Miscellaneous And Off Topic Subjects

[Dr. Strangelove]

A court filing overnight by the National Archives went into specific detail on what Trump is trying to block under the guise of executive privilege. Includes phone logs, visitor logs at the White House on Jan. 6, draft speeches, some draft EO that was never released on "election integrity", binders that once belonged to Kayleigh McEnay full of election fraud talking points, and much more.

For its part the National Archives sides with Biden and says the sitting President gets to make the call.

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/30/call-logs-speech-drafts-among-records-trump-is-trying-to-block-from-jan-6-investigators-517796

https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017c-cf85-dddc-a77e-cf97936f0000

[Jeff Buchanan]

There's been a lot of pointed concern about the spike in prices and low supply of natural gas in Europe. Accusing fingers are pointed Moscow's way with claims that Putin has weaponized it. In fact (from the Economist) ........

Such behaviour, Europe’s politicians say, comes on top of evidence that Gazprom withheld gas from European storage tanks. In fact, Europe’s poorly-designed policies for the transition away from fossil fuels, such as over-reliance on intermittent renewable power and flawed gas-market liberalisation, were among the root causes of the crisis. Gas prices eased on news that Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, ordered Gazprom to start refilling European storage tanks in early November (after filling Russia’s). If it happens, the sabre may return to its sheath.

We're going to see inflated prices for fossil fuels here in the US for exactly the same reason. We'll also see inflationary pressures on machinery that relies on them as the transition, for example, to electric vehicles among US auto manufacturers proceeds without a lot of forethought in how that transition should be managed wisely. Instead, we're seeing a rush to green by Progressives because at best, it sounds good to voters and wins elections, and at worst, helps the radical left obtain their unhidden objective of neutering capitalism and creating a social-democracy in the US.

[iam416]

The Progs are full of great sounding ideas in the abstract. "Save the Planet!" or "Black Lives Matter!" -- who doesn't agree with those? But, man, the devil is in the details and their details are unapologetically socialist.

Most people generically support fighting climate change or whatever until you put an actual policy in front of them that costs them even a small amount of money. Then it's a hard pass. In other words, we're all for fighting climate change if someone else is bearing the costs. And, rightfully so.

[Hannibal]

Our ruling class is more out of touch with the people that they lord over than any other time that I can remember. They are all jerking each other off over reducing carbon emissions at a time when grocery store shelves have massive empty spots, our supply chain is broken, businesses can’t find enough people, and the average Joe is looking at a huge spike in his heating bill this year.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Based on the questions that Justices Kavanaugh and Barrett asked I suspect the Texas abortion law doesn't have much hope of survival but I'm not sure any injunction is coming. If there is one it sounds like it'll be directed against all the Court Clerks of Texas, not the judges.

Kavanaugh in particular raised the same issue I've been saying: this isn't just about abortion, and allowing the law to stand means other states could craft the same scheme to heavily restrict other constitutional rights. He specifically raised the prospect of gun rights being targeted by such a law.

[Mike]

Manchin just threw a wet blanket on the Unicorn and Lollipops Bill about an hour ago.

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/...-and-gimmicks/

“For the sake of our country…I am urging my colleagues in the House to vote and pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Manchin said at a press conference. “Holding that bill hostage is not going to work in getting my support of what you want.”

“As more of the real details in the basic outline of the framework are released, what I see are shell games, budget gimmicks that make the real cost of the so-called $1.75 trillion dollar bill estimated to be almost twice that amount,” Manchin said. “This is a recipe for economic crisis.”

[Dr. Strangelove]

Manchin just threw a wet blanket on the Unicorn and Lollipops Bill about an hour ago.

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/...-and-gimmicks/

“For the sake of our country…I am urging my colleagues in the House to vote and pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Manchin said at a press conference. “Holding that bill hostage is not going to work in getting my support of what you want.”

“As more of the real details in the basic outline of the framework are released, what I see are shell games, budget gimmicks that make the real cost of the so-called $1.75 trillion dollar bill estimated to be almost twice that amount,” Manchin said. “This is a recipe for economic crisis.”

General consensus I'm seeing is that this is mostly show from Manchin. The leader of the Progs, Jayapal, was on tv shortly after Manchin's presser and she said the Progs are ready to vote for both infrastructure and BBB this week. They're leaving the Senate up to Biden.

[Dr. Strangelove]

I'm loathe to report on the doings of Roger Stone but he's taken shots at Ron DeSantis in consecutive days now. Yesterday he threatened to run against him next year as a Libertarian if DeSantis doesn't order a full audit of the 2020 vote in Florida. Today's he's attacking DeSantis for appointing a "murderer and drug dealer" to be Sheriff in Broward County (he did in fact kill someone at age 14 but was acquitted on self defense grounds).

My main curiosity is if he's doing this on Trump's behalf. Sending a message to DeSantis that he will be destroyed if he dares consider running against Trump.

[Hannibal]

That's the first time that I have heard of any dissatisfaction with the Florida vote . Stone is calling for a recount of a state that Trump won in which there were no apparent shenanigans?

[Dr. Strangelove]

That's the first time that I have heard of any dissatisfaction with the Florida vote . Stone is calling for a recount of a state that Trump won in which there were no apparent shenanigans?

The hardcore Trumpers have been pushing for full audits in all 50 states.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/10/15/trump-won-florida-but-online-and-at-your-door-his-supporters-are-trying-to-force-an-audit/

https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/10/15/group-of-idaho-legislators-sign-letter-calling-for-50-state-audit-scrubbing-voter-rolls/

[lineygoblue]

The leader of the Progs, Jayapal, was on tv shortly after Manchin's presser and she said the Progs are ready to vote for both infrastructure and BBB this week.

I wonder how Pelosi feels about Jayapal setting up the schedule for House votes. I thought that was the Speaker's job. Maybe Nancy is out getting her hair done again.

[Hannibal]

Speaking of prog leaders:

[Hannibal]

The hardcore Trumpers have been pushing for full audits in all 50 states.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/10/15/trump-won-florida-but-online-and-at-your-door-his-supporters-are-trying-to-force-an-audit/

https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/10/...g-voter-rolls/

That’s a pretty dumb hill to die on.

[Dr. Strangelove]

If anyone might keep track of the VA election results tonight, I looked up to see how the vote's counted. Virginia law allows counties to start counting mail-in and early votes before Election Day, just like Florida and other states do. That's likely to make it look like McAuliffe has a big lead early as I've seen estimates of up to 2/3 of the early votes (there were over 1M) could be Dems. Just something to be aware of if anyone pays attention in real time instead of just checking it tomorrow.

[Mike]

Opening statements are beginning in the Rittenhouse trial.