Tag Archives: executive order

Gov. Mike Parson (r): Did the Donald finally give his permission?

03 Friday Apr 2020

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Just asking.

After interminable hand wringing, Missouri Governor Mike Parson (r) has issued a statewide “Stay at Home” order.

Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].

Governor Parson Issues Statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order to Control, Contain, and Combat COVID-19
April 3, 2020

Jefferson City – Building on Missouri’s efforts to control, contain, and combat COVID-19, Governor Mike Parson today issued a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020.

The Order explicitly states that individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence unless necessary.

“First and foremost, I want everyone to know that I love this state and the people of this state,” Governor Parson said. “The people of this great state clearly define who we are in Missouri, and as Governor, I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians.”

In order to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Governor Parson’s Order includes specific guidance for staying home, social distancing, businesses and employees, schools, restaurants, firearm sales, and state government buildings.

Among other guidelines, the Order requires the following:

Individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence.
All individuals in the state of Missouri shall avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people.
All public and charter schools must remain closed for the duration of the Order.
Any entity that does not employ individuals to perform essential worker functions, as set forth in guidance provided by the federal government, shall adhere to the limitations on social gatherings and social distancing.
Any entity that employs individuals to perform essential worker functions, and that is engaged in retail sales to the public, shall limit the number of individuals in any particular retail location as follows:
Twenty-five (25) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of less than ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²);
Ten (10) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²) or more.
The Order does not prohibit Missourians from accessing essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks, or engaging in outdoor recreation, provided that necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including observing the social gathering and social distancing requirements set forth in the Order.

The Order shall be observed throughout the state and enforced by all local and state health authorities. Local public health authorities are directed to carry out and enforce the provisions of the Order by any legal means.
“There comes a time when we have to make major sacrifices in our lives. Many of us make sacrifices each and every day, but now more than ever, we must all make sacrifices,” Governor Parson said. “This is not about any one individual person. This is about our families, friends, neighbors, and the entire state of Missouri. For the sake of all Missourians, be smart, be responsible, and stay home, Missourians.”

As of today, Missouri has 2,113 positive COVID-19 cases out of 24,727 tested in a total population of 6 million Missourians. This data shows that 8.5 percent of those tested have been positive.

Of the 8.5 percent of Missouri citizens who have tested positive, approximately 22 percent have required hospitalization. This means the remaining 78 percent are recovering at home or have already recovered.

Missouri has at least one positive case in 76 of Missouri’s 114 counties. Over half of the total positive cases are in St. Louis region.

Also as of today, Missouri has 19 COVID-19 related deaths. Based on the state’s current data, Missouri’s death rate is still below one percent.

[….]

It took him long enough.

“…Based on the state’s current data, Missouri’s death rate is still below one percent….”

The “Stay at Home” order via Missouri DHSS [pdf]: Missouri Stay at Home Order DHSS April 3 2020

Representative Crystal Quade (D) – House Minority Leader [2019 file photo].

From House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D):

I am thankful for Governor Parson’s decision to impose a statewide stay-at-home order. I’m also thankful for the countless medical professionals and Missourians across the state who contacted his office in recent weeks urging him to take this action.

While the governor kept insisting urban and rural areas must be treated differently for economic reasons, the truth is we are all at risk regardless of where we live. This decision is necessary, and if it had been done sooner fewer Missourians would be at risk.

“…if it had been done sooner fewer Missourians would be at risk.”

James Baker @jspencebaker
.@GovParsonMO gets no cheers or accolades for turning in his paper late.
5:27 PM · Apr 3, 2020

Yep.

Claire McCaskill @clairecmc
AND FINALLY AT 5 central, Missouri Gov issues statewide stay at home order. FINALLY. Gross incompetence.
[….]
5:46 PM · Apr 3, 2020

“…Gross incompetence.”

Uh, yep.

Tony Messenger @tonymess
This is unbelievable. @GovParsonMO just accused other governors and mayors of issuing previous stay-at-home orders without considering the consequences. You hear that @GovMikeDeWine ?
5:07 PM · Apr 3, 2020

Yep.

Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].

Stay Home. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Good luck to us all.
#FlattenTheCurve

Previously:

Gov. Mike Parson (r): Do the right thing (March 23, 2020)

Gov. Mike Parson (r): “What, me worry?” (March 26, 2020

Gov. Mike Parson (r): Still wringing your hands, eh? (March 28, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? (March 31, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? – part 2 (March 31, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? – meta (April 1, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? – A priority! (April 2, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? – A priority!

02 Thursday Apr 2020

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Missouri Governor Mike Parson (r) still has not issued a “stay at home” order for the state. Because, we don’t know, “rural, something, something.” But, he does have priorities:

Governor Mike Parson @GovParsonMO
Today, I signed our SIXTH Executive Order in response to COVID-19.

This EO suspends late penalties for concealed carry license renewals. This EO not only promotes public health and social distancing, but also frees up local law enforcement officers from administrative tasks.
3:02 PM · Apr 2, 2020

And that is what passes for “leadership” in Missouri.

Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].

Not this time

25 Thursday May 2017

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“…an Executive Order that in text speaks with vague words of national security, but in context drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination…”

Trump Muslim ban protest at Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the preliminary injunction on Donald Trump’s (r) revised Muslim ban executive order:

Opinion of the court, No. 17-1351, International Refugee Assistance Project v. Trump [pdf]

[….]

The question for this Court, distilled to its essential form, is whether the Constitution, as the Supreme Court declared in Ex parte Milligan, 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 2, 120 (1866), remains “a law for rulers and people, equally in war and in peace.” And if so, whether it protects Plaintiffs’ right to challenge an Executive Order that in text speaks with vague words of national security, but in context drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination. Surely the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment yet stands as an untiring sentinel for the protection of one of our most cherished founding principles—that government shall not establish any religious orthodoxy, or favor or disfavor one religion over another. Congress granted the President broad power to deny entry to aliens, but that power is not absolute. It cannot go unchecked when, as here, the President wields it through an executive edict that stands to cause irreparable harm to individuals across this nation. Therefore, for the reasons that follow, we affirm in substantial part the district court’s issuance of a nationwide preliminary injunction as to Section 2(c) of the challenged Executive Order.

[….]

The Government has repeatedly asked this Court to ignore evidence, circumscribe our own review, and blindly defer to executive action, all in the name of the Constitution’s separation of powers. We decline to do so, not only because it is the particular province of the judicial branch to say what the law is, but also because we would do a disservice to our constitutional structure were we to let its mere invocation silence the call for meaningful judicial review. The deference we give the coordinate branches is surely powerful, but even it must yield in certain circumstances, lest we abdicate our own duties to uphold the Constitution.

[….]

As we previously determined, the Government’s asserted national security interest in enforcing Section 2(c) appears to be a post hoc, secondary justification for an executive action rooted in religious animus and intended to bar Muslims from this country. We remain unconvinced that Section 2(c) has more to do with national security than it does with effectuating the President’s promised Muslim ban….

[….]

Bigly.

Previously:

Trump Muslim ban protest at Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017 (January 29, 2017)

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

09 Thursday Feb 2017

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20170129-606a2903

STATE OF WASHINGTON V. TRUMP [pdf]

…The Government has argued that, even if lawful permanent residents have due process rights, the States’ challenge to section 3(c) based on its application to lawful permanent residents is moot because several days after the Executive Order was issued, White House counsel Donald F. McGahn II issued “[a]uthoritative [g]uidance” stating that sections 3(c) and 3(e) of the Executive Order do not apply to lawful permanent residents. At this point, however, we cannot rely upon the Government’s contention that the Executive Order no longer applies to lawful permanent residents. The Government has offered no authority establishing that the White House counsel is empowered to issue an amended order superseding the Executive Order signed by the President and now challenged by the States, and that proposition seems unlikely.

Nor has the Government established that the White House counsel’s interpretation of the Executive Order is binding on all executive branch officials responsible for enforcing the Executive Order. The White House counsel is not the President, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the Executive Departments. Moreover, in light of the Government’s shifting interpretations of the Executive Order, we cannot say that the current interpretation by White House counsel, even if authoritative and binding, will persist past the immediate stage of these proceedings. On this record, therefore, we cannot conclude that the Government has shown that it is “absolutely clear that the allegedly wrongful behavior could not reasonably be expected to recur…”

[….]

…The States argue that the Executive Order violates the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses because it was intended to disfavor Muslims. In support of this argument, the States have offered evidence of numerous statements by the President about his intent to implement a “Muslim ban” as well as evidence they claim suggests that the Executive Order was intended to be that ban, including sections 5(b) and 5(e) of the Order. It is well established that evidence of purpose beyond the face of the challenged law may be considered in evaluating Establishment and Equal Protection Clause claims…

…The States’ claims raise serious allegations and present significant constitutional questions…

And they said, “Not this time mother fucker.”

Roy Blunt plays the odds

30 Monday Jan 2017

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So we’re two days into the fallout from The Donald’s Muslim ban (and, dear folks, all his denials aside, it is a Muslim ban). We’ve always known that he would feel compelled to pander to anti-Muslim bigotry and that his efforts would be in character, that is, cruel, unnecessary and stupid, but did this particular effort need to be so inept? Harold Pollack sums up the shear incompetence embodied in the President’s Executive Order (EO):

The President’s team had months to prepare this signature immigration initiative. And they produced…an amateurish, politically self-immolating effort that humiliated the country, provoked international retaliation, and failed to withstand the obvious federal court challenge on its very first day.

Given the despicable nature of this effort, I’m happy it has become a political fiasco. It also makes me wonder how the Trump administration will execute the basic functions of government. This astonishing failure reflects our new President’s contempt for the basic craft of government.

Given the scope of the mess our amateur hour president and his flunkies – racist Bannon’s dirty fingerprints are all over the EO – have made, don’t you think that those Republicans who moaned and whined about Obama’s relatively modest executive orders might have something just a little harsh to say about what Mr. Trump has produced? And some do. Some can only manage to whimper a little about how it’s “too broad” or offer some other anodyne criticism. Some, however, like Pennsylvania’s Charlie Dent, have enough intestinal fortitude to make a reasonably strong statement condemning the nasty little exercise.

Of course, a few GOPers think this EO is just what the doctor ordered. Missouri’s own Republican Senator Blunt, for instance. He thinks the EO is just hunky-dory:

He is doing what he told the American people he would do. I would not support a travel ban on Muslims; I do support increased vetting on people applying to travel from countries with extensive terrorist ties or activity. These seven countries meet that standard. Our top priority should be to keep Americans safe.

Blunt just holds his nose and pretends that Muslim-baiting isn’t the real goal and he’s good to go. You gotta admit, this old boy knows who butters his bread.

But is that greasy bread worth demonizing a few million Muslim Americans? Or turning one’s back on desperate people fleeing death and chaos? Especially when it was another bad American president, George W. Bush, who pushed Humpty Dumpty off the Middle Eastern wall. Don’t we owe these people something besides lies about the need for “very, very strict vetting” that are used to cover up the fact that President Orange Buffoon needs to fire up the bigots who voted for him?

Kevin Drum suggests that the turmoil over the EO is just what Steve Bannon wanted:

… Bannon wanted turmoil and condemnation. He wanted this executive order to get as much publicity as possible. He wanted the ACLU involved. He thinks this will be a PR win. [… ]  Liberals think middle America will be appalled at Trump’s callousness. Bannon thinks middle America will be appalled that lefties and the elite media are taking the side of terrorists. After a week of skirmishes, this is finally a hill that both sides are willing to die for. Who’s going to win?

It’s pretty clear where Roy Blunt is putting his money.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r):

28 Saturday Jan 2017

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Today, from Representative Vicky Hartzler (r):

gray

On Twitter:

glennthrush012817

Glenn Thrush ‏@GlennThrush
Haven’t seen GOP Congressional twitter feeds this silent since the last positive jobs report under Obama
10:07 AM – 28 Jan 2017

Almost five years ago:

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r): …and this president has done more executive orders than any other president…

It wasn’t true back then. No hand wringing now, is there?

Sen. Claire McCaskill: On Immigration

21 Friday Nov 2014

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“…This is great if you live in la-la land where the current House is capable of passing any sort of solution on immigration. Yes, they should “quit stalling, get to work, and do their jobs.” — but you know full well that is not going to happen. So when the chips are down, Claire, where do you really stand? I’m so tired of your ‘bipartisan’ platitudes. Families are suffering because of our broken system. You are part of the problem and I wish Missouri had a better Democrat representing us…”

Senator Claire McCaskill [file photo].

Senator Claire McCaskill piped up via Facebook last night on President Obama’s address to the nation on Immigration:

Senator Claire McCaskill

11 hours ago

“Our immigration system is broken, and I support a comprehensive plan to fix it, but executive orders aren’t the way to do it. The system can only be truly fixed through legislation by Congress. The Senate’s comprehensive plan got overwhelming bipartisan approval, and Republicans in the U.S. House have sat on their hands for a year-and-a-half, refusing to even consider that bill. They should quit stalling, get to work, and do their jobs-debate the comprehensive plan that passed the Senate with a two-thirds margin.” -Claire

A sample of the responses:

[….] I can’t believe I voted for you. I’ve never voted republican in my life.

[….] When did you become a republican?

[….] When you give the voter a choice between Republican and Republican-lite, they’re going to choose the full-flavor choice.

[….] Congress does need to get to work and pass an immigration bill but we all know that isn’t going to happen as long as we have the current president because the republicans will pass nothing. Until we have a comprehensive immigration bill the executive action is the best solution! I am highly disappointed in you lately Claire!

[….] Claire…you’re losing your base…..support our President…or we see no reason to support you…

[….] A “yes” vote for Keystone and now this, Claire? I wish we had more Bernie Sanders in office.

[….] Well they haven’t done a thing! So I support whatever Pres. OBama feels he needs to do. The GOP already want to jump down his throat, funny how they didn’t do that with the Bush presidents or Reagan when they use executive orders!!! You should be supporting him also Claire.

[….] I am really concerned by this trend you seem to be displaying to be at odds with everything that the president has been attempting to do! I worked hard in past election cycles to get you re-elected here in my home town, and I am really regretting my decision to do so! Please, if you are so afraid of losing your senate seat, that you don’t back the president that we, YOUR CONSTITUENTS, elected, then at least have the decency to tell us about your change of party affiliation!

[….] In a prior interview, around 2011, you stated “If my walk doesn’t match my talk, shame on me and don’t ever vote for me again.” so, I will take your advice.

[….] You can tell it is coming to an election cycle. We did not elect you to be on the right. Stand up for Democratic values!

[….] Claire, deeply disappointed in you. Your principles are no longer mine. You have lost my support, both financially and my vote.

[….] Claire, I have recently lost respect for you. You just confirmed why.

[….] I support the President on this issue. Sick of a do-nothing congress.

[….] Hmmm sounds like a republican answer. Time to vote in a democrat.

[….] Senator McCaskill, I have always been a strong supporter of you, but after reading this post and realizing that you no longer stand for the people, nor do you support OUR President, I will be withdrawing all support for you. You have become too much like the far right, perhaps you have been bought by special interests like the rest of Congress, but your behavior (not to mention the behavior of Congress in general) is inexcusable. Shame on you and many of the Democrats. Don’t you understand that your non-support of the POTUS is part of the reason why we lost in the mid-terms? Despicable. I will certainly be finding a new Democratic candidate for my vote next election.

[….] President Obama has already tried to work with Congress and you have already seen what has happened on immigration. He is creating action and helping to eleviate a problem. You should be supporting his efforts!!

[….] We no longer care about what you think, Claire. Not after you sold us out for KXL.

[….] Senator McCaskill – Take a peek at Senator Elizabeth Warren’s post tonight. That’s what a true Democrat looks like. I’m very disappointed in you.

[….] And the hits just keep coming. I am officially not following your feed anymore and you have lost my vote when you decide to re-up for Senate or for the Gov. of Missouri. You know good and well why he had to do what he did. You are now part of the problem in my view… Quit pandering for vote, it doesn’t suit you.

[….] When did Clair become a repubican?

[….] I disagree. Nothing will ever get done that way. I support my President and so should you.

[….] President is doing what has to be done and that’s why I support him.

[….] Claire, they haven’t passed anything – I’m proud our President is taking legal action to get it moving. Be careful you’re leaning the wrong direction!

[….] I thought you are a democrat. You are talking like a republican

[….] Claire, trying to be a centrist for the sake of being a centrist does not a centrist make. Do you actually believe the Republicans are going to bend one inch for the likes of you if you pander to them?

[….] This is great if you live in la-la land where the current House is capable of passing any sort of solution on immigration. Yes, they should “quit stalling, get to work, and do their jobs.” — but you know full well that is not going to happen. So when the chips are down, Claire, where do you really stand? I’m so tired of your ‘bipartisan’ platitudes. Families are suffering because of our broken system. You are part of the problem and I wish Missouri had a better Democrat representing us.

[….] Wow, I remember a time when you dissed Clinton and jumped into Obama’s camp…. why don’t you just turn republican?

[….] You should be applauding our president, not bad mouthing what he is doing! While comprehensive immigration reform passed by Congress is, of course, the ideal, in the meantime, executive action is the only possible way forward. Bravo, President Obama! (BTW – I was out knocking on doors for you during your last election.)

[….] I support the President.

[….] You’ve become a truly lousy senator. I hope someone runs against you in your next primary. You are a political coward.

[….] Stop your nonsense and get on board with our President!

[….] Claire, what planet do you live on? If the last House couldn’t agree on immigration, what makes you think the next (more Republicans, more conservative) House can agree on anything?

[….] What is WRONG with you Senator??? Congress has had its chance. It is most certainly time for executive action. Between this and your pipeline vote, I have to ask: who bought you??

[….] Claire you got my last vote

[….] Such a disappointing response from you! You too run away from a President who has accomplished so much with a worthless Congress and such lack of disrespect I am disappointed in you as a Senator.

And there were several hundred more comments.

By all means, keep bleeding off the base.

Previously:

President Obama: On Immigration (November 20, 2014)

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D): Well, that went over like a lead pipeline… (November 19, 2014)

Padding Mary Landrieu’s resume (November 18, 2015)

A good take on Claire “Lieberman” McCaskill’s dissing of Harry Reid (November 17, 2014)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): shifting tar sands (November 15, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? – part 3 (November 15, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? – part 2 (November 14, 2014)

Charles P. Pierce is meaner (November 14, 2014)

And then all hell broke loose (November 13, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? (November 13, 2014)

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

17 Monday Nov 2014

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Governor Jay Nixon signed an executive order today activating the Missouri National Guard:

Missouri National Guard to support law enforcement efforts in the event of unrest in the St. Louis region, Gov. Nixon announces

November 17, 2014

Jefferson City, MO

Gov. Jay Nixon today signed an executive order activating the Missouri National Guard to support law enforcement during any period of unrest that might occur following the grand jury’s decision concerning the investigation into the death of Michael Brown.  The Governor said the Guard will provide support for law enforcement’s objectives of maintaining safety and protecting constitutional rights.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, it is necessary to have these resources in place in advance of any announcement of the grand jury’s decision,” Gov. Nixon said. “These additional resources will support law enforcement’s efforts to maintain peace and protect those exercising their right to free speech. The National Guard is well-suited to provide security at command posts, fire stations and other locations as well as perform other functions that will free up law enforcement officers to remain focused on community policing and protecting constitutional rights.”

Gov. Nixon’s executive order also establishes that the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis County Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will operate as a unified command to keep members of the public safe and protect property, while allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.  Under the executive order, the St. Louis County Police Department will have command and operational control over security in the City of Ferguson in areas of protests and acts of civil disobedience, should such activities occur.

“All people in the St. Louis region deserve to feel safe in their communities and to make their voices heard without fear of violence or intimidation,” said Gov. Nixon. “Public safety demands that we are fully prepared for any contingency, regardless of what the St. Louis County grand jury or the U.S. Department of Justice decides.”

The St. Louis County prosecutor has said publicly that an announcement of the grand jury’s decision will be made later this month. The United States Department of Justice, which is conducting both civil and criminal investigations of the death of Michael Brown, has not announced when its investigations will be concluded.

“Our department, like other police departments in the region, has a full time job keeping our neighborhoods safe.  We are used to working with other agencies in times of necessity,” said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Sam Dotson. “Having the support of the National Guard available will enable local officers to continue to respond promptly to calls for service.”

“We have taken tremendous strides over the past three months, as our officers have undergone thousands of hours of additional training and reached out to build strong relationships across the community,” said St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar. “These additional resources will enhance our ability to achieve our key responsibilities: keeping the public safe, protecting property and enabling people to exercise their constitutional rights.”

Requests from local law enforcement for duties to be performed by the Guard will be handled through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“These past three months have been challenging for our community but we have come together in many measurable ways,” said Captain Ron Johnson, commander of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C. “The power of communication within the community has allowed us to take steps toward peaceful change that demonstrate the true character of North County. The availability of the National Guard will ensure that law enforcement has the resources to protect three things vital to our community: public safety, property and the constitutional rights of all.”

The Missouri National Guard has been deployed a total of 32 times since 2001 to assist local communities with emergency preparedness and response, from shoring up levees during floods to providing security following the Joplin tornado. The Guard will be commanded by Brigadier General Gregory Mason, a retired 30-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

[….]

 

Gov. Jay Nixon: National Guard to Ferguson

18 Monday Aug 2014

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Governor Jay Nixon signed an executive order [pdf] calling up the National Guard.

The press release:

Following coordinated attacks on civilians and law enforcement, Governor Nixon signs executive order directing Missouri National Guard resources to Ferguson

August 18, 2014

Jefferson City, MO

Gov. Jay Nixon has signed an executive order directing additional resources through the Missouri National Guard to help restore peace and order and to protect the citizens of Ferguson.

“Tonight, a day of hope, prayers, and peaceful protests was marred by the violent criminal acts of an organized and growing number of individuals, many from outside the community and state, whose actions are putting the residents and businesses of Ferguson at risk.  I join the people of Ferguson, and all Missourians, in strongly condemning this criminal activity that included firing upon law enforcement officers, shooting a civilian, throwing Molotov cocktails, looting, and a coordinated attempt to block roads and overrun the Unified Command Center.  These violent acts are a disservice to the family of Michael Brown and his memory, and to the people of this community who yearn for justice to be served, and to feel safe in their own homes. Given these deliberate, coordinated and intensifying violent attacks on lives and property in Ferguson, I am directing the highly capable men and women of the Missouri National Guard to assist Colonel Ron Replogle and the Unified Command in restoring peace and order to this community.”

January 20, 2009 can't come too soon…

10 Monday Nov 2008

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Here’s another reason why this election was so important. Those “secret” dubya executive orders just might be going. And not a moment too soon:

Obama: Torture and secrecy betray core American values

Chicago, IL | October 04, 2007

Chicago, IL — Barack Obama today released the following statement in response to the new report in the New York Times this morning about the Bush administration’s secret authorization of brutal interrogation techniques….

“The secret authorization of brutal interrogations is an outrageous betrayal of our core values, and a grave danger to our security. We must do whatever it takes to track down and capture or kill terrorists, but torture is not a part of the answer – it is a fundamental part of the problem with this administration’s approach. Torture is how you create enemies, not how you defeat them. Torture is how you get bad information, not good intelligence. Torture is how you set back America’s standing in the world, not how you strengthen it. It’s time to tell the world that America rejects torture without exception or equivocation. It’s time to stop telling the American people one thing in public while doing something else in the shadows. No more secret authorization of methods like simulated drowning. When I am president America will once again be the country that stands up to these deplorable tactics. When I am president we won’t work in secret to avoid honoring our laws and Constitution, we will be straight with the American people and true to our values,” said Obama.

Because the people in control of everything the last eight years continue to be A Small Clique Of Legal Extremists…