One could argue, as the LA Times does, that governing the politically, socially and ethnically diverse metropolis that is Los Angeles, better qualifies Antonio to be Governor. Further, Newsom's self proclaimed acts of political courage, were merely feeding blue quinoa to his base.
But my rationale is quite different. The 2018 midterms are the most consequential in my lifetime, and I am not young. The administration is a chaotic cesspool of corruption without a hint of competence. A Democratic House will exercise oversight with the power of the purse and of the subpoena.
In California the top two, do the due in November. Deservedly, Gavin Newsom is a lock. The battle for number two is between fellow Democrat Villaraigosa and Republican Cox. A Democratic intra party contest will be of little interest to Republicans. Any drop in GOP turnout increases the Democratic chances of flipping 5 to 7 competitive California seats, and retaking the House.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Monday, May 14, 2018
A Tale of Two Men
He was the best of men, he was the worst of men. One man has been married for over 50 years to his high school sweetheart. The other is tabloid fodder. One man was a decorated marine officer during the Vietnam War, while the other had bone spurs. One man lives in a house, the other lives in a high rise Versailles.
One man brought down the Gambino crime family. The other has been sued for fraud and discrimination. One man was unanimously approved by the Senate twice, as FBI Director. The other can barely cobble together a legislative majority.
One man runs silent and deep. The other captains a leaky ship. One man has a reputation for integrity. The other has a reputation. One man is a life long Republican. The other changed parties four times.
Yet Republicans have clinched their bible belts tight, and lined up behind President Trump. By a margin of 3 to one they believe the Mueller investigation is a partisan witch hunt.
Marie Antionette is leading the peasant revolt, but her promise to pass out cake is just another lie.
One man brought down the Gambino crime family. The other has been sued for fraud and discrimination. One man was unanimously approved by the Senate twice, as FBI Director. The other can barely cobble together a legislative majority.
One man runs silent and deep. The other captains a leaky ship. One man has a reputation for integrity. The other has a reputation. One man is a life long Republican. The other changed parties four times.
Yet Republicans have clinched their bible belts tight, and lined up behind President Trump. By a margin of 3 to one they believe the Mueller investigation is a partisan witch hunt.
Marie Antionette is leading the peasant revolt, but her promise to pass out cake is just another lie.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
The Company We Keep
We are often, and rightly, judged by the company we keep. Historically, the United States pals around with England, France and Germany, counties that share our interests and values. All three countries condemn our withdrawal from the Iran Agreement. Russia and China get to have it both ways. They condemn America for fecklessly violating the agreement, while enjoying increased influence in the region.
Abroad we are applauded by Israel and Saudi Arabia. At home John Bolton and the Neo-Cons are reprising the battle hymn that preceded the Iraq invasion. Israel and Saudi Arabia would like to destabilize Iran without the cost and condemnation of going to war. Far better to have the US as a dumb stalking horse charging blindly forward to stop nuclear development by Iran.
For make no mistake, the self proclaimed master of the deal, will be master of none. Universal sanctions forged the Iran Nuclear Deal. This go around Russia and China will abstain, and our allies may grudgingly comply to avoid being sanctioned by us. Less leverage will not move Iran farther.
Abroad we are applauded by Israel and Saudi Arabia. At home John Bolton and the Neo-Cons are reprising the battle hymn that preceded the Iraq invasion. Israel and Saudi Arabia would like to destabilize Iran without the cost and condemnation of going to war. Far better to have the US as a dumb stalking horse charging blindly forward to stop nuclear development by Iran.
For make no mistake, the self proclaimed master of the deal, will be master of none. Universal sanctions forged the Iran Nuclear Deal. This go around Russia and China will abstain, and our allies may grudgingly comply to avoid being sanctioned by us. Less leverage will not move Iran farther.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
The Withdrawal Method
With a tip of the hat to Keith Richards and Mick Jagger,
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, well you might find
You'll get what you need
In 2015 the United States, and our allies, wanted many things from Iran. But what we needed was reduction, and destruction, of nuclear weapon capabilities. Through a vastly underrated feat of diplomacy, the Obama administration jointly imposed sanctions with the cooperation and participation of not only our allies, but also of Russia and China. The sanctions brought Iran to the bargaining table.
An agreement was reached delaying Iranian development of nuclear weapons by at least a decade. The US not only had to reach agreement with Iran, but keep China, Russia, France, Germany, England and the European Union on board.
Iran has complied. In Trump's May 8th litany of grievances, notably absent was any claim that Iran violated the agreement. The United States is now in violation of UN resolutions, to the dismay and consternation of our allies.
What happens next is uncertain. Iran may continue in the agreement, driving a wedge between American and our allies. We may impose sanctions on our allies if they fail to honor the latest Trump sanctions. Or, Iran may justifiably leave the confines of dishonored diplomacy and resume nuclear weapons development. A region destabilizing war, could be our future.
One thing is certain, withdrawal is not the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, and is the least effective method to prevent nuclear proliferation.
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, well you might find
You'll get what you need
In 2015 the United States, and our allies, wanted many things from Iran. But what we needed was reduction, and destruction, of nuclear weapon capabilities. Through a vastly underrated feat of diplomacy, the Obama administration jointly imposed sanctions with the cooperation and participation of not only our allies, but also of Russia and China. The sanctions brought Iran to the bargaining table.
An agreement was reached delaying Iranian development of nuclear weapons by at least a decade. The US not only had to reach agreement with Iran, but keep China, Russia, France, Germany, England and the European Union on board.
Iran has complied. In Trump's May 8th litany of grievances, notably absent was any claim that Iran violated the agreement. The United States is now in violation of UN resolutions, to the dismay and consternation of our allies.
What happens next is uncertain. Iran may continue in the agreement, driving a wedge between American and our allies. We may impose sanctions on our allies if they fail to honor the latest Trump sanctions. Or, Iran may justifiably leave the confines of dishonored diplomacy and resume nuclear weapons development. A region destabilizing war, could be our future.
One thing is certain, withdrawal is not the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, and is the least effective method to prevent nuclear proliferation.
Tale of the Tape
With limber thumbs and a reconstituted legal team, President Trump is fighting against Robert Mueller and the Department of Justice. To preview the match, here is the tale of the tape. I apologize that I could not figure out how to do side by side columns.
Donald Trump
Born
1946
Family
Married 3 times
3 children by his first wife
1 child each by his
2nd and 3rd
wives
Multiple, often public, affairs
Education
Included MBA from Wharton
Military Service
Did not serve in Viet Nam
4 student deferments
After being declared eligible for the draft in 1968,
obtained a medical deferment for bone spurs
Political Affiliation
Democrat until 1987
Republican 1987 until 2001
Democrat 2001-2009
Republican 2009 to present
Litigation
1900 cases as Plaintiff
1450 as Defendant
Majority of Plaintiff cases to recover gambling debts.
Majority of Defendant cases, personal injury cases related
to hotels and casinos.
In 1975 settled law suit by DOJ for racial
discrimination. Case renewed in
1978.
Six bankruptcies involving casinos and hotels.
In 2016 paid 25 million to settle fraud suit against Trump
University
Sued by porn star regarding non-disclosure agreement and
defamation
Political
Formed exploratory committee in 2000 to run for President as Reform Party nominee.
Won 2016 presidential election as a Republican.
Wealth
Through real estate, media, branding and inheritance, Trump has assets well in excess of a billion dollars.
Robert Mueller
Born
1944
Family
Married for 51 years to his high school sweetheart.
Two children
Education
Princeton undergraduate, U of Virginal law school
Military Service
Joined Marines, served in Viet Nam
Bronze Star, 2 Navy
Commendations
Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
Political Affiliation
Republican
Litigation
Major cases included prosecution of the Gambino crime
family, the Lockerbie bombing and Noriega
Political
Appointed Acting Deputy Attorney General by President Bush in 2001.
Appointed FBI Director in 2001 by President Bush. Unanimously approved by Senate
In 2011 term extended 2 years by President Obama. Unanimously approved by Senate.
Wealth
Through practice of law has become a multi millionaire.
Friday, May 4, 2018
Giuliani Exposes Trump Tax Fraud
To paraphrase Cary Grant, "Rudy, Rudy Rudy." Rudy's public debut as Trump's lawyer was inauspicious. He went down under the friendly fire in the Foxhole.
But as the press focused on staccato sounds of lies from all directions, tales of tax fraud hid in plain view. Rudy described the Stormy Daniels money flow. Cohen used his own money to pay Daniels $130,000, and was reimbursed through monthly retainer payments. The payments, according to Giuliani, had three elements. Repaying the hundred and thirty thousand dollars to Cohen, giving him a little profit, and finally, an amount to cover his taxes.
The taxes are the issue. Receiving the money back that he spent on Trump's behalf should not be taxable to Cohen, nor deductible by Trump. By mischaracterizing the hush money as legal fees, Trump is fraudulently avoiding taxes.
But as the press focused on staccato sounds of lies from all directions, tales of tax fraud hid in plain view. Rudy described the Stormy Daniels money flow. Cohen used his own money to pay Daniels $130,000, and was reimbursed through monthly retainer payments. The payments, according to Giuliani, had three elements. Repaying the hundred and thirty thousand dollars to Cohen, giving him a little profit, and finally, an amount to cover his taxes.
The taxes are the issue. Receiving the money back that he spent on Trump's behalf should not be taxable to Cohen, nor deductible by Trump. By mischaracterizing the hush money as legal fees, Trump is fraudulently avoiding taxes.
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