May 13 and 14, 2017


News and Views


A MAN WHOM I KNEW IN HIGH SCHOOL AND LATER IN COLLEGE, MY HUSBAND’S OLD FRIEND, STARTLED US BOTH BY SAYING ONCE WHEN ANGRY, “I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO REMEMBER NAMES AND FACES, BUT I SURE AS HELL CAN HOLD A GRUDGE.” TRADITIONAL MIDDLE EASTERNERS, AND SOME OF US SCOTCH IRISH ARE IN THIS SAME CATEGORY. OF COURSE, AFTER THE HUMILIATION OF 9/11, WE HAD TO TAKE BIN LADEN OUT, IF WE WERE EVER TO HOLD OUR HEADS UP AGAIN. AT LEAST IN THAT HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ASSASSINATION, ONLY A FEW MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD WERE ALSO SHOT. THE FACT THAT SEVERAL WERE INNOCENT BYSTANDERS MADE OUR VERSION OF ASYMMETRICAL WARFARE A JUSTIFIABLY UNPOPULAR ACT, AT LEAST WITH SOME, AND ESPECIALLY WITH HIS SON. IT REALLY IS HARD TO SQUARE IT WITH CHRISTIAN MORALITY, ALSO, BUT THEN SO IS WAR OF ANY KIND. I, MYSELF, FELT RELIEF AND PRIDE IN OBAMA FOR NOT BEHAVING IN A PASSIVE WAY, AND FOR RESTORING OUR NATION’S “HONOR.” THEY STRUCK NOT LONG AFTER THEY GOT WORD OF WHERE HE WAS HIDING, AND IT IS LESS EGREGIOUS THAN BOMBING THE WHOLE TINY TOWN WHERE HE WAS. AND YES, THIS IS “JUST MY PERSONAL OPINION.”

WHAT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO ME, IS THE CURRENT APPETITE TO ATTACK ANY AND ALL ISLAMIC BELIEVERS ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT EVEN THOSE WHO ARE NOT RADICAL JIHADISTS SHOULD ALSO BE PUNISHED. THAT, UNFORTUNATELY, IS WHAT I’VE SEEN IN THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, ESPECIALLY AFTER TRUMP BEGAN HIS HARANGUES, AS HIS FORM OF PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNING.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/preview-the-bin-laden-documents/
Bin Laden’s son wants to avenge his father, ex-FBI agent says
Bin Laden documents reveal a loving, vengeful son who might take his father’s role atop an al Qaeda that’s stronger than ever, says ex-FBI agent
May 12, 2017

Personal letters seized in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden reveal the al Qaeda leader's son to be a young man who adores his father and wants to carry on his murderous ideology. That son today is poised to lead a stronger, larger al Qaeda and is bent on avenging his dad's death, says an ex-FBI agent familiar with those documents. Holly Williams interviews Ali Soufan, the former FBI agent who was the bureau's lead investigator of al Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, on the next edition of 60 Minutes Sunday, May 14 at 7 p.m. ET/PT. SEE 60 MINUTES FOR VIDEO.

Soufan describes a letter from the son, Hamza, that was collected in the raid and now declassified. "He tells him that…he remembers 'every look…every smile you gave me, every word you told me.'" Hamza would be about 28 now and wrote the letter when he was 22 and had not seen his father in several years. Hamza also wrote this: "I consider myself to be forged in steel. The path of jihad for the sake of God is what we live."

blue-background-better-quality-jpg.jpg
Photograph of Osama bin Laden with his son, Hamza. Today, Hamza's age is estimated to be 28.

Hamza's potential as a leader was recognized years ago when he was still a boy, says Soufan. The child was used in propaganda videos, sometimes holding a gun. "He was a poster kid for the al Qaeda…and for members of al Qaeda, who were indoctrinated with these propaganda videos, he means a lot to them," Soufan tells Williams.

The U.S. has named Hamza a "specially designated global terrorist" -- the same classification his father once held. He even sounds like his father, says Soufan. "His recent message that came out, he delivered the speech as if it's his father…using sentences, terminology that was used by Osama bin Laden."

Hamza has recorded four audio messages in the last two years. Soufan believes Hamza can inspire and unite the jihadi movement. Says Soufan, "He's basically saying, 'American people, we're coming and you're going to feel it. And we're going to take revenge for what you did to my father…Iraq…Afghanistan'…the whole thing was about vengeance."

Al Qaeda now has footholds in about a dozen countries and has grown since the Arab Spring revolts destabilized regimes and created power vacuums. In Syria alone it's estimated to have about 20,000 followers, many in control of towns and villages. Some groups are eschewing the name al Qaeda to avoid attention from the West and gain local support, but they are al Qaeda affiliates, says Soufan.

"Al Qaeda is stronger than ever. I don't believe even bin Laden in his wildest dreams thought that he will have followers who command armies, troops…lands…," Soufan says.



SAY IT AND SAY IT AGAIN, THIS WAS “NIXONIAN!” YES, IT WAS. LET’S GET HERR TRUMPF OUT OF OFFICE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, AND GET THE RULES CHANGED SO THAT A PRESIDENT CANNOT LEGALLY FIRE ANYONE WHO IS PURSUING A CASE AGAINST HIM OR HIS ADMINISTRATION, WHO HAS BEEN VERBALLY “DISRESPECTFUL” -- THOUGH HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO SUE HIM -- OR WHO IS A WITNESS IN THE INVESTIGATION, UNLESS THAT PERSON HAS DEMONSTRABLY ATTEMPTED TO ATTACK THE PRESIDENT PHYSICALLY, BLACKMAIL HIM, ETC.

IF THERE IS AN INQUIRY IN PROGRESS, IT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RUN ITS’ COURSE, AND REACH ITS’ LOGICAL CONCLUSION. IN THIS CASE, TRUMP ADMITTED ABOUT A WEEK AGO IN FRONT OF THE PRESS THAT HE HAD FIRED COMEY TO “STOP” THE INVESTIGATION. NOW THAT’S AN ADMISSION OF CULPABILITY, EVEN IF IT ISN’T TECHNICALLY A CRIME. I SAY, LET’S MAKE IT A CRIME, ALONG WITH BRIBERY, ABUSE OF POWER, OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, ETC. HIS OVERT THREAT THE OTHER DAY TO IMPLICATE COMEY OF CRIMES BY THE USE OF RECORDED CONVERSATIONS, WAS NOTHING OTHER THAN WITNESS INTIMIDATION, AND THAT’S A CRIME BEFORE AN ORDINARY COURT OF LAW. IF IT ISN’T IN CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATIONS, IT SHOULD BE.

UNFORTUNATELY, UNLESS I JUST MISSED THE STORY, COMEY HASN’T YET AGREED TO SPEAK ON THE MATTERS THAT COULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST TRUMP, FROM THE FIRING OF NOT ONE BUT SEVERAL OFFICERS WHO HAVE, COINCIDENTALLY, ALL BEEN ACCUSED OF RUSSIAN CONTACTS, THEMSELVES. POTENTIAL CHARGES AGAINST TRUMP ARE: COVER UP, ABUSE OF POWER; AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, PERSONAL COMPLICITY WITH AN ENEMY NATION, IN THE DNC HACKINGS WHOSE PURPOSE WAS TO STEAL THE ELECTION BY ILLEGAL MEANS. I UNDERSTAND TRUMP’S MOTIVES FOR THAT, BUT RUSSIA’S WAS CLEARLY TO THROW A MONKEY WRENCH INTO THE MOTORS OF OUR FREE ELECTION, AND POSSIBLY ALSO TO PUT IN A PRESIDENT WHO WOULD BE EASY TO CONTROL. TRUMP’S MOTIVES WOULD BE TO, FIRST, PUT HIMSELF IN A BETTER POSITION FOR THE PRESIDENCY BY ELIMINATING BERNIE SANDERS FROM THE RACE, AND THEN BY ELIMINATING CLINTON FROM HER POSITION, WHO WAS AT THE TIME, ALSO, AHEAD OF TRUMP IN MOST POLLS FOR THE PRESIDENCY.

THIS RECENT EMBARRASSMENT OF A CLOSED-DOOR MEETING BETWEEN TRUMP AND TWO HIGHLY PLACED RUSSIANS RATHER SHOCKED ME. HE POINTEDLY EXCLUDED THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS CORPS, DID NOT ALLOW ANY AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHS, BUT DID ALLOW REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM THE KREMLIN’S OWN RUSSIA TIMES. WE, THE SOMETIMES-FORGOTTEN PEOPLE OF HIS COUNTRY, FOUND OUT ABOUT IT THE NEXT MORNING THROUGH RUSSIAN NEWS SOURCES. HIS REASON, ACCORDING TO ONE NEWS REPORT, WAS THAT PUTIN HAD ASKED FOR THE MEETING, AND HE DIDN’T FEEL ABLE TO DENY THE REQUEST. IN RESPONSE TO LESTER HOLT ON NBC’S QUESTION AS TO WHY HE DID THAT, HE SAID, “… “When I spoke with Putin, he asked me whether or not I would see [Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov]. Now what do I, should I say, ‘No, I’m not gonna see him’? I said I will see him.” THIS COMES FROM MSNBC’S RACHEL MADDOW SHOW OF MAY 12.

SOME KEEP SAYING THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WOULD NEVER HAVE VOTED SANDERS IN AS PRESIDENT OR EVEN VICE PRESIDENT, BUT GIVEN THE POLLS AT THAT TIME, HE HAD A GOOD CHANCE TO BEAT TRUMP, WHILE CLINTON DIDN’T. BOTH TRUMP AND SANDERS ARE “POPULISTS,” WHICH IS NOT A BAD THING, THOUGH PARTY BOSSES HATE IT. A CANDIDATE LIKE THAT IS THE DARK HORSE IN THE RACE, WILL NOT “OBEY ORDERS,” AND MAY WELL SURGE FORWARD TO BEAT ALL THE OTHERS DECISIVELY.

THE DEMS MADE A TACTICAL ERROR, AND DID IT KNOWINGLY, IN ORDER TO FULFILL THEIR PROMISE TO HILLARY THAT SHE WOULD BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT – OH YES, AND TO THE WALL STREET MONEY INTERESTS AS WELL. TRUMP STATED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, THAT SHE DIDN’T CAMPAIGN IN THE “RUST BELT” AS MUCH AS TRUMP AND SANDERS DID, WHERE SHE LOST BADLY. BOTH OF THOSE TWO STRONG AND OPINIONATED POPULISTS WERE WELL AWARE OF THE INTENSE DISCONTENT AMONG THE POOR AND THE “WORKING CLASS” SEGMENT OF MIDDLE AMERICA, AND WERE STICKING TO THEIR MESSAGE. IT PANNED OUT. TRUMP WON THE PRESIDENCY AND BERNIE SANDERS IS NOW ONE OF THE TOP DEMOCRATS IN THE SENATE, WHICH IS NOT AN UNENVIABLE ACHIEVEMENT, AND WHICH LOOKS A LOT LIKE A DISH OF WELL-SEASONED CROW TO ME.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/bob-schieffer-white-house-explanation-of-james-comey-firing-amateur-hour/
Bob Schieffer calls W.H. explanation of Comey's firing "amateur hour"
MAY 12, 2017, 8:03 AM

MAY 12, 2017, 8:03 AM| President Trump's firing of James Comey has been compared to the actions of our 37th president, Richard Nixon. CBS News contributor Bob Schieffer joins "CBS This Morning" from Washington to discuss the damage caused by the White House's inconsistent explanations of Comey's firing and the importance of Mr. Trump proving his campaign's alleged ties to Russia are false.

VIDEO ONLY – Bob Schieffer’s report on the suspicious firing of Comey, 5.39 minutes



ANYONE WHO ACCEPTS A POSITION IN THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OR CAMPAIGN GROUP, OR EVEN AN INVITATION TO DINNER, MUST BE ON GUARD. THEY MAY FIND THEMSELVES IN TROUBLE WITH EITHER THE AMERICAN PUBLIC, THE LAW OR DONALD TRUMP. THEY MAY BE RECORDED OR WIRETAPPED. (I KNOW. THEY DON’T DO THAT ANYMORE, BUT PHONE CONVERSATIONS CAN STILL BE RECORDED, AND RECORDINGS CAN BE EDITED.) IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU SEE A POISONOUS SNAKE, DON’T TRY TO SHOW OFF YOUR NATURALISTIC SKILLS AND PICK IT UP. I CAN’T REMEMBER NOW WHO THEY WERE, BUT THREE APPOINTEES IN A ROW, DURING THE LAST THREE WEEKS, REFUSED HIS OFFERS. I’M RELIEVED TO SEE THAT. ALL IS NOT LOST FOR THIS SOCIETY.


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-dickerson-what-did-deputy-ag-rosenstein-think-would-happen/
CBS NEWS May 12, 2017, 7:40 PM
John Dickerson on Comey firing: What did Deputy AG Rosenstein think would happen?

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, a central figure in the ongoing controversy over the abrupt firing of FBI Director James Comey, agreed Friday to brief members of the Senate next week about Comey's ouster.

Rosenstein has been on the job for only a few weeks, but his role in President Trump's firing of the FBI chief has come under enormous scrutiny from Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Rosenstein met with Mr. Trump Monday before writing a memo criticizing Comey for his handling of the investigation in Hillary Clinton's email use. White House officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, said earlier in the week that Mr. Trump acted entirely on Rosenstein's recommendation when firing Comey.

Trump contradicts his staff on how he decided to fire Comey
Play VIDEO
Trump contradicts his staff on how he decided to fire Comey

However, Mr. Trump told NBC News Thursday he had already decided to dismiss Comey before he met with Rosenstein Monday.

The evolving explanations from Mr. Trump and his team raise questions about why Rosenstein wrote the memo, CBS News chief Washington correspondent and anchor of "Face The Nation" John Dickerson said on the "CBS Evening News" Friday.

"What did the deputy attorney general think was going to happen when he wrote that letter for the president?" Dickerson told Anthony Mason. "Democrats say it looks like he was trying to provide legitimacy and the power of his reputation to cover for a decision the president made for other reasons."

While Democrats have charged that Mr. Trump potentially obstructed justice by firing Comey over the FBI's investigation into Russian meddling in the election, Republicans have largely avoided criticizing the administration.

"The Republicans are still behind the president," Dickerson said. "Those who have been skeptical about him in the past are skeptical, but the usual alliances, most Republicans are holding in support of the president, despite the fact that the president is making it difficult."

Robert Gates weighs in on James Comey's firing
Play VIDEO
Robert Gates weighs in on James Comey's firing

The controversy over Comey and the Russia investigation threatens to overwhelm the GOP's agenda in Congress, Dickerson added.

"But even if Republicans are in lockstep, there's another challenge here, which is, how do they continue pushing legislation, now that they have to face this distraction this week and the distraction that seems almost certain to come in the future?" Dickerson said.

Tune into "Face The Nation" Sunday morning, where former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will join Dickerson to discuss the Comey firing and Mr. Trump's presidency.


GOOD, GOOD DOGGIE !!

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-dickerson-what-did-deputy-ag-rosenstein-think-would-happen/
Hero K-9 officer in surgery, credited for saving partner in officer-involved shooting
by Kaitryn Wetzel
[Friday, May 12, 2017]

Photograph – Officer Kasper unconscious with IV, WPEC

JUPITER, Fla. (CBS12) —
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened near Military Trail and Marquette in Jupiter.

This occurred right after 5:30 p.m. Friday. Investigators tell CBS12 this shooting is connected to the early morning armed robbery at Duggan's Bar and Grill off Westgate and Okeechobee Blvd.

The suspect, according to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, had many outstanding out-of-state warrants in North Carolina prior to coming to Florida.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said in a news conference that deputies were able to locate the suspect from the early morning shooting after the stolen vehicle was identified in the Jupiter area, and through using strategic "investigative techniques."


The sheriff said deputies saw the suspect, and chased the suspect before he crashed the vehicle. Gunfire was exchanged between deputies and the suspect, and PBSO K-9 Officer Kasper took a bullet in the gunfire that was meant for his partner. K-9 Officer Kasper is in surgery and is expected to survive.

The suspect was killed in the gunfire. Sheriff Bradshaw says that "this very dangerous individual is off the streets."

FDLE will investigate the police-involved shooting.


LET IT GO, SIR. JUST LET IT GO!

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/graham-trump-needs-back-russia-probe-let-investigation-go-forward-n759221
EXCLUSIVE POLITICS MAY 14 2017, 12:21 PM ET
Graham: Trump Needs to ‘Back off’ Russia Probe, Let Investigation Go Forward
by KAILANI KOENIG

WASHINGTON - After a week of fallout from President Donald Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday advised the president to stop talking or tweeting about the ongoing investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

"The president needs to back off here and let the investigation go forward," Graham, R-S.C., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on "Meet The Press."

Play -- Graham on New FBI Dir: 'Promoting Within the Ranks' Good Idea 2:01

He also said he wants to see the next leader of the FBI chosen from within the agency — or someone from "outside the political lane."

"I think it's now time to pick somebody that comes from within the ranks or has such a reputation that has no political background at all, who can go into the job on day one," Graham said.

Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas, one of Graham's colleagues in the upper chamber of Congress, was said to be interviewing for the job on Saturday along with several other candidates. Graham called Cornyn a "wonderful man."

"John Cornyn under normal circumstances would be a superb choice to be FBI director," Graham said. "But these are not normal circumstances."

"The president has a chance to clean up the mess that he mostly created," he added. "He really I think did his staff a disservice by changing the explanation. So I would encourage the president to pick somebody we can all rally around, including those who work in the FBI."

The Senate Judiciary Committee will get the first chance to examine the president's pick for the job.

Related: What You Need to Know About Trump, Comey and the Russia Probe

Graham said Sunday he wants Comey to come before the committee so the former FBI director can explain whether he ever felt the president was trying to impede the investigations during their conversations.

"Did the president ever say anything to the director of the FBI that would be construed as trying to impede the investigation?" Graham asked. "The president called me about the firing and he referenced the Comey testimony this week in the Judiciary Committee about how bad it was, so that's all I know."

"I think it's time to call the FBI director before the country at large and explain what happened at that dinner," he continued, referring to the Jan. 27 dinner at the White House in which Trump reportedly asked Comey for a loyalty pledge. "And if there are any tapes, they have to be turned over. You can't be cute about tapes."

Trump had taken to Twitter Friday to rail against the "fake media" and warn Comey that he "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!" When White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked at the daily press briefing later that day if the president had taped Comey, Spicer said, "The president has nothing further to add on that."

Graham called the president's "tapes" tweet "inappropriate."

Play Full Interview: Graham on Comey Firing and Russia Facebook Twitter Embed
Full Interview: Graham on Comey Firing and Russia 10:11

On Sunday, Graham said multiple times that he does not believe the president is a target of investigations into whether members of the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin, one facet of the various probes being conducted by the FBI and House and Senate intelligence committees.

"I have no evidence that the president colluded with the Russians at all," Graham said. "Nobody on the campaign that I know of has colluded with the Russians. But we don't know all of the evidence yet."

Graham chairs a Senate Judiciary subcommittee that is examining the Russian government's attempts to meddle in U.S. elections, and he requested that Trump provide information about any financial ties he has to Russia. The president's attorneys, a Washington law firm hired to fight the suggestion of business ties to Russia, released a copy of their response on Thursday, but did not provide supporting documents or release copies of Trump's tax returns.

Graham said he had yet to see any evidence of an improper business relationship between Trump and Russians, and that he could not ask for specific documents unless he had a reason. But, Graham said, "the president should turn over his tax returns. He should do that."

"I don't have a reason to subpoena them," he added. "If I get that reason, I'll do it. But he should turn over his tax returns."

Graham also said he stands by his stance that a special prosecutor is not currently needed in the Russia probe because "it is a counterintelligence investigation, not a criminal investigation."

Play -- Schumer Describes Link Between New FBI Director and Special Prosecutor 1:06

However, as Trump considers a selection to replace Comey as FBI director, some Democrats, like Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, have said that it could be difficult for the president to get any nominee confirmed in the Senate unless Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appoints a special prosecutor.

Also on Sunday's "Meet The Press," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., didn't deny that Democrats could try to connect the two issues.

"Each Democratic senator's gonna make up his or her own mind," he said. "But I think the two are very much related."

Appointing a special prosecutor and choosing a new FBI director are linked, Schumer said, "because they're both involved in one of the most serious investigations we've seen in a very long time."


READ THIS ONE FOR ITS’ FUNNY, CREATIVE, STYLISH AND MODERN CAMPAIGN MATERIALS BY A SOUTH KOREAN TV NETWORK. GOOD WAY TO GET PEOPLE INTERESTED. DO WATCH THE NEWS VIDEO.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-korean-network-pop-culture-engage-election-viewers/
CBS NEWS May 13, 2017, 11:29 AM
South Korean network upends traditional election coverage

While it's essential for television news outlets to have clear, concise and accurate graphics on election nights, vote-counting has also been a time to try out new ways to present information to viewers.

In 1952, CBS used one of the earliest computers to accurately predict Dwight Eisenhower's election victory over Adlai Stevenson.

Photograph -- south-korea-election.jpg

And on the night of Barack Obama's victory in 2008, CNN brought a correspondent onto its set by using hologram technology.

During this week's presidential election in South Korea, one of the nation's leading television networks came up with eye-popping visuals that used pop cultural references and images to connect with election night viewers, reports CBS News correspondent Don Dahler.

Photograph -- korea-elex.jpg

The presidential candidates' faces were super-imposed onto characters from "Game of Thrones" or made to look as though they were jogging the streets like Rocky.

This all came after a tumultuous few months in South Korea's political climate. In December, then-president Park Gun-Hey was impeached amid a corruption scandal. Hundreds of thousands flooded the streets of Seoul, calling for her removal.

Photograph -- south-korea-elex-coverage.jpg

This week's election saw near record participation fueled in large part by voters under the age of 30 seeking change.

The candidates were particularly focused on engaging young voters and they did it through music, through K-pop and popular media. It worked.

If popular culture can be used to engage young people, get them excited about politics and help inform them about the issues, then what's wrong with that?



“. . . . They've been vetted over their lifetime essentially ….” OKAY. IS THIS TRUMP-SPEAK FOR A CONFESSION THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN FORMALLY VETTED AT ALL? SORRY FOR MY DAILY RIPENING LACK OF TRUST IN THE PRESIDENT.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-says-pick-for-next-fbi-director-could-be-announced-within-days/
By STEFAN BECKET CBS NEWS May 13, 2017, 1:22 PM
Trump says pick for next FBI director could be announced within days

Photograph -- President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One before his departure from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Saturday, May 13, 2017. PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / AP

President Trump said he hopes to "make a fast decision" on the replacement for fired FBI Director James Comey, hinting an announcement could come within days.

Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he may select Comey's successor before leaving for his first foreign trip next week.

"We can make a fast decision," Mr. Trump said. "These are outstanding people that are very well known, highest level. So we can make a fast decision."

Is Trump in legal jeopardy after firing Comey?
Play VIDEO
Is Trump in legal jeopardy after firing Comey?

He made the comments during a flight to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he delivered his first commencement address as president to graduates of Liberty University.

"I think the process is going to go quickly. Almost all of them are very well known," Mr. Trump said. "They've been vetted over their lifetime essentially, but very well known, highly respected, really talented people. And that's what we want for the FBI."

Asked if the pick would be announced before his trip overseas, Mr. Trump said, "Even that is possible."

It was unclear whether Mr. Trump was referring to a permanent replacement or an interim director. An interim director does not require confirmation by the Senate and could give the administration more time to search for a permanent pick.

Acting Director Andrew McCabe has been in charge of the bureau since Comey's precipitous ouster on Tuesday.

Mr. Trump will travel to Saudi Arabia at the end of next week, followed by visits to the Vatican and Israel. He will also travel to Sicily for a G-7 meeting and Brussels for a summit of NATO leaders.

Acting FBI director disputes White House claim about Comey
Play VIDEO
Acting FBI director disputes White House claim about Comey

Department of Justice officials have already begun interviewing candidates for the permanent FBI director role. On Saturday, officials planned to interview McCabe, Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, attorney Alice Fisher and Judge Michael Garcia for the permanent position.

The administration also says several current FBI and intelligence officials were being interviewed for the interim position, including Special Agent in Charge Adam Lee, who returned to DOJ for a second interview Saturday. Earlier in the week, DOJ officials said they were close to naming an interim director, but have yet to do so.

Paula Reid and Kathryn Watson contributed to this report.



SCHOOL NUTRITION DIRECTORS* ARE DIETICIANS IN A SUPERVISORY POSITION, I SURMISE ACCORDING TO THE GOOGLE LISTINGS, AND AS SUCH, I AGREE WITH MICHELLE OBAMA THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE A POLITICIZED POSITION AT ALL. IT JUST DOESN’T MAKE SENSE, UNLESS OF COURSE THEY ARE BEING PRESSURIZED BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO BECOME EVER MORE ECONOMICAL WITH THE SCHOOL’S FOOD BUDGET.

I HAVE ANOTHER SUGGESTION FOR THEM. MANY PEOPLE, ADULTS INCLUDED, DON’T LIKE THINGS LIKE UNADORNED RAW CARROTS, SO WHY NOT INCORPORATE THEM IN A NICE GENTLY COOKED OR GRATED CARROT DISH WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE ON TOP, THAT DOESN’T DESTROY ALL THE VITAMINS, BUT IS MORE RICHLY FLAVORFUL? MY SCHOOL USED TO GRATE THEM, MIX THEM WITH RAISINS AND STIR IN SOME MAYONNAISE. WHAT I REMEMBER ABOUT MUCH OF THE SCHOOL AND HOSPITAL FOOD THAT I’VE TASTED IS THAT IT IS BORING AND DRY. I DON’T LIKE IT, EITHER. IT’S LESS A MATTER OF WHAT’S IN IT THAN HOW IT IS PREPARED.

OF COURSE, I ALSO FEEL THAT TOTALLY FAT FREE MILK IS YUCKY, BUT 2% MILK IS GREAT. I’VE NEVER TASTED 1%, I DON’T THINK. SO, BUY 2%. YOU COULD ALSO ALLOW THEM TO GET CHOCOLATE MILK IF THEY SELECT SOME APPLE AND CARROT. THE SCHOOL SHOULD TRY TO PREPARE THEIR APPLES SO THEY WOULD BE EASIER TO EAT. A HARD, CRISP APPLE WITH A TOUGH SKIN ON IT ISN’T EASY TO BITE AND CHEW. IT’S ALSO JUST TOO MUCH APPLE FOR THE AVERAGE YOUNG CHILD. THEY DON’T NEED OR WANT A WHOLE APPLE. CUT THEM ONTO A PLATE AT THE COUNTER AND LET THE KIDS TAKE TWO OR THREE SLICES.

THEY SHOULD AT LEAST CONSIDER THINGS LIKE THAT BEFORE THEY DECLARE THAT KIDS “WON’T EAT” SOMETHING, BECAUSE WHAT THE BILL IS DOING IS REMOVING IMPORTANT FOOD FROM YOUNG PEOPLE ALTOGETHER. THAT’S LIKE, SOME YEARS AGO IN THE 1970S OR SO, WHEN THE “APPROVED” SCHOOL MENU GAVE SCHOOLS THE PERMISSION TO CALL KETCHUP A VEGETABLE, THUS FRENCH FRIES AND KETCHUP IS TWO VEGETABLES….

TO IMPROVE THE FOOD, FOR INSTANCE, TRY TAKING ONE OF THOSE APPLE CUTTERS THAT HAVE FOUR OR FIVE BLADES, WHICH IS TO BE PUSHED DOWN THROUGH THE APPLE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. IT QUICKLY, EASILY PROVIDES APPLE SLICES THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE AND MORE APPETISING, SINCE THE CHILD CAN SMELL THE GOOD APPLE AROMA. DON’T JUST DECIDE THAT YOU WON’T PROVIDE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES FOR THOSE WHO DO WANT THEM, AND PLENTY OF KIDS DO. AS MARY POPPINS SANG SO BEAUTIFULLY IN ONE OF THE REALLY GOOD DISNEY FLICKS OF THE SAME NAME, “JUST A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR MAKES THE MEDICINE GO DOWN ….”

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-obama-criticizes-trump-school-lunch-decision/
AP May 12, 2017, 9:43 PM
Michelle Obama criticizes Trump school lunch decision

Photograph -- Former first lady Michelle Obama participates in a discussion with former White House chef and senior policy adviser for Nutrition Policy Sam Kass during the Partnership for a Healthier America Summit May 12, 2017, in Washington. ALEX WONG / GETTY IMAGES

WASHINGTON -- Michelle Obama on Friday criticized a Trump administration decision to delay federal rules aimed at making school lunch healthier, saying kids will end up "eating crap" instead.

Mrs. Obama told a health conference in Washington that more nutritionally sound school meals are needed since millions of kids nationwide eat federally subsidized breakfast and lunch at school. Without mentioning President Trump by name, she urged parents to think about the government's recent decision and to "look at motives."

RELATED:
Trump administration loosens nutrition rules on school lunches
How might fast-food lover Trump change the nation's diet?

"You have to stop and think, 'Why don't you want our kids to have good food at school? What is wrong with you and why is that a partisan issue?" Mrs. Obama said. "Why would that be political?"

"Moms, think about this. I don't care what state you live in, take me out of the equation, like me, don't like me, but think about why someone is OK with your kids eating crap," she said.

Michelle Obama discusses race and labels with Oprah
Play VIDEO
Michelle Obama discusses race and labels with Oprah

During a nearly hourlong conversation led by Sam Kass, the Obamas' personal chef during their White House years and executive director of the anti-childhood obesity initiative she spearheaded as first lady, Mrs. Obama also spoke briefly about her future plans. Her family's last day in the White House was Jan. 20, and she said she and former President Obama would spend the year figuring out what comes next.

In one of his first major acts, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced on May 1 that the department will delay an upcoming requirement to reduce the amount of sodium in school meals. Purdue said he also planned to keep issuing waivers to a regulation requiring that more whole grains also be served. Schools could also serve 1 percent flavored-milk instead of the nonfat variety now required.

The school meal changes reflect suggestions from the School Nutrition Association, which represents school nutrition directors* and companies that sell food to schools. The group often battled with the Obama administration, which phased in the healthier school meal rules starting in 2012.

Michelle Obama hosts her final kids' State Dinner
Play VIDEO
Michelle Obama hosts her final kids' State Dinner

The move partially rolls back rules the former first lady supported as part of her "Let's Move" anti-childhood obesity initiative, but leaves most of the Obama administration's school meal rules in place. Those rules include requirements that students must take fruits and vegetables on the lunch line. Some schools have asked for changes to that policy, saying students often throw those items into the trash.

"If kids aren't eating the food, and it's ending up in the trash, they aren't getting any nutrition - thus undermining the intent of the program," Perdue said in making the announcement at a school in Leesburg, Virginia.

But Mrs. Obama said it's time for adults to take charge and not put kids in charge.

"How about we stop asking kids how they feel about their food because kids, my kids included, if they could eat pizza and french fries every day with ice cream on top and a soda they would think they were happy, until they get sick," she said.

"That to me is one of the most ridiculous things we talk about in this movement," the former first lady continued. "You know what? Kids don't like math either. What are we going to do? Stop teaching math?"

Her appearance at the annual conference, sponsored by the Partnership for a Healthier America, a nonprofit organization that was created to support her anti-childhood obesity work, was Mrs. Obama's second major public outing since leaving the White House. Last month in Orlando, Florida, she participated in a question-and-answer session during the American Institute of Architects' annual conference.

The Obamas have started to re-emerge into the public arena after laying low and cooling their heels on vacations since leaving the White House. Mrs. Obama said she and her husband are busy settling into their new home and offices in Washington and making sure daughters Malia and Sasha are doing well. They also have books to write and money to raise for the presidential center they plan to build on the South Side of her native Chicago.

"We're not gone. We're just breathing," Mrs. Obama said.


TRICKED THEM? COULDN’T SAY NO? THERE’S A LOT MORE STORY THAN I’M FINDING IN MADDOW’S ARTICLE. THIS WHOLE SITUATION REALLY DOES SMELL FUNNY.

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/controversial-oval-office-meeting-was-held-putins-request?cid=eml_mra_20170513
The Rachel Maddow Show / The MaddowBlog
Controversial Oval Office meeting was held at Putin’s request
05/12/17 04:01 PM
By Steve Benen

Photograph -- U.S. President Donald Trump (R) answers reporters' questions during a photo opportunity with Prime Minister Of Denmark in the Oval Office at the White House March 30, 2017 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla

Why in the world did Donald Trump welcome Russian officials into the Oval Office this week, the day after the president fired FBI Director James Comey over his investigation into the Russian scandal? A White House spokesman said this week Trump hosted the gathering “because [Vladimir Putin] asked him to.”

In his interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt yesterday, Trump elaborated on the subject.

“When I spoke with Putin, he asked me whether or not I would see [Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov]. Now what do I, should I say, ‘No, I’m not gonna see him’? I said I will see him.”

It’s worth noting that Trump very easily could’ve said, “No, I’m not gonna see him.” Russia did, after all, attack our democracy last year with an illegal espionage operation. The American president certainly has no obligation to accept requests from the Russian president.

Indeed, David Cohen, the former deputy director of the CIA, noted to MNSBC’s Andrea Mitchell yesterday how striking it was to see the president having a grand old time in the Oval Office with a Russian who’s a potential figure in an FBI investigation.

But can we pause to note just how controversial this meeting has become? And the degree to which the seriousness has escalated this week?

First, it was controversial because of the timing: Trump meeting with Russian officials the day after firing Comey looked ridiculous.

Then it was a little more controversial because American journalists were excluded.

Then it was a little more controversial because a journalist from a state-run media outlet in Russia wasn’t excluded.

Then it was a little more controversial because of the security risk.

Then it was a little more controversial because White House officials said Russia had “tricked” them.

Then it was a little more controversial because Lavrov brought along Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, a detail the White House readout neglected to mention, and something we only know because Russia acknowledged it. Kislyak, of course, is the official Michael Flynn talked to before he lied about it and got fired.

And then it was a little more controversial because the entire meeting happened at Vladimir Putin’s request, and Trump didn’t feel as if he could say no.

What an amazing fiasco.

Explore:
The MaddowBlog, Donald Trump, Russia and Vladimir Putin
Denying Russia ties, Trump's lawyers...



THE DANGERS OF BEING TOO POLITE TO DONALD TRUMP

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/white-house-doesnt-deny-trump-recording-conversations
The Rachel Maddow Show / The MaddowBlog
White House doesn’t deny Trump recording conversations
05/12/17 04:37 PM
By Steve Benen

Donald Trump jolted the political world this morning, making a not-so-veiled threat towards former FBI Director James Comey via Twitter, saying Comey “better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!”

Among other things, this raised the specter of previously unknown recordings of Trump’s conversations with Comey – and any number of other discussions the president has held in the White House.

To no one’s surprise, the White House press corps was eager to hear more about the topic Trump raised.

The White House did not deny on Friday that President Donald Trump taped meetings with his former FBI director – or that the president may be recording conversations in the Oval Office.

“The president has nothing further to add on that,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said at the daily briefing when asked several times by reporters about the president’s tweet Friday morning referring to “tapes” of Comey.

No one should blame reporters for a lack of effort. Does Trump have recordings of Comey? “The president has nothing further to add on that,” Spicer said. Are there recording devices in the Oval Office? “The president has nothing further to add on that,” Spicer said. Are there recordings in the White House residence? “The president has nothing further to add on that,” Spicer said.

The beleaguered press secretary eventually said Trump’s tweet “speaks for itself” – which hardly seems sufficient, given that it prompted so many questions – and that he’s “moving on” from any questions on the matter.

Spicer may be disappointed to learn no one else seems to be moving on.

Democratic Reps. Elijah Cummings and John Conyers of the Judiciary and Government Oversight committees sent a letter to White House Counsel Don McGahn on Friday requesting copies of all White House recordings related to the Comey matter.

The letter also sought “all documents, memoranda, analyses, emails, and other communications relating to the President decision to dismiss Director Comey.”

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, tweeted “Mr. President, if there are “tapes” relevant to the Comey firing, it’s because you made them and they should be provided to Congress.”
As we discussed this morning, if such recordings exist, of course, they can be subpoenaed, either by Congress or by federal investigators.

Whether Trump realizes this or not, he’s opened a can of worms that cannot be easily closed. Every foreign leader who visits the White House, for the remainder of this president’s term, will now have to wonder about secret recordings, which will limit the scope of all conversations. The same is true of every lawmaker, soldier, official, dignitary, staffer, and visitor.

A Washington Post report added, “The reason the White House is in a tough spot is because Trump has now threatened in a very public way to use these hypothetical recordings as a form of blackmail. The point of secretly recording people is that it’s supposed to be secret.”

Unless the president made this up – a distinct possibility – Trump just exposed his own secret in an impulsive and self-defeating moment.

Frankly, the one thing I find most surprising about this is that Spicer didn’t just lie, say that the president was joking, and deny that any recordings have taken place. The press secretary has denied reality on any number of occasions, but it seems in this case, he was worried about the implications of his answer.

Regardless, the questions are unlikely to go away anytime soon.



TWO MADDOW VIDEO REPORTS --

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/rep-swalwell-sessions-obviously-not-recused-on-trump-probe-942124611675?cid=eml_mra_20170513
THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 5/11/17

Rep Swalwell: Sessions obviously not recused on Trump probe
Rep. Eric Swalwell, member of the House Intelligence Committee, talks with Rachel Maddow about the challenge of getting an honest investigation into Donald Trump's ties to Russia and interference in the 2016 election. Duration: 5:56


http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/financial-crimes-unit-to-help-trump-russia-invetigation-942958659738
THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 5/12/17

Financial crimes unit to help Trump-Russia investigation
Rachel Maddow reports that with the Trump-Russia investigation expanding into Donald Trump's businesses, the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has agreed to share important information with investigators. Duration: 22:50