Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Clapper: I Gave 'The Least Untruthful Answer' To Wyden's 'Beating Your Wife' Question On Data Surveillance
Clapper: I Gave 'The Least Untruthful Answer' To Wyden's 'Beating Your Wife' Question On Data Surveillance | Techdirt:
First, let's go with the big one: Least untruthful manner?
In other words, it was a lie, but I could have told bigger lies.
But he's still admitting that it was a lie.
Lying to Congress is generally not a good idea.
Second: in what possible way is "Does the NSA collect any type of data at all on millions or hundreds of millions of Americans?" a loaded question of the "when did you stop beating your wife?" variety?
There doesn't seem to be any unjustified assumption within the question at all.
It's a pretty basic question, in which a truthful answer ("yes, we do") does not lead to a fallacious admission.
So, now we have the Director of National Intelligence lying, admitting to lying, and then blaming the questioner by making two separate false claims about his question ("it was about email" and "it was a loaded question"). Why is he still in this job?
AMES CLAPPER:That's quite an answer.
First-- as I said, I have great respect for Senator Wyden. I thought, though in retrospect, I was asked-- "When are you going to start-- stop beating your wife" kind of question, which is meaning not-- answerable necessarily by a simple yes or no. So I responded in what I thought was the most truthful, or least untruthful manner by saying no.
First, let's go with the big one: Least untruthful manner?
In other words, it was a lie, but I could have told bigger lies.
But he's still admitting that it was a lie.
Lying to Congress is generally not a good idea.
Second: in what possible way is "Does the NSA collect any type of data at all on millions or hundreds of millions of Americans?" a loaded question of the "when did you stop beating your wife?" variety?
There doesn't seem to be any unjustified assumption within the question at all.
It's a pretty basic question, in which a truthful answer ("yes, we do") does not lead to a fallacious admission.
So, now we have the Director of National Intelligence lying, admitting to lying, and then blaming the questioner by making two separate false claims about his question ("it was about email" and "it was a loaded question"). Why is he still in this job?
State Dept. Inspector General: U.S. Ambassador to Belgium 'Solicited Prostitutes, Including Minors'
State Dept. Inspector General: U.S. Ambassador to Belgium 'Solicited Prostitutes, Including Minors' | The Weekly Standard:
"Undersecretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy ordered the investigation ceased, and the ambassador remains in place, according to the memo.
Gutman was a big Democratic donor before taking the post, having raised $500,000 for President Obama’s 2008 campaign and helping finance his inaugural."
"Undersecretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy ordered the investigation ceased, and the ambassador remains in place, according to the memo.
Gutman was a big Democratic donor before taking the post, having raised $500,000 for President Obama’s 2008 campaign and helping finance his inaugural."
Plan B: Obama allows morning-after pill for under-17s
Plan B: Obama allows morning-after pill for under-17s | World news | guardian.co.uk:
"Annie Tummino, lead plaintiff and co-ordinator of the National Women's Liberation, said: "This decision by the administration affirms what feminists have been fighting for all along: the morning-after pill should be available to females of all ages, on the shelf at any convenience store, just like aspirin or condoms."
Plan B has been a political lightning rod. In 2011, after the FDA decided to approve over-the-counter sales with no age limits, US health and human services secretary Kathleen Sebelius had ordered it to reverse course, barring girls under 17 from buying the pills without a prescription.
Barack Obama supported that restriction, invoking his daughters.
But the timing, 11 months ahead of the presidential election, sparked criticism that he was trying to placate social conservatives."
"Annie Tummino, lead plaintiff and co-ordinator of the National Women's Liberation, said: "This decision by the administration affirms what feminists have been fighting for all along: the morning-after pill should be available to females of all ages, on the shelf at any convenience store, just like aspirin or condoms."
Plan B has been a political lightning rod. In 2011, after the FDA decided to approve over-the-counter sales with no age limits, US health and human services secretary Kathleen Sebelius had ordered it to reverse course, barring girls under 17 from buying the pills without a prescription.
Barack Obama supported that restriction, invoking his daughters.
But the timing, 11 months ahead of the presidential election, sparked criticism that he was trying to placate social conservatives."
Senate passes five-year, $500 billion farm bill
Senate passes five-year, $500 billion farm bill - Tea Party Command Center:
"Congress moved a step closer toward completing a sweeping five-year, $500 billion farm law Monday night, with the Senate approving legislation that would cut farm subsidies while expanding crop insurance."
$500 billion here, $500 billion there.......
"Congress moved a step closer toward completing a sweeping five-year, $500 billion farm law Monday night, with the Senate approving legislation that would cut farm subsidies while expanding crop insurance."
$500 billion here, $500 billion there.......
MuskegonPundit: Handy U-Print-It Pocket Guide: Why S.744′s a Fraud
MuskegonPundit: Handy U-Print-It Pocket Guide: Why S.744′s a Fraud
Handy U-Print-It Pocket Guide: Why S.744′s a Fraud | The Daily Caller
“Multiple triggers”/Legalization is immediate. DHS just has to write
border “plan.” The most any “triggers” can possibly do is delay green cards and citizenship.
“90 % effectiveness”/ If not reached, triggers only toothless commission
“Pay back taxes”/ Only if already “assessed” by IRS (unlikely). Newly legalized may instead get refunds.
“Learn English”/ Only need to sign up for English class.
“Clean record”/ Allows two free misdemeanors. Additional misdemeanors (including assaults) can be waived by DHS.
No “public charge.” Must earn 125% of poverty line / They’re going to deport people who earn only 124% or less? Ha.
“Pay a fine”/ Can be waived by DHS
“Back of the line”/ Get to wait out the line while living in the U.S (unlike suckers trying to come here legally).
Border fence/ Leaves it up to DHS, which decided not to complete fence in first place
“Comprehensive Southern Border Security Strategy”/ Only has to be “substantially” operational–whatever that means, as defined by DHS–before green cards are issued. (Legalization has already happened, remember!)
“E-verify” employment checks/ Replaces E-Verify with new system. Requires only that this system be “implemented” ( 30%? 70%? Who knows?). Subject to lawsuit. If still in court after 10 years, never mind!
Entry-exit system for visas/Has been required since 1996. DHS must only be “using” a system before green cards can be issued. (Using in 10% of airports? 50%? Again, who knows?)
Handy U-Print-It Pocket Guide: Why S.744′s a Fraud | The Daily Caller
“Multiple triggers”/Legalization is immediate. DHS just has to write
border “plan.” The most any “triggers” can possibly do is delay green cards and citizenship.“90 % effectiveness”/ If not reached, triggers only toothless commission
“Pay back taxes”/ Only if already “assessed” by IRS (unlikely). Newly legalized may instead get refunds.
“Learn English”/ Only need to sign up for
English class.“Clean record”/ Allows two free misdemeanors. Additional misdemeanors (including assaults) can be waived by DHS.
No “public charge.” Must earn 125% of poverty line / They’re going to deport people who earn only 124% or less? Ha.
“Pay a fine”/ Can be waived by DHS
“Back of the line”/ Get to wait out the line while living in the U.S (unlike suckers trying to come here legally).
Border fence/ Leaves it up to DHS, which decided not to complete fence in first place
“Comprehensive Southern Border Security Strategy”/ Only has to be “substantially” operational–whatever that means, as defined by DHS–before green
cards are issued. (Legalization has already happened, remember!)“E-verify” employment checks/ Replaces E-Verify with new system
. Requires only that this system be “implemented” ( 30%? 70%? Who knows?). Subject to lawsuit. If still in court after 10 years, never mind!Entry-exit system for visas/Has been required since 1996. DHS must only be “using” a system before green cards can be issued. (Using in 10% of airports? 50%? Again, who knows?)
The Jobs Report Covering May 2013: About As Good As It Is Going To Get And Still Too Insufficient By Far
The Jobs Report Covering May 2013: About As Good As It Is Going To Get And Still Too Insufficient By Far « naked capitalism: "The U-6
The BLS’ broader measure of un- and under employment, the U-6, decreased, seasonally adjusted 0.1% to 13.8%.
Unadjusted, it was unchanged at 13.4%.
Seasonally adjusted, the U-6 is composed of 11.760 million unemployed, 7.904 million involuntary part time workers, and 2.164 million of the marginally attached (those who have no job but looked for work in the last year but not the last month), or 21.828 million total, a decrease of 94,000 from April."
The BLS’ broader measure of un- and under employment, the U-6, decreased, seasonally adjusted 0.1% to 13.8%.
Unadjusted, it was unchanged at 13.4%.
Seasonally adjusted, the U-6 is composed of 11.760 million unemployed, 7.904 million involuntary part time workers, and 2.164 million of the marginally attached (those who have no job but looked for work in the last year but not the last month), or 21.828 million total, a decrease of 94,000 from April."
Hundreds in government had advance word of Medicare action at heart of trading-spike probe
Hundreds in government had advance word of Medicare action at heart of trading-spike probe - The Washington Post: Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) told The Washington Post late last week that his office reviewed the e-mail records of employees at the Department of Health and Human Services and found that 436 of them had early access to the Medicare decision as much as two weeks before it was made public."
Bill Clinton to be honored as 'Father of the Year'
Bill Clinton to be honored as 'Father of the Year' - TODAY.com:
"The non-profit National Father's Day Council plans to award him that honor at a New York fundraiser for Save the Children on Tuesday."
"The non-profit National Father's Day Council plans to award him that honor at a New York fundraiser for Save the Children on Tuesday."
Monday, June 10, 2013
How Many Amnestied Illegals Will There Be in Your State?
How Many Amnestied Illegals Will There Be in Your State? | Center for Immigration Studies:
"Projected Size of Amnesty Population and Current Number of Unemployed
(By states and territories. See text for definitions, sources, and methodology)"
"Projected Size of Amnesty Population and Current Number of Unemployed
(By states and territories. See text for definitions, sources, and methodology)"
Outrage: Paris Museum Glorifies Palestinian Terrorists
Outrage: Paris Museum Glorifies Palestinian Terrorists | HonestReporting
"An outrageous new “art” exhibit, which refers to Israel as a “colonial power” and Palestinian terrorists as “fighters” and “victims of the Israeli military,” has opened in a museum in Paris.
Suicide bombers are referred to as “militants” who heroically set out to “assassinate Israelis.”
According to the JTA, the exhibition of 68 photos entitled “Death” by Ahlam Shibli opened on May 28 at the Jeu de Paume museum of contemporary art in Paris.
The museum is subsidized by the French government."
"An outrageous new “art” exhibit, which refers to Israel as a “colonial power” and Palestinian terrorists as “fighters” and “victims of the Israeli military,” has opened in a museum in Paris.
Suicide bombers are referred to as “militants” who heroically set out to “assassinate Israelis.”
According to the JTA, the exhibition of 68 photos entitled “Death” by Ahlam Shibli opened on May 28 at the Jeu de Paume museum of contemporary art in Paris.
The museum is subsidized by the French government."
GM to lay off 560 at Romulus plant
GM to lay off 560 at Romulus plant | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"During the layoffs, about 430 full-time workers will get unemployment and supplemental pay worth about 75% of their wages.
Another 130 temporary workers will lose their jobs."
"During the layoffs, about 430 full-time workers will get unemployment and supplemental pay worth about 75% of their wages.
Another 130 temporary workers will lose their jobs."
Source -- USC Trojans extend offer to Nathan Tilford, 8th-grade wide receiver - ESPN Los Angeles
Source -- USC Trojans extend offer to Nathan Tilford, 8th-grade wide receiver - ESPN Los Angeles
"Class of 2017 receiver Nathan Tilford (Upland, Calif./Upland) has yet to play a down of high school football, but the spotlight already is shining brightly on him."
8th grader!
"Class of 2017 receiver Nathan Tilford (Upland, Calif./Upland) has yet to play a down of high school football, but the spotlight already is shining brightly on him."
8th grader!
MORE THOUGHTS ON THAT DUMB TOY-GUN BUYBACK PROGRAM
Instapundit » Blog Archive » MORE THOUGHTS ON THAT DUMB TOY-GUN BUYBACK PROGRAM:
Is there any evidence that all those kids with their Daniel Boone caps and play rifles in the 50s grew up to be mass murderers?
How about my generation with our cap guns?
Perhaps Mr. Hill and the gang at Strobridge Elementary should be focusing on academics and not the firearms bugaboo.
After all, a quick search of the California Department of Education web site shows Strobridge to be a 1/1 school.
The first 1 means that, in terms of academic performance, their school is in the lowest decile of all schools in California.
The second 1 means that if, instead of being compared to all schools in the state, they’re only compared to schools with similar demographics, they’re still in the bottom decile.
Actually, given this information, it’s now obvious why they’d rather focus on toy guns.
Yeah, whenever government focuses on stuff like this, it’s basically a tipoff that they’re failing at their actual jobs.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 8:03 am"
Is there any evidence that all those kids with their Daniel Boone caps and play rifles in the 50s grew up to be mass murderers?
How about my generation with our cap guns?
Perhaps Mr. Hill and the gang at Strobridge Elementary should be focusing on academics and not the firearms bugaboo.
After all, a quick search of the California Department of Education web site shows Strobridge to be a 1/1 school.
The first 1 means that, in terms of academic performance, their school is in the lowest decile of all schools in California.
The second 1 means that if, instead of being compared to all schools in the state, they’re only compared to schools with similar demographics, they’re still in the bottom decile.
Actually, given this information, it’s now obvious why they’d rather focus on toy guns.
Yeah, whenever government focuses on stuff like this, it’s basically a tipoff that they’re failing at their actual jobs.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 8:03 am"
Handy U-Print-It Pocket Guide: Why S.744′s a Fraud
Handy U-Print-It Pocket Guide: Why S.744′s a Fraud | The Daily Caller
“Multiple triggers”/Legalization is immediate. DHS just has to write border “plan.” The most any “triggers” can possibly do is delay green cards and citizenship.
border “plan.” The most any “triggers” can possibly do is delay green cards and citizenship.“90 % effectiveness”/ If not reached, triggers only toothless commission
“Pay back taxes”/ Only if already “assessed” by IRS (unlikely). Newly legalized may instead get refunds.
“Learn English”/ Only need to sign up for English class.
English class.“Clean record”/ Allows two free misdemeanors. Additional misdemeanors (including assaults) can be waived by DHS.
No “public charge.” Must earn 125% of poverty line / They’re going to deport people who earn only 124% or less? Ha.
“Pay a fine”/ Can be waived by DHS
“Back of the line”/ Get to wait out the line while living in the U.S (unlike suckers trying to come here legally).
Border fence/ Leaves it up to DHS, which decided not to complete fence in first place
“Comprehensive Southern Border Security Strategy”/ Only has to be “substantially” operational–whatever that means, as defined by DHS–before green cards are issued. (Legalization has already happened, remember!)
cards are issued. (Legalization has already happened, remember!)“E-verify” employment checks/ Replaces E-Verify with new system. Requires only that this system be “implemented” ( 30%? 70%? Who knows?). Subject to lawsuit. If still in court after 10 years, never mind!
. Requires only that this system be “implemented” ( 30%? 70%? Who knows?). Subject to lawsuit. If still in court after 10 years, never mind!Entry-exit system for visas/Has been required since 1996. DHS must only be “using” a system before green cards can be issued. (Using in 10% of airports? 50%? Again, who knows?)
Obama Is Just Obama
Works and Days » Obama Is Just Obama:
"Suddenly, half the country is upset with Obama for the recent flurry of scandals.
Even some in the media are perplexed.
Why the sudden angst, given that Obama is simply being Obama?
We, not he, changed the rules."
"Suddenly, half the country is upset with Obama for the recent flurry of scandals.
Even some in the media are perplexed.
Why the sudden angst, given that Obama is simply being Obama?
We, not he, changed the rules."
Keep Your Long Flannel Underwear: Climate Scientists Predict Hell To Freeze Over!
Keep Your Long Flannel Underwear: Climate Scientists Predict Hell To Freeze Over! - Forbes:
"If the notion of global warming has gotten you all hot and bothered, here’s something to really worry about. What if just the opposite is occurring and global temperatures not only continue to remain flat, but get much colder for a very long time?
In fact, that’s exactly what some highly-credentialed and well-informed scientists are predicting."
"If the notion of global warming has gotten you all hot and bothered, here’s something to really worry about. What if just the opposite is occurring and global temperatures not only continue to remain flat, but get much colder for a very long time?
In fact, that’s exactly what some highly-credentialed and well-informed scientists are predicting."
Detroit wades into uncharted territory with possibility of bankruptcy
Detroit wades into uncharted territory with possibility of bankruptcy | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"As Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr meets with creditors of the deeply indebted city this week, bankruptcy lawyers, credit analysts, lenders and government officials around the country are keeping a close eye on whether he can prevent a municipal bankruptcy and, if not, what legal precedents might be set for other cities in crisis."
"As Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr meets with creditors of the deeply indebted city this week, bankruptcy lawyers, credit analysts, lenders and government officials around the country are keeping a close eye on whether he can prevent a municipal bankruptcy and, if not, what legal precedents might be set for other cities in crisis."
Livonia officials' conduct scrutinized after council candidates drop out
Livonia officials' conduct scrutinized after council candidates drop out | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Livonia’s ethics committee will examine three elected officials’ conduct after they made phone calls to City Council candidates who subsequently dropped out of the race."
"Livonia’s ethics committee will examine three elected officials’ conduct after they made phone calls to City Council candidates who subsequently dropped out of the race."
Romulus: 'A great little town' with big scandals
Romulus: 'A great little town' with big scandals | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Then came March — and a raid of Mayor Alan Lambert’s house on Mario Ann Court as part of a Michigan State Police investigation.
“We were just coming out of a cloud with the police department, some of the charges that were made there,” said Romulus Mayor Pro Tem LeRoy Burcroff.
“Trust is at an all-time low.
We’ve got some work to do to regain that.”
The raid, troubling on its own, further magnified the string of high-profile controversies and scandals the city of nearly 24,000 is facing.
In addition to its former police chief going on trial later this year, city officials are trying to keep a prominent businessman facing corruption allegations from reopening a pair of hazardous-waste deep-injecton wells in the community, and are still fighting to get a casino."
"Then came March — and a raid of Mayor Alan Lambert’s house on Mario Ann Court as part of a Michigan State Police investigation.
“We were just coming out of a cloud with the police department, some of the charges that were made there,” said Romulus Mayor Pro Tem LeRoy Burcroff.
“Trust is at an all-time low.
We’ve got some work to do to regain that.”
The raid, troubling on its own, further magnified the string of high-profile controversies and scandals the city of nearly 24,000 is facing.
In addition to its former police chief going on trial later this year, city officials are trying to keep a prominent businessman facing corruption allegations from reopening a pair of hazardous-waste deep-injecton wells in the community, and are still fighting to get a casino."
When everything is a crime, government data mining matters
When everything is a crime, government data mining matters - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
Prosecutors have become kings, with the ability to find a crime committed by just about anyone.
Data mining and access to internet activity can help find terrorists, but it also can be used to find crimes which were not previously known to have been committed by political opponents.
A “find the target first, then find the crime” political approach requires access to information of an unprecedented level.
Which is exactly what is happening.
The issue goes beyond the NSA programs.
Obamacare is a form of data mining.
Obamacare will put into the hands of the IRS medical and health information of an unprecedented level. As bad as leaks as to which websites you visit would be, the threat of leakage of your medical information could be equally devastating to freedom of speech and the political process.
It would take a mere nod and a wink to convince someone that participation in the political process was not worth it if the result was the exposure of sensitive medical issues.
You can’t separate the data mining, the culture of intimidation, and criminalization of daily life.
......Obama’s response is that we should trust the government.
The Obama scandals tell us otherwise.
From the phony Benghazi talking points, to IRS targeting, to deceptive measures to obtain journalist phone and email records, the Obama administration at multiple levels and in multiple agencies has proven that it is not worthy of our trust.
Or of our information.
BOMBSHELL… Legendary Columbia University Professor Claims That None of His Colleagues Remember Obama
BOMBSHELL… Legendary Columbia University Professor Claims That None of His Colleagues Remember Obama | The D.C. Clothesline:
" Graff said, “I taught at Columbia for 46 years.
I taught every significant American politician that ever studied at Columbia.
I know them all.
I’m proud of them all.
Between American History and Diplomatic History, one way or another, they all had to come through my classes.
Not Obama.
I never had a student with that name in any of my classes.
I never met him, never saw him, never heard of him.”
Even more importantly, Professor Graff knew the other history and political science professors.
“None of the other Columbia professors knew him either” said Graff."
" Graff said, “I taught at Columbia for 46 years.
I taught every significant American politician that ever studied at Columbia.
I know them all.
I’m proud of them all.
Between American History and Diplomatic History, one way or another, they all had to come through my classes.
Not Obama.
I never had a student with that name in any of my classes.
I never met him, never saw him, never heard of him.”
Even more importantly, Professor Graff knew the other history and political science professors.
“None of the other Columbia professors knew him either” said Graff."
Women's suffrage - Today in history
| 6-10-1920 | The Republican convention in Chicago endorsed woman suffrage. |
"The key vote came on June 4, 1920, when the Senate approved the amendment by 56 to 25 after four hours of debate, during which Democratic Senators opposed to the amendment filibustered to prevent a roll call until their absent Senators could be protected by pairs.
The Ayes included 36 (82%) Republicans and 20 (54%) Democrats.
The Nays comprised 8 (18%) Republicans and 17 (46%) Democrats.
It was ratified by sufficient states in 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment, which prohibited state or federal sex-based restrictions on voting.[94]"
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