Monthly Archives: January 2018

Claire McCaskill and the #Trumpshutdown – Claire tries to save military pay, McConnell slaps her down

20 Saturday Jan 2018

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There’s no denying it – Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill failed to stand in solidarity with other Democrats when it came to the shutdown vote. I can’t pretend this doesn’t bother me; right now all Democrats have got going for themselves is a shaky commitment to standing united against the ugly GOP Trumpocalypse.

But we all know McCakill’s got a bad situation in Missouri and her stance in that regard always been to emphasize what seems most pragmatic in terms of the next election. I’ve got nothing against pragmatism – 2018 is coming up and a GOP congress more or less enabled by an incompetent dotard President to run wild is an existential threat – and McCaskill has delivered for progressives on scores of occasions. I just hope she’s really made the most pragmatic decision this time – although I trust her political sense most of the time.

Besides, four Republicans broke ranks and voted with Democrats, reinforcing the Democratic argument that the deal on the table – along with the process – stinks. Maybe it doesn’t hurt to underline the fact that this shutdown doesn’t necessarily break along partisan, but rather commonsense and human decency concerns. Republican PR to the contrary, the issues do not involve “illegal immigration” per se, but rather young DACA immigrants who are totally integrated into our culture – and who are here through no fault of their own – that and poison pill cuts sidecars that the Republicans have attempted to hide behind the pretense that an inadequate CHIP extension is a meaningful compromise.

McCaskill was, however, admirably quick to bring some her pragmatic commonsense to bear on the GOP claims that the shutdown showed that Democrats didn’t care about hurting the military. After Trump got the GOP blame-the-Democrats show on the road, tweeting (what else?) that “Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration,” McCaskill, bless her heart, put the lie to that dim-witted and way too obvious effort to avoid blame:

While Trump, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other Republicans blamed the Democrats, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) made an effort shortly after midnight to get the troops’ salaries and death benefits paid through the shutdown.

“I want to make sure that tonight we send a very clear signal that we don’t want one moment to pass with there being any uncertainty of any soldier anywhere in the world that they will be paid for the valiant work they do for our national security,” McCaskill said, calling for a resolution to pay the troops.

McConnell scuttled the effort, objecting to her motion.

But McCaskill didn’t stop there. She earlier co-sponsored a bill that would, symbolically at least, put some tiny piece of the financial onus of a shutdown where it belongs:

Earlier Friday, a group of Senate Democrats introduced a bill to withhold congressional pay should there be a government shutdown Friday hours before a deadline to pass a budget.

Because Congress didn’t pass a budget before midnight, members of both the House and Senate would not receive paychecks under the proposed No Government No Pay Act of 2018.

“If members of Congress can’t figure this out and keep the government open, then none of us should get paid,” said McCaskill, one of the co-sponsors of the bill.

This initiative might have easier sailing – the optics are good for the GOP too, and, unlike federal workers who will see their pay withheld, few of the disproportionate numbers of wealthy congress creatures are likely to be hurt too badly. Nevertheless, symbolic gestures are important and kudos to McCaskill for helping to bring it forward.

ADDENDUM: Here’s more hardcore, classic McCaskill on the #Trumpshutdown:

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., who herself is in a tough re-election fight, was one of five Senate Democrats who voted against the shutdown. But an hour after the vote, she issued a statement saying she was “disgusted” with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for pushing off a resolution of a children’s health insurance program until it got entangled in greater government funding differences.

“While I voted yes tonight to continue funding the government, it’s embarrassing how badly this place is being run,” McCaskill said.

Amen, Senator.

Missouri GOP House members go into hiding when Trump shows his true colors – about skin color – while GOP Senator Roy Blunt soft peddles the story

20 Saturday Jan 2018

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It’s been a couple of weeks since President Racist Moron sent us spiraling down toward a government shutdown by expressing his goal of importing prosperous, wealthy white Norwegians – who have little reason to come to the U.S. – instead of brown folks from S**thole countries – who actually need the haven that the United States has traditionally offered the oppressed, poverty stricken folks who flocked to these shores and helped build a strong, wealthy country where the middle class grew and prospered as never before. During this time, I’ve been monitoring the newspapers and congressional press releases to find out how our representatives in Congress have responded to Trump’s racist babblings – and I’ve found out just about nothing to let me know how our GOP profiles in political cowardice stand on the issue. However, today, Salon has posted an article that tells us what each member of Congress has had to say about this destructive and ugly piece of “telling it like it is,” as some of the more racist “deplorable” Trump supporters would have it:

  • Blunt, Roy (R–Sen.): Condemn
  • *McCaskill, Claire (D–Sen.): Condemn
  • Clay Jr., William “Lacy” (D–HR): Condemn
  • Cleaver, Emanuel (D–HR): Condemn
  • Graves, Sam (R–HR): No response
  • Hartzler, Vicky (R–HR): No response
  • Long, Billy (R–HR): No response
  • Luetkemeyer, Blaine (R–HR): No response
  • Smith, Jason (R–HR): No response
  • Wagner, Ann (R–HR): No response

Although GOP Senator Roy Blunt, as befits a junior member of the Senate Leadership, did make a statement, you might be struck, as I was, that it focused on the pragmatic aspects of Trumps words – addressing his competence in securing GOP goals, rather than his bankrupt moral world view:

Senator Roy Blunt, Republican of Missouri, suggested the president’s inability to refrain from incendiary statements was detracting from his agenda.

“It’s an unacceptable view of the world, and it’s an unacceptable thing to say,” Mr. Blunt told KMBZ, a radio station in the Kansas City area. “You would expect the president to lead in determining how you filter your thoughts, rather than to continue to say things that take a lot away from what’s actually getting done.”

Compare the measured words of Blunt – who carefully avoided any overt reference to Trump’s racism, to the unequivocal tweet Democratic Claire McCaskill issued,:

It is unacceptable, repugnant, and morally bankrupt for a President of this great nation to call the countries of Africa “shitholes”.   9:32 AM – 12 Jan 2018

 I understand the need for political pragmatism, going along with a bad deal to avoid a worse deal – and I appreciate Blunt’s willingness to sorta, maybe imply that Trump isn’t really a great “dealmaker,” but for many of us racism, arguably the original sin that lies at the heart of American democracy, is the line that may not be crossed. Which means that I also understand the reticence of our Missouri House members to speak out – Republicans in general, not just in Missouri, have been calling out to more or less covert racism via code words and dogwhistles for years.What can these already compromised politicians do or say to credibly face down the beast they have enabled and continue to enable in order to benefit their wealthy patrons.
Of course that last sentence doesn’t even address the possibility that many of our elected Missouri representative may actually endorse Trump’s nasty racial sentiments.

 

 

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): #TrumpShutdown

20 Saturday Jan 2018

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Four republican senators voted against the resolution. Donald Trump (r) and Mitch McConnell (r) couldn’t even convince enough republican senators to vote for the resolution.

Fact check: Military won’t ‘shut down’ as Trump claims
…A federal law generally bars agencies from continuing to work at taxpayer expense during a shutdown, but that law provides major exceptions for military and intelligence operations, national security and emergencies.

The Defense Department’s most recent contingency plan for a shutdown says all active-duty military personnel would stay on the job, as well as 22 percent of its civilian employees. Moreover, the president has broad authority to decide who stays on the job during a shutdown — an authority that extends to maintenance workers for military weapons systems. Trump himself tweeted in 2013 that the government continues to run ‘‘essential services’’ during a shutdown…

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. She’s supposed to know and understand this.

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) [2016 file photo].

From Representative Hartzler (r) last night, via Twitter:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler‏ @RepHartzler
Senate Democrats just proved they’re willing to shut govt down & deny our troops funding unless they get their way, and they refused to pass funding bill the House passed. I call on them to join us in a bi-partisan manner to fund the govt [….]
11:11 PM – 19 Jan 2018

Some of the Twitter comments:

REPUBLICANS used CHIP kids as bargaining chips rather than come up with a plan. The REPUBLICAN President refused a bi-partisan bill. You own this!

Who controls Congress again?

who are you trying to convince?

Uh, she thinks a sufficient number of voters in her district our stoopit.

Surely you know the answer to this one, Vicky–do Trumps hookers still get paid when the government shuts down?? Asking for a friend.

I believe those would be private, not public, funds, so they’re okay.

Your majority party has repeatedly blocked bi-partisan efforts. This is on you.

Repub house + Repub senate + Repub potus = Democrat’s fault? Your math is as weak as your talking points.

The gop controls the senate lady get your facts straight

I am absolutely very proud of my Democrats who stand up for the Democratic ideals and do everything in their power to try to work with this man who will not work with them. It’s his fault, your fault, and everyone who blindly follows him.

Nice try Vicky. #trumpshutdown #Gopshutdown

Your party controls every branch of the damn government. You could have worked with Democrats to avoid this, but like last time, you would rather let people suffer then work with the other party.

There was a bipartisan bill; Trump shit on it.

This is ridiculous. Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. This is all on you.

You. Control. Both. Houses. [….]

Republicans just proved they are willing to shut down govt. Military will be paid, let’s be truthful! The truth is, Trump flip-flops on DACA, no guarantee they’ll protect dreamers in 6wks, some dreamers already being deported & Rep do nothing.

Republicans version of bipartisan negotiations is that the Democrats do what you say or they are obstructionists. You people are idiots

How do you sleep at night being such a hypocrite???? Amazing. You didnt get your way so you shut the gov down in 2013….. [….]

Well, yes. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): well, that didn’t go so well (October 3, 2013)

You’re an #idiot

It’s a #TrumpsShutdown and a #GopShutdown. Own it.

Waiting…

19 Friday Jan 2018

Posted by in Missouri Governor

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Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

Why is it always on Fridays?

Previously:

Oh, my. (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 2 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 3 (January 11, 2018)

אַ שאַנדע פֿאַר די גוים and *IOKIYAR (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 4 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 5 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 6 (January 12, 2018)

Sen. Denny Hoskins (r): not exactly a ringing endorsement (January 12, 2018)

Gov. Eric Greitens (r): piping (January 16, 2018)

Oh, my – part 7 (January 16, 2018)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): What is that count, again?

18 Thursday Jan 2018

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As we’ve come to expect, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r) has difficulty counting.

Yesterday, via Twitter:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler‏ @RepHartzler
I agree with @SpeakerRyan → it makes no sense for Democrats to play games with funding for our men and women in uniform. These men and women put their lives on the line for us every day, and they deserve for us to defend them back home.
[….]
11:30 AM – 17 Jan 2018

On the other hand, her constituents are having no such problem. Some of the responses:

We’re tired of the lying. Your party control both houses of Congress and the WH. This is on you.

I guess it’s a good thing that the Democrats don’t control either house of Congress then? Honestly, ma’am, you aren’t fooling anyone. Republicans control the whole of the US government. Any shutdown is on you.

Sorry, who controls the Congress again?

Take sides with the devil? Nice.

Uh republicans actually have the majority. Nice try though

You’re to blame. You control Congress and can’t get anything done.

I thought The Republicans controlled the house, senate and the White House. Why is this getting put on Democrats?

Because she believes her constituents our stoopit.

The game is the Republicans attaching so much garbage in the same bill. Just do a military spending bill and see how quickly it passes. #morelyingtoAmerica

What about the man and women from Shithole countries that are serving in the Military? You don’t care about anyone but yourself.

No surprise here….the GOP breaks it and then blames the Dems! You are morally corrupt, dishonest and have not a sliver of integrity….guess that is why you are a member of the GOP!

GOP have control of Congress and the Presidency. Seems to me the GOP is used to blaming the minority.

Vicky, we aren’t stupid. Get a DACA fix passed. You have had SIX months to do it. Dems are not the hold up.

Apparently she thinks you are.

You weren’t saying anything about that the last time your party shut down the government. Besides, the military and essential government personnel always get paid when the government is shut down.

Maybe your cult is that stupid but the rest of us are not

Dems not playing games. Reps and Trump created this situation you are playing with DACA lives. Reps have no room for negotiations, want everything and willing to deport DACA. No, someone must stand up to Rep and Yrump bullies!!!

You have the majority puppet. It will be your little cults fault

I’m going to flat out say it. You are a damn liar. The Democrats aren’t holding up anything for the military. How many months did you all sit on Merrick Garland? You’re holding all these DACA kids hostage. You are a freaking lying hypocrite.

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): do the math (January 10, 2018)

HJR 76: mettle detector

17 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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There is none.

A joint resolution to amend the Missouri Constitution introduced today in the House:

HJR 76
Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting searches of persons upon entering the Missouri State Capitol or on capitol grounds
Sponsor: Marshall, Nick (013)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2018
LR Number: 5935H.01I
Last Action: 01/17/2018 – Introduced and Read First Time (H)
Bill String: HJR 76
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING

The text:

SECOND REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 76 [pdf]
99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE MARSHALL. 5935H.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk

JOINT RESOLUTION

Submitting to the qualified voters of Missouri an amendment to article I of the Constitution of Missouri, by adopting one new section relating to searches on Missouri state capitol grounds.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring therein:

That at the next general election to be held in the state of Missouri, on Tuesday next following the first Monday in November, 2018, or at a special election to be called by the governor for that purpose, there is hereby submitted to the qualified voters of this state, for adoption or rejection, the following amendment to article I of the Constitution of the state of Missouri:
Section A. Article I, Constitution of Missouri, is amended by adding one new section, to be known as section 37, to read as follows:
Section 37. That the Missouri state capitol shall be freely open to the people to peaceably assemble, to petition their government, and to observe all sessions of the general assembly; that no person shall be subject to search upon entry, nor shall any person be searched or property be seized within the state capitol or capitol grounds except upon probable cause that an offense has been or is being committed, upon the execution of a warrant issued as provided for under the constitution, or upon an immediate threat to life or property.

Someone doesn’t like the security checkpoint at the public entrance to the capitol.

A constitutional amendment? Really? Give it a rest.

Oh, my – part 7

16 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Missouri Governor, social media

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Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

A statement this evening via Facebook from Governor Eric Greitens (r):

Eric Greitens
Before I was elected Governor, I made a mistake. It was a personal mistake, and I am sorry. I am sorry for the pain it caused to everyone impacted, including Sheena, our boys, our families, our friends, and people who have relied on me. I took responsibility with my family back when this happened, asked for God’s forgiveness and Sheena’s, and Sheena and I dealt with this together, privately. I was, and today I still am, grateful for her forgiveness and love.
Much has now been written about this, and many of the assertions made have not been truthful and have proven extremely hurtful to Sheena, as well as to me. For us, the allegations that go so far beyond the facts have made this much more difficult. I made a mistake, I regret it, and Sheena and I have dealt with it between us. For us, that is where this story starts, and that is where this story ends. We again ask for privacy for everyone involved.
Then and now, we are focused on moving forward. I ask for your forgiveness and hope you can find it in your heart to do so. I assure you that this personal mistake will not deter us from the mission we were sent here to do. We have been, and we will, continue to work for and to fight for the people of Missouri. We will take our state in a new and better direction. There is still much work to be done, and we are back to work for the people of Missouri.

Some of the comments:

Just curious how your God is so forgiving of an affair, but not so much an unwanted pregnancy. If your sexual relationship with your hair dresser would have resulted in a pregnancy, would you have encouraged her to consider abortion?

No one is perfect except Jesus Christ. Thanks Eric for telling the truth. Don’t worry about what other are saying talk is cheep. Just remember Jesus said if any man claim he is not a sinner than that man is a lier unworthy of trust! You have don nothing wrong in Gods eyes!

There are a lot of comments in this particular vein. Think about that for a moment. And a lot about not throwing stones.

The difference between Eric and Hillary is he takes responsibility and didn’t try to cover it up for even a second.

And that’s why everyone knew about this three years ago, you know, before the family values election platform?

It is really interesting how transgressions are looked upon and treated depending on what’s in a persons heart. It was all out condemnation for Senator Franken for just touching someone, while a comedian and before he was elected to a political office. Yet, many of the comments and commenters on this blog want to use the “Bible” as justification for Greitens sins. The good old “family Christian values” are in play. How sanctimonious! Not only did he cheat, but he cheated with a married woman. His wife may play the forgiving “spouse” paraded out for the public to see, but where was she and what consideration did he exercise when he made the decision to cheat? I surely bet that that discussion did not occur. With his flawed values and his not being able to keep his vows to his wife and family, it deeply bothers me that he can keep his oath to protect and act in the best interest of Missourians. I say, he should go!

Interestingly, that’s not the opinion in a number of comments.

Resign

He made a mistake. Get off his back.

Uh.

The problem governor, is that you campaigned as a moral family man. You lied to the citizens of the state of MO. I hope no tax dollars are used in your defense and if there is any cost you pay out of your own pocket.

In response to the large number of “let he who is without sin” responses:

These responses are depressing

Isn’t that the truth? Most people don’t seem to care that the person who ran on family values had just lied to and cheated on his wife! SMH

There is that.

Disgrace

sorry that your wife and children have to pay the price for your mistakes but you need to resign!!

Shows you are human. No apologies needed. I do not feel it has affected the way you govern our State. Keep up the GREAT work!

And in direct response to that:

I so agree. I’m so tired of people getting fired because they have cheated on their spouse. I mean really?? Not very many men don’t cheat. As long as you conduct business with the head on your shoulders not the one below then I have no issue with it

I can’t tell if that was sarcasm.

Whatever moral ground conservatives claim to have has been gone for some time. This just adds to the list.

Resign! You’re dishonest and deceitful! Missouri cannot and will not trust you!

By reading some of the comments I truly understand why some of these people don’t understand about forgiveness, first of all they probably don’t know the Lord as there personal savior and second they don’t know the word of God. I’ve heard a lot of people know alot about a God but they truly do not believe in God . If they did such foolishness and hate would not come out of their hearts. God forgives out of a true repentance heart and your family so don’t worry about everybody else’s broken heart ,shame on them they have to answer to God one day also love you in the Lord Brother keep serving him being faithful none of us will be perfect till we join Jesus in heaven one day.

Should someone tell them?

Resign do us all a favor!!

Waiting for the other shoe(s) to drop.

You’re a complete dipshit, please disappear.

suuuuuure!!

Just glad your presidential dreams are done. Now patiently waiting until you are forced to resign.

I’m gonna go out on a limb here and guess that this is just one of many scandals to come.

I think it’s time for that old time religion Greitens loves so much.

Leviticus 20:10

And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death

[face in palms] They went there.

And in response:

This under law of old testament. After crucifixion of Jesus all can pray to him for forgiveness and it Will be granted if truly repentant

Should someone tell them?

How many of you people telling him to resign are liberals and Democrats?

Well, at this point five republicans in the General Assembly are telling Eric Greitens he needs to resign.

This has nothing to do with forgiveness. This has everything to do with trust. I can’t trust you or your version of events. Not before these revelations and even less so now. Forgiveness is a gift. Trust is earned.

Why are you apologizing to the left. Get out your machine gun and start blasting them

Uh.

Hurtful? Like a paddle? Or a whip? Maybe some handcuffs? I don’t know Gov. what’s your kink? How does your faith justify the lies you continue to tell? I’m honestly just curious.

I’m willing to bet that’s intentional sarcasm.

I would guess people who have been involved in affairs are quick to hit “like”. Not sure they would be so quick if they were the one betrayed. He ran on a platform of family values, his religion and being ” better” than his peers. It’s easy to lie to and disrespect strangers (voters) than people you profess to love. That’s the issue, not his marriage.

You are no longer a private person, Mr. Greitens. Get over it.
Now, about that state wide tour……

Resign!

Super glad to see all these people who are fine with him breaking his marriage oath to his wife who are super certain that his oath of office to us is sacred enough for him to uphold. Predictable.

This.

Leave office now.

Very disappointing

You are not forgiven. You’re a hypocrite and another slimy politician. Fine that Sheena forgave you, of course she would. She’s hitched her future to your megalomaniac ways. Oh, and how cute that you think god forgave you. Dude, you broke one of the big ten! #OneTermGreitens

Not holding anything back there.

Oh please! What a double standard! If this had been any Democrat the torches and pitchforks would have been out long ago! Guy is not even a politician but bought and paid for by Koch brus. Resign

Big words from a man whom ran for office as a “family man”

I dont know why people have to dig up personnel matters. If it were a murder or something along those lines I could maybe see bringing it up but in this case I have no problem at all we all make mistakes!!!

“…I could maybe see bringing it up…” This has got to be trolling.

There are over 2000 responses.

Previously:

Oh, my. (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 2 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 3 (January 11, 2018)

אַ שאַנדע פֿאַר די גוים and *IOKIYAR (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 4 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 5 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 6 (January 12, 2018)

Sen. Denny Hoskins (r): not exactly a ringing endorsement (January 12, 2018)

Gov. Eric Greitens (r): piping (January 16, 2018)

Gov. Eric Greitens (r) – January 2018 Quarterly Campaign Finance Report

16 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in campaign finance, Missouri Governor

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Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission for Eric Greitens’ 2020 gubernatorial campaign:

C151053: Greitens For Missouri
Committee Type: Candidate
Party Affiliation: Republican
Po Box 144
Jefferson City Mo 65102
Established Date: 02/24/2015
[….]
Information Reported On: 2018 – January Quarterly Report
Beginning Money on Hand $2,374,238.57
Monetary Receipts + $629,695.04
Monetary Expenditures – $195,410.66
Contributions Made – $0.00
Other Disbursements – $33,939.17
Subtotal $400,345.21
Ending Money On Hand $2,774,583.78

[emphasis added]

That’s a lot of money on hand.

The April quarterly campaign finance report should be interesting.

Gov. Eric Greitens (r): piping

16 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House

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Piping in Embankment Dams

Soils can be eroded by flowing water. Erosion can occur underground if there are cavities, cracks in rock, or other openings large enough so that soil particles can be washed into them and transported away by seeping water. Then this type of underground erosion progresses and creates an open path for flow, it is called “piping.” Preventing piping is a prime consideration in the design of safe dams.

There appear to be a few cracks in the dam.

Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

In today’s Kansas City Star:

Three GOP lawmakers call on Gov. Greitens to resign amid blackmail allegations
By Bryan Lowry And Jason Hancock
January 16, 2018 01:13 PM

At least three Republican lawmakers are calling for Gov. Eric Greitens to resign after allegations that he blackmailed a woman in an effort to keep her quiet about an extramarital affair….

Should have paid more attention to that infrastructure, eh?

Previously:

Oh, my. (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 2 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 3 (January 11, 2018)

אַ שאַנדע פֿאַר די גוים and *IOKIYAR (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 4 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 5 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 6 (January 12, 2018)

Sen. Denny Hoskins (r): not exactly a ringing endorsement (January 12, 2018)

Ann Wagner, you can’t honor MLK with the same lips that praise Donald Trump

15 Monday Jan 2018

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Gotta hand it to Rep. Ann Wagner (R-2). She’s making a serious effort at cultivating the two-faced look (and, no, I’m not talking about her Afghan-hound hairstyle). Today is Martin Luther King Day. On this day many Americans honor one of the leaders who helped crush the American apartheid that prevailed for almost a hundred years after the end of slavery – and who gave his life for it. King, one of the most profound of American thinkers and orators, would now be 89 years old had the remaining years of his life not been stolen from him at the age of 39 by racist America.

Wagner is making it clear that she wants in on the MLK party – which is to say, she doesn’t want to be tarred with the brush of GOP racism. Her official Website refers us to Facebook and Twitter posts encouraging us to read some of MLK’s “writings” available on the King Center Website, a seemingly reverent nod in the right direction. Enough to let us know that she’ll put in an appearance at the party without staying long enough to overmuch alarm the basest part of the GOP base.

But if Wagner wants in on this party, she’s failed to pay the price of admission. On those same Twitter and Facebook accounts there’s not a word about the most recent obscene, racist ramblings of the president she has enthusiastically supported. In fact, she has described the experience of working with him as “amazing,” and has emphasized her close relationship and identification with him:

Wagner was quick to speak to the commonalities between her and the President, and she also complimented him on what she sees as the president’s best attributes in office. “I’ve seen the strength and the leadership that he brings to the table and a negotiation skill that really puts him in the center of things.” Wagner said. “He wants to be an agent for change, he is a disrupter… We’ve really gotten along well, he and his entire team”

Nevertheless, Wagner has tried to keep her feet out of Trump’s overtly racist mud – and, in so doing, has put herself into a bad spot. As she herself proclaimed after Trump’s infamous Charlottesville equivocation, “leaders must call out Neo-Nazis, white supremacists and fascists by name.”

So, Annie, we’re waiting for you to call out this particular white supremacist – and arguably, fascist – by name.” And we know you know his name. Unless, that is you and he have more “commonalities” than you want us to know about. Which is is?