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At the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia – August 15, 2019

15 Thursday Aug 2019

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The early morning Governor’s Ham Breakfast in the second week of the State Fair in Sedalia is the largest annual one day gathering of ostrich skin boots, tailored jeans, and silver decorated leather belts in the State of Missouri.

We’re talking menswear.

It’s an opportunity for us to photograph and (rarely, if ever) talk to a number of Missouri politicians, all in one place at the same time.

This year a number of office holders either skipped the event or managed to avoid the entrance gauntlet. Others made their way through it.

Governor Mike Parson (r).

Right wingnut swag.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (r).

A journalist:

Eli Yokley – Morning Consult.

On a break of sorts, though he hasn’t stopped tweeting. We knew Eli way back when…

State Auditor and recently announced gubernatorial candidate Nicole Galloway (D):

State Auditor Nicole Galloway (D).

After covering the breakfast under the tent for 1000 people we ventured on to the State Fair grounds.

An encounter on the main drag:

A blue ribbon in the Home Economics Building:

Getting ready to judge pies:

Judging rabbits in the Poultry/Rabbit Building. Poultry during the first week of the fair, rabbits during the second week:

Various political parties have tents on the main drag promoting their candidates and ideology.

The folks at the Democratic Party tent have noted a consistent number of people this year passing by calling out and yelling “Socialists!” (among other things) at them. Yeah, sure, everyone’s a rabid capitalist until their party leader imposes tariffs to engage in a trade war and then has Congress bail out agricultural interests. We didn’t ask the occupants of the Republican tent if people were consistently yelling “Fascists!” at them. We probably should have.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D) – West Des Moines, Iowa – August 10, 2019

11 Sunday Aug 2019

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Early Saturday evening Senator Kamala Harris (D) spoke at a rally in West Des Moines, Iowa, one of eighteen stops for her presidential campaign’s five day bus tour from northwestern Iowa across the state to southeastern Iowa, from the Missouri River to the Mississippi. 300 to 400 individuals attended the event. Update: The campaign head count (they sign people in) was over 450.

Senator Kamala Harris (D) – West Des Moines, Iowa – August 10, 2019.

Senator Kamala Harris (D):

…I’ll tell you, I love being in Iowa. I really do. And, um, you have made me a better candidate. You have helped me to think about and understand the issues that are the issues that keep people up in the middle of the night – and prioritize those. You have helped me, actually my first visit to Iowa as a candidate, I’ve been here before, but my first visit as a candidate, among the many meetings I had with a group of teachers who really made clear to me the issue of teacher pay – which is why that was the first initiative I rolled out as a presidential candidate.[applause]…

…I know we are all here for one reason in particular. And it is because we love our country. [applause]…

…So, let’s, let’s get into it. Let’s get into it. Uh, so I think we all know this is an inflection moment, inflection moment in the history of our country. This is a moment in time that requires each of us, as individuals and collectively, to look in a mirror and ask a question. That question being – who are we? And I think we all know part of the answer to that question is – we are better than this. [applause] So this is a moment in time then that requires us to fight for the best of who we are and fight we will…

…My mother, um, she raised my sister Maya and me, and she was tough. Um, our mother was all of five feet tall, but if you ever met her you would have thought she was ten feet tall. And, um she was a parent who would say to us, you will be judged, and you should be judged, based on how you serve your community and those that you lift up. It is not about yourself. It is about those that you serve. My mother would say listen, you Kamala, you may be the first to do many things but make sure you’re not the last. Um, she would say, don’t you let anybody tell you who you are, you tell them who you are. Um, but she was tough. You know, she would also, if you ever came home, if you ever came home complaining about anything our mother would look at you with a straight face, maybe one hand on a hip, and she would say, well, what are you gonna do about it? So I decided to run for President of the United States…

…So, let’s talk about the current occupant of the White House, shall we? No, we must. Context. We must. So, here’s a fellow that came into office on a campaign slogan about ‘Make America Great Again’. Which of course, for many of us begged a question, again, exactly for whom? [laughter] And for all of us, made us realize he was talking about going backward. Which then prompts the question, back to what? Back before the Voting Rights Act? back before the Fair Housing Act? Back before the Civil Rights Act? Back before Roe v Wade? Back before Federal minimum wage? ‘Cause we’re not going back. [applause] We are not going back…

… He puts in place a so-called trade policy, by Tweet, based on unilateral action borne out of his fragile ego that has resulted in farmers here in Iowa looking at bankruptcy, with soybeans rotting in bins, why, because over the period of at least a decade folks have built up a market in China that is now cut off to them. We’re looking at, because of this so-called trade policy, Autoworkers, as many as three-hundred thousand, that may be out of a job by the end of the year. American families, because of this so-called trade policy that I call ‘the Trump trade tax’ are paying one point four billion dollars more a month on everything from shampoo to washing machines. He came in making promises and he betrayed people. He betrayed people. And so, there is no question that we need to make the statement: That dude gotta go. [cheers, applause]…

The rope line:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Market Facilitation Program – USDA

06 Tuesday Aug 2019

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The Market Facilitation Program [pdf] (MFP) provides direct payments to help corn, cotton, sorghum, soybean, wheat, dairy, hog, shelled almonds and fresh sweet cherries producers who have been directly impacted by illegal retaliatory tariffs, resulting in the loss of traditional exports. The MFP is established under the statutory authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and is under the administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).

From the Environmental Working Group Farm Subsidy Database:

“…Total Market Facilitation Program payments in Missouri totaled $432 million from 2018-2019…”

USDA subsidy information for Hartzler Farms Inc, Harrisonville, MO 64701

Market Facilitation Program – Corn [2018] $800
Market Facilitation Program – Soybeans [2018] $104,794
Market Facilitation Program – Wheat [2018] $3,322

Total Market Facilitation Program [2018] $108,916

In August of 2018:

A Conversation with President Trump about Trade
August 3, 2018 Press Release

HARRISONVILLE, MO – Last week I had the opportunity to visit with the President about the challenges our farmers and ranchers are facing and the implications of increased tariffs. Although it is clear we must put a stop to China’s blatant violation of international trade laws, the current situation is precarious for rural America, and we need to open other markets to help offset our losses as soon as possible.

In my conversation with the President, I stressed that Missouri farmers are patriots who understand the need for better trade deals that are both free and fair. They love America and are willing to hang tough to help make our nation stronger. However, farm country is hurting. Over the past five years, we have seen a fifty percent decrease in net farm income stemming from persistently low commodity prices. The ag community can only handle so much. Farmers need to see substantial progress in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, new market access for their goods, and certainty that new trading patterns lead to long term growth.

[….]

Evidently, on a personal level for Representative Hartzler (r), $108,916.00 in 2018 Market Facilitation Program subsidies helps.

The application [pdf] (yes, you had to apply) for the 2018 Market Facilitation Program subsidy opened in September 2018.

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) [2015 file photo].

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): try again

05 Monday Aug 2019

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In 2017 Japan had one of the lowest rates of death by gun violence in the world, 0.04 per 100,000 people. In the same year the rate of death by gun violence in the United States was 4.43 per 100,000 people. The data excluded deaths in armed conflict and by self harm.

Japan, among several other countries, has a higher per capita spending rate on video games than the United States.

In 2012:

Ten-country comparison suggests there’s little or no link between video games and gun murders
By Max Fisher
December 17, 2012

…video game consumption, based on international data, does not seem to correlate at all with an increase in gun violence. That countries where video games are popular also tend to be some of the world’s safest (probably because these countries are stable and developed, not because they have video games). And we also have learned, once again, that America’s rate of firearm-related homicides is extremely high for the developed world…

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

A statement from Representative Vicky Hartzler (r):

Hartzler Statement on Weekend Shootings
August 5, 2019 Press Release

“The murders in Texas and Ohio this weekend are symptoms of a culture of violence and anger that is gripping America. From entertainment and video games that consume the attention of our young people to murder in our cities, violence is pervasive in America and must be addressed. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the glorification of violence and murder in our society today, and our efforts to address mental health issues have just begun. My husband and I are deeply saddened at the loss of life and grieve for the families of the victims.”

“…From entertainment and video games that consume the attention of our young people to murder in our cities, violence is pervasive in America and must be addressed…”

Nope, it’s not video games. What could it be?

In a study published in 2000 (using data from 1993 and 1994):

Firearm Availability and Homicide Rates across 26 High Income Countries [pdf]
David Hemenway, PhD, and Matthew Miller, MD, MPH, ScD

Of all developed nations, the United States has the most privately owned guns, and the highest rates of homicide. Approximately two thirds of murder victims in the United States are killed with a gun.

[….]

Table 1 Homicide Rates for 26 High-Income Countries

Country Year Population (in thousands) Total Homicide Rate per 100,000 Suicides with a Firearm (%)

United States 1993 257,783 9.93 60.9
[….]
Japan 1994 124,069 0.62 0.2

[….]

…Results from our simple regressions of 26 developed nations show a highly significant positive correlation between total homicide rates and both proxies for gun availability…

…In our analysis, we find, for industrialized countries, a very strong and highly significant association between gun availability levels and total homicide rates. The relationship holds even though the number of observations is fairly small (n = 26) and the measures of gun availability are only proxies. The relationship does not seem to be attributable entirely to the United States—which has more guns and more homicides than other developed nations—because the results often hold when the United States is excluded from the analysis. More guns are associated with more homicides across industrialized countries.

“…We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the glorification of violence and murder in our society today…”

There’s glorification going on all right. Take a look at the NRA.

Try again.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D): Impeachment Inquiry

29 Monday Jul 2019

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Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D) [2018 file photo].

Today:

Congressman Cleaver Calls For Impeachment Inquiry
Jul 29, 2019 Press Release

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called for an impeachment inquiry and released the following statement:

“After reading Special Counsel Mueller’s redacted report and listening to his testimony, it’s clear to me that they indicate the President committed one or more instances of obstruction of justice while in office. When looking at the evidence presented, there is obviously enough smoke to investigate the potential fire of corruption. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to further investigate the evidence presented by the Special Counsel. Unfortunately, and to the detriment of the country, the White House continues to stonewall any and all efforts to uncover misconduct by this President. While I am not ready to support articles of impeachment, I am ready to use the full force of Congress to carry out subpoenas that have stalled in the courts. That means the opening of an impeachment inquiry. I have not come to this conclusion lightly or without careful consideration. However, no man or woman can be allowed to stand above the law. The day that happens is the day we fall from democracy to despotism.”

###

There you have it.

Gaslighter, Racist, Fascist, Liar, Narcissist, Asshole

21 Sunday Jul 2019

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“…The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command…” – 1984, George Orwell

Today:

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
The Washington Post Story, about my speech in North Carolina and tweet, with its phony sources who do not exist, is Fake News. The only thing people were talking about is the record setting crowd and the tremendous enthusiasm, far greater than the Democrats. You’ll see in 2020!
6:58 AM – 21 Jul 2019

Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

Yep. Donald Trump (r) is the republican party.

Update:

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
I don’t believe the four Congresswomen are capable of loving our Country. They should apologize to America (and Israel) for the horrible (hateful) things they have said. They are destroying the Democrat Party, but are weak & insecure people who can never destroy our great Nation!
7:07 AM – 21 Jul 2019

“I don’t believe the four Congresswomen are capable of loving our Country…” You’re a Fascist. By definition and deed you apparently hate the Constitution.

“…They should apologize to America (and Israel)…” I’m not aware of any law that compels any American citizen to apologize to a foreign nation.

“…They are destroying the Democrat Party…” No, they’re not. And it’s the Democratic Party, asshole.

Previously:

I did Nazi that coming… (July 18, 2019)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Have you talked to Mitch McConnell (r) lately?

19 Friday Jul 2019

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So, does Representative Ilhan Omar (D) “hate America”? Should she be sent back where she came from?

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) [2018 file photo].

From Representative Vicky Hartzler (r):

Hartzler Statement on House Resolution Condemning President
July 16, 2019 Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) made the following statement regarding House consideration of H.R. 489, the Democrat House resolution condemning President Trump:

“With four weeks of congressional session remaining before our government faces yet another government shutdown, the House of Representatives should focus on the job it was elected to do, not political theater.

“Instead of wasting time passing resolutions condemning the President, House Democrats should focus on the basic fundamental responsibilities of governing, like passing a budget and keeping the government functioning as well as addressing the challenges of illegal immigration, the flow of illegal drugs over our border, and the need for affordable health care. These are the issues I am working on and the American people are pleading with Congress to deal with – not efforts to impeach the President as called for by a growing number of Democrats in the House.

“There is little doubt that we have a loss of political civility on both sides of the aisle, and we are better than this. However, the political theatrics behind this resolution fail to address the urgent problems that the American people are passionately asking us to solve.”

-30-

Gaslighting? Check. In May 2019:

Democrats in Congress are getting things done. Trump and Republicans are just ignoring them.
[….]
Here’s a list of bills and resolutions the House has passed so far.

Health care
HR 259 — Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019
House Resolution 271 — Condemning the Trump Administration’s Legal Campaign to Take Away Americans’ Health Care
HR 986 — Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019
HR 987 — Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act
HR 1520, the Purple Book Continuity Act (bill aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs)
HR 1503, the Orange Book Transparency Act of 2019 (bill aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs)

Civil rights
HR 1 — For the People Act of 2019
HR 5 — Equality Act
HR 7 — Paycheck Fairness Act
HR 124 — Expressing opposition to banning service in the Armed Forces by openly transgender individuals

Gun control
HR 8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
HR 1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019

Environment
HR 9 — Climate Action Now Act
HR 1331 — Local Water Protection Act
S 47 — National Resources Management Act
HR 2578 — National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019
Military/foreign affairs
HR 840 — Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act
HJ Res. 37 — Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress
SJ Res. 7 — To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress
HR 31 — Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019
HJ Res. 30 — Disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation

Mueller report
H.Con.Res. 24 — Expressing the sense of Congress that the report of Special Counsel Mueller should be made available to the public and to Congress.

Other legislation
HR 1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
HR 1500 — Consumers First Act
HR 1994 — SECURE Act
HR 1644 — Save the Internet Act of 2019
HR 2157 — Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019
HR 269 — Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019
HR 251 — Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Extension Act
S 24 — Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019
HR 430 — TANF Extension Act of 2019
Concurring in the Senate Amendments to HR 251 — Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard Program Extension Act
HR 790 — Federal Civilian Workforce Pay Raise Fairness Act of 2019
HJ Res. 46 — Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019
H Res. 183 — Condemning anti-Semitism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values and aspirations that define the people of the United States and condemning anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contrary to the values and aspirations of the United States, as amended
H Res. 194 — Rule Providing for Consideration of H.R. 1644 and H.R. 2021
HR 2480 — Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
HR 375 — To amend the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes (also known as the “Carcieri Fix”)

Votes to end the government shutdown
HR 21 — Making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes
HJ Res. 1 — Making further continuing appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes
HR 265 — Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019
HR 267 — Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019
HR 266 — Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019
HR 268 — Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 (Disaster Supplemental and short-term continuing resolution through Feb. 8)
HR 264 — Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act
HJ Res. 28 — Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 (Short-term continuing resolution through Feb. 28)
HR 648 — Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (Six conferenced bills minibus)
HJ Res. 31 — Making further continuing appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2019 (Short-term homeland continuing resolution through Feb. 28)
Conference Report to Accompany HJ Res 31 – Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes

“…House Democrats should focus on the basic fundamental responsibilities of governing, like passing a budget and keeping the government functioning as well as addressing the challenges of illegal immigration, the flow of illegal drugs over our border, and the need for affordable health care…”

Ask Mitch McConnell (r), the Majority Leader in the Senate who won’t allow legislation to come to a vote.

Both siderism? Check.

“…There is little doubt that we have a loss of political civility on both sides of the aisle…”

Representative Hartzler (r) thinks her constituents are stupid. That’s reason enough to vote for someone else in 2020.

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): owning it (July 16, 2017)