trump’s LOYALTY to the USA Constitution over other wacko beliefs that insult allies while INSPIRING hate. I usually don’t discriminate in this way but there are real problems in the world for exactly the overt hatred expressed by Trump and overt expressions of reassurances to hate groups.
I strongly suggest Trump find a new AG as soon as possible or follow the line of succession and put Assistant AG Rosenstein at the top of the Justice Department, NOW!
Friday, November 16, 2018
I think Governor Elect Whitmer is good news for Flint, Michigan.
I am impressed with this new group of Democrats. They have a vigorous approach to their post election jobs. It was only 24 hours or so when Governor Elect Whitmer stated she was going to have the Attorney General review the cases filed regarding Flint, Michigan. I think she wants to make a difference and bring solace to the people of Flint. I also believe she will be a friend to Mayor Karen Weaver.
Flint needs so much more than healthy water, but, getting the water crisis in Flint right will be a wonderful start to a refreshed relationship between the state and the city. I look forward to the administration of Governor Elect Whitmer.
November 16, 2018
By Ron Fonger
Flint -- A transition team (click here) is reviewing the effectiveness of a Flint water advisory group created by Gov. Rick Snyder, a spokeswoman for Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer says.
The Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee, which met Friday, Nov. 16, is wrapping up its work in advance of Dec. 31, when the executive order that created it expires.
"Following the review (of the effectiveness of FWICC), the team will provide recommendations for the Governor-elect to begin implementing on and after (Jan.1)," Michelle Grinnell, director of communications for Whitmer's transition office, said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal.
Snyder created FWICC to address issues related to Flint water in April 2016. Committee members said Friday that they do not expect to meet again this year but believe there is still important work a similar group could continue....
Flint needs so much more than healthy water, but, getting the water crisis in Flint right will be a wonderful start to a refreshed relationship between the state and the city. I look forward to the administration of Governor Elect Whitmer.
November 16, 2018
By Ron Fonger
Flint -- A transition team (click here) is reviewing the effectiveness of a Flint water advisory group created by Gov. Rick Snyder, a spokeswoman for Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer says.
The Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee, which met Friday, Nov. 16, is wrapping up its work in advance of Dec. 31, when the executive order that created it expires.
"Following the review (of the effectiveness of FWICC), the team will provide recommendations for the Governor-elect to begin implementing on and after (Jan.1)," Michelle Grinnell, director of communications for Whitmer's transition office, said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal.
Snyder created FWICC to address issues related to Flint water in April 2016. Committee members said Friday that they do not expect to meet again this year but believe there is still important work a similar group could continue....
Here we go again, in victimizing the victim.
Why is it so much easier to blame the victim?
These were the comments by Ms. DeVos at her confirmation hearing.
17 January 2017
By Molly Redden and Sabrina Siddiqui
...Her comments (click here) came as senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, twice asked DeVos if she would commit to maintaining Barack Obama’s transformational policy aimed at curtailing sexual assault in K-12 schools and on college campuses.
These were the comments by Ms. DeVos at her confirmation hearing.
17 January 2017
By Molly Redden and Sabrina Siddiqui
...Her comments (click here) came as senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, twice asked DeVos if she would commit to maintaining Barack Obama’s transformational policy aimed at curtailing sexual assault in K-12 schools and on college campuses.
“Assault in any form is never OK, I just want to be very clear on that,” DeVos said.
“If confirmed, I look forward to understanding the past actions and current situation better, and to ensuring that the intent of the law is actually carried out in a way that recognizes both the victim ... as well as those who are accused.”
Casey, who characterized campus sexual assault as “an epidemic”, said he was looking for a more firm commitment. But DeVos declined to weigh in specifically, hinting at the possibility that she might work to reverse the reforms under the Obama administration....
Under the Obama rules there has been an increase in sexual assault campus complaints. This rule took place in 2013 (click here). The hopes of the Obama changes to Title IX was to have greater reporting because victims' identity was safer and retaliation less likely.
October 25, 2018
By Meghan Nguyen
The University of Texas at Austin’s Title IX Office (click here) received 508 total reports of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sex discrimination during the 2017–18 academic year, up from 445 reports the previous academic year. The majority of complainants were from students.
Of the 508 reports, 105 were made in August, September and October, during the “red zone,” or the time at the beginning of the school year when a disproportionate number of campus sexual assaults take place. The Department of Justice has identified this period as the stretch of time when a student is more likely to be assaulted than at any other point in his or her college career.
Student body president Colton Becker said Student Government focused its sexual assault awareness efforts on OU weekend in October because the weekend posed a significant risk.
“We spearheaded a coordinated effort to educate students about consent and sexual violence,” Becker said. “In the past, there have been a spike in instances of sexual assault on that weekend in particular.”
Reports filed with the University have increased by six times since the 2012–13 academic year, when 69 such reports were filed. The highest number of reports during the 2017–18 school year occurred in April 2018, with 57 reports being filed....
US Senator Murray has taken on the Education Secretary when it comes to protections for the assaulted, including the LGBTQ community. This is the second round of change for the campus assault programs (click here). That seems to be a strategy for this administration. First, make changes more agreeable to both sides and then later go back to finish the job the way Trump sees it.
During her time in the Secretary's office, she has also been sued (click here) by rights groups stating the dangers of LGBTQ students have increased.
October 19, 2018
By KC Johnson
...In September 2017, (click here) Murray charged that DeVos, in her speech urging fairness for both parties before Title IX tribunals, sought to “roll back protections for campus sexual assault survivors.” These “protections” included a mandate that schools lower the standard of proof to a preponderance of evidence (50.01 percent), thus making it easier to find accused students guilty. As Murray saw it, this guidance “led to more women and men coming forward about their sexual violence experiences.” Obama officials had been careful to avoid making such a claim, since praising guilt-tilting procedures for generating more accusations suggests a comfort with victimizing some innocent students.
A few weeks ago, a draft of the new Title IX regulations leaked; it contained promising proposals that would require colleges to disclose evidence and provide, upon request, training materials to accused students. It also included a clause ordering schools that hold hearings to allow cross-examination. (In a possibly fatal loophole, however, the draft did not require hearings.) To Murray, this fairer system was “shameful and appalling.” The Washington senator informed DeVos that the draft regulation’s procedures “would weaken protections for women”—and her criticism once again gave away the game. In defending the scores of lawsuits filed by accused students, universities have unconvincingly claimed that pro-accuser procedures benefited both men and women. Otherwise, courts could hold that they discriminated against male students, in violation of Title IX. Murray was making her allegiances explicit....
One might also realize the Kavanaugh case occurred before DeVos issued the latest and probably not the last ruling. But, even before it was issued, the proposal had women and men upset over the changes to come.
August 30, 2018
By David Jesse
Proposed changes (click here) to how the nation's colleges and universities should handle sexual assault investigations are leaving sexual assault survivors and victim rights organizations sputtering mad, claiming the moves would tip the playing field toward those accused of sexual assault.
"Is ruining lives your version of a back-to-school welcome?" Morgan McCaul, a survivor of sexual abuse by former MSU doctor Larry Nassar, tweeted as news of the potential changes broke on Wednesday evening.
"When we define policy about criminal sexual misconduct, it is imperative that we consider victims first," she told the Free Press later. "Limiting the availability of justice for complainants is concerning and reckless, especially in today’s climate."
The proposed changes — from the federal Department of Education led by Michigan's Betsy DeVos — would limit colleges to investigating only those sex assaults that happen on campus. Assaults that occur just off campus, in places like fraternity houses or off-campus housing, wouldn't be investigated by the institutions...
Under the Obama rules there has been an increase in sexual assault campus complaints. This rule took place in 2013 (click here). The hopes of the Obama changes to Title IX was to have greater reporting because victims' identity was safer and retaliation less likely.
October 25, 2018
By Meghan Nguyen
The University of Texas at Austin’s Title IX Office (click here) received 508 total reports of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sex discrimination during the 2017–18 academic year, up from 445 reports the previous academic year. The majority of complainants were from students.
Of the 508 reports, 105 were made in August, September and October, during the “red zone,” or the time at the beginning of the school year when a disproportionate number of campus sexual assaults take place. The Department of Justice has identified this period as the stretch of time when a student is more likely to be assaulted than at any other point in his or her college career.
Student body president Colton Becker said Student Government focused its sexual assault awareness efforts on OU weekend in October because the weekend posed a significant risk.
“We spearheaded a coordinated effort to educate students about consent and sexual violence,” Becker said. “In the past, there have been a spike in instances of sexual assault on that weekend in particular.”
Reports filed with the University have increased by six times since the 2012–13 academic year, when 69 such reports were filed. The highest number of reports during the 2017–18 school year occurred in April 2018, with 57 reports being filed....
US Senator Murray has taken on the Education Secretary when it comes to protections for the assaulted, including the LGBTQ community. This is the second round of change for the campus assault programs (click here). That seems to be a strategy for this administration. First, make changes more agreeable to both sides and then later go back to finish the job the way Trump sees it.
During her time in the Secretary's office, she has also been sued (click here) by rights groups stating the dangers of LGBTQ students have increased.
October 19, 2018
By KC Johnson
...In September 2017, (click here) Murray charged that DeVos, in her speech urging fairness for both parties before Title IX tribunals, sought to “roll back protections for campus sexual assault survivors.” These “protections” included a mandate that schools lower the standard of proof to a preponderance of evidence (50.01 percent), thus making it easier to find accused students guilty. As Murray saw it, this guidance “led to more women and men coming forward about their sexual violence experiences.” Obama officials had been careful to avoid making such a claim, since praising guilt-tilting procedures for generating more accusations suggests a comfort with victimizing some innocent students.
A few weeks ago, a draft of the new Title IX regulations leaked; it contained promising proposals that would require colleges to disclose evidence and provide, upon request, training materials to accused students. It also included a clause ordering schools that hold hearings to allow cross-examination. (In a possibly fatal loophole, however, the draft did not require hearings.) To Murray, this fairer system was “shameful and appalling.” The Washington senator informed DeVos that the draft regulation’s procedures “would weaken protections for women”—and her criticism once again gave away the game. In defending the scores of lawsuits filed by accused students, universities have unconvincingly claimed that pro-accuser procedures benefited both men and women. Otherwise, courts could hold that they discriminated against male students, in violation of Title IX. Murray was making her allegiances explicit....
One might also realize the Kavanaugh case occurred before DeVos issued the latest and probably not the last ruling. But, even before it was issued, the proposal had women and men upset over the changes to come.
August 30, 2018
By David Jesse
Proposed changes (click here) to how the nation's colleges and universities should handle sexual assault investigations are leaving sexual assault survivors and victim rights organizations sputtering mad, claiming the moves would tip the playing field toward those accused of sexual assault.
"Is ruining lives your version of a back-to-school welcome?" Morgan McCaul, a survivor of sexual abuse by former MSU doctor Larry Nassar, tweeted as news of the potential changes broke on Wednesday evening.
"When we define policy about criminal sexual misconduct, it is imperative that we consider victims first," she told the Free Press later. "Limiting the availability of justice for complainants is concerning and reckless, especially in today’s climate."
The proposed changes — from the federal Department of Education led by Michigan's Betsy DeVos — would limit colleges to investigating only those sex assaults that happen on campus. Assaults that occur just off campus, in places like fraternity houses or off-campus housing, wouldn't be investigated by the institutions...
Israel wants peace, but, it sees national security as a problem.
Israel has to be among the best armed countries in the Middle East. However, there are issues and I can't say they have an empty meaning.
First, Gaza, and the recent ceasefire brought about by a diligent Egypt actually averted a war between Israel and the Gaza strip. That is a fact. The loss of an IDF commander also contributed to the ceasefire, but, there is profound concern of the use of ONE anti-tank missile that destroyed a military bus, killing one person. There is the concern by Israel that Gaza has significant numbers of rockets and now potential stocks of missiles. The IDF believes Hamas in Gaza will become another Hezbollah.
Secondly, Prime Minister Netanyahu is questioning the interest of Russia's presence in regard to Syria and Lebanon. He stated it is the assessment of the IDF that Russia's forces in the region are limiting the military response by Israel to threats and potentially defending it's borders due to the necessary flight of jets and it's the narrowest region of Israel which is only 9 miles wide.
I believe Russia has positioned itself in Syria for the purpose of interfering with The West's military prowess and that includes Israel. Russia has been demonstrating greater aggression toward NATO, including cyberwar during NATO exercises. There are issues with Russia and the safe sovereignty of NATO, including faux elections at the eastern border of Ukraine. Russia continues to break treaties and that is somewhat meaningful, yet not necessarily the complete picture to the extent of Putin's brinkmanship.
My take on Russia's treaty issues is that the country can no longer survive by living with treaties. I think the sanctions have taken their toll and Russia's aggression is telling of it's willingness to enter a war to end any Western dominance of the region and the world. Also there is a burgeoning presence of Russia in Cuba which has a new president and new agreements with Russia.
Putin is still pretending to be a diplomat more so than a general, but, it is a lie. I believe more and more the sanctions on Russia is forcing it's hand. Putin has made well-made long term plans to end NATO including providing influence in elections in Europe and the USA. Those plots against democracy are now exposed and Russia feels more vulnerable than ever. NATO can now counter those attacks and the victory of the Democratic Party with a younger generation taking it's citizenship responsibly is proof of that.
I still believe there are vulnerabilities for NATO countries by the simple fact they are democracies, but, as the identity of bad actors, such as Steve Bannon, are exposed the more the momentum to preserve democracies will take shape. I might add the new president of Brazil has made wild promises to the people which today are simply not possible to keep. That will come home eventually to the people of Brazil and they will find the undermining of their democracy standing plainly in front of them. Greed is not a democracy. Greed is the corruption of democracy to serve a few rather than the country.
I just had a news notice stating the White House MUST return the credentials of the CNN White House Bureau Chief. That is most likely the promise of the First Amendment which is under attack by this White House. At least it seems obvious to me. The USA is on the march to protect democracy and that should be good news for every other country that enjoys freedom and liberty.
But, as to Israel and Russia. The current White House has promised a peace plan to be revealed within two months. It will be interesting to find out where Russia fits into those plans and whether it is a peace plan that is palatable to Israel and the region, including Egypt. At no point in time should Egypt's accomplishments ever be put to the sidelines. Israel now knows the power Egypt has in negotiations and the ceasefire is definitely viewed as having averted a war. Egypt is an ally to both the Gaza Strip and Israel, the question that remains for Egypt is how to reassure Israel there will be no weapons build up in Gaza that threatens that peace.
There are going to be early elections in Israel and the attacks in the south are responsible for solidifying those plans. The resignation of the IDF leader is due to the fact the Prime Minister participated in the ceasefire talks. The IDF leadership is somewhat the strongest right wing political group and has a vision for Israel that will not be workable under most peace plans discussed today. The political right wing of Israel still sees an expansionist role for Israel, hence, the presence of Russia that serves the purpose of limiting the military options to Israel while building a presence that threatens NATO.
Recently, there was an article in the "Los Angeles Times" discussing the burgeoning threat of the alliance of China and Russia as China grows in military strength. It discusses the scenario that the USA is vulnerable to significant losses and potential defeat.
There has been a Friendship Agreement between Russia and China since 2000 when "W" took office. That alliance has not been called up until the tariffs were placed on the economic relationship between China and the USA. Oddly enough, Israel is in negotiations with China and is speculated to be a point of contention with the Trump Administration. Regardless, Israel needs to be sure it's national security is not an issue when contracting with China for trade. There is the alliance with Russia and there is definitely a changing tone to the international community.
One of the assessments that will come into view as the new US House Democrats come into office is the national security of the USA, including the ability of it's military to be effective beyond a doubt. There are new threats and the fact Russia and Cuba will present another missile crisis to the USA is a given, only this time I am not confident Putin cares enough to back down and practice only brinkmanship.
The UN Security Council needs to begin to address these new global threats (nuclear proliferation and war is a global threat) and demand reassurances there will be no such paradigm between major countries today or in the future. The idea of a limited nuclear war is hideous. The winds that exist in the troposphere of Earth alone will guarantee danger to the global population even without participation. The best example of that currently is the long distance disposition of California's smoke from the fires. Last I checked it was making it's way to Michigan nearly 2000 miles away.
I might suggest Egypt give testimony to the UN Security Council as to it's incredible success in averting a war through a ceasefire.
Serious ceasefire and peace talks need to go forward in the Middle East and Russia needs to reassess it's ability to bring about peace rather than a global war which no one wants.
First, Gaza, and the recent ceasefire brought about by a diligent Egypt actually averted a war between Israel and the Gaza strip. That is a fact. The loss of an IDF commander also contributed to the ceasefire, but, there is profound concern of the use of ONE anti-tank missile that destroyed a military bus, killing one person. There is the concern by Israel that Gaza has significant numbers of rockets and now potential stocks of missiles. The IDF believes Hamas in Gaza will become another Hezbollah.
Secondly, Prime Minister Netanyahu is questioning the interest of Russia's presence in regard to Syria and Lebanon. He stated it is the assessment of the IDF that Russia's forces in the region are limiting the military response by Israel to threats and potentially defending it's borders due to the necessary flight of jets and it's the narrowest region of Israel which is only 9 miles wide.
I believe Russia has positioned itself in Syria for the purpose of interfering with The West's military prowess and that includes Israel. Russia has been demonstrating greater aggression toward NATO, including cyberwar during NATO exercises. There are issues with Russia and the safe sovereignty of NATO, including faux elections at the eastern border of Ukraine. Russia continues to break treaties and that is somewhat meaningful, yet not necessarily the complete picture to the extent of Putin's brinkmanship.
My take on Russia's treaty issues is that the country can no longer survive by living with treaties. I think the sanctions have taken their toll and Russia's aggression is telling of it's willingness to enter a war to end any Western dominance of the region and the world. Also there is a burgeoning presence of Russia in Cuba which has a new president and new agreements with Russia.
Putin is still pretending to be a diplomat more so than a general, but, it is a lie. I believe more and more the sanctions on Russia is forcing it's hand. Putin has made well-made long term plans to end NATO including providing influence in elections in Europe and the USA. Those plots against democracy are now exposed and Russia feels more vulnerable than ever. NATO can now counter those attacks and the victory of the Democratic Party with a younger generation taking it's citizenship responsibly is proof of that.
I still believe there are vulnerabilities for NATO countries by the simple fact they are democracies, but, as the identity of bad actors, such as Steve Bannon, are exposed the more the momentum to preserve democracies will take shape. I might add the new president of Brazil has made wild promises to the people which today are simply not possible to keep. That will come home eventually to the people of Brazil and they will find the undermining of their democracy standing plainly in front of them. Greed is not a democracy. Greed is the corruption of democracy to serve a few rather than the country.
I just had a news notice stating the White House MUST return the credentials of the CNN White House Bureau Chief. That is most likely the promise of the First Amendment which is under attack by this White House. At least it seems obvious to me. The USA is on the march to protect democracy and that should be good news for every other country that enjoys freedom and liberty.
But, as to Israel and Russia. The current White House has promised a peace plan to be revealed within two months. It will be interesting to find out where Russia fits into those plans and whether it is a peace plan that is palatable to Israel and the region, including Egypt. At no point in time should Egypt's accomplishments ever be put to the sidelines. Israel now knows the power Egypt has in negotiations and the ceasefire is definitely viewed as having averted a war. Egypt is an ally to both the Gaza Strip and Israel, the question that remains for Egypt is how to reassure Israel there will be no weapons build up in Gaza that threatens that peace.
There are going to be early elections in Israel and the attacks in the south are responsible for solidifying those plans. The resignation of the IDF leader is due to the fact the Prime Minister participated in the ceasefire talks. The IDF leadership is somewhat the strongest right wing political group and has a vision for Israel that will not be workable under most peace plans discussed today. The political right wing of Israel still sees an expansionist role for Israel, hence, the presence of Russia that serves the purpose of limiting the military options to Israel while building a presence that threatens NATO.
Recently, there was an article in the "Los Angeles Times" discussing the burgeoning threat of the alliance of China and Russia as China grows in military strength. It discusses the scenario that the USA is vulnerable to significant losses and potential defeat.
There has been a Friendship Agreement between Russia and China since 2000 when "W" took office. That alliance has not been called up until the tariffs were placed on the economic relationship between China and the USA. Oddly enough, Israel is in negotiations with China and is speculated to be a point of contention with the Trump Administration. Regardless, Israel needs to be sure it's national security is not an issue when contracting with China for trade. There is the alliance with Russia and there is definitely a changing tone to the international community.
One of the assessments that will come into view as the new US House Democrats come into office is the national security of the USA, including the ability of it's military to be effective beyond a doubt. There are new threats and the fact Russia and Cuba will present another missile crisis to the USA is a given, only this time I am not confident Putin cares enough to back down and practice only brinkmanship.
The UN Security Council needs to begin to address these new global threats (nuclear proliferation and war is a global threat) and demand reassurances there will be no such paradigm between major countries today or in the future. The idea of a limited nuclear war is hideous. The winds that exist in the troposphere of Earth alone will guarantee danger to the global population even without participation. The best example of that currently is the long distance disposition of California's smoke from the fires. Last I checked it was making it's way to Michigan nearly 2000 miles away.
I might suggest Egypt give testimony to the UN Security Council as to it's incredible success in averting a war through a ceasefire.
Serious ceasefire and peace talks need to go forward in the Middle East and Russia needs to reassess it's ability to bring about peace rather than a global war which no one wants.
By Raoul Wootliff
The Jewish Home (click here) will leave the coalition, bringing down the government and forcing new elections, senior party sources told The Times of Israel Friday.
The Jewish Home party’s decision came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett’s demand to be made defense minister in a Friday afternoon meeting between the two.
The sources said a date for elections had not been agreed upon. Elections are formally set for November 2019, but it is now expected they will be held between March and May, with Netanyahu pushing for a later date and other parties seeking an earlier one....
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