S1P17 - News & Politics

A recap of politics and news since about 03/16/2019

This may be the last regular bi-weekly edition of the 1OGDB blog for the time being. The Two Old Guys Drinking Beer podcast (2OGDB) is back on the air so I will be expressing my political and news opinions there. When warranted, I may use this forum to publish notes, graphics, and/or expansion of topics covered by 2OGDB. This blog may resurface from time to time for other reasons but the regular posts are now on hiatus. My BillyJim47 and TrumpTrack blogs are still in full swing as are the various Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr accounts. I'll see you at those blog and social sites and the podcast. wjh

National & International

• Trump is upset that his Fox New supporter Jeannine Pirro has been suspended for questioning a Muslim Congresswoman's, Ilhan Omar, loyalty to the US. Trump never met a fellow Islamaphobic he didn't like.
• 03/19 - A federal judge ruled that the Interior Department violated federal law by failing to take into account the climate impact of its oil and gas leasing in the West. The judge temporarily blocked drilling on about 300,000 acres of land in Wyoming.
• 03/20 - New Zealand bans assault rifles five days after the Christchurch mosque shootings. They also institute a mandatory buyback program. Meanwhile, the US is still counting on thoughts and prayers. 
• 03/21 - Trump wants the US to recognize Israel's authority over the Golan Heights. This is counter to current US policy and the United Nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing Trump on this issue. 
• 03/21 - EU approves an extension of the Brexit deadline of up to almost two months. The ball is now back in the UK's court. 
• 03/22 - Trump reverses additional North Korea sanctions that the Treasury Department imposed yesterday. Great coordination in the administration. 
• 03/22 - Special counsel Robert Mueller submits his report to Attorney General William Barr.
• Barr states there will be no more indictments by the Mueller team.
• A FEMA data breach exposes personal information on 2.5 million disaster survivors.
• 03/23 - The last Islamic State village has fallen. 
• 03/24 - Barr submits a four-page summary of the Mueller report to Congress. No collusion, no decision on obstruction but also no exoneration.
• Two survivors of the Parkland mass shooting have committed suicide. PTSD and survivor guilt. Our gun violence is the gift that keeps on giving. 
• 03/25 - Trump formally recognizes that Israel has authority over the Golan Heights. A gift to Netanhayu just prior to Israeli elections. Also, in conflict with established State Department policy and the UN.
• The Trump administration asks the court to completely invalidate Obamacare. They have no viable plan to replace it. 
• Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos cuts $18 million for the Special election from her 2020 budget.
• Trump restores the funding after the public outcry. Throws DeVos under the bus. The administration initiates a firestorm and then Trump takes credit for extinguishing the fire. 
• 03/27 - A US district judge blocks the Kentucky and Arkansas Medicaid work requirements.
• 03/28 - Trump threatens to close the Mexican border. I'm sure south Texans are thrilled with that prospect.

wjh