Should Flynn's behavior require imprisonment, as he so strongly recommended for Secretary Clinton?
10
Another potential rival to Bannon gone. Never mind how. Rasputin gaining power.
6
Wasn't there a Fake Twitter account in the article earlier, the article posted by the Times, supposedly from Flynn, claiming he had been "scapegoated"? Where did that go? No mention of it in the article now? Nice expunging of the news, 1984-style. I guess Trump isn't the only one trading in Alt-News now.
1
Mr. Pence...was incensed at Mr. Flynn’s lack of contrition for repeatedly embarrassing him....
And this is the problem with politicians. They promise the country that they are totally dedicated to improving the well-being of the people and then it all turns on whether they are personally embarrassed or not. Perhaps it is our fault for wanting them to be superheroes instead of human beings doing a job just like the rest of us. Or perhaps just their inflated egos.
And this is the problem with politicians. They promise the country that they are totally dedicated to improving the well-being of the people and then it all turns on whether they are personally embarrassed or not. Perhaps it is our fault for wanting them to be superheroes instead of human beings doing a job just like the rest of us. Or perhaps just their inflated egos.
3
Folks like Pence are more concerned about our well-being after death, because that is forever.
4
The president, reprehensibly, used (and his press secretary echoed) the word betrayed to describe Acting AG Yates. Yet he continued to have full confidence in Michael Flynn after discovering he probably comforted a chief national security adversary. And the president became concerned only when the fallout threatened his image.
4
I don't like second-guessing Times' reporters but this story doesn't hold up. First, that phone conversation with Kislyak couldn't have referred to sanctions imposed by Obama. They hadn't been announced yet. Flynn, however, clearly knew about them. He would have been briefed, as would Trump and Pence.
Second, the notion that Flynn lied to Pence is a red herring. As noted, Pence would have been in the loop all along. He's the one who lied to the public as part of what is beginning to feel more than a little "Nixonish." It's a rather pathetic effort to cover-up a gross violation of normal protocol. The President Elect and his advisers are not to tamper with the international operations of the existing government.
No one has ever been prosecuted under the Logan Act. Perhaps it is time to do so.
Second, the notion that Flynn lied to Pence is a red herring. As noted, Pence would have been in the loop all along. He's the one who lied to the public as part of what is beginning to feel more than a little "Nixonish." It's a rather pathetic effort to cover-up a gross violation of normal protocol. The President Elect and his advisers are not to tamper with the international operations of the existing government.
No one has ever been prosecuted under the Logan Act. Perhaps it is time to do so.
4
It is absurd that the national security adviser hides information from the president! I mean it is not okay, it's not simple, it is way worst than they are trying to make it seen. As expected Trump's picks for his team has already shown that his administration is a big root of confusion for the united states and also the world. the only positive thing in here is that a very interesting dynamic to study. What a time to being alive and being a politologist.
let's elect someone "with no Washington experience," an "outsider," someone completely different, not a politician or a lawyer. What could go wrong?
4
Who cares if Flynn lied to Mike Pence? In the Trump administration, Pence is a bauble compared to Bannon. The problem here is Flynn's violation of America's trust, especially because he was an intelligence officer. And given that Trump nominated this person, the choice also reflects on the validity of his administration's patriotism. After Conway's "alternative facts," Spicer's belligerent and dismissive attitude toward transparency, and Miller's unconstitutional rants last weekend, I don't think that Flynn will be the last blot discovered on our current administration.
5
I see several comments by people who keep pointing to Hilary Clinton's emails as a way to show that Flynn and ultimately Trump's actions werent that bad in comparison. However, this isnt a valid comparison. The FBI said Clinton did nothing criminal but that is not the case with Flynn. Heaven forbid that Trump supporters actually admit that his administration and therefore by extension, he has done something wrong. You reap what you sow and time will tell how many other of these appointees are forced to leave office in the next year.
2
"The FBI said Clinton did nothing criminal"
What the FBI said was (https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-direct... "Although there is evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information, our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case..."
In other words there is potential evidence of a crime, but a claim that a reasonable prosecutor would not bring a case in spite of the the evidence.
By the way, what specific law did Flynn Break. If the Logan act, what specifically did he negotiate?
What the FBI said was (https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-direct... "Although there is evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information, our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case..."
In other words there is potential evidence of a crime, but a claim that a reasonable prosecutor would not bring a case in spite of the the evidence.
By the way, what specific law did Flynn Break. If the Logan act, what specifically did he negotiate?
1
It's sweetly ironic, but also rather suspicious, that in an administration which has a really casual relationship with the truth, someone is forced to resign because of lying. To become disposable, Flynn must have crossed a line, stepped on somebody's shoes, or is simply being turned into a scapegoat for someone else's mess. I'm not a conspiracy theorist but there's more than meets the eye here. The Senate Intelligence Committee should do their due diligence and investigate.
Meanwhile, Mike Pence, if he is really concerned about lying, should have a serious pep talk with the President and tell him to tone it down a bit.
Meanwhile, Mike Pence, if he is really concerned about lying, should have a serious pep talk with the President and tell him to tone it down a bit.
4
There is more to the story. The question remains whether the Trump organization colluded with Putin's Russia to taint the election. There are more and more dots to be connected, in an atmosphere of dubious pronouncements by Trump himself. Investigate.
4
Didn't Obama fire this man for insubordination? So the new president hires him and everyone is shocked that his activities were in appropriate and he lied about it.
This is just the beginning of the revolving door through Trumpland. It doesn't sound like Spicer or Preibus are on any better footing. Pretty soon there will be no one left to work in this administration. Any sense of continuity will be a dream.
Sad.....
This is just the beginning of the revolving door through Trumpland. It doesn't sound like Spicer or Preibus are on any better footing. Pretty soon there will be no one left to work in this administration. Any sense of continuity will be a dream.
Sad.....
5
Maybe a few folks on the left will now see the benefit of having the NSA monitor phone calls to/from foreign nationals, even if conversations with American citizens occasionally get caught up in the dragnet.
"Maybe a few folks on the left will now see the benefit of having the NSA monitor phone calls to/from foreign nationals, "
I wonder if there was a warrant? If so was it based on probable cause and an oath of affirmation? A specific warrant?
On what basis was the content of his phone call made public? Was that done legally?
Or could it be that Mr. Flynn's 4th Amendment rights were violated.
Worse yet, did this extend beyond Flynn to other members of the administration? If the surveillance infrastructure is used by one administration to spy on the next administration of a different party we need to know.
John
I wonder if there was a warrant? If so was it based on probable cause and an oath of affirmation? A specific warrant?
On what basis was the content of his phone call made public? Was that done legally?
Or could it be that Mr. Flynn's 4th Amendment rights were violated.
Worse yet, did this extend beyond Flynn to other members of the administration? If the surveillance infrastructure is used by one administration to spy on the next administration of a different party we need to know.
John
I would thought Flynn would have been commended for his grasp of "alternate facts".
7
Alternative facts are facts supporting a different conclusion. In a trial, like the O. J. Simpson trial the prosecution made its case with a set of facts (like the shoe prints), and the defense counters with alternative facts (like the bloody glove not fitting). They are different sets of actual facts supporting alternative conclusions.
The first of Trump's "only the best and the brightest" resigns.
One down. So many to go.
Flynn is reprehensible, a traitor, a pathological liar and a conspiracy nut. Thanks, Trump, that's just the kind of guy who should be in charge of our defense.
Now he'll go on Fox News, write a book, and have his son start re-tweeting claims that Hillary is running a child pornography ring out of a pizzeria. How could anyone have ever thought they are completely wacko?
One down. So many to go.
Flynn is reprehensible, a traitor, a pathological liar and a conspiracy nut. Thanks, Trump, that's just the kind of guy who should be in charge of our defense.
Now he'll go on Fox News, write a book, and have his son start re-tweeting claims that Hillary is running a child pornography ring out of a pizzeria. How could anyone have ever thought they are completely wacko?
5
Mr. Flynn took it on himself to call Russian
Enbassador Kislyak without the knowledge of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, incredible. No wander Putin took the sanctions and expulsion of diplomats by President Obama so lightly.
The President and Vice-president need to come clean. Keep digging in the swamp. A very putrid smell is emanating from something buried in the muck.
Enbassador Kislyak without the knowledge of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, incredible. No wander Putin took the sanctions and expulsion of diplomats by President Obama so lightly.
The President and Vice-president need to come clean. Keep digging in the swamp. A very putrid smell is emanating from something buried in the muck.
5
Like in every article dealing with politics, we see some interesting interpretations:
EXAMPLE1:
"Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton lied repeatedly about Benghazi and maintaining a private server to send and receive top secret government e-mails."
EXAMPLE2:
"Have we heard yet whether Flynn was given a solid background report by the FBI? The FBI background reports on Flynn and other appointees may be turning up some real dirt. I wonder whether the background report turned up dirt that even Trump, with his extremely low ethical standards, was uncomfortable with."
A good portion of the comments fall within one of these two camps.
Now I am confused. What to believe?
Obviously these are just examples, but I believe they serve to show how people genuinely believe, repeat and tend to perpetuate fake news.
The worst offenders are people like us, who ceaselessly consume news and comment on them.
People like us are so immersed in our own ideology that that is all we believe, regardless of proof to the contrary.
I read the following statement
"The most informed people are the ones with the least capability to interpret information so as to arrive at the facts."
or something to that effect in "Imagine: How Creativity Works: Jonah Lehrer"
His reasoning being that most of us always consume our information from the same sources, so that we are always reinforcing whatever misconceptions we might have started with.
EXAMPLE1:
"Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton lied repeatedly about Benghazi and maintaining a private server to send and receive top secret government e-mails."
EXAMPLE2:
"Have we heard yet whether Flynn was given a solid background report by the FBI? The FBI background reports on Flynn and other appointees may be turning up some real dirt. I wonder whether the background report turned up dirt that even Trump, with his extremely low ethical standards, was uncomfortable with."
A good portion of the comments fall within one of these two camps.
Now I am confused. What to believe?
Obviously these are just examples, but I believe they serve to show how people genuinely believe, repeat and tend to perpetuate fake news.
The worst offenders are people like us, who ceaselessly consume news and comment on them.
People like us are so immersed in our own ideology that that is all we believe, regardless of proof to the contrary.
I read the following statement
"The most informed people are the ones with the least capability to interpret information so as to arrive at the facts."
or something to that effect in "Imagine: How Creativity Works: Jonah Lehrer"
His reasoning being that most of us always consume our information from the same sources, so that we are always reinforcing whatever misconceptions we might have started with.
1
I'm not going to get heated about violation the Logan Act, which was enacted in 1799 and hasn't yet convicted anybody to have its constitutionality tested.
I just don't want to be governed by a bully who actively consorted with a kleptocratic foreign government to scam the American public in a plot to get elected president.
I just don't want to be governed by a bully who actively consorted with a kleptocratic foreign government to scam the American public in a plot to get elected president.
6
Now if only Trump will resign or be impeached ASAP... Not that I like Pence, but it is hard to imagine he could be as or less competent or ethical than Trump. Maybe some semblance of a governing executive branch with some familiarity with effective behaviors re international relations can be restored. And shame on Congressional Republicans for enabling Trump's dangerous/treasonous administration. They seem to want to start World War III.
4
I can't wait until one of the Russian hackers is bribed and releases a treasure trove of RNC and Trump team emails leading up to the election. Will be interesting to see if Wikileaks hosts it along with the DNC ones.
4
Michael Flynn was fired by the previous administration for cause. He lasted three weeks working for Trump. Does this White House not have a vetting process? Does the new congress question any White House hirings?
2
So far, Fox News is silent. I'm waiting for their announcement that they've hired Flynn
3
We have Paul Manafort, Carter Page and Michael Flynn, all of whom have strong ties to Russia, gone. Page and Flynn say that the main Russian propaganda outlet is just like CNN. The new Secretary of State, who negotiated a $500,000,000 oil deal with Russia, which is on hold because of sanctions imposed on Russia because of their invasion of Ukraine and their involvement in our election process to try to get Trump elected. In June, 2016, Page, who was then a top foreign adviser to Trump's campaign, traveled to Moscow to give a speech at the Higher Economic School. During that trip, according to the dossier written by Christopher Steele, a former high-ranking agent for Britain’s MI6 intelligence service and the head of that service’s Russia desk, the CEO of Russia’s national oil company, Igor Sechin, offered Carter Page the brokerage of a 19% stake in the oil company if he would convince Mr. Trump to lift U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. Four days after Trump’s inauguration, Russia sold a 19.5% stake in its oil company to an undisclosed buyer. Nobody seems to know who bought it or whether Page was the broker. It won't be long before the sanctions will be gone and the oil deal will be back on track. Republicans, including the little weasel, Jason Chaffetz, who couldn't wait to investigate Hillary Clinton's emails for years had she been elected, think that no real investigation of all this is necessary since Flynn, Page and Manafort have resigned. Follow the money.
19
So the frightening part is now wondering who else in the Trump White House staff is also lying and is compromising our national security. Let's hope the FBI does a thorough job of investigating everyone who has had any connection to Russia in the administration.
5
The FBI Director, James Comey, is probably in on the coup. That Anthony Weiner ploy under the e-mail cover story is just too clever for him to have dreamed up in his simple boyish enthusiasm for The Donald.
3
The REAL circus trick would be finding someone in this "administration" who ISN'T lying... oops, I mean telling "alternative facts".... did I get that right Kellyanne?!?!
1
I thought Michael Flynn's days were numbered as soon as I heard that he had disclosed that President Trump called him at 3 AM to get a lesson on the economy. Embarrassing your boss -- never a good idea. Which do you think Trump considered valid grounds for termination?
7
The mystery remains: how could an intel savvy Flynn have imagined his calls would not be bugged? Was he assured, as he was assuring the Russians, that Trump would take care of all the problems with his new found omnipotence?
Otherwise, it is hard to fathom why Flynn would be so careless.
Otherwise, it is hard to fathom why Flynn would be so careless.
11
Republicans need to own that this was an egregious mistake that had a democratic transition team member done something similar that they would be crying out for investigations.
10
Let's see... Flynn was a soldier, not a politician. Aren't soldiers trained to follow orders given by their superiors, to work as a team with fellow soldiers, and not to go ROGUE?
When Flynn gave the VP "incomplete information" and "mislead" his superiors, isn't this kind of a light-weight way of saying that he was LYING??? Sounds like a description of what a politician does. This flies in the face of those voters who didn't want "politics as usual" with the new administration.
And... wasn't Flynn fired by Obama for insubordination? Any conspiracy theories should point to the so-called president, Sixpence, and "Bop 'Em Bannon" cloaking their actions in Flynn's insubordination.
When Flynn gave the VP "incomplete information" and "mislead" his superiors, isn't this kind of a light-weight way of saying that he was LYING??? Sounds like a description of what a politician does. This flies in the face of those voters who didn't want "politics as usual" with the new administration.
And... wasn't Flynn fired by Obama for insubordination? Any conspiracy theories should point to the so-called president, Sixpence, and "Bop 'Em Bannon" cloaking their actions in Flynn's insubordination.
6
If anyone thinks that Flynn was acting on his own in relaying that message to the Russians, oh come on. He's taking the fall for Trump and his advisors. Trump needs to be charged for what he did as a civilian before innaugaration day came along.
14
I can't imagine that anything is done around Donald Trump that he doesn't approve of first. Could this be a 21st Century Watergate? Maybe there is a lot more to these talks than what we know -- such as Flynn involved in the election manipulation by Russia?
6
Trump, his staff and the GOP are showing to Americans and to the world how to Make America Great Again... with a little help from the enemy. This is a disgrace.
12
So Trump knew Flynn for weeks that Flynn had told the Russians that the sanctions placed by the Obama administration would be lifted.
The issue I have is this. If Trump did not know what Flynn was going to do beforehand, then you have Flynn (the underling) representing, of his own initiative, to another nation's ambassador what America's foreign policy was going to be with that country. That raises the real issue of who really is in charge? The dog (Trump) is supposed to be wagging its tail (Flynn). The tail is not supposed to be wagging the dog which is what happened here.
If Trump knew beforehand what Flynn was going to say, then he is acting unbound by the law. That is a knowing, willful violation of the Logan Act which Trump subsequently swore to uphold when he took the oath of office.
The hypocrisy of Republicans having gone after HRC over ethical issues and their disregard for the bush league actions of the present administration is appalling.
The issue I have is this. If Trump did not know what Flynn was going to do beforehand, then you have Flynn (the underling) representing, of his own initiative, to another nation's ambassador what America's foreign policy was going to be with that country. That raises the real issue of who really is in charge? The dog (Trump) is supposed to be wagging its tail (Flynn). The tail is not supposed to be wagging the dog which is what happened here.
If Trump knew beforehand what Flynn was going to say, then he is acting unbound by the law. That is a knowing, willful violation of the Logan Act which Trump subsequently swore to uphold when he took the oath of office.
The hypocrisy of Republicans having gone after HRC over ethical issues and their disregard for the bush league actions of the present administration is appalling.
7
Now he'll have more time to help his son figure out who tipped off Clinton so she could move her pedophile ring out of the pizza parlor to avoid detection.
11
EXACTLY.... that's the REAL story isn't it?!?! Oh, oh, oh and emails!!! And the murders... she murdered at least TWO people... just ask Alex Jones.... it was on Facebook so it MUST be true...
1
OMG. Go over to Fox. Fox doesn't have this on the front page. This isn't news.
3
Kate, that's the whole problem. As long as something like 40% of the electorate gets their "news" from Fox, Breitbart and hate radio we will never have anything remotely close to rational political discourse in this country. There's nothing like this in Canada, where I lived for 5 years. With Fox and friends the rubes and stooges will remain a potent force, doing their best to wreck the nation for everyone.
3
Have the Russians really got something on President Trump because they must be laughing there heads off at the dysfunctional White House Show us the tapes is as rational a cry as Lock Her Up was when shouted out by ex National Security Adviser Flynn
2
How many people are in jail right now for lying to the FBI? Why should Flynn get a pass?
3
Flynn earned an incomplete. Trump failed outright.
3
Where there's smoke there's fire. Flynn was Not alone in this treason. Who are the others? As Commander in Chief the president must assume final responsibility for Flynn's action because he is the boss. When are the arrests?
6
What about Pence? How much trust does he now have in Trump? Trump kept him in the dark ... or Pence also lied.
6
Mike Pence probably believes the loving invisible hand of God will continue to gently guide him past all the pitfalls.
The advantage of not having a good reputation is that you can’t be blackmailed. Lose it when you’re young, and you’ll be unassailable when you’re old. Truth will come easily: you have no reason not to.
1
So, the question is not why is he gone, but rather why was he there.
He reeks of that wacko conspiratorial vibe.
One down. Several more to go.
He reeks of that wacko conspiratorial vibe.
One down. Several more to go.
11
Ah, Hillary, those boring emails...if only you'd known what the real limits of GOP acceptable behavior! (Discussing N Korean missiles with an audience, parading Rick the "football" guy. Those Trump guys just want to have fun!)
Really? Ignore Trump's other jumping the gun assertions prior to Obama's leaving? You really think this wasn't at Trump's urging (especially since Putin can do no wrong in Trump's eyes)? It is so like Trump to arrogantly urge Flynn to mention the sanctions prematurely. And, Trump sat on this news for several weeks--apparently keeping Pence in the dark also.
And certainly, go after the Muppets as Chaffetz is rather than asking Trump for his tax records and to whom (or what country) he is indebted.
Really? Ignore Trump's other jumping the gun assertions prior to Obama's leaving? You really think this wasn't at Trump's urging (especially since Putin can do no wrong in Trump's eyes)? It is so like Trump to arrogantly urge Flynn to mention the sanctions prematurely. And, Trump sat on this news for several weeks--apparently keeping Pence in the dark also.
And certainly, go after the Muppets as Chaffetz is rather than asking Trump for his tax records and to whom (or what country) he is indebted.
3
And Bill Clinton got impeached over Monica... What does it take for Republicans to be accountable? Even a financial crisis eight years ago is forgiven by their base.
8
Wot, is President Trump the only person allowed to lie in this administration? Is it like the conflict of interest rules? And why did Gen. Flynn not defend himself with alternative facts? Tell us the full story, NYT!
4
It is very plausible if not likely that Putin has something on Trump and that Trump is being blackmailed. This story deserves much more research. Thank goodness for journalists and the 1st Amendment.
6
I wonder whether Trump and the White House sat on the DOJ blackmail warning for either of the following possible reasons, if not both:
1. They thought it would stay buried and only scrambled once the Washington Post started reporting on the phonecall transcripts.
2. They knew the Russians couldn't blackmail Flynn based on "lies" to Pence because Pence (and Trump, Bannon and company) already knew that Flynn would be continuing this administration's playing footsie with the Kremlin so there was no lie to hold over Flynn's head.
1. They thought it would stay buried and only scrambled once the Washington Post started reporting on the phonecall transcripts.
2. They knew the Russians couldn't blackmail Flynn based on "lies" to Pence because Pence (and Trump, Bannon and company) already knew that Flynn would be continuing this administration's playing footsie with the Kremlin so there was no lie to hold over Flynn's head.
2
Good riddance. He may have been a good intelligence officer and served this country well but somewhere along the way he went off the rails by the sound of it and became disloyal, dishonest and paranoid.
It would be good to see if Trump changes with Flynn gone. It would also be good to see an investigation because I suspect there is more, a great more, we don't know that began before the election.
It is time to find the ties that bind. When I say bind, I mean choke this democracy possibly.
Trump's taxes anyone?
Counseling for Steven Miller anyone? You do not work for a dictator and stop acting likely a snotty high school kid who thinks he's made it to the pinnacle. You're just another mouthpiece and highly expendable.
Time to get things right and clean house.
It would be good to see if Trump changes with Flynn gone. It would also be good to see an investigation because I suspect there is more, a great more, we don't know that began before the election.
It is time to find the ties that bind. When I say bind, I mean choke this democracy possibly.
Trump's taxes anyone?
Counseling for Steven Miller anyone? You do not work for a dictator and stop acting likely a snotty high school kid who thinks he's made it to the pinnacle. You're just another mouthpiece and highly expendable.
Time to get things right and clean house.
1
Why is the mere presence of a uniform enough to say "he served his country well"?? Based on his every utterance (and his kids) he's a conspiracy theory nut bag. To assume he just now came upon this way of thinking is ridiculous. Does anyone espouse rational thought for 2/3 of their life, and then say....."nah.... just kidding" NOW I believe in pizza parlor kiddie porn etc. etc.... not buying it....however, it DOES seem he and Trump are absolutely in the same wheelhouse.
2
Aa great question to ask is what did Obama know and when did he know it?
1
Hahahaha.... wondered how long it would take to make this Obamas fault..... really hoping that was facetious.....
1
"Incomplete". Is that what the ever evolving definition of lying is today? Last week it was "Alternate Facts".
What an embarrassment Flynn is to this country. I thought these military types were all about honor and courage. He can't even muster the basic courage to own up to his lie and live with the consequences.
And now the GOP owns this debacle. They're roaring silence on the issue speaks volumes about they're complete lack of ethics or moral rectitude. And from this point forward the Democrats are totally justified in being the party of NO. Total resistance to this party of crude thugs who seem to endorse (again through they're silence) allegiance to an enemy of the US, in another thug Vladimir Putin, is our patriotic duty.
What an embarrassment Flynn is to this country. I thought these military types were all about honor and courage. He can't even muster the basic courage to own up to his lie and live with the consequences.
And now the GOP owns this debacle. They're roaring silence on the issue speaks volumes about they're complete lack of ethics or moral rectitude. And from this point forward the Democrats are totally justified in being the party of NO. Total resistance to this party of crude thugs who seem to endorse (again through they're silence) allegiance to an enemy of the US, in another thug Vladimir Putin, is our patriotic duty.
5
Trump- 'There are a lot of bad hombres out there, example, even my own NSA chief, Flynn, turned out to be bad. Had to fire him!'
2
I've been trying to call Jason Chaffetz/House Oversight Committee (202-225-7751) to inquire if/when Chaffetz is going to investigate the breaches of national security and numerous ethical violations by Trump and his staff... As opposed to investigating Sid the Science Kid, and attacking the head of the Office of Government Ethics for pointing out Trump's many conflicts of interest. Nobody is answering and the voicemail box is full.
7
Stephen Miller and Bannon should be next. Stephen Miller said Trump is above the law. That's treacherous. Sounds like fascism.
6
“I have sincerely apologized to the president and the vice president, and they have accepted my apology.”
That reminds me of Melania Trump saying she had received an apology from Trump for his despicable behavior and confessions of groping on the Hollywood Access Bus with Billy Bush. (Melania and Trump were newlyweds at the time.) That is to say, it seems contrived. Trump and company were warned by acting Attorney General Sally Yates "late last month" about Flynn's communications with the Russians. They knew about it. They were hoping to hide it and keep things moving right along with a few Trumpian distractions. And think about it: If Billy Bush could so easily get Trump to compromise himself, does anyone seriously think that Valdimir Putin didn't get something on Trump last time he was in Russia getting all worked up by wandering into beauty contestants dressing rooms?
That reminds me of Melania Trump saying she had received an apology from Trump for his despicable behavior and confessions of groping on the Hollywood Access Bus with Billy Bush. (Melania and Trump were newlyweds at the time.) That is to say, it seems contrived. Trump and company were warned by acting Attorney General Sally Yates "late last month" about Flynn's communications with the Russians. They knew about it. They were hoping to hide it and keep things moving right along with a few Trumpian distractions. And think about it: If Billy Bush could so easily get Trump to compromise himself, does anyone seriously think that Valdimir Putin didn't get something on Trump last time he was in Russia getting all worked up by wandering into beauty contestants dressing rooms?
5
Spicer twice referenced the roll-back of HJR 41 in his press conference.
Passed House without amendment (02/01/2017)
This joint resolution nullifies the "Disclosure of Payments by Resource Extraction Issuers" rule finalized by the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2016. (The rule, mandated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, requires resource extraction issuers to disclose payments made to governments for the commercial development of oil, natural gas, or minerals.)
So, thanks to the roll-back of this terrible regulation that burdens American citizens, any resource extraction issuer can pay anything to any government in secrecy.
Passed House without amendment (02/01/2017)
This joint resolution nullifies the "Disclosure of Payments by Resource Extraction Issuers" rule finalized by the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2016. (The rule, mandated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, requires resource extraction issuers to disclose payments made to governments for the commercial development of oil, natural gas, or minerals.)
So, thanks to the roll-back of this terrible regulation that burdens American citizens, any resource extraction issuer can pay anything to any government in secrecy.
3
Given the extreme vetting mentality of this White House and the rigorous background checks, I presume, they subjected all their appointees and "new hires" to, my only question is: "Who's the next to fall" from Humpty Dumpty's wall.
2
The guy is a Democrat. Promoted 2 or 3 times during Obama Admin. And a warmonger to boot. Good riddance. And since this all happened in December, what did Obama Admin know and when did they know it? Along with who leaked it.
Scratch, he was fired by Obama in 2014. Nice try to blame the previous president though.
5
When will republicans take any responsibility for their decisions and errors? Never?
1
If we believe the story peddled by the White House, lying brought Flynn down, which makes this scandal a just reward for Trump and team who maintain a daily stream of lies to the American people. Another irony: Flynn was brought down because of his breach of national security, while the Trump White House keeps pressing publicly that their number one priority IS national security. Another irony: The American people don't need a wall along their southern border, and they don't want Muslim discrimination masquerading as a travel ban. The real need for national security is becoming glaringly obvious -- the American people need protection from the phony, ignorant, and dangerous people in our White House.
4
Who's in the bullpen? Tell me it's not the guy with the girlfriend with the purloined 'research material' for his biography.
3
Here's the massively significant thing here: that the Trump camp has buckled down and recognized that there is something called a FACT and that there are things called LIES. And thusly, and very bigly, many other liars will be outed and ousted.
While we may yet learn even more disturbing information if Senator McCain delivers on his promise of a full and impartial investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, it appears from what we know now that the case of General Flynn comes the closest to Russian involvement in American government at the highest level since the infamous Alger Hiss episode 70 years ago. I'm not suggesting that Flynn is a traitor, as Hiss may have been; only that Flynn's obvious fondness for the Kremlin, and vice versa -- manifested in his appearances on the Russian-government television channel RT, as well as his obvious comfort in sharing information with the Russian ambassador that was of the greatest diplomatic sensitivity (so much so that when Flynn recognized the implications of his misdeed, he felt compelled to lie about it to his Vice President) -- represents a shocking level of Moscow's influence at the highest level of our national security apparatus, higher even than Hiss's.
3
A scandal-driven resignation of a high official barely three weeks into a new administration — doesn't that break some kind of record? Not to mention that the scandal revolved around the official's improper communication with a representative of a country whose suspected interference with the election helped deliver the election to Mr. Trump.
And on the same day, we hear of Mr. Trump's breathtakingly irresponsible behavior in allowing the formulation of our country's response to a potential international incident to unfold before the eyes of diners in his country club. How strikingly inconsequential Hillary Clinton's private email server seems now.
Just a few days ago, we read that many of Mr. Trump's supporters continue to support him. As our nation's protocols and reputation are trashed, it's a sad commentary on the state of our electorate that so many people couldn't care less. How far do we have to fall before Republicans in Congress will finally say "enough is enough"?
And on the same day, we hear of Mr. Trump's breathtakingly irresponsible behavior in allowing the formulation of our country's response to a potential international incident to unfold before the eyes of diners in his country club. How strikingly inconsequential Hillary Clinton's private email server seems now.
Just a few days ago, we read that many of Mr. Trump's supporters continue to support him. As our nation's protocols and reputation are trashed, it's a sad commentary on the state of our electorate that so many people couldn't care less. How far do we have to fall before Republicans in Congress will finally say "enough is enough"?
6
He must not be a scapegoat for other potential security breaches between the US and Putin's Russia.
1
If this is how extreme vetting works, immigrants don't have much to worry about.
4
Flynn simply had alternative facts. Alternative facts are acceptable and rampant in Trump America. Why should Flynn be penalized? So unfair!
2
So Flynn gets the boot for being a liar.
"The pot calling the kettle black"
"The pot calling the kettle black"
3
This so-called president needs to resign and take his insufferable, unqualified administration with him!
3
Flynn is proud to have served the nation "in such a distinguished way"?
Ignominious is the word you're looking for here, actually.
Ignominious is the word you're looking for here, actually.
1
General Flynn took a oath as a military officer. General Flynn undermined the President of the US. General Flynn put the US at risk. General Flynn lied.
Lock him up!!!
Lock him up!!!
1
Better to find out and know this stuff sooner rather than later
This I believe will be only the beginning of a sort of avalanche of resignations under fire. The entire Trump entourage has baggage that will out sooner or later. It doesn't matter if Clinton did it, or if Tom Cotton did something similar, none of that matters. What does matter right here and now is public perception, public opinion, and public trust in this administration all of which are becoming more and more fragile. I hope the press keeps their feet to the fire.
3
You would think that a National Security Advisor, dealing with real crises every day, would need to have some attachment to reality as a condition to his appointment. But in the Trump-Bannon bizzaro world, which values, above all other traits, a person’s belief in and willingness to espouse conspiracy theories and made up ‘facts’ (see Flynn, Conway, Miller, Trump, etc.), Michael Flynn’s tweeting about Clinton’s involvement in a child sex ring made him the perfect appointee. Fortunately, we now know where Trump draws the line. If one of his inner circle violates the law, discloses secrets to the Russians, and lies about it, he’s outta there! Any conduct less onerous than that and your job is safe. Flynn’s incompetence and lack of judgment is matched only by Trump’s.
If Flynn was let go for lying then Trump should be next. He has lied to the American public since day one of his campaign.
2
That's one less critter in the swamp.
2
I've spent much of my career interfacing with with military and former military personnel, for whom respect for the chain of command and thorough debriefings up the chain are fundamental. It's not only improbable, it's laughable to conclude Flynn acted on his own in discussing sanctions with the Russian official and then failed to disclose the conversation to Trump and Pence. If truth ever emerges, I guarantee it will be that the call was discussed in advance by the entire Trump team, and they were fully briefed on it.
2
Yeah, those business men sure know how to hire 'em.
3
If you do not order an investigation into the depth and details of General Flynn's involvement with contacting the Russian Government, YOU Senator/Congressperson _______ will be known and historically logged as failing in your oath under Title 5, Section 3331 of the United States Code, to defend and protect the Constitution. It will be clear to all Americans that anyone covering up, aiding and abetting anyone involved in potential treason and violations of the Logan Act will be held accountable. You who have been entrusted with your office, the more so.
You are put on notice Senator/Congressperson. DO YOUR JOB!!!
Contact those entrusted and liable
https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/
https://intelligence.house.gov/
You are put on notice Senator/Congressperson. DO YOUR JOB!!!
Contact those entrusted and liable
https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/
https://intelligence.house.gov/
3
Does this episode give us an indication of Trump's ability to judge a person's character or of the character of the people he appoints to government posts. Whichever, it is bad news for democracy in America.
2
Why did Trump care that Flynn lied? I thought Trump officially endorsed lies as a key strategy for his administration? Now he knows how we feel.
1
Now, puppet Trump, after holding his nose for several weeks concerning what his national security adviser has admitted to, has to hold his breath while we find out what puppet Trump knew and when he knew it. And how can we not start to wonder when his base of support, those responsible for his getting elected, have seen enough and realize they took way too much for granted, that once elected puppet Trump would surround himself with individuals who would show him the ropes, lead him down the path of responsibility, and help him start to think, look, and act presidential.
3
The article says that Flynn also told people about his trip to Russia in 2015, but evidently did not give them the full story. They only found out later when photos turned up,on line. He never submitted the necessary paperwork, and never accounted for any money he was paid by the Russians.
All of that happened well before he joined the Trump campaign.
emperor Donnie sure does hire only the very best, liars, that is.
All of that happened well before he joined the Trump campaign.
emperor Donnie sure does hire only the very best, liars, that is.
1
For us in Africa, this seems like a well written script for a political show.Something like House of Cards
My two cents,I think Mr Flynn is a fall guy in this..
My two cents,I think Mr Flynn is a fall guy in this..
3
Who knew what and when? If Hillary's unsecured email server was worth investigating....repeatedly, then this is worth an investigation ...or three!
And I want to see Trump's tax returns too!
"Lock HIM up"
And I want to see Trump's tax returns too!
"Lock HIM up"
5
This is a big loss.
He had such an endearing personality and was honest to a fault.
He had such an endearing personality and was honest to a fault.
2
Funny an article about someone having a questionable conversation is written by Glenn Thrush, who Wikileaks revealed was having the Clinton campaign give editorial approval to his stories, and he called himself a "hack". Just sayin'
President Trump was made aware of the situation weeks ago, yet allowed Flynn to sit in on high level security meetings until yesterday? Trump et al should be impeached for putting the country's security in danger. Lock him up!
3
Inadvertent, Incomplete, Misled!
Seriously, were we born yesterday?
This Cabal make The House of Cards look like The Brady Bunch.
Seriously, were we born yesterday?
This Cabal make The House of Cards look like The Brady Bunch.
2
Has it been 4 weeks? or only 3?
3
I'm wondering how many of these loose cannons are rolling around the military doing so called responsible jobs. This guy's twitter account and the actions of his nutty son /assistant, his hanging around with the Russians, should have set off some warning bells a long time ago. I realize Trump doesn't care, but what about a Pence and the Republicans in Congress.
1
I don't know which is the worst part of the less than 1 month old Trump administration- its dishonesty or its ineptness.
Together they make for a disaster, making America look weak and stupid.
Together they make for a disaster, making America look weak and stupid.
4
The USA is weak and stupid.
3
Wonder if a Drumpf appointee (other than Yates, whom he fired) would have alerted the WH regarding Flynn's duplicity. My guess is not. My guess is the current admin would have been happy to look the other way but were shamed into acting.
5
More lies, and more lies regarding lies. trump comes off as be the most dishonest person ever elected to the Presidency. I assume that anything that comes out of his mouth is just a lie.
2
Trump had a mutual destruction discussion with Flynn during which it was ascertained that Flynn would shut up about all of the Russian hacking and Trump's full involvement in it all and Flynn would be allowed to go out quietly. However, a Republican, Senator Blunt, is just now in the process of getting a full-throated investigation into the whole sordid Trump and Putin lovefest and all of the nefarious dealings between the Trump campaign and the Russians. Now, it seems as if Putin has challenged his close and weighted friendship with Trump by deploying a cruise missile system which violates a longstanding treaty. Let's see if what Putin has on Trump will allow the deployment to go forward or will Trump throw caution to the wind and confront Putin. All in all, Trump has some explaining to do. He can always explain it as being of a piece with all of that "fake news" that he claims is being reported. I think he will be hard-pressed to use the "fake news" tag when Blunt, McCain and Graham start looking for answers. A real reality show.
4
Remember folks it wasn't only Flynn that lied. The Russians, including Putin through his spokesperson he-of-the-$650,000-watch Dmitry Peskov, blatantly lied. Anybody thinking that the Russians deserve even a milimeter of trust or yet another 'reset' is delusional, especially today, when it was revealed just how cynical, aggressive, and intentional their attacks on Aleppo's civilian areas were. To say nothing of the fact that the victims of MH17 and of Ukraine in general still are owed justice for ongoing Russian malfeasance.
4
It's up to Congressional Republicans to put country and national security over party and decide to follow the trail back to Russia and find the link(s) to Trump and his cohorts. There's something there, for sure.
3
Let me get this straight: We have a president who lies repeatedly, who then fires someone (Gen. Flynn) for a single lie. That, of course, was a whopper of a lie and may be the only one he has told that he has been "caught in." However, the president's are such whoppers (millions of illegals voting, thousands of Muslims celebrating in NJ on 9/11, etc.) that they are dismissed as Trump bluster. Where's the justice in this White House? What's good for goose should be good for the gander. Resign, Mr. President, for consistency's sake!
2
Jill Stein sitting at a table with Michael Flynn and Vladimir Putin. Wake up America. Putin is playing us like a pipe.
1
This has got to be some kind of speed record!
1
Even if Trump knew of this, he likely forgot immediately after hearing about it. Psycho-sociopaths with Narcissistic Personality Disorder are known not to retain information that isn't about themselves.
3
This is treason. Flynn's punishment should be no less severe than, say, Ethel Rosenberg's. And I expect the so-called president and the rest of his felons, neo-nazis and Russian moles to be next in the chair.
Wake up, folks. Our democracy has been overthrown without a single gunshot.
Wake up, folks. Our democracy has been overthrown without a single gunshot.
4
trump has demonstrated a profound lack of competence and wisdom. His Cabinet picks reflect as much. When your cadre of advisors needs to be fired, it most likely reflects that you need to be fired too.
2
They got their cover story down pat, which takes time.
Believe it at your peril.
Believe it at your peril.
3
“I don’t know about that,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “I haven’t seen it.” The White House publicly denied that sanctions were discussed." Feb. 10 (quoted from earlier NYT story about Flynn's phone call)
Now Times reports that Trump knew about the call "17 days ago" and had people look into it. Which is it Mr. Trump? And if it really was 17 days ago, why did you not insist on Flynn's resignation before the horrible leaks you complained about today happened? BTW, if it was 17 days ago, you lied on Air Force One.
Now Times reports that Trump knew about the call "17 days ago" and had people look into it. Which is it Mr. Trump? And if it really was 17 days ago, why did you not insist on Flynn's resignation before the horrible leaks you complained about today happened? BTW, if it was 17 days ago, you lied on Air Force One.
2
Flynn falls on the sword of his action like a true soldier and the rest of us hurl stones. The staffs actions and the silence of the Republicans shows they knew where this was going. They may have hoped it would go away but the reality of it is Flynn was wrong. Things like this happen all the time at home and work. It's nature to try and do your best to take care of your own, but this is the government and now the Democrats like sharks see blood and are going in for the kill. So we'll keep the fight going in our own government long past this issue instead of focusing on the real dilemmas. Flynn is gone, let's move on.
2
Poor General Flynn. He was only being Trump's errand boy, by passing on to the Russian Ambassador, messages from Trump.
Didn't Trump himself engage in the same acts, a lot more openly, when he was actively playing diplomacy with the Egyptian President and the Israeli Prime Minister on the UN vote that sought to criticize Israel?
I'm a die-hard no-Trump but, if you cant or wont penalize Trump, Flynn should not have been made to resign. Fair is fair.
Didn't Trump himself engage in the same acts, a lot more openly, when he was actively playing diplomacy with the Egyptian President and the Israeli Prime Minister on the UN vote that sought to criticize Israel?
I'm a die-hard no-Trump but, if you cant or wont penalize Trump, Flynn should not have been made to resign. Fair is fair.
2
This is the THIRD adviser to Trump who has been ousted because of illegal ties to Russia. Where are the investigations?
2
This move is not surprising but one must ask who recommended Flynn for the job in the first place? Or did our president get his background briefing from Breitbart? There are at least 4 more characters in the White House that need to be checked out and our president and his VP need to recruit outside experts to do the checking. Will we ever really know if this is related to the Russian hacking of the DNC?
3
So Flynn just assured the Russians on sanctions without direction from the president-elect? Just imagine what a difficult situation he could have created for Mr. Trump if the president felt the necessity of continuing sanctions! Or are we really seeing the art of the deal unraveling? How president handles sanctions and Crimea will give some strong indication.
3
Now we have to get Trump to resign.
2
Trump and his entourage ... are like the Three Pigs ... and Putin, Kim and China are huffing and buffing and maybe not ..... Just Huffing ... oh, we defend Japan!!, but he wants Japan to have nuclear bombs ... hopefully we will give them sum ... or whatever ...
2
Obama fired Flynn from his administration. Trump didn't have the balls to fire Flynn. Trump let the situation stew for weeks until Flynn, facing so much negative scrutiny, had to resign. I imagine Flynn's collaboration with the Russians was going on during the campaign and Trump approved of it. Trump is probably afraid Flynn will spill the beans on his involvement.
3
Flynn is taking the fall. A much more believable story is that Flynn didn't lie to the president; the White House is lying to the world. Independent congressional investigations into the president's ties to Russia immediately, please, with tax returns demanded as evidence.
3
Mr. Flynn's resignation letter is little more than an ad for DJT, as it praises him in nearly every paragraph. The resignation letter reads as if DJT, himself, wrote it.
2
Trump has called the 1950s his favorite decade. Let's return to those thrilling days of the McCarthy years and root out the Rooskies in his administration. Trump's mentor, Roy Cohn, would be so proud.
3
This whole this whole story smells like rotten fish. The only reason anyone "resigned" was the transcripts of the conversations were uncovered and publicized by the press. Now our dear President is said to have known for several weeks and was trying to decide how to handle his dismissal. Really? Do they really believe that we will buy that story. How about this version: "President Trump knew all along, agreed with the deals, and thought he could get away with it"? Flynn fell on his sword for the president and we need the Senate to investigate.
2
The White House is saying this is a trust issue. Why should anyone trust the White House considering they knew that Pence had lied to the public three weeks ago and at the same time that Flynn was vulnerable to foreign blackmail but did nothing to alert the Public or to isolate Flynn from classified information?
2
So much for Trump's boast of being a successful businessman. He can't even pick the right people for his administration.
3
Just one more self-dealing Traitor in an Administration full of self-dealing Traitors, chief among them being Trump himself (YOUR "president," not mine, since I am a LOYAL American).
1
Trump was warned about Flynn. Nevertheless, he persisted.
3
A commenter said Flynn "fell on his sword." Nope. He "lied." Let's not try to put a pretty face on it.
1
One down and several more to go (Bannon, Miller, Conway, etc) that are a threat to our US Constitution and the truth. If we could just cut to the chase and impeach the president, that would significantly improve our national security!
3
It seems unlikely that the suggested reason for the resignation is the full reason. Kelly Anne Con-her-way can lie left and right and that's okay with Trump but if Flynn flubs when talking to the VP he is done. Likely more in the tapes.
2
Flynn will be well rewarded for keeping his mouth shut about what Trump knew. Just as Comey will find monetary reward as well. They know how to pay their people off
2
One fewer loose cannon, pointed at everything but Russia, loaded with nonsense.
When the the most together person in an entire administration is named "mad dog", random shots, misfires, and self-destruction should be expected to be routine.
Buckle-up it's going to be a very long, very bumpy, ride.
When the the most together person in an entire administration is named "mad dog", random shots, misfires, and self-destruction should be expected to be routine.
Buckle-up it's going to be a very long, very bumpy, ride.
3
And now we learn that Trump knew about this for weeks. Did he not share this with his vice president, or is Pence hoping for an Oscar nod as best supporting actor for feigned indignation?
2
It would be wise to remember that where leaders of failed states remain in power for a long time, it's because they offer far more powerful forces something that they want. They can hand their people over for exploitation to multi-national corporations, they can offer safe haven to states that want some strategic or tactical advantage, or they can bribe the leaders of states and multi-national corporations. In the case of Russia, the oligarchs have money but little leverage with products that anyone wants in trade, they depend upon commodities markets which are volatile. It means that to stabilize their wealth and power they need people in more stable states and institutions to support their interests, and they can only do that by buying people.
1
Did he act alone or call with knowledge of his soon to be bosses? It's unfathomable that he acted solely of his own. Why would he? This snacks of a back door deal that got busted. Chaftez taking a flier stinks too. Throw all the bums out.
1
Seriously, did anyone with any knowledge of the real workings of the world not expect a Trump presidency to be chaotic, amateurish and downright frightening? If the world spins calmly on its axis for the next four years, we may get away with having elected a boob to the highest office in the land. But Dog help us if *stuff* starts happening...as it usually does.
4
To those who think this is no big deal: Flynn was interfering with sanctions imposed by a sitting U.S. president (Obama) by letting the Russian ambassador know that it would be taken care of once Trump was in office (which is why the Russians did not respond when we booted their people out of the country). Do you really suppose that he was in a position to make that happen once Trump was sworn in? He could no more make that happen than you could. So, who was going to handle rescinding the sanctions . . . come on, three guesses, got it? In the transcript he also thanked the Russians for their help with the election and mentioned that this was their (Trump administration) way of thanking them. Also, it was revealed that Flynn's ongoing contacts with the Russians started during the Trump campaign, prior to the election (ever wonder why Trump was so hot on Russia and down on the U.S. during the campaign?). So yes, it is a big deal, and no, it is most definitely "end of story"!
3
It just keeps getting better. Now it seems Donald Trump is saying that he actually KNEW about Flynn's activities with the Russians for weeks!! --
And just to make it all that much more egregious, Russians has apparently ignored a testing ban and just launched a medium-range missle, capable of striking most anywhere in Europe.
Are we making America great again yet???
And just to make it all that much more egregious, Russians has apparently ignored a testing ban and just launched a medium-range missle, capable of striking most anywhere in Europe.
Are we making America great again yet???
3
Too bad for Russians...they have worked hard (meddling) to put their guy in office. The first deal making fail through...As most have already said, there is A LOT MORE to this story....
2
Flynn's first draft of his resignation letter stated that he "briefed the Vice-President with alternate facts".
1
Trump's myopic, single-focus view of ISIS as the gravest danger in modern times ignores the grave dangers of Putin's Russia. The old adage that "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" is a dangerous attitude to take toward Putin, who has shown himself to be every bit as untrustworthy and megalomaniacal as anyone ISIS has put forward, but with one primary difference: In addition to his disdainful attitude toward the West, Putin has nuclear weapons. Putin is not our friend, and Russia is not our ally
Every step in the Flynn fiasco has demonstrated the utter incompetence and naivete of our current White House occupant. Can we please have Obama back? Please?
Every step in the Flynn fiasco has demonstrated the utter incompetence and naivete of our current White House occupant. Can we please have Obama back? Please?
1
Transcripts of the discussion of sanctions against Russia for interfering in our election count for nothing, according to the WH.
What counts is that "trust" in Flynn was lost.
Alternative facts seem to lead to alternative logic as well.
This needs to be investigated to the end of the story.
What counts is that "trust" in Flynn was lost.
Alternative facts seem to lead to alternative logic as well.
This needs to be investigated to the end of the story.
2
Michael Flynn should be tried for perjury. His contact with the Russian government was illegal and he should be charged and tried as such. Trump is an unconscionable liar. He is addicted to lying. Anything that comes out of his mouth is a lie and Congress should investigate his part in this cover-up to the American people. His discussions with the Prime Minister of Japan in public was appalling. He should be censored. What Richard Nixon did was far less severe than what Trump and his administration is doing. And, we're only into a few weeks of his administration. The future is ominous.
1
Now the spin from the right is about the "leak" rather than the event. Regardless that the information was properly reported to the administration and if there is a leak that is where it is likely to be found.
How many remember - and it wasn't long ago - that the official Republican reaction, echoed in the NYT comments section, to the Russian hacking and leaking during the election was that it didn't matter how the information regarding Clinton, the DNC, and her chief of staff came to light, even if done illegally by foreign sources, all that mattered was that the information was out. (Even if they had to put full spin on it to make hay out of grass.) Anyone else remember that?
How many remember - and it wasn't long ago - that the official Republican reaction, echoed in the NYT comments section, to the Russian hacking and leaking during the election was that it didn't matter how the information regarding Clinton, the DNC, and her chief of staff came to light, even if done illegally by foreign sources, all that mattered was that the information was out. (Even if they had to put full spin on it to make hay out of grass.) Anyone else remember that?
"In like Flynn" ... then out again. I suspect he won't be the first in this administration to flame out quickly due to improper behavior.
It's starting to sound like the WH and the President were fully aware of Mr. Flynn's conversation with the Russian ambassador.
Not one member of this administration seems to understand governance nor the legal parameters of their roles.
There's clearly an integrity issue and that stems from mistrust.
Is Flynn the fall guy? Maybe, but this is starting to look like the Iran-Contra Affair and a lot of 'who shot John'.
Not one member of this administration seems to understand governance nor the legal parameters of their roles.
There's clearly an integrity issue and that stems from mistrust.
Is Flynn the fall guy? Maybe, but this is starting to look like the Iran-Contra Affair and a lot of 'who shot John'.
Most of the professional pols in Congress are old enough to remeber Nixon and the movie to which he treated us all. The money has yet to be followed, and it will be interesting to see what sort of deals Flynn is offered in connection with testimony the Republicans will probably be unable to avoid.
Meanwhile, I'm happy to suspect that the "manager" of the mess is preparing to leave the rigors of a real job and return to the "branding" and golf activites that await. It's no fun having to work and to pay attention in between weekend-only golf.
At this point the game can be played so everyone stays out of jail, but continuing to throw Kellyanne, Scott Miller, etc. onto the media will change that quickly.
Too late for the kids' brands, I suppose, but they'll get along.
Meanwhile, I'm happy to suspect that the "manager" of the mess is preparing to leave the rigors of a real job and return to the "branding" and golf activites that await. It's no fun having to work and to pay attention in between weekend-only golf.
At this point the game can be played so everyone stays out of jail, but continuing to throw Kellyanne, Scott Miller, etc. onto the media will change that quickly.
Too late for the kids' brands, I suppose, but they'll get along.
This is no way to run a country.
This goes higher! Flynn fell on his sword (and it was deserved) but he is protecting Trump. This is a stinking scandal, but with the GOP "blue wall" in place nothing will be done, and Trump supporters don't care.
I fear for our future.
I fear for our future.
1
Incomplete? Hah? This from a man who ranted on about Hillary Clinton and led cries of "lock her up". Flynn may well have committed treason in his dealings with the Russians. A full and impartial investigation is in order. What did the Preisdent know and when did he know it? Why was nothing done for three weeks? Are any others of the Trump team involved? What information was passed to the Russians?
This was a man who saw a terrorist under every bush and believed every conspiracy theory, no matter how crazy, including one that alleged Clinton was running a child sex ring from a DC pizza shop. He went on and on about her emails and possible leaks and alleged she lied about Benghazi. Ironic that he is now the liar, having leaked information to the Russians and possibly having committed treason.. Hypocrisy at its finest.
This was a man who saw a terrorist under every bush and believed every conspiracy theory, no matter how crazy, including one that alleged Clinton was running a child sex ring from a DC pizza shop. He went on and on about her emails and possible leaks and alleged she lied about Benghazi. Ironic that he is now the liar, having leaked information to the Russians and possibly having committed treason.. Hypocrisy at its finest.
1
Why didn't the White House correct Vice President Pence's lie regarding what Flynn spoke about, when they learned the truth?
1
Democrats and the liberal media is going crazy. Media is so dishonest. Unbelievable. where were they when Hillary repeatedly lied about her Private e-mail server, putting National security at risk She exposed the National security to the whole world. Media and the Democrats were so silent. Pathetic. Logan act, could have been enforced against so many Americans, including Jimmy Carter, Jesse Jackson, Dennis Rodman, so on. Trump must stand for his loyal associates. Media and Democrats are looking for Blood.
If President Donald Trump knew "for weeks" that Gen. Michael Flynn lied to him about this matter and only just last night accepted his resignation as National Security advisor, then the president was as deep in the general's lies as Flynn was. That's an impeachable offense, or would have been under Barack Obama. Right?.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, are you listening? Are you preparing your august body to hear charges of treason against the United States by its highest, most principal officer?
Or do you not wish to see Donald Trump a "one-term president?"
Sen. Mitch McConnell, are you listening? Are you preparing your august body to hear charges of treason against the United States by its highest, most principal officer?
Or do you not wish to see Donald Trump a "one-term president?"
This is not a surprise. There were red flags with Flynn months ago, especially regarding his ties to Russia. What concerns me is that Trump tells us that he will keep us safe and will do "extreme" vetting for refuges and others coming from specific countries. However, he may be putting the country at risk by not doing "extreme" vetting with those who in his administration who have access to classified information.
And who will resign next???
Does anyone really believe that a man of Flynn's caliber and success in the military deliberately or otherwise "misled" the WH? The military culture is one of rules and attention to detail. He didn't get where he is by being forgetful of details and lying to superiors.
I wish to take exception to the NYT habit of selecting egregious comments as editor’s picks. As an example, one commenter stated:
“Democrats act as if Flynn is the second coming of Benedict Arnold. He simply discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador, and then he lied about it when he realized it was against an obscure federal law. He has now resigned. End of story. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton lied repeatedly about Benghazi and maintaining a private server to send and receive top secret government e-mails. She was allowed to skate without even a slap on the wrist. Double standards are alive and well in the Democrat party, and they always have been.”
Benghazi? Send/receive top secret government emails? No slap on the wrist? What about the ad nauseam hearings, the depositions, the relentless character assassination? Are you kidding me? She was tried in the court of public social media opinion at the behest of the Republican Party and assorted gamers. Unfortunately for them, she had committed no crime and was therefore ineligible for conviction, obviously a great disappointment to the original commenter.
Double standard? Look up Mr. Flynn’s post-retirement bio – his intelligence consulting firm, a paid speech he gave in Moscow for a Russian Television gala, his employment as an analyst for RT. I recall Sec. Clinton being crucified for giving paid speeches.
Blaming Sec. Clinton (and Pres. Obama) for your guy’s shortcomings isn’t cutting it any more. What else you got?
“Democrats act as if Flynn is the second coming of Benedict Arnold. He simply discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador, and then he lied about it when he realized it was against an obscure federal law. He has now resigned. End of story. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton lied repeatedly about Benghazi and maintaining a private server to send and receive top secret government e-mails. She was allowed to skate without even a slap on the wrist. Double standards are alive and well in the Democrat party, and they always have been.”
Benghazi? Send/receive top secret government emails? No slap on the wrist? What about the ad nauseam hearings, the depositions, the relentless character assassination? Are you kidding me? She was tried in the court of public social media opinion at the behest of the Republican Party and assorted gamers. Unfortunately for them, she had committed no crime and was therefore ineligible for conviction, obviously a great disappointment to the original commenter.
Double standard? Look up Mr. Flynn’s post-retirement bio – his intelligence consulting firm, a paid speech he gave in Moscow for a Russian Television gala, his employment as an analyst for RT. I recall Sec. Clinton being crucified for giving paid speeches.
Blaming Sec. Clinton (and Pres. Obama) for your guy’s shortcomings isn’t cutting it any more. What else you got?
1
What's fascinating to me is that, in all likelihood, Flynn's comments pre-inauguration are perfectly consistent with what he and Trump had discussed for months during the campaign, and had discussed in the wake of the new sanctions in December -- and the only reason any of this is public is that the Trump team was sloppy and unfocused.
Now it appears the POTUS has known for weeks that Flynn lied.
Shadenfreude or not this amateurish s&^t has got to stop.
It’s only enjoyable to see him/them epically fail so publicly for as long as you can keep the fact that he is harming Us and our country out of focus. Which is only a few seconds at a time and that aint no fun at all.
Shadenfreude or not this amateurish s&^t has got to stop.
It’s only enjoyable to see him/them epically fail so publicly for as long as you can keep the fact that he is harming Us and our country out of focus. Which is only a few seconds at a time and that aint no fun at all.
1
So unfair. Why is Flynn the only one who is not allowed to lie?
Sad.
Sad.
Keep digging, New York Times.
2
What does this latest fiasco demonstrate? Only what we have known all along, namely, that Donald Trump is incompetent and unfit to be President of the United States.
Here is a theory -- and I have no evidence beyond the purely circumstantial evidence which screams so persistently that even the trees can hear it. The theory stems from the 1977 movie "Telefon," the one in which a line from a Robert Frost poem is used to activate hypnotized Soviet agents planted all over the U.S.A.
Yes, I really wonder if Donald Trump could be an unwitting Russian agent, a mole who doesn't even know he is a mole. It would explain a lot of things which otherwise (ahem) leave us gaping in utter bewilderment.
Here is a theory -- and I have no evidence beyond the purely circumstantial evidence which screams so persistently that even the trees can hear it. The theory stems from the 1977 movie "Telefon," the one in which a line from a Robert Frost poem is used to activate hypnotized Soviet agents planted all over the U.S.A.
Yes, I really wonder if Donald Trump could be an unwitting Russian agent, a mole who doesn't even know he is a mole. It would explain a lot of things which otherwise (ahem) leave us gaping in utter bewilderment.
This administration's coziness to the Kremlin cannot be overstated. Let's examine a recent timeline: Oct. 3 2016, Putin exits Nuclear Security Pact because the U.S. is "hostile;" Oct. 19 2016, Russia moves ahead with a missile program violating a long-standing U.S. treaty; Oct-Dec: Russia's meddles in our election, hacks opposition players, etc; and now today's stories of Flynngate and more on this secret cruise missile deployment. Where is the Republican outrage and clamoring for national security (especially in light of this very insecure scene of a Mar-a-Lago dinner table cum Situation Room)? Where are we headed?
1
"President Trump knew for weeks that Michael Flynn wasn’t truthful about his Russian calls, his spokesman said, leading to his firing." Trump just cannot take his foot out his mouth. He is a fool followed by may other fools.
According to the Washington Post, “U.S. officials said that Flynn told [Russian Ambassador] Kislyak that Moscow should not overreact to the sanctions, indicating that the two sides would soon be in position to revisit the matter, presumably in Moscow’s favor.” Of course, Moscow was already aware that the incoming administration would be in a position to revisit the matter and that Trump viewed Russia in a different light than President Obama. So, Putin probably would have delayed retaliatory taking retaliatory measures even if the Flynn/Kislyak conversation had never occurred. At any rate, it is difficult to see how the conversation was detrimental to the United States. The United States expected Russia to retaliate, but the retaliation has been at least postpone, and may never happen. It seems that people who wanted Russia to overreact care disappointed.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/michael-flynn-res...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/michael-flynn-res...
Until, if and when we have an independent investigation, this will be a blip on the Trump White House.
One party wins. The other investigates. As the predators circle the herd, some are torn away and ripped asunder. As apes, we move our hierarchy to the middle of the herd, and we protect them at all costs. One party throws a scapegoat to the wolves. The other party feasts and asks "why this one?" Rinse, repeat. Theatrics-- a dance of spoken and unspoken tributes, outrages, excesses, and sacrifices. The tribes circle each other. The ritual war plays out. Humanity.
Now that we know Trump knew for weeks that Flynn wasn't truthful about his phone calls to Russia, when is Trump going to go? Who's going to fire Trump?
I dont think Flynn would have acted with so much confidence with the Russians if he did not have a tacit understanding with the President or would have convinced the President that an alliance with the Russians would be a game changer and would also be politically good for him. In either case the complicity of the President in the matter would be a serious issue provided the Congress wants to find out more. At the moment Republicans are gloating in white privilege.
2
Clearly complicit with Trump and his dangerous administration, much of which has deep financial ties to Russia. And what kind of "national security advisor" doesn't advise a dimwitted, unqualified and unprepared president to perhaps move a meeting on national security to a secure location instead of having at a restaurant table? The unfitness of this entire government is a travesty.
Trump, with his adolescent mind and disposition, is tweeting concern about leaks from the White House that might undermine his moves on national security when now the "leaks" could come from waiters and busboys.
Trump, with his adolescent mind and disposition, is tweeting concern about leaks from the White House that might undermine his moves on national security when now the "leaks" could come from waiters and busboys.
1
Spicer just told the world that it wasn't a matter of anything but a matter of trust, not that he discussed sanctions, that supposedly was just fine with dRumpft and whoever its white house counsel is, it's he lied to Pence. They don't get to decide that someone can negotiate for the United States when not in a position to do so. The utter gall, like Miller said the president's pronouncements cannot be question. The FOURTH reich?
7
Why is this guy not under arrest?
Flynn seemed to have become a cowboy after on the outs with the Obama administration
Manaport-Yanukovyc-Putin
Flynn-Putin
Trump-Putin?
wonder what parts of the dossier will be true...I'm betting its about cheating on his wife...
Manaport-Yanukovyc-Putin
Flynn-Putin
Trump-Putin?
wonder what parts of the dossier will be true...I'm betting its about cheating on his wife...
The mainstream media is obfuscating the issue here.
There is no Logan Act crime. No one has ever been prosecuted for the Logan Act since it was enacted in 1799 (except apparently some farmer 175 years ago).
The President-elect and his team customarily have extensive communications with foreign leaders prior to the inauguration in which they discuss policy matters. There is no distinction between discussing sanctions vs. other grave foreign policy matters like say arms control treaties.
If there is any intent behind the Logan Act, it is surely was never meant to restrict the President-elect from preparing an effective transition.
It more appropriately would be applicable to former leaders like Jimmy Carter, who recently traveled as a private citizen to meet with leaders of North Korea despite having last won an election in the 1970's. But we let that slide because Carter expressly disclaimed any formal diplomatic authority.
I have even heard liberals use the term "treason", as in it is "treasonous" for the President-elect to discuss policy matters relevant to the new administration. Let the overblown hysterics continue...
There is no Logan Act crime. No one has ever been prosecuted for the Logan Act since it was enacted in 1799 (except apparently some farmer 175 years ago).
The President-elect and his team customarily have extensive communications with foreign leaders prior to the inauguration in which they discuss policy matters. There is no distinction between discussing sanctions vs. other grave foreign policy matters like say arms control treaties.
If there is any intent behind the Logan Act, it is surely was never meant to restrict the President-elect from preparing an effective transition.
It more appropriately would be applicable to former leaders like Jimmy Carter, who recently traveled as a private citizen to meet with leaders of North Korea despite having last won an election in the 1970's. But we let that slide because Carter expressly disclaimed any formal diplomatic authority.
I have even heard liberals use the term "treason", as in it is "treasonous" for the President-elect to discuss policy matters relevant to the new administration. Let the overblown hysterics continue...
Paul Ryan might become president in several weeks. The thought of the relief I'd feel is like an out-of-body experience -- it's so disorienting and unbelievable.
Fellow commenters have pointed out that higher ups in this administration must've known about or possibly even directed Flynn to ease Russia's mind regarding sanctions and this could end up to be the truth; comparisons have even been made to Watergate. It is important to remember that the Republicans in the senate have to be willing to investigate fully and so far, I have not seen a chance of that happening anytime soon. As long as the majority is getting what it wants done, they are willing to stick their collective head in the sand and claim ignorance. It is up to us, as citizens and the press to continue to hold accountable this, or any administration, that willfully disregards the truth. This is not normal.
No wonder Trump says the media is the enemy. He knew the news of his campaign's conspiracies with Russia might come out, and he does not want his supporters to believe it.
Second of Trumps inter circle having to quit for Russian ties. Why is Trump not being arrested for treason?
We have a president who thinks it's appropriate to deal with national security issues over coffee and dessert in a restaurant - I hardly think he will consider this breach serious. The question is, will Congress do anything about it?
1
It's a start. Continue to drain the swamp in this current administration.
1
Once again we are faced with the inevitable question from Sen. Howard Baker, "What did the President know, and when did he know it?" Once Justice notified the White House of the contents of the conversation, their entire instrument panel should have lit up red.
To send V.P. Pence out to say something that they knew wasn't true is Act 2 of Benghazi was caused by an anti-Muslim video. Trump has made a huge error by antagonizing the intelligence community because they will invariably win with leaks like this.
To send V.P. Pence out to say something that they knew wasn't true is Act 2 of Benghazi was caused by an anti-Muslim video. Trump has made a huge error by antagonizing the intelligence community because they will invariably win with leaks like this.
1
The White House needs someone smart and careful to compile a list of who's supposed to be lied to and who is not. Who should do that job? Conway? Spicer? Miller? The president himself?
1
Anyone who really believes this is all blown out of proportion is not looking at the big picture. This man opened himself and our country up to dangerous security breaches then "mislead" the Vice President and how many others? We have the right to know how far this goes up. What did Mr. Trump know and when did he know it? Three weeks in and look where we are.
2
No Country on Earth hates more people than the USA, and is likewise hated and for good and sufficient reasons. A short list includes, China, Russia, Those Mexicans and those muslims. Thus, the US irrational and deranged killing spree we have engaged in for the past 15 years, with no end in sight. What we fail to notice is that our pathological hatreds are reciprocated around this World. But we think we can kill our way out of all the above. This is a very sick place. Include me out.
1
I find it rather rich that Michael Flynn described his own service as "distinguished" in his resignation letter.
Sorry, buddy, but you don't get the final say on how your service is characterized. History will judge you ... poorly.
From your ouster as the head of the DIA to your whacky antics during the campaign to your shady activities with the Russians, your service hasn't been "distinguished" by anything good in quite some time.
Sorry, buddy, but you don't get the final say on how your service is characterized. History will judge you ... poorly.
From your ouster as the head of the DIA to your whacky antics during the campaign to your shady activities with the Russians, your service hasn't been "distinguished" by anything good in quite some time.
2
Sally Yates is an American Patriot.
3
The Democrats should have been more patient and allowed
Flynn to bring down Trump.
There are so many "Loose Cannons" in the Trump administration
it will/would have been only a matter of time.
Why settle for a slice when you can have the whole Cake ?
Flynn to bring down Trump.
There are so many "Loose Cannons" in the Trump administration
it will/would have been only a matter of time.
Why settle for a slice when you can have the whole Cake ?
2
Donald Trump has a history of doing whatever he wants, legal or illegal, as long as he can get away with it, as long as he's not caught. Same operating procedure among his staff and appointments. The fish stinks from the head.
1
“I am tendering my resignation, honored to have served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way,” Mr. Flynn wrote.
This is a bit rich. Unless "distinguished" means "distinguished by poor judgment and insufficient integrity."
This is a bit rich. Unless "distinguished" means "distinguished by poor judgment and insufficient integrity."
1
My statements contained incomplete information. They were incomplete insofar as they excluded the part where I told the truth.
I won’t try this line at my job…but I will keep it in my back pocket just in case.
I won’t try this line at my job…but I will keep it in my back pocket just in case.
So, now tell me. With Flynn's history with the Russians and his access to extremely high classified information, what did Flynn give the Russians? As far as that goes, what classified information has Trump or Bannon given the Russians?
2
Mr. Flynn states he was "honored to serve our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way." I guess that makes sense if we take it to mean that the difference between his service and honorable service is distinguishable.
1
The acting Attorney General notified the Trump administration weeks ago about Flynn's treasonous acts. Then Trump promptly fired the AG. Cover-up? Conspiracy? Looks like it,
Curious to see how much treason Republican leaders in Congress will condone. I suspect they are all Putin's puppets. Should we brush up on our Russian language skills?
Curious to see how much treason Republican leaders in Congress will condone. I suspect they are all Putin's puppets. Should we brush up on our Russian language skills?
3
Trump like Flynn "Compromised"
Donald Trump by his own words says he’s only getting 3 to 4 hours of sleep. To be able to continue functioning any person would need some sort of drug to keep going and then it would be keep going for how long. What kind of drugs would it be…Cocaine? Also, who would be the supplier for these drugs?
Trump Vouched For Cocaine Trafficker
FEBRUARY 16--Presidential contender Donald Trump once wrote to a judge urging leniency for a friend who was convicted of distributing kilos of cocaine that had been smuggled into the country from Colombia, court records show. [Smoking Gun]
Russian crime syndicates and military officers are supplying sophisticated weapons to Colombian rebels in return for huge shipments of cocaine [NBC NEWS]
There are serious concerns that organized crime has become a “fifth column” of the Kremlin’s effort to undermine European security. [NewsWeek]
"Will he become my new best friend?" Trump asked of Putin in a tweet wondering whether Putin would attend the 2013 Miss Universe pageant Trump brought to Moscow. [CNN]
Cocaine: People who use it don’t eat or sleep properly, can feel paranoid, angry, hostile and anxious. Prolonged daily use causes sleep deprivation. A person can become psychotic and begin to experience hallucinations.
Sleep Deprivation: Effects short/long-term memory, short temper and mood swings, impulsive behavior, depression, paranoia.
Trump, SNIFF
Donald Trump by his own words says he’s only getting 3 to 4 hours of sleep. To be able to continue functioning any person would need some sort of drug to keep going and then it would be keep going for how long. What kind of drugs would it be…Cocaine? Also, who would be the supplier for these drugs?
Trump Vouched For Cocaine Trafficker
FEBRUARY 16--Presidential contender Donald Trump once wrote to a judge urging leniency for a friend who was convicted of distributing kilos of cocaine that had been smuggled into the country from Colombia, court records show. [Smoking Gun]
Russian crime syndicates and military officers are supplying sophisticated weapons to Colombian rebels in return for huge shipments of cocaine [NBC NEWS]
There are serious concerns that organized crime has become a “fifth column” of the Kremlin’s effort to undermine European security. [NewsWeek]
"Will he become my new best friend?" Trump asked of Putin in a tweet wondering whether Putin would attend the 2013 Miss Universe pageant Trump brought to Moscow. [CNN]
Cocaine: People who use it don’t eat or sleep properly, can feel paranoid, angry, hostile and anxious. Prolonged daily use causes sleep deprivation. A person can become psychotic and begin to experience hallucinations.
Sleep Deprivation: Effects short/long-term memory, short temper and mood swings, impulsive behavior, depression, paranoia.
Trump, SNIFF
2
Investigate Trump and his Russian connections. Mike Flynn was sacrificed but Trump was almost certainly in the know about what his warmest buddy Putin was up to. Investigate Trump's links to Russian interference in the election as well. Trump is not our president, he is a Russian puppet.
2
Please... someone must offer Mr. Flynn immunity in exchange for his testimony directly implicating Trump/Bannon/Pence in this treasonous act. This gravely serious betrayal of the country must not go unprosecuted.
1
I don't understand. Trump has so finely perfected the art of lying. Then, when an underling tries to imitate the master, he's sent packing.
1
What did they know and when did they know it? There has to be an investigation to get to the bottom of this.
Remember when the National Security apparatus functioned quietly out of the headlines? It may not come to mind right away... because absence of a crisis is harder to recall, but it is also the measure of the task. The Obama years were actually pretty stable, arguably well-governed by dedicated public servants who believed in their mission. The new administration courts crisis- that is how they roll. First, fake political political problems- how many people do you know that have been hassled by illegal immigrants lately? Then real ones- Russian influence. These people are not interested in public service; they are interested in themselves and what they can deliver for their donor class. The rot has gone too far, too fast. Republicans in congress- where is your duty to country?
Remember when the National Security apparatus functioned quietly out of the headlines? It may not come to mind right away... because absence of a crisis is harder to recall, but it is also the measure of the task. The Obama years were actually pretty stable, arguably well-governed by dedicated public servants who believed in their mission. The new administration courts crisis- that is how they roll. First, fake political political problems- how many people do you know that have been hassled by illegal immigrants lately? Then real ones- Russian influence. These people are not interested in public service; they are interested in themselves and what they can deliver for their donor class. The rot has gone too far, too fast. Republicans in congress- where is your duty to country?
2
Please pick Romney! Don't the majority of us who voted for Hillary deserve one grown-up in your administration?
1
I must confess that I am a bit surprised that a Trump administration official has resigned for lying. I guess it depends on whether you lie to Mike Pence, or someone unimportant like the American people. Even more bizarre is General Flynn's comment about having "served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way." Resigning because you committed an inappropriate and illegal act and then lied about it hardly qualifies as distinguished service Mr. Flynn!
Like the rest of the Trump administration, Flynn is having difficulty explaining himself. It's really quite simple...the apology should be phrased as..."I'm sorry I lied to the President and Vice President, the rest of the Administration and my colleagues, and the American people. Good Bye."
Sure, every administration has its obfuscation and euphemising, but this administration takes the cake. From alternative facts to just not being able to spit out the truth when it's obvious what the truth is, the Trump administration is pathological.
Sure, every administration has its obfuscation and euphemising, but this administration takes the cake. From alternative facts to just not being able to spit out the truth when it's obvious what the truth is, the Trump administration is pathological.
1
Let's hope that Flyn serves as an example to rest of the Trump team; let's hope that they exercise discretion and good judgment before they do as told. Thank you.
1
Remember: President Trump did NOT fire Flynn. President Trump fires Acting AG Sally Yates, who warned him about Flynn. This is huge and needs to be investigated.
1
I wouldn't be surprised if Trump directed Flynn to call. We probably have a traitor in our midst.
1
So Flynn lied to Lyin' Donald's envoy, Mr. Pence. Isn't lying the #1 qualification to get into Lyin' Donald's inner sanctum? "If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough it will be believed," said Adolph Hitler, a mantra followed by Lyin' Donald. Oh wait, I get it: Flynn got caught and Kellyanne couldn't wiggle him out via alternative facts.
2
Interesting that all accounts of the resignation seem to focus on Flynn's claim that he "inadvertently briefed the vice president-elect and others with incomplete information" and that he mis-led people about his discussions with the Russian Ambassador.
The issue is not having lied to Pence, though that would likely lead to a lack of confidence in his ability to advise the President. The issue here is what discussions he had and whether he was instructed to do so and if he reported those discussions fully to anyone, while perhaps keeping Pence partially in the dark. Whether he lied to liars is one thing. Its whether those other liars told him to do what he did. It all comes down to whether these people acted on behalf of our country before they had any authority to do so in contravention of the established policies of those who did. That is treason under most definitions.
The issue is not having lied to Pence, though that would likely lead to a lack of confidence in his ability to advise the President. The issue here is what discussions he had and whether he was instructed to do so and if he reported those discussions fully to anyone, while perhaps keeping Pence partially in the dark. Whether he lied to liars is one thing. Its whether those other liars told him to do what he did. It all comes down to whether these people acted on behalf of our country before they had any authority to do so in contravention of the established policies of those who did. That is treason under most definitions.
1
I find it odd that Trump would be bothered by anyone lying. Regardless, Flynn is likely being made a scapegoat or the powers at be came to their collective senses about Flynn being in over his head. Over time, as we learn more about Trump's mancrush on Putin, I suspect more inappropriate contact will come to light.
1
Resigned? Over a "chat" between officials in friendly governments? Between Allies? Between Partners?
By the unfair outrage on the far, far left, the pre-"Make America Great" establishment types you'd think he discussed our national security with rivals like Australia. Or Canada. Or Europe! Time for Rep. Chavez to open another investigation. I smell Hillary Clinton all over this.
By the unfair outrage on the far, far left, the pre-"Make America Great" establishment types you'd think he discussed our national security with rivals like Australia. Or Canada. Or Europe! Time for Rep. Chavez to open another investigation. I smell Hillary Clinton all over this.
The apology for an incomplete accounting of the call is not the issue. Its the discussion of sanctions while a private citizen which is the crime. It's not a faux pas, it's a criminal act. You sell loosies on the street and you go to jail, or worse. You discuss sanction relief with the Russian ambassador and you.....
1
"after intelligence agencies determined that President Vladimir V. Putin’s government tried to interfere with the 2016 election on Mr. Trump’s behalf. "
Please avoid the weak language, NY Times. Putin didn't "try" to interfere in the election. He did.
Please avoid the weak language, NY Times. Putin didn't "try" to interfere in the election. He did.
I truly hope that this may be the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency. It is up to the press to investigate and inform the public of the rampant dishonesty, complete disregard of protocol, and what seems to the utter incompetence of this administration. I have no faith in either party to do right by the people.
First the travel ban reversal. Now this. That's two major political bankruptcies within about a week. Trump is indeed doing what he said he'd do -- running the country the way he ran his businesses.
2
This was a case of omissions, not lies.
Lying is what Trump does, as in trumped up facts. Omissions are what subordinates do when forgetful or demurring.
Lying is what Trump does, as in trumped up facts. Omissions are what subordinates do when forgetful or demurring.
Most of the bloggers fail to remember the crushing criticism by Gates and Panetta of the Obama administration. That criticism came after 5 or 6 years that Obama was in office. Trump has been there one month. The democrats are purposely holding up his cabinet appointments. Moreover, there were books written regarding the pitiful start of Bill Clinton's tenure. Give it a rest.
They knew about Michael Flynn's conversations with the Russian ambassador more than a month ago. Mike Pence told us they didn't discuss the sanctions. Why should we believe that?
Donald hired three or four guys with deep social, business and financial ties to the former Soviet Union, including Flynn, Rex Tillerson and Paul Manafort.
When Donald was asked about Flynn over the weekend, he denied knowing anything about it.
Flynn got the boot only in response to the media leak, not to the lawless acts of the campaign.
Donald hired three or four guys with deep social, business and financial ties to the former Soviet Union, including Flynn, Rex Tillerson and Paul Manafort.
When Donald was asked about Flynn over the weekend, he denied knowing anything about it.
Flynn got the boot only in response to the media leak, not to the lawless acts of the campaign.
1
Is it not a crime to lie to federal investigators? Are not people put in jail for such crimes?
The most truthful part of Flynn’s resignation letter appears to be in the last paragraph, where he states: “this team will go down”
In a government led by a Liar-in-Chief, we should not be surprised at the Flynn fiasco, but expect many more. When lying is the standard modus operandi, what can we believe? All is doublespeak. We have an UnAmerican government, undercutting the fundamental institutions of our constitutional foundation, lying, deception, racism, and run like keystone cops. The evidence abounds and is rejected only by those who wish to participate or are in psychological denial.
1
Stay with this, NYT. Keep digging. This is why we need a free press. Maybe enough evidence will come to light for the two-for-one impeachment that will get rid of both #1 and #2. Then we have to deal with Ryan, of course, but by then the midterm election campaigns will be underway and the House R's will be appropriately worried about their re-election chances. Don't let up! Democrats - stay awake!
1
How can Flynn resign using the "White House" letterhead?
He should use his own personal letterhead.
Guess he is the first of many.
Is he able to keep his seat in the swamp?
He should use his own personal letterhead.
Guess he is the first of many.
Is he able to keep his seat in the swamp?
Mark from Virginia is dead-on. All of these guys and the president have been in on this from the beginning. I want a special prosecutor and full disclosure of how far Mr. Bannon, aka the new Rove, went with this election interference and cozying up to the Russians for whatever reason. I'm a veteran military officer and a professional psychologist. This stinks to high heaven.
1
He was not mistaken he knowingly lied or worse was doing Trump/Pence's bidding a crime that should lead to removal from office.
There is a concern beyond the WH, which is clearly compromised. "How much did Congressional Leadership know about this?" We can assume that Ryan, McConnell, Nunes, Chaffetz, and Burr may have known this - that every NSC/Presidential briefing was compromised? That our intel has been shared? The question is does this situation, with Nunes, Chaffetz and others refusing to appoint a special prosecutor, texting even today about assisted death in DC, compromise 2 branches of government? If Harry Reid knew some of this, then other Congressional Reps knew. If 2 branches of government are compromised, who takes over? Bannon and Miller need to go, but this is probably just the tip of the iceberg of needed firings and resignations.
1
So "False Facts" Flynn bites the dust. A bit of poetic justice. "Lock him up!"
Are we also investigating his other meetings prior to inauguration day?
"The Israeli security officials also met with Flynn and other unnamed aides in December and in January for briefings and discussions as part of an effort of the Trump administration and Israel’s government to formulate common policies on a number of issues they expect to work on closely in the coming years."
"The Israeli security officials also met with Flynn and other unnamed aides in December and in January for briefings and discussions as part of an effort of the Trump administration and Israel’s government to formulate common policies on a number of issues they expect to work on closely in the coming years."
Waiting for the president's statement, "One of the finest public servants I have ever known," 3, 2, 1. . . . .
Did the administration know of Flynn's Russian dealing before Trump became president? It would appear so, in which case his activities become the responsibility of those who appointed him regardless of his actions.
So, is Iran no longer "on notice"?
Can we put some fire on these new developments please?
Russian hacking was already established by the time Flynn had these discussions, thus his willing interaction with an enemy, in my opinion.
Trump has yet to paint Russia as the enemy that it is yet instead has voiced the desire for a new relationship, if not praising Putin frequently.
Can the public know what he knew or Pence knew too please?
No distractions, no Tweets. I need to know that the government really works especially regarding national security. If the Republicans do not see their duty, we shall see ours daily and until 2018.
Russian hacking was already established by the time Flynn had these discussions, thus his willing interaction with an enemy, in my opinion.
Trump has yet to paint Russia as the enemy that it is yet instead has voiced the desire for a new relationship, if not praising Putin frequently.
Can the public know what he knew or Pence knew too please?
No distractions, no Tweets. I need to know that the government really works especially regarding national security. If the Republicans do not see their duty, we shall see ours daily and until 2018.
Trump, Conway, Winters, Priebus, Bannon and Sessions have to resign and Pence has to pick up the pieces.
Given the Faustian bargain that Pence made months ago in running for V.P. with Trump and compromising his values, astonishingly, along the way in too many instances to count, it is not far-fetched to believe that he knew all along, with Trump and others, about Flynn's secret Russian contacts to negate the Obama sanctions. The White House wanted to bury this episode and Pence, with his strong public denial that the sanctions were a topic of discussion between Flynn and the Russian ambassador, added considerable weight as the "true" Republican conservative to this false narrative. Spicer's repeated emphasis on "loss of trust" as a reason for Flynn's departure may turn out to be pure dramatic device, as someone had to exit the stage once the public knew about said contacts. Given the weeks that passed from the time of the initial Yates' visit, Trump and others had ample time to write their work of fiction and assign the roles which the participants would play. After experiencing the high-level machinations and deceit ofWatergate that were eventually revealed, anything is quite possible on this political level. The truth, I'm confident, shall emerge.
...and Jason Caffetz, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, refuses to investigate? If this is not the time to #Doyourjob, then when is? Only when there is a Democrat in the White House?
What did the president know, and when did he know it?
Father and son are equal losers.
Has he apologized for actually sharing information with the Russians, which appears to violate federal law?
Great reporting - thank you! So glad I decided to subscribe to this great paper a couple of weeks ago (don't need to print this - just wanted you to know)!!
It's hard to believe that Flynn acted without the consent of the president. Yet, that is the "cover-up" that the administration wants us to believe. It's as if they don't realize that the cover-up is always worse than the crime.
Interesting how Democrats care about this but not about Hillary Clinton and then-president Obama lying to the American people repeatedly on multiple deceptive fronts. Hypocrisy is the standard of the Left these days -- as has been the case since the 1860's when Democrats started a national civil war to keep their slaves.
Real conservatives didn't want Flynn and are glad to see him go -- so this is a blessing. And very few if any of us care in the least little way what Democrats think about any of it. As Obama said, "elections have consequences."
Real conservatives didn't want Flynn and are glad to see him go -- so this is a blessing. And very few if any of us care in the least little way what Democrats think about any of it. As Obama said, "elections have consequences."
This article indicates that the Trump administration has known since Jan that incorrect/incomplete information had been provided by Flynn to Pence. Why did it take weeks and additional news coverage for them to 'do the right thing'?
As for Flynn, it is good he is out. The early indications are that both he and his son suffer from poor ethical standards. I remember the exposure of fake news activity from Flynn's son was handled without concern for corrupt morals. The discovery of Flynn supporting fake news unleashed inconsistent responses about whether the son was being paid by the Trump team and whether he was being given escalated security clearance.
Unfit from the start, good riddance and hope 2.0 is better.
As for Flynn, it is good he is out. The early indications are that both he and his son suffer from poor ethical standards. I remember the exposure of fake news activity from Flynn's son was handled without concern for corrupt morals. The discovery of Flynn supporting fake news unleashed inconsistent responses about whether the son was being paid by the Trump team and whether he was being given escalated security clearance.
Unfit from the start, good riddance and hope 2.0 is better.
1
That isn't a resignation letter. It reads more like a hostage statement.
1
The buck stops here, in the Oval Office.
This is fake news !
According to Russia Today (the news division of the Trump administration), Flynn RETIRED.
According to Russia Today (the news division of the Trump administration), Flynn RETIRED.
1
Trump is the worst kind of boss: a micro-manager. No one may do or say anything without checking to the smallest detail with the boss. Moreover, Trump is the second worst kind of boss: an erratic, disorganized mess. (His 3 AM tweets that his staff have to deal with in the morning is just one example of Trump's incompetence.) However, there is hope for our democracy in this awful situation: Putin's terrible judgment in selecting Trump as his puppet. Trump cannot be trusted--thank God--to keep his trap shut while the Russians slowly maneuver him in position for a takeover of the US. Trump is just too noisy, immature, and undisciplined to be a good "useful idiot." That will be our salvation as a nation.
1
My first question unaddressed by the journalists or any VIPs commenting: If the conversation was wiretapped as per protocol why did this take more than a month and a half to see the light of day? What took the DOJ so long?
" “We need to know who else within the White House is a current and ongoing risk to our national security,” they said in a statement. "
To Reps Conyers Jr. and Cummings: Start with Trump, then work your way down. Bannon, Conway, Pence. Devos, Pruitt, Price, Mnuchin. Trump's sons, all of them except Bannon. Don't worry he's young but being groomed to evolve into a national security risk. Melania for sure, peeved that she can't use her role as First Lady to do anything other than run up the Secret Service bill and use her position to enrich herself.
That's just the White House. Then you've got McConnell, Ryan, Cruz, McCain- might as well add any Republican who voted yes to confirm many of the most unqualified cabinet nominees in history. Harsh and partisan? I'd say anyone who votes for party over country qualifies as a national security risk.
If it were up to me I'd stash the whole gang in Guantanamo.
" “We need to know who else within the White House is a current and ongoing risk to our national security,” they said in a statement. "
To Reps Conyers Jr. and Cummings: Start with Trump, then work your way down. Bannon, Conway, Pence. Devos, Pruitt, Price, Mnuchin. Trump's sons, all of them except Bannon. Don't worry he's young but being groomed to evolve into a national security risk. Melania for sure, peeved that she can't use her role as First Lady to do anything other than run up the Secret Service bill and use her position to enrich herself.
That's just the White House. Then you've got McConnell, Ryan, Cruz, McCain- might as well add any Republican who voted yes to confirm many of the most unqualified cabinet nominees in history. Harsh and partisan? I'd say anyone who votes for party over country qualifies as a national security risk.
If it were up to me I'd stash the whole gang in Guantanamo.
3
Traitor Trump's extreme vetting isn't working out so well. Do the Republicans have no shame? Do they have any honor? Where is their patriotism?
Or do they only care about power?
Or do they only care about power?
4
Dear Don:
It will be tough to duck this one. Let me know if I can help.
Your friend,
Dick Nixon
It will be tough to duck this one. Let me know if I can help.
Your friend,
Dick Nixon
1
"Incomplete" account. No. He willfully lied. LIEDLIEDLIED. If only he and his enablers would be charged with a crime.
Where are the Republicans? They seem awfully quiet.
Where are the Republicans? They seem awfully quiet.
1
First, "alternate facts." Now, "incomplete information." When are they going to get around to "baldfaced lies?"
3
Next in line.....KellyAnn as she tires of lying and absorbing all the flack for everyone's lies. And then Bannon, who will go down fighting tooth 'n nail and but not before doing even more damage. And his ousting will likely just precede the final nail in the coffin: The impeachment of their fearful and incompetent leader.
Then, and only then, can we start to Make America Safe Again.
Then, and only then, can we start to Make America Safe Again.
Pence lied too. He must resign.
It is a lot easier to speak the truth then covering it up. Even when it comes to national security.
Last summer I wrote about how Flynn's ties with Putin and Russia demanded a serious inquiry https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trump-putin-russia-dnc-hack-wikileaks-the... At the same time, there are other, even more serious questions about other ties between Trump's and Putin's people that I raised just before the election, including some exclusive information that the major media missed: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exclusive-top-trump-aides-deeper-linked-r... Additionally, all this should bring renewed focus on the Russo-American Cyberwar of 2016, which peolpe still don't seem to realize how unprecedented and serious a problem it is.
2
At what point are the Republicans going to demand a thorough investigation of Trump and his WH and campaign staff and their Russia connections? AND demand to see his tax returns?! When we blow up or when Bannon has taken over as President completely?
2
Hey, folks. Remember the advice after 9/11??? Let's go shopping. For pitchforks.
1
One down and 4 or 5 to go before "checkmate!"
2
The past 3 weeks reveals an incompetent administration, from the initial vetting process of cabinet appointees through implementation of poorly thought out and non-vetting of executive orders. In the meantime, the Republican held congress stands there looking dazed and confused, and fails to act in the best interest of the country. All these incompetent boobs will be voted out of office come mid-term. Hope that Trump doesn't make it to then - Impeach Now!
1
"Liar, liar, pants on fire
Hanging on a White House wire"
I realize this is a children's rhyme, but with bratty kids running the White House, perhaps it is apropos.
1
One down; twelve to go.
With every new report about the Trump team, it appears more and more certain that the entire administration consists of nothing but congenital liars.
1
NYT, can you please report on the fact that the House has declined to request Trump's tax returns, despite many calls, including from others in Congress, to do so? The ongoing and many questions about Trump's (and his administration's) ties to Russia makes getting more financial disclosure on Trump even more important.
2
To the NYT and the rest of the media, please, stop using that awful weasel word "misled". Michael Flynn lied, period. I would also suggest that Mr. Flynn look up the word "distinguished" in the dictionary, and he might like to contemplate the reasons that he was fired from his previous job as well.
Now, what about the president and the other members of the chaotic cabal? How much did they know, when did they know about the calls and if so, when did Trump approve Flynn's calling the ambassador? These are but a few of the questions reasonable minds are asking and to which they deserve a response.
Now, what about the president and the other members of the chaotic cabal? How much did they know, when did they know about the calls and if so, when did Trump approve Flynn's calling the ambassador? These are but a few of the questions reasonable minds are asking and to which they deserve a response.
1
We have got to 1) see Trump's tax returns; 2) find out just what it is that Russia has on Trump. Until we do both, this dysfunctional stuff is going to continue.
This is not about being friends with Russia. Who is naive enough to believe Putin wants to be friends with the US? No, this is about Trump capitulating to Russia to keep whatever they've got on him from coming out. Can one imagine the Republican reaction were that Hillary Clinton, or Obama, or any Democrat? They'd be calling for a firing squad.
This is not about being friends with Russia. Who is naive enough to believe Putin wants to be friends with the US? No, this is about Trump capitulating to Russia to keep whatever they've got on him from coming out. Can one imagine the Republican reaction were that Hillary Clinton, or Obama, or any Democrat? They'd be calling for a firing squad.
1
Let us not forget that Hillary Clinton was subjected to chants of 'Lock Her Up!' for having the private server....which, in my book,
pales in comparison to the allegations against Flynn. Hypocrisy on so many levels is increasingly being exposed. #Resist
pales in comparison to the allegations against Flynn. Hypocrisy on so many levels is increasingly being exposed. #Resist
This guy was so morally bankrupt, he re-tweeted a fake news article that suggested Hillary Clinton was involved in a child sex trafficking ring. A few months after that re-tweet, Trump hired him as his National Security Adviser.
2
The dossier must be true. What else could explain all of this cronyism and sudden buddying up of Trump to Russia which only recently emerged in the last 2yrs (thanks John Oliver for that tidbit)?? Now show us the PP Tape!
#Flynngate #Scapegoat Who's next to the guillotine? If this is not the ultimate American Reality (Horror) show then idk what is.
#Flynngate #Scapegoat Who's next to the guillotine? If this is not the ultimate American Reality (Horror) show then idk what is.
1
In this urinating contest between the Democrats and Republicans, the enemies of the Republic are having a big laugh.
Imagine, this tragi-comedy will go on for the next 4-8 years.
Imagine, this tragi-comedy will go on for the next 4-8 years.
1
Flynn had to go because he lied to vice President, but the lying chief, heading the present Govt lied repeatedly to the millions of US citizens. Hope he is held to the same accountability.
2
Why is no one focusing on the fact that it was Flynn who was meeting with the Russians a long time ago, during the primaries, and who first said, "Oh Hillary's use of a private email server is a worse crime than General Patraeus's, she should go to prison." And this non-fact based idea was reinforced by the parties running against her even though she had not been charged with a crime. And then a slew of hacking by the Russians occurred trying to find more on her, since apparently her server was secure. It appears to me that Putin was so incensed at HRC for pointing out his election irregularities he hatched a master plot involving Flynn and possibly Trump, and this phone call between Flynn and the Russians is just the tip of the iceberg. Flynn was useful in getting Trump elected; now he is just baggage. I am an independent, no party affiliation.
1
If the politician is a reflection of his constituents, I think we can now see why Trump supporters are living in such a "disastrous" America: because their low-information, low critical-thinking, highly narcissistic approach to life breeds chaos.
Duty, Honor, Coutry. That's General Flint.
He did his DUTY to Russia - sat next to Putin, ran a private diplomatic mission with the Russian Ambassador.
He has the HONOR to resign after being caught lying instead of yelling FAKE NEWS: if lying is a resignable offense I wonder how many will be able to stay in the Trump administration, starting with Trump himself.
He did leave his COUNTRY, our COUNTRY, last, well behind his personal agenda and ambition.
I wonder, however, if he will do his West Point education proud?
He did his DUTY to Russia - sat next to Putin, ran a private diplomatic mission with the Russian Ambassador.
He has the HONOR to resign after being caught lying instead of yelling FAKE NEWS: if lying is a resignable offense I wonder how many will be able to stay in the Trump administration, starting with Trump himself.
He did leave his COUNTRY, our COUNTRY, last, well behind his personal agenda and ambition.
I wonder, however, if he will do his West Point education proud?
Flynn is not the only loser here. Pence's credibility is completely destroyed since he pretended to have faith in Flynn's innocence long after the Justice Department alerted the White House to wiretapped proof of Flynn's transgression. One down. More to go. All lies lead to Trump.
1
So Flynn is huddling with Russian agents to undermine America's effort to protect its democracy, lies about it, and then gets appointed head of National Security. Where was James Comey? Still pouring through Hillary's emails? Good job, Comrade Comey.
1
Note the correction text at the bottom of the article. These journalists quoted multiple tweets from a FAKE Twitter account claiming to be Michael Flynn's. Eight journalists worked on this article; four in the byline, and four more listed as "contributing" at the bottom. They all fell for it.
I like how they called it "an editing error". It's incredibly sloppy journalism. Either that, or...
...fake news.
I like how they called it "an editing error". It's incredibly sloppy journalism. Either that, or...
...fake news.
Each day it seems more and more like 1973. Back then we watch the Nixon Administration fall apart a son after another administration official, from VP, on down, was being discredited in one form or another. In a way this is deja vu. By the summer, of 1973 it was hard to avoid the daily Congressional hearings, which dragged on and on. By August, of 1974 Nixon made his final wave and he was gone.
The way things are going, for the Trump Administration, he may be on a faster track than Nixon. We already have very poor vetting, with Mr. Flynn being only the top of the heap. It is only a short matter of time that the faux pas will by coming from president Trump himself. Chances are very good that teh Democrats are already in the process of repeating 1973-74. And, a number of moderate Republicans, may slowly be joining them.
We have to hope that Vice President Pence tries to stay out of this fray, and can move more to the center, if he ends up replacing President Trump, which seems increasing in likelihood, he is going to have to figure out how to united a very divided, angry and frightened country. As well as, assure our allies, who are equally divided, angry and frightened.
The way things are going, for the Trump Administration, he may be on a faster track than Nixon. We already have very poor vetting, with Mr. Flynn being only the top of the heap. It is only a short matter of time that the faux pas will by coming from president Trump himself. Chances are very good that teh Democrats are already in the process of repeating 1973-74. And, a number of moderate Republicans, may slowly be joining them.
We have to hope that Vice President Pence tries to stay out of this fray, and can move more to the center, if he ends up replacing President Trump, which seems increasing in likelihood, he is going to have to figure out how to united a very divided, angry and frightened country. As well as, assure our allies, who are equally divided, angry and frightened.
2
Comrade Flynn:
We are warming up your dacha. Looking forward to hearing the latest from Uncle Don.
See you soon,
Vlad
We are warming up your dacha. Looking forward to hearing the latest from Uncle Don.
See you soon,
Vlad
18
Since Flynn would have no reason to discuss sanctions with anyone without Trump's instructions to do so we can expect his resignation as well.
28
The real issue here is that wiretapping is "routine". What kind of police state have we become when we accept this disgusting situation? The NYT would have you believe that a good relationship with a powerful nation with whom we have mutual interests (Russia) is heresy. If Pence thinks he's an under-performing employee, fine, but pretending that Russia could blackmail Flynn over this is absurd. They would have no way of knowing whether he privately informed his superiors or not. This is just the Dems looking for a way to embarrass Trump at all costs, and it looks pretty lame.
2
Cute. No one has to embarrass Trump, he does that all by himself multiple times a day.
It's interesting how Republicans are all for personal responsibility when it comes to other people, but totally devoid of ethics when it comes to themselves or their own.
And you don't think the Russians aren't listening in on our conversations? Do you not remember the Soviets planting listening devices in the new US under construction? To the level the buildings had to be abandoned? Remind me, what was Putin's prior job?
Another apologist for Trump and his BFF Putin. Russia is not, I repeat, NOT OUR FRIEND. What did Reagan say? Trust but verify....
To quote Howard Baker, "what did the President know and when did he know it". If Gingrich and his buddies could spend years and $$$$ investigating a failed land deal that took place years before Clinton was elected in 1992, surely Congress can investigate something that took place 45 days ago....
Another apologist for Trump and his BFF Putin. Russia is not, I repeat, NOT OUR FRIEND. What did Reagan say? Trust but verify....
To quote Howard Baker, "what did the President know and when did he know it". If Gingrich and his buddies could spend years and $$$$ investigating a failed land deal that took place years before Clinton was elected in 1992, surely Congress can investigate something that took place 45 days ago....
1
Flynn' resignation letter does not contain one iota of an admission of guilt or wrong doing.
9
Please re-scramble the codes!
12
The Intelligence community warned Trump that Flynn could be blackmailed b/c of his phone call with the Russians, yet Trump kept Flynn as our National Security Advisor. At worse, Trump put our country's security at risks by keeping Flynn in that role. At Best, Trump knew Flynn wasn't putting the country at risk b/c the administration was completely aware of Flynn's conversation with the Russians and completely fine with it. Either scenario is damaging for the Trump administration.
15
What keeps Steve Bannon afloat above all vetting?
Tip of the iceberg.
Not a change in hail that Flynn acted alone. The morning after this call, Putin started barraging Ukraine with rocket fire, and the so called president tweeted about his admiration for the KGB tyrant Putin.
Independent counsel is the only responsible course of action. From all available evidence, this encompasses the alleged head of state, pence, bannon, manafort, and the rest of the inner circle.
Congratulations to the Republican party. Endangering and destabilizing the nation, AND precipitating a Constitutional crisis in just 23 days. Has to be a world record.
Not a change in hail that Flynn acted alone. The morning after this call, Putin started barraging Ukraine with rocket fire, and the so called president tweeted about his admiration for the KGB tyrant Putin.
Independent counsel is the only responsible course of action. From all available evidence, this encompasses the alleged head of state, pence, bannon, manafort, and the rest of the inner circle.
Congratulations to the Republican party. Endangering and destabilizing the nation, AND precipitating a Constitutional crisis in just 23 days. Has to be a world record.
21
We are rid of at least one incompetent. To quote Chairman Mao "A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step".
Who is next?
Who is next?
18
Let's hope it is Trump as the band of incompetents will follow their leader right out the White House!
Hopefully, crybaby Trump and his basket of deplorables. The GOP needs to learn when to say when.
That quote is attributed to the philosopher Laozi, who predated Chairman Mao by 2,000+ years.
Reading a lot of Kafka prepared me for this administrative fiasco
15
I expected more from a former Retired General and former head of the DNI where National Security is concerned. Pity!
5
Everyone knew Flynn was a disorganized hothead, poor at leadership. Trump was shallow in his understanding of the demands of governance and used dumb criteria--like how people look and if they were tough talking.
He now sends a dead-eyed juvenile 31 'senior advisor' onto news shows to pronounce rageful scorn on the judiciary & the balance of powers (not checks & balances !).
He assigns his utterly inexperienced son-in-law to negotiate a Middle East peace- and appointed many amateurs to run agencies. He imagines he is auditioning wannabes.
He really has only the skills of The Apprentice; sadly he believes this is enough.
Even Conway sounds depressed now...facing the awful reality that Trump is inept, careless, and lost.
He now sends a dead-eyed juvenile 31 'senior advisor' onto news shows to pronounce rageful scorn on the judiciary & the balance of powers (not checks & balances !).
He assigns his utterly inexperienced son-in-law to negotiate a Middle East peace- and appointed many amateurs to run agencies. He imagines he is auditioning wannabes.
He really has only the skills of The Apprentice; sadly he believes this is enough.
Even Conway sounds depressed now...facing the awful reality that Trump is inept, careless, and lost.
27
His Boss lies and so we shouldn't be surprised when his staff like Flynn lies. I still say Trump knew what Flynn was up to. Wouldn't surprise me if Pence knew nothing about this. That's how Trump works.
There is a massive cover up going on with Trump and Russia. No smoke without fire.
There is a massive cover up going on with Trump and Russia. No smoke without fire.
16
Pence knew all right. Trump isn't smart enough to engineer this on his own.
Agreed. House of cards falling. There is more to be revealed.
It's called treason. And it goes straight to the top, including the Republican leadership who colluded in the election of a psychopath solely for political gain. And it should be investigated and treated as sedition and treason with appropriate penalties for Ryan, McConnell, Comey and the rest of these GOP thieves and liars. And in 2018 the Republican Criminal Organization - whatever is left that isn't behind bars - should be consigned to the ash can of political history or better yet, jail with their treasonous breathern.
The fish stinks from the head down. NO REPUBLICANS IN 2018! NONE! NOT ONE!
The fish stinks from the head down. NO REPUBLICANS IN 2018! NONE! NOT ONE!
29
That is funny. Thanks for my dose of humor for the day. You Liberals are so wound up about losing that which you all claimed was in the big and the resulting changes that WE THE PEOPLE want to have. So refreshing to see so many knickers in collective knots....you Dems are ensuring GOP control for the next decade or so....thanks again!
Maybe it's just me, but the following from this article makes me scratch my head:
"Officials said Mr. Pence had told others in the White House that he believed Mr. Flynn lied to him by saying he had not discussed the topic of sanctions on a call with the Russian ambassador in late December."
Mike Pence is a Christian who believes in things like Moses getting the Ten Commandments from a burning bush. I doubt he could tell truths from lies under any circumstances. What this quote indicates is that unnamed sources are being used by this administration just like they were used by previous administrations. Apparently the "outsider" Trump has learned the game rather quickly...or he's lying about being an outsider. Among other things.
"Officials said Mr. Pence had told others in the White House that he believed Mr. Flynn lied to him by saying he had not discussed the topic of sanctions on a call with the Russian ambassador in late December."
Mike Pence is a Christian who believes in things like Moses getting the Ten Commandments from a burning bush. I doubt he could tell truths from lies under any circumstances. What this quote indicates is that unnamed sources are being used by this administration just like they were used by previous administrations. Apparently the "outsider" Trump has learned the game rather quickly...or he's lying about being an outsider. Among other things.
7
"He had given 'incomplete information'". "I inadvertently briefed the vice-president elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls". Mr Flynn, President Trump likes things short and simple. Try this, "I LIED"
12
Had General Flynn exercised more discretion and better judgement he may still be employed at the WH. Oh, well.
1
Now its time for Senator McCain to begin investigative hearings into the entirety of Flynn's communications with Russian government officials and Flynn's corresponding reports to and instructions from Candidate Trump, President Elect Trump, and President Trump about these same communications.
Without no holds barred Congressional investigations that fully disclose everything to the public, including Russian sources of finance for Trump's business interests, there can no longer be any basis of trust on the part of the American people that Trump works for them and not for Putin and a foreign government.
Based on comparison to the last two years of Republican Congressional hysteria about Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server, these same Congressional Republicans should be positively foaming at the mouth in apoplectic fits of rage every day until the 2020 presidential election as to exactly whom Trump really works for.
Without no holds barred Congressional investigations that fully disclose everything to the public, including Russian sources of finance for Trump's business interests, there can no longer be any basis of trust on the part of the American people that Trump works for them and not for Putin and a foreign government.
Based on comparison to the last two years of Republican Congressional hysteria about Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server, these same Congressional Republicans should be positively foaming at the mouth in apoplectic fits of rage every day until the 2020 presidential election as to exactly whom Trump really works for.
11
Paul Ryan just stated that Trump asked for Flynn's resignation.
"I think the President made the right decision to ask for his resignation,” he said. “You cannot have a national security adviser misleading the Vice President and others.”
“So I think the President was right to ask for his resignation, and I believe it was the right thing to do,” he said again."
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/ryan-says-trump-asked-flynn-to-resign
This after Kellyanne Conway stated that Flynn resigned voluntarily.
They just can't keep their lies straight.
"I think the President made the right decision to ask for his resignation,” he said. “You cannot have a national security adviser misleading the Vice President and others.”
“So I think the President was right to ask for his resignation, and I believe it was the right thing to do,” he said again."
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/ryan-says-trump-asked-flynn-to-resign
This after Kellyanne Conway stated that Flynn resigned voluntarily.
They just can't keep their lies straight.
17
How long must the country and the world go on reeling and floundering in a rickety roller coaster, while an incompetent and traitorous administration barrels down a track to certain self-destruction?
Thank God for our Free Press and an Independent Judiciary!
But every day that we have to endure this nightmare is one day too long.
Thank God for our Free Press and an Independent Judiciary!
But every day that we have to endure this nightmare is one day too long.
9
Flynn has compromising information that leads directly to the President.
Flynn's life is in danger because of this.
Flynn's life is in danger because of this.
5
Somehow, I'm not worried.
The letter itself is self-serving and dodges the issue. Note that Flynn uses the term "incomplete information" instead of "lied," and he goes on about his honorable service. People are not fired for providing "incomplete information." This is in the same class of double-speak as "alternative facts."
11
“In just three weeks,” Mr. Flynn said, the new president “has reoriented American foreign policy in fundamental ways to restore America’s leadership position in the world.” It appears that Mr. Flynn may be suffering from something more than giving the vice-president "incomplete information." He seems to be delusional as well.
8
The most important question is: Was Trump COMPLICIT in the Russian Hacking of the DNC? The scariest question is: Why is Chaffetz targeting the head of the Office of Government Ethics for questioning the Trump administration’s conflicts of interest?
9
It's hard to believe this administration's unseemly dealing with Russia is limited to Flynn.
12
Something's rotten in the White House. Flynn maybe the fall guy for Trump. This needs to be further investigated. This could be a cover up for Trump's dealings with the Russian mafia and Putin. Show us your taxes, Mr.President. At the end of the day, it is one fiasco after another by this group of arrogant amateurs. A train wreck is imminent.
13
Well, you'll be pleased to know...
"I am disgusted by the Trump-Russian connection..."
When some skeptics asked for evidence of that, various intelligence officials said "Well, we have no evidence, but we feel it in our bones." Although Clinton supporters had previously rejected any evidence-free assertion made by an "intelligence official" (a term that many labeled as an oxymoron), this particular evidence-free assertion has been good enough.
Call me skeptical if you want, but I'd still like to see some actual evidence. I'm not as into "feel it in my bones" assertions as some others appear to be.
"I am disgusted by the Trump-Russian connection..."
When some skeptics asked for evidence of that, various intelligence officials said "Well, we have no evidence, but we feel it in our bones." Although Clinton supporters had previously rejected any evidence-free assertion made by an "intelligence official" (a term that many labeled as an oxymoron), this particular evidence-free assertion has been good enough.
Call me skeptical if you want, but I'd still like to see some actual evidence. I'm not as into "feel it in my bones" assertions as some others appear to be.
1
Please. Republicans hounded the Clintons for 25 years with no proof of much and harassed Obama for nothing for eight years. Not to mention voted in a narcissistic sociopath with glee for the damage he would cause.
Don't start claiming the moral high ground at this late date.
Don't start claiming the moral high ground at this late date.
Pay attention: Trump and his clown posse are ALL liars. And not even very good ones.
It is a little hard to believe that Flynn discussed removing Russian sanctions entirely on his own volition. There needs to be a Senate investigation to determine if Bannon or even Trump himself was involved in Flynn's action. There has been entirely to much coziness with Russia to dismiss the phone call as a single isolated incident involving just Flynn. Maybe Russia really does have serious blackmail information on the administration? We need to know.
15
If Trump knew about the calls, we may be witnessing history. The first president tried, impeached, and imprisoned.
15
It beggars belief that Flynn would make these calls on his own initiative. More likely he was doing it at the request of his boss, Donald Trump.
18
Now we finally have a non-alternative facts massacre: the Valentine's Day Massacre. What did the president know, and when did he know it? Why did our former National Security Manager have no memory of his chat with the Russian Ambassador? And where is the Republican outrage, and concern with national security? Thanks at least to the brave Sen. Jon McCain!
16
You ask, "Where is the Republican outrage"? The Republicans will most likely respond to this matter by opening a new set of Benghazi hearings.
The irony of it all. My reading is that General Flynn resigned due to 'incomplete information,' ie lying, and not due breaking with tradition of one government at a time, along with the law. This administration has no issue with lying, i.e. alternative facts, to the public. Is this because the administration wantw to know when they are presenting a falsehood?
8
The administration claims they determined that no crime was committed. Any proactive defense from this administration is a sure sign of guilt. Lies, lies, and more lies.
Flynn chanted "lock her up" over Hillary's poor judgment about an email server.
What should we chant for Flynn?
What should we chant for Flynn?
22
Watergate redux: What did the president (or president-elect) know and when did he know it?
9
There is another aspect to this, seemingly unrelated, but one I would like to understand better--during Flynn's 2015 trip to Moscow, he sat at a table with Putin and Jill Stein, who as we all know, went on to run as the Green Party candidate. What was she doing there? Why was she invited? Was she part of a coordinated plan to put someone up in a third party candidacy to steal support from Clinton? The picture has been examined endlessly about Flynn, yet I have not heard any explanation for Stein's presence there.
15
Thank you, I have been thinking the same thing. All Stein did wish to criticize Hillary through the entire campaign. Very suspicious.
your right just google Jill Stein and russia ,she was apart of the Russia machine to break in the Dnc andtake over the voting in some of state that Hilary lost
I was just about to post a similar question but decided to respond as I too find it interesting. When the press refers to that the picture of Flynn and Stein at that table with Putin, there is no mention of the fact that she was seated at the same table. Why was her presence at this dinner not covered as well? Maybe it was just a coincidence that both attended the same event, but in these strange times it too may require another look.
The entire GOP leadership are traitors. They refuse to investigate. The Brits are investigating for us.
17
Now that Flynn is gone, Bannon and Miller should be next to go. It's clear that Trump lacks the depth, skills and critical thinking to be POTUS. Trump should replace Flynn with David Petraeus so at least he has a counterweight to Steve Bannon who's eager to launch wars on Islam and China. Having Bannon on the NSC is intolerable.
7
extreme vetting! that's what it's called and trump needs to use it on his staff
8
"One down....how many more to go?"
I wouldn't predict a trend here. If some other Trump adviser lied -- as Flynn did -- that adviser should go too. But if an adviser doesn't lie and Trump's critics just don't like the adviser, tough luck for the critics. It's pretty unusual for a new President not to get whatever advisers (including Cabinet members) he asks for. I don't think that will change -- at least for advisers who don't tell lies.
I wouldn't predict a trend here. If some other Trump adviser lied -- as Flynn did -- that adviser should go too. But if an adviser doesn't lie and Trump's critics just don't like the adviser, tough luck for the critics. It's pretty unusual for a new President not to get whatever advisers (including Cabinet members) he asks for. I don't think that will change -- at least for advisers who don't tell lies.
4
"During his 2015 trip to Moscow, Mr. Flynn was paid to attend the anniversary celebration of Russia Today, a television network controlled by the Kremlin. At the banquet, he sat next to Mr. Putin."
Who paid Flynn to attend the celebration?
Who paid Flynn to attend the celebration?
10
Something needs to be done to prevent these so-called "security" folks from appearing on T.V. talk shows after their terms as public "servants" are over. Consider the case of former U.S. CIA Director William Colby who appeared on the Ruff House T.V. program with host Howard Ruff aired in Atlanta, Ga. on evening of Oct. 29, 1979. During the program Colby said Iran could soon have a new government, a military leader would likely be coming to power and the new government would be friendly toward Israel. The message from Colby was conveyed to the former Iranian embassy in Washington, D.C. and an acknowledgement letter was received from the Charge d'Affaires Ali A. Aga dated Nov. 4, 1979 the very day Iran captured the American embassy. It was former U.S. CIA Director William Colby who caused the takeover of the former U.S. embassy in Iran by his public statements and U.S. has now been isolated politically from Iran for over 36 years all because of former CIA Director William Colby and his desire to appear on T.V. talk shows.
3
If an investigation ever gets off the ground, I assume Flynn will willingly submit to waterboarding and other forms of torture he has probably endorsed in the past. It will most likely be a non-starter from the Democrat investigators and a "no comment" from the Republican investigative committee members. Maybe the Kremlin can be of some assistance here?
6
It has been suggested the firing of Flynn does not tell the entire story, and that it is likely that his actions were taken with at least the tacit approval of higher-ups in the White House. The fact that the White House had known for weeks that Flynn was compromised and lied about his contact with the Russians, and tried to protect Flynn, adds credibility to this theory. And to add insult to injury, Jarred Kushner will be selecting the next National Security Advisor. Amateurs!
11
I guess the Trump administration didn't appreciate Flynn's "alternative facts" of his contacts with the Putin administration. And with an NSA transcript of those calls in hand, Trump wasn't able to scapegoat "fake news" either....
4
Flynn's resignation represents nothing more than a good soldier falling on his sword to save his commanding officer. In other words of course Trump sent him on this ill conceived mission and he's the one who should be paying the consequences. Not that I'll mourn Flynn's absence. One less nut job purveyor of fake news and red meat propaganda. Good riddance.
10
The spin here is dizzying. And simply not believable. If we look back at all the Russia connections that were exposed last summer, and nearly took the entire Trump campaign down, do we get a clearer picture.
How is it possible that a micromanaging candidate did not fully know how much Russia was interfering in the election - on his behalf? How is it possible that he did not authorize, perhaps by a wink and nod, Flynn to make every effort, including cooperation with the Russians to that end? After all we know about how this real estate grifter operates? Someone who actively avoided intelligence briefings - which might have included concerns over the Russian ties of Flynn and others?
Give me a break!!
It is time for the GOP to wake up and smell the stench!
Impeachment is just steps away. If they would only wake up from their propaganda blitz.
How is it possible that a micromanaging candidate did not fully know how much Russia was interfering in the election - on his behalf? How is it possible that he did not authorize, perhaps by a wink and nod, Flynn to make every effort, including cooperation with the Russians to that end? After all we know about how this real estate grifter operates? Someone who actively avoided intelligence briefings - which might have included concerns over the Russian ties of Flynn and others?
Give me a break!!
It is time for the GOP to wake up and smell the stench!
Impeachment is just steps away. If they would only wake up from their propaganda blitz.
10
"He did this while sitting in full view of the inter waterway where a spy or sniper".
Angela Landsbury in "A Manchurian Candidate" " And Johnny will rise gallantly to his feet and lift Ben Arthur's body in his arms, stand in front of the microphones and begin to speak. The speech is short. But it's the most rousing speech I've ever read. It's been worked on, here and in Russia, on and off, for over eight years."
Angela Landsbury in "A Manchurian Candidate" " And Johnny will rise gallantly to his feet and lift Ben Arthur's body in his arms, stand in front of the microphones and begin to speak. The speech is short. But it's the most rousing speech I've ever read. It's been worked on, here and in Russia, on and off, for over eight years."
4
Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to the president, said on MSNBC that Mr. Trump had “full confidence” in the retired general.
Alternatively, "he's toast."
13
No way Flynn was acting alone. What would have been in it for him?
Still claiming Benghazi's five investigations and hearings were worthwhile, and silent on the gravity of this matter....yep, if that's you, you need some help.
Still claiming Benghazi's five investigations and hearings were worthwhile, and silent on the gravity of this matter....yep, if that's you, you need some help.
12
"The call was captured on a routine wiretap of diplomats’ calls, the officials said."
So the National Security Advisor didn't realize that this call was wiretapped? Could he have been any more incompetent?
So the National Security Advisor didn't realize that this call was wiretapped? Could he have been any more incompetent?
9
There is no informed, thoughtful patriotic American who doesn't believe that Trump's choice for National Security overseer is a blatant, dangerous, unprincipled liar--as the Vice President found out. We can all agree on that.
2
I wish people would stop blaming liberals and vice versa conservatives. First and foremost we are all Americans. We're in the same boat together and if it sinks we all drown. Instead of non-stop incessant blaming let's work together to make the country better for everyone including our children and their children. Blaming the opposition only creates divisiveness and accomplishes absolutely nothing positive for us but it does help our enemies. Let's stand united and build on our common interest of making our great country better for everyone.
8
You are preaching to the choir. You need to get an in with the GOP and get them to go along if you can distract them from looting the Treasury long enough.
Flynn's resignation letter was pathetic. He lied. If he indeed had calls with a major nation state's ambassador before he had any official brief and didn't recall the content of those conversations until reminded that there were likely recordings of them, he is incompetent and unworthy of any position of responsibility anywhere.
36
Does anybody seriously think he talked about the sanctions with Kislyak without Trump telling him to?
61
Yes plenty of people do that is why this is such a big issue. If everyone understood the truth behind the facts he wouldn't even be POTUS.
We know from the Nixon years how to do this; get these guys under oath, ask the right questions, and follow the money.
My guess is when this is all over either many of Trump's insiders will be in jail for perjuring themselves, or we will finally know the truth about Trump's Russian connections, and he will be an ex-president. It is like watching a slow-motion train wreck.
My guess is when this is all over either many of Trump's insiders will be in jail for perjuring themselves, or we will finally know the truth about Trump's Russian connections, and he will be an ex-president. It is like watching a slow-motion train wreck.
8
I'd appreciate it if the NYT would investigate why the GOP keeps letting these scenarios slide without full blown investigations. You know if this was happening on the Dem side they'd have a row of special prosecutors lined up.
15
Where's Rex Tillerson - The Champion State Department Dog --- in all this?
He must be working hard to get those Russian oil fields for Exxon-Mobil before the entire gig falls apart.
Now Putin shot off one of his cherry bombs --- Kim Jong In has some more to shoot off...rattling those rockets.
Ain't America Great --- Again.
He must be working hard to get those Russian oil fields for Exxon-Mobil before the entire gig falls apart.
Now Putin shot off one of his cherry bombs --- Kim Jong In has some more to shoot off...rattling those rockets.
Ain't America Great --- Again.
51
Tillerson is probably up in Antarctica exploring the dissolving ice shelf for oil...with Putin.
It's fascinating how Republicans made such an issue of Hillary Clinton's nonexistent national security breaches yet are silent about real ones under the Trump administration.
15
Not a big loss. There are plenty of clowns left in that car to steer America to Greatness, Again.
2
But let's not forget about the contacts between the Trump campaign (Flynn?) and Russian operatives prior to the election. Were they planning fake news releases aimed at Clinton? The American public is entitled to know.
1
We should all be asking "what did the president know, and when?" It appears that the resignation was prompted by news of a warning made to the president weeks ago.
Put the focus on Trump.
This makes Bengazi seem insignificant. And along those lines, shame on Flynn not just for the improper contacts and lying, but for chanting "lock her up" and claiming at the RNC he would be prosecuted for doing a tenth of what Clinton did. Well Flynn, now it's been revealed you've done far worse. According to the ethical and legal standards you claimed to have at the RNC, what should happen to you?
Put the focus on Trump.
This makes Bengazi seem insignificant. And along those lines, shame on Flynn not just for the improper contacts and lying, but for chanting "lock her up" and claiming at the RNC he would be prosecuted for doing a tenth of what Clinton did. Well Flynn, now it's been revealed you've done far worse. According to the ethical and legal standards you claimed to have at the RNC, what should happen to you?
9
While Trump and his surrogates were bashing Hillary Clinton about her email server, claiming that she had put the security of the United States at risk, Michael Flynn was conducting phone conversations as a private citizen with Russia. And over the weekend, our President chose his Florida resort to discuss highly sensitive security matters involving a North Korean missile test with the Prime Minister of Japan in an insecure location. Does the Republican Party see any irony in this? Doubtful. If Donald Trump had any foreknowledge of Flynn's discussions with Russia or if he was a player in those discussions, this certainly would be grounds for impeachment. This should not be a vendetta against Trump. It is a need to return to a more stable and secure United States that is respected by the world powers.
15
WHAT did Flynn say, and WHEN did he say it?
One final question: When will the congressional investigation start?
One final question: When will the congressional investigation start?
5
We need Mr. Spock as our National Security Advisor -- someone with stone cold objectivity to manage the threats that are before us. No ideologues need apply.
Don't forget Ponn Farr.
The questions is: did Trump know about the calls -- and sanction them? If so, that's an impeachable offense.
8
"National Security Apprentice" will continue. Tune in to find out who is next to leave the White House when the President says, "You're Resigned!"
4
Trump's turn is coming. The video Putin is holding showing Trump in a, shall we say, embarrassing position, will sooner or later be released. Putin is in swoon over this. Biting his tongue so to speak.
6
Flynn isn't a major donor so he is expendable.
6
His resignation is devoid of acknowledging personal responsibility for his deception, something he only began to admit to as a "lapse" in memory when he realized that US intel had a transcript of the call with the Russian Ambassador (duh). How on earth did this guy ever become a 3-star general in an organization, the US Army, where command accountability and RESPONSIBILITY are articles of faith. Clearly there was good cause when he got canned by the Obama admin for reportedly pushing his own agenda (i.e., acting like a politician rather than a senior staff member whose job was to execute the president's policies). Also, we can't forget that he lied about getting his son a security clearance--again, an act of deception we associate more with politicians than with career soldiers.
And then--Devin Nunes had the gall to say Flynn "has always been a soldier, not a politician." It's time not just to drain the swamp--it's also time to drain the vat of Kool-Aid.
And then--Devin Nunes had the gall to say Flynn "has always been a soldier, not a politician." It's time not just to drain the swamp--it's also time to drain the vat of Kool-Aid.
1
You have to be somebody pretty important to sit next to Putin - just saying. Flynn is just sorry that he got caught.
6
Flynn, the military man, falls on his sword to protect the Trump administration. It would seem very strange that Flynn was "rogue" in discussing sanctions with the Russians. Somebody in the Trump administration asked him to do it. Until a full investigation exonerates the Trump cabinet, there will be no way for Trump to escape this conclusion.
9
Seems to me the REAL question is:
What does the Russian government have on Chaffetz that is keeping him from initiating an investigation?
What does the Russian government have on Chaffetz that is keeping him from initiating an investigation?
16
The real question is, was Flynn going rogue or acting on orders from his boss? President-elect Trump said publicly many occasions before his inauguration that specific Obama policies would change "on January 20th". If, indeed, Trump was involved it means he was also deceiving his own Vice-President and staff.
2
Mr. Flynn's resignation simply cannot be the means whereby the Trump administration averts the need for further investigations of the Flynn-Trump-Russian connection. Rather, this resignation heightens the need for a thorough inquiry. The public deserves to know just what transpired between Russian officials and the Trump campaign during the run-up to the election--and just what has transpired since then.
Mr. Flynn's relations with the Russians clearly placed him in a compromising position. To what extent is President Trump similarly compromised?
Mr. Flynn's relations with the Russians clearly placed him in a compromising position. To what extent is President Trump similarly compromised?
7
When Trump said he had "all the best", I knew we were in trouble. That he could not name them at the time sealed it. To err is human, but acting without regard to the integrity of our over-taxed but still functional democratic system is not forgivable - not for the likes of Harding, Nixon, Bill Clinton, Bush, Cheney and those administration officials who turned a blind idealogical eye to their malfeasance - and certainly not for the present coterie of fumblers.
And please don't blather about Benghazi, emails, and Pizzagate - not even close.
And please don't blather about Benghazi, emails, and Pizzagate - not even close.
4
I find it curious that there is no coverage in this piece of whether Flynn was considered (by any sources for the article) as acting in concert with, or at least with the knowledge of his actions by, then president-elect Trump.
In a strict reading of his resignation letter, I believe Flynn is saying that Trump was aware. Flynn says he "always" performed his duties with "honesty to those...[he] served, to include the President of the United States." Flynn served Trump (as president-elect and president). I am not sure Pence is such an innocent in all this either, but it defies credulity that Trump was unaware of Flynn's sending signals about the sanctions.
Meanwhile, Bannon must be gleeful that Flynn's removal further consolidates Bannon's influence (even if they were aligned on many agenda items) over Trump. Now he just has to keep undermining Kushner, Priebus and Conway....
In a strict reading of his resignation letter, I believe Flynn is saying that Trump was aware. Flynn says he "always" performed his duties with "honesty to those...[he] served, to include the President of the United States." Flynn served Trump (as president-elect and president). I am not sure Pence is such an innocent in all this either, but it defies credulity that Trump was unaware of Flynn's sending signals about the sanctions.
Meanwhile, Bannon must be gleeful that Flynn's removal further consolidates Bannon's influence (even if they were aligned on many agenda items) over Trump. Now he just has to keep undermining Kushner, Priebus and Conway....
7
There goes the only one of them that reads books.
4
But apparently he didn't read enough spy novels because he was a really dumb spy
1
So Flynn was a Russian mole. Fascinating. The Trump clown car continues its chaotic spin.
11
How ironic that Michael Flynn was one of Hillary's harshest critics in her email issues even joining apparently in the chants to "lock her up" -- far worse his own behaviour in this case, phoning foreign governments, apparently negotiating policy even before the new government was in power, making himself open to blackmail, and when caught in the act stammering that events too fast-paced for him to remember -- my foot. Who should be locked up now?
12
Lucky old Flynn--
Better out than in.
Better out than in.
3
No surprise here. When Donald Trump chose Michael Flynn as one of his "foreign advisers" during his presidential campaign, I looked into Flynn's background -- only to find not only was he a fervent anti-Islamist, but he also favored stronger ties with Russia in order to defeat what he considered to be a "common enemy".
It goes further. Flynn also had paid speaking engagements on the Kremlin-operated RT (Russian Television) network and alledgedly close ties to Mr. Putin, in addition to questionable business ties to some Mid-East countries. And then, there's the fact that then-President Obama fired him as Head of the Defense Intelligence Agency after only two years.
All this in addition to the act orchestrated by his son last year, involving Hillary Clinton and phony criminal activity at a Washington D.C. pizzeria last year.
This isn't a case about whether or not Flynn souldn't have resigned -- he shouldn't have been appointed to begin with.
This country is in trouble.
It goes further. Flynn also had paid speaking engagements on the Kremlin-operated RT (Russian Television) network and alledgedly close ties to Mr. Putin, in addition to questionable business ties to some Mid-East countries. And then, there's the fact that then-President Obama fired him as Head of the Defense Intelligence Agency after only two years.
All this in addition to the act orchestrated by his son last year, involving Hillary Clinton and phony criminal activity at a Washington D.C. pizzeria last year.
This isn't a case about whether or not Flynn souldn't have resigned -- he shouldn't have been appointed to begin with.
This country is in trouble.
2
How can we assume that Pence did not know about Flynn's illegal, traitorous acts that undermined explicit US policy towards Russia? Is Flynn just the fall guy? As private citizen, Flynn made a call to Russian ambassador on his own, tipping him off that Trump would ease Obama's sanctions--slapped on because Russia helped swing the election to comrade Trump!
2
This man must be prosecuted. He is a traitor.
4
Mr. Flynn is ex-military and from a culture where taking orders is of paramount importance. Given his past issues in the Obama administration it seems unlikely that he would have made this call (and, perhaps, others) as a private citizen without being ordered to do so by Donald J. Trump.
We know that Bannon and Miller are pretty much ruled out, except as the leakers of the story, as they both believe that conflicts with Russia and China are inevitable. That leaves no one but Trump to instruct Mr. Flynn to conduct the calls with the Russian government. Hubris and/or something more insidious?
This does walk like a duck and quack like one as well. Previous national security concerns about Trump's involvement with Russia prior to, and during, the election are significantly bolstered by Flynn's mess - and, also, that Trump had to know about this a month ago and did nothing until it leaked out.
So, where is Jason Chaffetz now - he of such abundant national security concerns about Hillary's emails? This is a naked display of placing party over country but it will not go away - that much is certain.
We know that Bannon and Miller are pretty much ruled out, except as the leakers of the story, as they both believe that conflicts with Russia and China are inevitable. That leaves no one but Trump to instruct Mr. Flynn to conduct the calls with the Russian government. Hubris and/or something more insidious?
This does walk like a duck and quack like one as well. Previous national security concerns about Trump's involvement with Russia prior to, and during, the election are significantly bolstered by Flynn's mess - and, also, that Trump had to know about this a month ago and did nothing until it leaked out.
So, where is Jason Chaffetz now - he of such abundant national security concerns about Hillary's emails? This is a naked display of placing party over country but it will not go away - that much is certain.
6
Bannon and Miller cannot be ruled out of the Flynn Debaucle. They could be more guilty than the former.
When the US supported a UN security council resolution condemning Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu called Donald Trump to discuss the matter with him. Donald Trump assured him that under Trump regime the US will support the Settlement and in addition move the embassy to Jerusalem. So why the Hue and cry when it is revealed Flynn discussed the sanctions with Russians. How is that different from discussing the resolution with Israel and undermining the Obama Government?
2
The hue and cry over the Flynn departure has to do with the possibility of treason and it can't be ignored
Then discussing the Security council resolution with Israel too has possibility of Treason.
I want to know why the president didn't fire him. Where is this supposed businessman who knows how to run things? More and more Trump looks confused and way out of his element.
6
Over 50 million voting Americans knew 6 months ago (or longer) that he was and would always be incompetent
The only "misleading" going on here is that which is happening to the public.
President Trump -- given his pathological need to control everything around him -- clearly directed or otherwise discussed with Flynn exactly what Flynn was going to say. In fact, it was probably Flynn who had to rein back Trump from going further in promising sanction relief because Flynn knew exactly how wrong it was for one soon-to-be administration to overstep the then-current administration in policy dealings with a foreign government.
If this resignation were heartfelt, it would have come at the moment the Trump administration was told the transcript existed. In fact, I can't believe that Flynn did not know along that it did. He's been in security and defense for a very long time. He just didn't think that the intelligence authorities who transcribed it would dare go public about its existence.
Nor perhaps did he think the White House would force him out over it. I believe he felt sure that Trump's loyalty enveloped him. After all, Flynn had already been forced out of intelligence and the government during a previous administration. But the President didn't flinch over that when deciding to buddy up with and then name him Trump's top intelligence adviser.
There's so much more going on here than a little misleading.
President Trump -- given his pathological need to control everything around him -- clearly directed or otherwise discussed with Flynn exactly what Flynn was going to say. In fact, it was probably Flynn who had to rein back Trump from going further in promising sanction relief because Flynn knew exactly how wrong it was for one soon-to-be administration to overstep the then-current administration in policy dealings with a foreign government.
If this resignation were heartfelt, it would have come at the moment the Trump administration was told the transcript existed. In fact, I can't believe that Flynn did not know along that it did. He's been in security and defense for a very long time. He just didn't think that the intelligence authorities who transcribed it would dare go public about its existence.
Nor perhaps did he think the White House would force him out over it. I believe he felt sure that Trump's loyalty enveloped him. After all, Flynn had already been forced out of intelligence and the government during a previous administration. But the President didn't flinch over that when deciding to buddy up with and then name him Trump's top intelligence adviser.
There's so much more going on here than a little misleading.
7
Flynn was on a mission, who gave the order?
What did the President know and when did he know it?
What did the President know and when did he know it?
8
I believe Flynn's principle bona fides for Trump are Obama fired him, and appointing him was just another rebuke of Obama.
Same for Petraeus. Trump would have no idea who he is nor care if it were not for the fact he was fired by Obama.
What Trump apparently does not understand is that these folks were fired for cause and *that* is what makes them unqualified for office.
Same for Petraeus. Trump would have no idea who he is nor care if it were not for the fact he was fired by Obama.
What Trump apparently does not understand is that these folks were fired for cause and *that* is what makes them unqualified for office.
6
Why is it even a surprise that Flynn lied on such an important issue? Candidate Trump was the greatest liar of all political campaigners. Flynn simply followed his leader.
7
Lock. Him. Up. #SAD#TERRIBLE#Waiting for 47!
6
Its the plumbers all over again with a twist of treason given the use of a foreign intelligence service to steal documents! Maybe we can give Flynn the Benedict Arnold treatment! If the Watergate scandal is any blueprint Trump should be resigning within the next six moths or impeached and removed within a year!!! How refreshing. If democrats had any gumption they would impugn the whole election thus leading to a constitutional crisis that would force a whole new presidential election.
10
Trump must be disappointed. And it's not because his handpicked National Security Adviser was caught in a lie ... because nobody in this Administration admits to lying, they're just using "Alternative Facts".
No, Donald is disappointed that Flynn resigned, leaving him without the opportunity to use his catchphrase "You're Fired". Because, really, it's most important how it plays on TV, not whether it's a national security issue.
No, Donald is disappointed that Flynn resigned, leaving him without the opportunity to use his catchphrase "You're Fired". Because, really, it's most important how it plays on TV, not whether it's a national security issue.
4
If it is true that Trump had prior knowledge of the overture, did Mr Flynn take a bullet for Trump, or he was forced to fall on his sword by Trump & Co. ?
6
Why is there no discussion of whether the president had Mr. Flynn call Russia to discuss the sanctions and tell Russia that they did not have to worry about the sanctions that were imposed. I hear all sorts of discussions but this point is hardly ever raise. It is certainly highly probable that Trump was behind these treacherous discussions.
4
One down.
3
Trump being Trump probably considered Flynn's being fired by Obama his highest qualification for the job- and part of Don's ongoing and juvenile reversal of the previous administration's actions.
Looks like his appointment with hitting the fan is about to begin.
4
Incomplete information, alternative facts, I wonder if the US population really understand how the rest of the world regards this administration.
2
good riddance, son and father.
Now they can get to the bottom of Benghazi and create more fake news.
Now they can get to the bottom of Benghazi and create more fake news.
It appears that our so-called president's "extreme vetting" program needs a little tinkering.
1
Mr. Trump was concerned that the media storm around Flynn would damage the president's image on national security. No real concern over the dangerous position Flynn's actions put
We the People in?
The only protection we have are black and white facts exposed.
The only protection of those inarguable facts are an independent judiciary. Facts, exposed to the light, the only offense available at this point.
We the People in?
The only protection we have are black and white facts exposed.
The only protection of those inarguable facts are an independent judiciary. Facts, exposed to the light, the only offense available at this point.
2
In May 2016, Flynn was asked if he would support Trump's stated plan to take out families of suspected terrorists. His answer was let's wait and see. Not an outright "No". This guy is automated to jump grenades. He cannot think on the spot. He follows orders and that's it. More to this story--tip of the iceberg. Americans keep digging....
3
He served 'in a distinguished way' alright, probably at Trump's behest. At least one extremist, out-of-control appointee out of the way, dozens more to go. And no doubt Trump hoped to keep all this under wraps. More under that rock.
3
Was I only one of 60 million or so who thought, "Whoa, what transpired between Trump and Putin?", when Putin announced the day after Obama expels Russian diplomats and the resulting posturing of from Russian news sources that he won't retaliate in kind after all and then Trump tweets: “Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!”?
I suppose it could just be a coincidence and Flynn acted independently for the man, but the timeline between Obama's actions, Flynn's call with Kislyak, Putin's announcement, and Trump's tweet congratulating him seems kind of undeniable - especially for a group of people who seem to find conspiracies under every rock and in every shadow.
Of course Trump sees it all as a win since in fact, Putin didn't retaliate and even invites "all children of US diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year and Christmas children's parties in the Kremlin."
I suppose it could just be a coincidence and Flynn acted independently for the man, but the timeline between Obama's actions, Flynn's call with Kislyak, Putin's announcement, and Trump's tweet congratulating him seems kind of undeniable - especially for a group of people who seem to find conspiracies under every rock and in every shadow.
Of course Trump sees it all as a win since in fact, Putin didn't retaliate and even invites "all children of US diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year and Christmas children's parties in the Kremlin."
4
No doubt in my mind whatsoever that the presidency was Putin's gift to Donald Trump.
3
I sure would like to see James Comey questioned under oath about who and/or what motivated him to spring Anthony Weiner on Hillary through the e-mail angle at just that critical point in the election, and just when the contents of that computer had already been sorted through and found innocuous to the e-mail investigation.
Buh-Bye
Which part didn't you understand? The buh or the bye?
Buh-Bye
Which part didn't you understand? The buh or the bye?
Buh-Bye
2
Regarding the question of influence on the administration. If Trump is a person with really low affect, prefrontal disinhibition which results in the inability to organize or lead, compounded by the drive to dominate and the well conditioned habit to use speech acts to persuade combined with aversion and inconsistency, which is also called intermittent conditoning and is the best practice for training/conditoning dogs to be loyal and attentive, I'd say no, because this Trump guy appears to be a psychopath and psychopaths really do enjoy the drama and chaos.
2
It is important to know who in the discussion between Flynn and the Russian Ambassador initiated the subject of sanctions. That would make the party who initiated it responsible. Perhaps the Ambassador was entrapping Flynn and succeeded in sabotaging his position.
1
I think Obama and his advisers knew exactly how cozy with the Russians Trump and his team were. They had an unverifiable dossier but no hard proof (or at least none that they could admit to having). I think they used the sanctions as a trap. They knew Trump's camp would rush to placate the Russians and that all communications would be subject to surveillance. Flynn walked right into that trap. This has reinvigorated the push for full investigations into Trump's ties to Russia. Well played, President Obama and Intelligence Officers!
3
Interesting, by the time I hit my second cup of coffee, I sort of get the "news media narrative spin for the day" Today: "Michael Flynn is a lone (acting alone) wolf!" Hard to believe that a man who has spent so much of his adult life following the chain of command, would at such a critical moment, and on such a serious topic, simply decided to abandon all of his military instincts and professional training, and "go rogue". As they say in Brooklyn: "Hate the game, not the player"; Flynn took the fall for Trump, Pence & le team; now that's real gangsta! Sorry, not drinking the normalization kool-aid; #thispresidencyisnotlegitimate
7
Our government stink of mendacity; it's a great place to make a living - killing? - for opportunists, sociopaths and just plain liars. When the oversight is as corrupt as the drones, what hope do we have? Nice work if you can get it.
1
So Reps Conyers and Cummings are deeply concerned about the ongoing risk of our national security. Where were these two when HRC's classified emails were being read by the entire world
All three of them Ray? And they weren't being read by the world - those few went to others who had security clearances. Remember, the Russian hackers could not get into her email server - so they went to the DNC, and RNC servers. And who was the very first to say HRC was a criminal and should be jailed? Michael Flynn, who was visiting awards banquets for Russian TV and sitting next to Putin. Putin's Pawns.
I hope the Dems are happy! Because I think this is going to backfire on them 10 fold. But then again, I'm the guy who predicted HRC would lose when Trump won the R nomination. And just to be clear, I have no dog in this fight when it comes to party politics. I want the US to be Great, full stop.
2
President Trump and his administration taking orders from Putin will certainly not make Democrats happy -- although it certainly doesn't seem to bother most Republicans -- but it is not going to make America great either.
1
The US was and has always been great till Trump and his alt-right cohorts ( no one wants to say fascist) took power. Now we are shamed before the world .
Come on you guys. Do you actually believe Trump and the other top White House officials didn't know about this? Apparently Flynn was just assigned an secret mission. Flynn was just the sacrifice for the whole!
4
The question isn't what did Trump know and when did he know it. The question is, who in the Republican party cares?
12
There was an interesting article in the Guardian which pointed out how Flynn, during the RNC, "led anti-Hillary Clinton chants (‘Lock her up’) and chided the Democratic presidential nominee over her handling of top secret information."
I think we're in for four years of non-stop lies and hypocrisy.
I think we're in for four years of non-stop lies and hypocrisy.
8
no surprise here...Trump is an incompetent manager and leader....his only skill i s self promotion....others will fall soon. including Trump himself- the job is beyond his pay-grade!
7
We should have kept Justin Trudeau at the White House and sent Donald across the border.
8
The guy is history so why can't we make trump history with an impeachment?? I am truly afraid that we are heading for a war with somebody based on a miscalculations of some of those trump amateurs
3
How many violations of the Constitution and lies from this administration are needed for the Republican-Controlled Congress to even consider impeachment proceedings?
4
Notice how KAC kept reiterating in her interview with Matt Lauer that Pence was misled and that Trump wants to move forward like we're all a bunch of idiots who will take this at face value. No we don't think for one second that Pence was misled and we certainly don't want to move forward without a full investigation on Trump's involvement. Conway is worried about the public finding out how truly involved Russia was with his campaign team, and I'm guessing she was not at the top of her spin/deflect tactics because of this.
4
At the Republican Convention General Flynn said: "If I did a tenth of what she did, I'd be in jail today." Time to take him up on his word.
14
I wonder if the Russians asked Trump to appoint their emissary, Flynn, to the NSC?
5
Give Flynn immunity in exchange for whom in the administration (read Trump) knew about this. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the implosion of this absurd aberration of a presidency.
4
An example of 'alternate facts'?
So when will Darrel Issa begin his investigation into what and when Trump knew, tomorrow or the day after?
2
What a disgrace! This man soils the very uniform that he once wore and does a grave disservice to the servicemen he once commanded. Short hair, jutting jaw, ever-present scowl, what's not to like? Unfortunately, Flynn sounds a lot like my dog, but my dog is loyal and honest, traits Flynn apparently never learned in all of his years of military service.
2
Now Russia has deployed a missile system that is in violation with the existing treaty; what I want to know is what is Donald Trump going to do about it? My guess: NOTHING.
Flynn was acting on the express directions of Donald Trump. The Trump Administration has known for weeks that Flynn was vulnerable to Russian blackmail. Yet, nothing was done.
We have a mentally unbalanced man running our country. He knows no reality other than of his own making. He is dangerous. He is a liar. He should be removed from office.
Flynn was acting on the express directions of Donald Trump. The Trump Administration has known for weeks that Flynn was vulnerable to Russian blackmail. Yet, nothing was done.
We have a mentally unbalanced man running our country. He knows no reality other than of his own making. He is dangerous. He is a liar. He should be removed from office.
2
For all the hot air that is spewed in the NYT comments each and every day, there certainly has not been any real change in the daily experience of the average American during Trump's tenure. Stock market is still marching on to new heights (although now getting awfully "frothy"), making millions of Americans wealthier. Every "huge" moment that stokes the angry fires of the Democratic base -- the Women's March, the token Muslim nation immigration slowdown, Cabinet confirmations, Judge Gorsuch nomination, Michael Flynn resignation -- comes and goes without any real change in the daily life of over 300 million Americans. The federal government 'chaos' is a great help for those of us who think that any government 'work' results in more of a burden on the the working stiffs in this country. More chaos equals less chance of more taxes, more regulations, and more hoops to jump through just to get through the work week. Keep up the confusion, please! It is great for not getting anything done in Washington!
1
And growing up during the Cold War, I always thought it was going to be the Democrats who sold us out to the Russians. How times have changed.
1
Flynn is taking the rap. But the idea to cozy up to the Russians likely wasn't his. Besides, whether he was involved or not, the president is in charge and must take full responsibility for Flynn's actions. In no way is the Flynn matter settled no matter what Republicans say. It will not be dropped. Treason is a consideration.
2
In the long run, Flynn will find vindication.
1
The question is what was he promised for this blatant scapegoating? You KNOW this was just a way to save Trump/Pence/Putin's a**es.
2
Michael Flynn was a member of the Democratic Party because President Trump wanted to have both parties represented in his cabinet. As unfortunate as this episode was, thank goodness he was not a Republican. The Democrats would be crucifying them further then has already occurred. It is better that he resign now before he further embarrasses the President. This fiasco could have been avoided if Mr. Flynn had been forthright about his dealings with the Russians. I think his political career is over.
1
Flynn gone
Didn't take long
Pence strengthens as Washington freezes
The faint scent of impeachment on early spring breezes?
Didn't take long
Pence strengthens as Washington freezes
The faint scent of impeachment on early spring breezes?
3
Follow the money and it will lead to Russian &........? This is why we need to see his tax returns.
Every so often, maybe twice a week I drop the Orange Clown a postcard from the Women's March because I know how much he enjoyed and supported it. I can't be bothered filling in all the spaces so I just take a black magic marker and write some variation of, "I'm NOT a reporter and I want to see your tax returns!" I black out the word "Sincerely" printed on the card because I don't mean it and lying is wrong. I do sign my name followed by my zip code.
I think he must be getting the cards because I've notice a big, black SUV parked outside my house for the last few days. Other folks should give it a try as well. He thinks only reporters want to see his tax returns. He's obviously confused. Sad, so sad. It's up to us to tell him in simple language (use short sentences) so he can understand. My next card will say, "if you have nothing to hide, show us your tax returns." The two longest words are "nothing" and "returns" but I think he could sound them out.
Every so often, maybe twice a week I drop the Orange Clown a postcard from the Women's March because I know how much he enjoyed and supported it. I can't be bothered filling in all the spaces so I just take a black magic marker and write some variation of, "I'm NOT a reporter and I want to see your tax returns!" I black out the word "Sincerely" printed on the card because I don't mean it and lying is wrong. I do sign my name followed by my zip code.
I think he must be getting the cards because I've notice a big, black SUV parked outside my house for the last few days. Other folks should give it a try as well. He thinks only reporters want to see his tax returns. He's obviously confused. Sad, so sad. It's up to us to tell him in simple language (use short sentences) so he can understand. My next card will say, "if you have nothing to hide, show us your tax returns." The two longest words are "nothing" and "returns" but I think he could sound them out.
4
#Flynn BAD
#POTUS BAD
Half of America being treated UNFAIRLY. #LOSERNATION!!
Ah, the new norm...
#POTUS BAD
Half of America being treated UNFAIRLY. #LOSERNATION!!
Ah, the new norm...
2
It appears as if the President, not just Flynn, lied to Mike Pence (if indeed he was totally unaware).
4
Flynn didn't speak to the Russian ambassador on his own volition, I'm sure he was prompted by Trump. Keep digging in this story. Trump is involved, hence the avoidance of strong words when it comes to Russia. And where are those tax returns??
4
To Russia with love...
In the three weeks that Flynn was National Security Advisor, how much information about American troops, missiles, submarines etc. did he pass on to Vladimir Putin?? There should be no reason to sugarcoat this... Mr. Flynn is a traitor, PERIOD!
In the three weeks that Flynn was National Security Advisor, how much information about American troops, missiles, submarines etc. did he pass on to Vladimir Putin?? There should be no reason to sugarcoat this... Mr. Flynn is a traitor, PERIOD!
7
New statement from White House:
Flynn's conversations with Russia were "locker room talk."
Flynn's conversations with Russia were "locker room talk."
9
General Flynn will now have all the time in the world to engage in retweeting conspiracy theories about the pizza parlor in Washington D.C. Or for the good of our country he could become a songbird.
4
I believe it was candidate Trump who told us that he was going to hire the best managers. One down, lots more to go.
6
There are many psychopathic people in this world who can never understand what they do and why they do what they do.
This guy Flynn was constantly talking derogatorily about Muslims whilst at the same time he was two timing his own government. Why would a former Army General even be talking with the Russian ambassador? The Russian Ambassador needs to talk with the Secretary of state or someone in the State department and that would be the regular protocol. If I was the National Security Adviser, I would NEVER call a foreign ambassador and would not take any calls from them, especially when I would know that all calls are being listened to by the NSA. Flynn was certainly no Einstein. He should have known better.
Now, he has resigned. End of Story. If he has taken any monies from the Russians or done such stuff then, well, he is going to be in real trouble and regardless of how many stars he was wearing as a general, he may end up wearing some stripes in a prison.
This guy Flynn was constantly talking derogatorily about Muslims whilst at the same time he was two timing his own government. Why would a former Army General even be talking with the Russian ambassador? The Russian Ambassador needs to talk with the Secretary of state or someone in the State department and that would be the regular protocol. If I was the National Security Adviser, I would NEVER call a foreign ambassador and would not take any calls from them, especially when I would know that all calls are being listened to by the NSA. Flynn was certainly no Einstein. He should have known better.
Now, he has resigned. End of Story. If he has taken any monies from the Russians or done such stuff then, well, he is going to be in real trouble and regardless of how many stars he was wearing as a general, he may end up wearing some stripes in a prison.
4
Flynn's departure is NOT the end of this evil story. He was not alone in this treason
The Russians hack Democratic Party accounts and leak stolen data in an attempt to tip the election toward Trump, striking at the heart of American democracy.
Trump repeatedly expresses his admiration of Putin and calls NATO, a bulwark against Russian aggression, obsolete.
Paul Manafort, Trump’s national campaign manager, is forced to resign and remains under investigation after evidence emerges he may have illegally received nearly $13 million from a pro-Russian party in the Ukraine.
A former British intelligence agent writes a dossier alleging Russia has been cultivating Trump for years, and has compromising information about him.
Rex Tillerson — who has close business ties to Putin, opposed Russian sanctions, and was awarded the Order of Friendship by Putin — is chosen by Trump to be Secretary of State.
And now this.
How much more smoke will it take before Congress decides to check for fire?
Trump repeatedly expresses his admiration of Putin and calls NATO, a bulwark against Russian aggression, obsolete.
Paul Manafort, Trump’s national campaign manager, is forced to resign and remains under investigation after evidence emerges he may have illegally received nearly $13 million from a pro-Russian party in the Ukraine.
A former British intelligence agent writes a dossier alleging Russia has been cultivating Trump for years, and has compromising information about him.
Rex Tillerson — who has close business ties to Putin, opposed Russian sanctions, and was awarded the Order of Friendship by Putin — is chosen by Trump to be Secretary of State.
And now this.
How much more smoke will it take before Congress decides to check for fire?
12
To me, the larger issue to me may be the wiretapping of incoming Trump administration officials during the prior administration. Did they have a legal right to wire tap Mr. Flynn? Did they have a legal right to share the contents such that claims about the transcript are now made in the NY times?
"But the conversation, according to officials who saw the transcript of the wiretap, also included a discussion about sanctions imposed on Russia..."
Was the wiretapping consistent with the Fourth Amendment? Was there a judge issued warrant? Probably cause? and Oath of affirmation?
If the wiretapping was compliant with the 4th Amendment and the rest of the law, I am fine with it. My hope is that the Surveillance infrastructure is not / will not be used politically. My hope is that surveillance was not illegally done on the incoming administration. If that were true, perhaps that would be a larger story than anything learned about Mr. Flynn.
Forth Amendment
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
"But the conversation, according to officials who saw the transcript of the wiretap, also included a discussion about sanctions imposed on Russia..."
Was the wiretapping consistent with the Fourth Amendment? Was there a judge issued warrant? Probably cause? and Oath of affirmation?
If the wiretapping was compliant with the 4th Amendment and the rest of the law, I am fine with it. My hope is that the Surveillance infrastructure is not / will not be used politically. My hope is that surveillance was not illegally done on the incoming administration. If that were true, perhaps that would be a larger story than anything learned about Mr. Flynn.
Forth Amendment
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
2
“I am tendering my resignation, honored to have served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way,” Mr. Flynn wrote.
Distinguished? Sounds like an alternative fact.
Distinguished? Sounds like an alternative fact.
8
Why do people keep talking about Hilary C. and emails and Barack Obama right now? This Flynn matter is this administration's problem; it's Trump's problem NOW and Flynn is/was his PICK! We are living in the PRESENT (not the past).
7
Can anyone help me on this: Yates is the prime suspect for the leak itself. But then why did they fire her when they knew she could get back at them? My guess is that someone wanted to weaponize Yates to stab Flynn. That person had to 1. know of Yates' report to the administration, 2. be a pivotal voice in the decision to fire Yates, and 3. want Flynn out. In my mind, this all points to Pence, but it all depends on who knew of the Yates report.
Any ideas? Does anyone know who was in the room when Yates gave her report? As dumb as I think this administration is, I still can't believe that everyone was too dumb to realize that firing someone who had this information was a good idea. There has to be more going on here.
Any ideas? Does anyone know who was in the room when Yates gave her report? As dumb as I think this administration is, I still can't believe that everyone was too dumb to realize that firing someone who had this information was a good idea. There has to be more going on here.
3
Correction: "was not a good idea"
There are a lot of "incompletes" with the Trump administration. They are doing the exact opposite of earning the trust of the American people.
4
Wasn't Flynn fired by President Barack Obama? Uh oh... That means President Obama did something right. This is going to be hard to compute for many people. Maybe a house of cards built on lies starting to fall. You can only hope.
12
Boy, this sure looks a lot like Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence were informed by Mrs. Yates weeks ago about Mr. Flynn's dishonesty, and stood behind him (having confidence until yesterday). So yeah, someone somewhere is lying. If it is the administration, then was Flynn doing their bidding? What else have they lied about, exactly what was discussed? There must be a transcript someplace to prompt all this.
If I were the Republicans, I would be seriously considering how to get out from in front of this oncoming train. And if I were the Democrats, I wouldn't let Michael Flynn take the rap for the administration. We need this investigated, and by an independent investigator.
If I were the Republicans, I would be seriously considering how to get out from in front of this oncoming train. And if I were the Democrats, I wouldn't let Michael Flynn take the rap for the administration. We need this investigated, and by an independent investigator.
10
I won't hold my breath waiting for this Republican congress to investigate this. They don't want to know if Flynn colluded with the Russians. They are culpable if they know and don't do anything. Their silence speaks volumes.
8
Donald Trump wants to make America safe by banning travel from certain countries, yet installs a National Security Adviser who in his own words "because of the fast pace of events...inadvertently briefed the vice president-elect and others with incomplete information." If the transition between the Obama and Trump administrations was so "fast paced" that he couldn't be truthful, what would Flynn do in a real crisis? Would he tell the truth or dissemble the way he did in his resignation letter? I would bet on the latter.
7
Expect bigger and harsher raids by ICE, promise of a taller and thicker border wall paid for by Mexico and, of course, a Muslim database. It is the only way Mr. Trump knows to re-establish his tattered National Security bona fides.
6
" I inadvertently briefed the vice president-elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador,..
I am tendering my resignation, honored to have served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way,” Mr. Flynn wrote.
Lying to the president and vice president is serving the American people in a distinguished way. This is a strange take on the English language.
I am tendering my resignation, honored to have served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way,” Mr. Flynn wrote.
Lying to the president and vice president is serving the American people in a distinguished way. This is a strange take on the English language.
1
It is perhaps unlikely that Flynn lied to President. The President might have know? Possible?
There's your "business genius" red America!
Hiring the "most competent people" for the job!
But it is "the Courts" that are putting our security at risk, not a National Security Advisor-conspiracy-theorist who conspired with the Russians and then told his bosses he didn't!
Hiring the "most competent people" for the job!
But it is "the Courts" that are putting our security at risk, not a National Security Advisor-conspiracy-theorist who conspired with the Russians and then told his bosses he didn't!
2
Much ado about nothing. A very good man, who made a mistake, taken down by politics. Trump and the majority have already moved on... but the NYT and folks here will persist. Hey ho!
Not so easy as that! Only a communist sympathizer could forgive what Flynn did.
He may well have committed treason. We Americans don't cotton to conspiracies with Putin. Never will.
He may well have committed treason. We Americans don't cotton to conspiracies with Putin. Never will.
Its happened faster than most of us thought but the events of the last month simply give credence to the immutable 2nd law of thermodynamics writ large in our politics--entropy and disorder increase in systems unless we invest energy to prevent it. There is simply no way that the deep challenges and problems our country and planet faces can be effectively managed and solved without the efforts of competent, rational and intelligent men and women who can agree on the problems and bring deep expertise, effort and knowledge in an attempt to solve them. Complex problems such as climate change, health care, foreign policy in an atomized world, worsening economic inequality, automation and the challenges it poses to employment do not lend themselves to obvious, costless and simple solutions. Meaningful leadership does not come from a group of wealthy donors and business people who have no experience, credentials, history of public service or interest when it comes to seeking answers beyond their own bottom line be it measured in financial, philospohical or religious terms. So here we are facing the entirely predictable--chaos and disorder as result of the bottomless pit of need which Donald Trump's pathological narcissism married to a gross incuriosity about and interest in the world has wrought with an incompetent, petulant, hypocritical and entirely overwhelmed administration that 40% of our country believed in. Im afraid that natures laws must always be obeyed
8
The quickest and easiest way to git rid of Trump would be to convince the right that he's really a Democrat.
6
If he called his idiotic "Great Wall" ObamaWall, that would be the only way our coward Republicans would oppose it.
There are no lies wrt Flynn story Russia. Trump and Pence have known since day one that Flynn had and was talking with the Russians. Flynn did not mislead Trump or Pence.
Until now, the administration has been able to deflect, ignore, and mock the Russia story. Despite the fact that a civilian, representing the not-yet president, was effectively talking to a foreign government that works against US allies (specifically NATO).
The Russia story is just beginning and is beginning to get closer to Trump, Pence, and Miller. As a response - In a classic political move - Trump needed and found the fall guy. Flynn is unpopular, not well respected, and frankly a loose cannon. Trump can afford to loose Flynn - although he just lost one of his biggest "yes" men.
Trump is hoping this move ends the Russia conversation: Guilty party found, now move on. We'll see.
Until now, the administration has been able to deflect, ignore, and mock the Russia story. Despite the fact that a civilian, representing the not-yet president, was effectively talking to a foreign government that works against US allies (specifically NATO).
The Russia story is just beginning and is beginning to get closer to Trump, Pence, and Miller. As a response - In a classic political move - Trump needed and found the fall guy. Flynn is unpopular, not well respected, and frankly a loose cannon. Trump can afford to loose Flynn - although he just lost one of his biggest "yes" men.
Trump is hoping this move ends the Russia conversation: Guilty party found, now move on. We'll see.
4
Hm, are the Republicans engaged in a cover up? They would have been screaming to tar and feather the guy if he had been in a Democratic administration.
11
We are just over 3 weeks into this administration, and there are so many things going wrong that it's hard to believe one of them won't be lethal to the legitimacy, and therefore the functioning, of this administration. It's scary not to know what it will be, or when it will arrive, but there is no doubt we are on a train speeding down an incomplete RR line, and the conductor and his crew are all in the last car tweeting randomly while watching Sean Spicer lie to the press. This is a disaster waiting (not very long) to happen.
7
What did Trump know and when did he know it? What did Bannon know and when did he know it?
7
This administration (including the kids) has lost all credibility and so has the entire Republican Congress! You are servants of the American people -- not your uneducated base feasting on fake news.
12
As National Security Adviser, Flynn provided "incomplete information" and "misled" Trump officials regarding conversations with the Russian Ambassador about the possibility of lifting sanctions upon Russia for the annexation of Crimea and moving on Eastern Ukraine? Lets be clear, the man who led the "lock her up" chant at the Republican National Convention violated a law designed to protect the security of our country, and when asked about it, he lied. Will the Republicans conduct a meaningful inquiry into Russia's apparent infiltration into this strange and getting stranger administration? Not unless Americans demand it.
11
This president represents a clear and present danger to our country. Call (don't email) your senators and congresspeople and demand that impeachment proceedings begin immediately. If enough of us call, and keep calling, and get our families and friends to call, we can save the Republic.
Impeach. Convict. Remove.
Impeach. Convict. Remove.
6
If this indeed goes all the way up to Pence and Trump, and Trump is impeached, then Pence doesn't have the right to take over because he was complicit. If it is also proven that the campaign was in cahoots with Russia, that should be considered a FRAUD election, and the results null and void. Let's have an election do-over and end this national nightmare!
3
What did President Trump and Vice President Pence know, and when?
Flynn lied a number of times. It is not hyperbole to say that Trump has lied, prevaricated and told falsehoods every day. Pence has defended lies and falsehoods, and passed them on. It would be irrational to take anything they say at face value.
Flynn lied a number of times. It is not hyperbole to say that Trump has lied, prevaricated and told falsehoods every day. Pence has defended lies and falsehoods, and passed them on. It would be irrational to take anything they say at face value.
6
Putin had better play his Trump card before it devalues too much.
1
Flynn has been in contact with the Russian during the election season - this was something that the Russian had admitted that they were in contact with the Trump team. I won't be surprised that Trump including Pence did not know. They act so dumbfounded that Flynn did not tell the truth. Has anyone in this administration capable of telling the truth?
2
What I find fascinating is the backstory.
Intelligence and Justice briefed the Trump administration a few weeks ago that Flynn's voice was captured in an audio phone conversation with the Russian ambassador. Flynn says to ignore the Obama sanctions on Russia, that the Trump administration would reverse them.
But the Trump administration did nothing with the Justice and Intelligence briefing on Flynn's illegal activities. In fact, they defended Flynn to the media whenever the subject came up.
Because the Trump administration refused to act on the information that Flynn was conspiring with a hostile foreign power against the interests of the US, the Intelligence agencies decided to bring Flynn down by releasing the information to the media and thereby creating a firestorm around the White House.
Essentially the Trump administration, knowing Flynn was colluding with Russia, put him into the NSA position. They didn't care what damage Flynn could do to the US. Like a Manchurian Candidate endorsed by the Oval Office.
The Intelligence services, in contrast, displayed the moral courage and integrity to take down Flynn, who was a clear and present danger to the security of the US.
This Flynn episode is a spotlight on the utter corruption and danger that the Trump administration is to the government interests and citizens of the USA.
Intelligence and Justice briefed the Trump administration a few weeks ago that Flynn's voice was captured in an audio phone conversation with the Russian ambassador. Flynn says to ignore the Obama sanctions on Russia, that the Trump administration would reverse them.
But the Trump administration did nothing with the Justice and Intelligence briefing on Flynn's illegal activities. In fact, they defended Flynn to the media whenever the subject came up.
Because the Trump administration refused to act on the information that Flynn was conspiring with a hostile foreign power against the interests of the US, the Intelligence agencies decided to bring Flynn down by releasing the information to the media and thereby creating a firestorm around the White House.
Essentially the Trump administration, knowing Flynn was colluding with Russia, put him into the NSA position. They didn't care what damage Flynn could do to the US. Like a Manchurian Candidate endorsed by the Oval Office.
The Intelligence services, in contrast, displayed the moral courage and integrity to take down Flynn, who was a clear and present danger to the security of the US.
This Flynn episode is a spotlight on the utter corruption and danger that the Trump administration is to the government interests and citizens of the USA.
6
This is such a transparent and obvious bit of misconduct on the part of Flynn that one has to conclude that he is either having some mental issues or that there may be more going on here than is apparent. Surely he must have known that whatever contacts he had with the Russkies would be discovered and investigated and they would be regarded as seriously inappropriate. A guy in his situation who was actually involved in some kind of espionage would never have done this nor would have his handlers have permitted it. I'm wondering if for some reason he (or someone advising him) didn't want this to happen. Think about it.
For conspiracy theory people, consider that it may be a ploy to embarrass the Trump administration. On the other hand, there is such a thing as simple stupidity and incompetence, except that it should have showed up long before now. Something's not right about this whole thing.
One thing that's pretty certain is that the Trump administration, possibly in the form of Obama leftovers among government staff or perhaps infiltrators who have misrepresented their loyalty to him, is riddled with leakers and snitches. Until someone gets a grip on this we can expect to see more and more of this kind of thing. There are a lot of people who want Trump to fail, and not all of them are leftist Democrats. Globalist ideologues, international financial interests, immigrant lobbies and establishment RINOS all want his scalp.
For conspiracy theory people, consider that it may be a ploy to embarrass the Trump administration. On the other hand, there is such a thing as simple stupidity and incompetence, except that it should have showed up long before now. Something's not right about this whole thing.
One thing that's pretty certain is that the Trump administration, possibly in the form of Obama leftovers among government staff or perhaps infiltrators who have misrepresented their loyalty to him, is riddled with leakers and snitches. Until someone gets a grip on this we can expect to see more and more of this kind of thing. There are a lot of people who want Trump to fail, and not all of them are leftist Democrats. Globalist ideologues, international financial interests, immigrant lobbies and establishment RINOS all want his scalp.
1
So, less than a month into the new Presidency, Trump's National Security Advisor is already resigning because he had been "misleading" regarding his dealings with the Russians. This administration is every bit the incoherent sideshow I was afraid it would be. It's hard to get a good night's sleep knowing who's in charge of the country now.
3
How prescient Wallace Shawn was of Trump's Administration in The Princess Bride - "The Cliffs Of Insanity!"
Has ANYBODY thought to ask about Flynn's birth certificate ???
4
Was Michael Flynn selected by Trump on account of Flynn's preexisting closeness with Putin & Co.? If not, then how did did he push aside somebody like Petraeus in the selection process?
From the NYT article:
Leonid Slutsky, the Foreign Relations Committee chairman in the Russian State Duma, said Tuesday that he sees the accusations surrounding Michael T. Flynn’s resignation as an attack on Russia and that relations with the Unites States continue to be on thin ice.
.. as an attack on Russia? How? Why?
From the NYT article:
Leonid Slutsky, the Foreign Relations Committee chairman in the Russian State Duma, said Tuesday that he sees the accusations surrounding Michael T. Flynn’s resignation as an attack on Russia and that relations with the Unites States continue to be on thin ice.
.. as an attack on Russia? How? Why?
3
The reporting suggests that the Trump team may have been taking bribes from the Russian-owned oil industry in exchange for lifting sanctions against Russia. No doubt that is why Rex Tillerson was appointed secretary of state; Exxon wants to drill in the Russian arctic. Will our Republican-led Congress hold hearings? I doubt it. One thing we've learned about their attitude is anything goes when it comes to the oil and gas industry, including getting rid of the EPA, lying about climate change, and letting polluters get away with trashing the last pristine eco-system on earth. Michael Flynn was like just doing the dirty work of sealing the deal. Lying about it was just a side note. The Republican party will want to hide as much as possible how much Trump, Flynn, Tillerson and all the rest embody the party's bankrupt values.
4
The involvement of the Trump campaign with the Russians needs a 9/11 type of Commission to investigate. Perhaps this is just a "one on" event but it may well reflect a much deeper relationship which is counter to U.S. interests and national security. It is interesting that General Flynn, supposed intelligence expert, did not surmise that his conversation would not be detected and disclosed. Investigate!
Intelligence agencies did not DETERMINE "that President Vladimir V. Putin's government tried to interfere with the 2016 election," they ASSESSED "with high confidence" that was the case, and the intelligence report included a disclaimer that "high confidence" did not mean factuality. Also, there's no indication anything was done "on Mr. Trump's behalf." Hillary Clinton promised a no-fly zone over Syria and military assistance to the Ukraine, both of which threatened war with Russia. It's far more likely the intent of any meddling would have been to hinder Clinton's election chances, not help Trump's. There is a difference.
Why did Flynn contact Russia? Trump knew, he told Flynn to contact Russia, this is easy to see..what was the purpose of the contact, what does Russia have over Trump?
1
Trump, you can still beat William Henry Harrison's record--and I know how much you like to be the first and foremost of everything--and you don't even have to die! Just fes up about Flynn and when you knew about what he was doing--aka you told him to do it--and resign. See how easy that is?!?!
1
Trump? Flynn? Putin?? ...what's the difference.
They are all acting agasint the best interests of America.
Let's get some adults back to running this country.
They are all acting agasint the best interests of America.
Let's get some adults back to running this country.
3
Trump's Russiagate!
Pense got a path to take over the White House, and he used it!
The I-word is about move the top in Google search.
Pense got a path to take over the White House, and he used it!
The I-word is about move the top in Google search.
Flynn was just a ripple.
Main axis of Evil in WH is Bannon---Trump---Miller
Main axis of Evil in WH is Bannon---Trump---Miller
7
Trump-- how can you govern if you and your team project an environment and atmosphere of questionable dealings, disastrous nominees, misbehavior, and constant back-tracking of positions, un-vetted financial and personal histories?
I don't think I can give you almost four years' worth of chance to redeem yourselves. I see what's at the end of the tunnel and it stinks!
I don't think I can give you almost four years' worth of chance to redeem yourselves. I see what's at the end of the tunnel and it stinks!
It is extremely unlikely that this is only about talking to the Russian ambassador about the sanctions, or even "inadvertently" misleading Mike Pence. Those items are simply too inconsequential to justify removal of the national security adviser one month into his tenure. I strongly suspect that this has to do with the hacking of the election, or Flynn taking payments from Russian organizations or other matters related to Russian influence. Have we heard yet whether Flynn was given a solid background report by the FBI? The FBI background reports on Flynn and other appointees may be turning up some real dirt. I wonder whether the background report turned up dirt that even Trump, with his extremely low ethical standards, was uncomfortable with.
26
"low ethical standards"? I think you're giving trump too much credit. I've yet to see ANY ethical standards from him!!
A tale of two Trumps.
To the 62,979,636 Americans who voted for Trump, he is an almost messianic figure whom they think will deliver them from all the things that they perceive as wrong with our society.
To the 65,844,610 Americans who didn't vote for Trump, he is a self serving emotionally retarded ego-maniacal skirt-chasing racist.
So, the majority of us are trying to figure out how to convince the minority that their "guy" is not a messiah, rather, he is a morally bankrupt, mentally unhinged used car salesman, who is extremely dangerous.
Unfortunately, their are millions of people who saw the last Republican administration almost destroy this country. We went from a budget surplus to a deficit, we got attacked, we watched the response to Katrina, we watched millions of people lose their homes, we saw the start of a war in a country that did absolutely nothing to us to the cost of trillions in fortune and thousands and thousands in lives, we saw the stock market collapse from almost 12,000 to under 6,000, and we were shedding about 300,000 jobs a month - and those that support Trump cannot wait to do it all over again, only lot worse.
That's the most frustrating part of all. Trump could do all this only worse - and in few years those on the right would be willing to do it all over again, somehow blaming Democrats for the whole collapse. We see it again and again and again - somehow, for the right, there is no learning curve.
To the 62,979,636 Americans who voted for Trump, he is an almost messianic figure whom they think will deliver them from all the things that they perceive as wrong with our society.
To the 65,844,610 Americans who didn't vote for Trump, he is a self serving emotionally retarded ego-maniacal skirt-chasing racist.
So, the majority of us are trying to figure out how to convince the minority that their "guy" is not a messiah, rather, he is a morally bankrupt, mentally unhinged used car salesman, who is extremely dangerous.
Unfortunately, their are millions of people who saw the last Republican administration almost destroy this country. We went from a budget surplus to a deficit, we got attacked, we watched the response to Katrina, we watched millions of people lose their homes, we saw the start of a war in a country that did absolutely nothing to us to the cost of trillions in fortune and thousands and thousands in lives, we saw the stock market collapse from almost 12,000 to under 6,000, and we were shedding about 300,000 jobs a month - and those that support Trump cannot wait to do it all over again, only lot worse.
That's the most frustrating part of all. Trump could do all this only worse - and in few years those on the right would be willing to do it all over again, somehow blaming Democrats for the whole collapse. We see it again and again and again - somehow, for the right, there is no learning curve.
22
So the National Security Advisor did not know, or did not think that anything he said to the Ambassador of Russia would be listened in by the Security agencies of the country he was sworn to secure ?
- Wow!
- Wow!
13
Flynn is merely the first one out the door -- and at less than a month in the job, the rotations are starting even sooner than most of us thought.
But we all expected it. The turnover of leadership during Trump's campaign foreshadowed what is just now starting to occur. This is what happens when you elect a mentally unbalanced man as President, and he then hires some of the most immoral, amoral, misguided, ignorant and inept millionaires, billionaires, bankers and generals for top echelon postings.
We can only hope that the wheel spins faster and faster. And that it ends soon enough with the indictment or impeachment of The Top Guy before he can ruin this country for the long term.
Because if he doesn't step down or isn't forced out within months, the deregulation of banks will bring another recession, or the loose and tough talk of foreign dealings will set off a conflagration, or pulling the trigger on a trade war will economically unbalance the globe, or one of a dozen other treacheries will come first.
But we all expected it. The turnover of leadership during Trump's campaign foreshadowed what is just now starting to occur. This is what happens when you elect a mentally unbalanced man as President, and he then hires some of the most immoral, amoral, misguided, ignorant and inept millionaires, billionaires, bankers and generals for top echelon postings.
We can only hope that the wheel spins faster and faster. And that it ends soon enough with the indictment or impeachment of The Top Guy before he can ruin this country for the long term.
Because if he doesn't step down or isn't forced out within months, the deregulation of banks will bring another recession, or the loose and tough talk of foreign dealings will set off a conflagration, or pulling the trigger on a trade war will economically unbalance the globe, or one of a dozen other treacheries will come first.
12
Scramble Kellyanne to say some dopey stuff and introduce her special entropic
sullen, sulking.
That should hold the vicious media at bay for a few hours.
Meanwhile, let's keep the leaks going.
More lava cake over here...
sullen, sulking.
That should hold the vicious media at bay for a few hours.
Meanwhile, let's keep the leaks going.
More lava cake over here...
9
Lock him up. Investigate Trump for complicity and treason; impeach Trump.
11
Bill Clinton lied under oath. The regressives protected him as the impeachment proceedings failed.
"Incomplete account"? Is that what the Trump people are calling their lies now?
7
Not sure why he resigned. Just gave an alternative account of is conversation
Abraham Lincoln is weeping.
8
So is a lot of the country...
What did the president know and when did he know it? That is the question. No way did Flynn go all rogue on his own without the tiny hands of Trump pushing from behind. This will bring down the administration of so-called President Trump. Even Republicans are agreeing this should be vigorously investigated. We the people must keep the pressure on the Senate to do their job or risk looking like collaborators with Putin's regime. The investigation must not whitewash so obvious an act of treason.
8
NSA/CIA/media crime syndicate fried him in less than a month--took them years to get Reagan into trouble.
And where was the crime syndicate when Hillary was running classified docs and data through her unsecured basement server and cutting deals with the Kremlin for Bill's "speaking fees" pay-out?
Flynn was Trump's litmus test. He failed. Trump better start genuflecting to the Hayden-Clapper "deep state" or he'll be in Chelsea's old cell before his 100 days are up.
Washington media/CIA-swamp more vicious and unforgiving than Isis. Not news to those who swim the ooze and swamp everyday--i.e., Congress and K Street, but for Trump seems surprising headlines.
And where was the crime syndicate when Hillary was running classified docs and data through her unsecured basement server and cutting deals with the Kremlin for Bill's "speaking fees" pay-out?
Flynn was Trump's litmus test. He failed. Trump better start genuflecting to the Hayden-Clapper "deep state" or he'll be in Chelsea's old cell before his 100 days are up.
Washington media/CIA-swamp more vicious and unforgiving than Isis. Not news to those who swim the ooze and swamp everyday--i.e., Congress and K Street, but for Trump seems surprising headlines.
1
And so the first domino falls....
6
Resignation is step one, prosecution is step two.
One down, dozens more to go.
One down, dozens more to go.
8
Honk if you DON'T think that Trump approved Flynn's phone calls!
7
Now more than ever we need to see his "tax " returns. The ones that show his ties to Russia and how he plans to profit from lifting sanctions. The ones that show no taxes paid.
8
He's just a fall guy. May the house of cards collapse quickly.
11
I doubt we've heard the end of this story. Trump may be at the real blackmail risk. There are multiple reports that parts of the lurid Russian dossier on Trump have been corroborated and that a Moscow KGB general found dead in his car was involved in the leaks to Christopher Steele, the Brit who has gone underground. Also, why the recent arrests of Russian officials suspected of leaking information to the US? Something bigger is going on.
4
Please sir, I'd like to resign and write that I had a distinguished career in the White House.
8
I guess there's a new expression now: "Out like Flynn."
74
What Flynn did used to be called treason. So the question is how much help were the Russians in electing Trump and, was what Flynn did payback for their help. The next question is, what did the president know and when did he know it?
10
So, the so-called national security adviser couldn't anticipate that the government's national security apparatus might have a passing interest in his extra-curricular phone calls?
'Amateurs' is way too kind, so far. And we're only scratching the surface of a scandal that may place us all in real peril.
4
America's adversaries are chomping at the bit. Since January 20 North Korea and Iran have tested missiles, the estranged half-brother of Kim Jong Un has been tragically murdered, intensification of conflict in Ukraine has happened. One or more of these adversaries are surely planning something big in the spring season. And why not? A crass, tacky, classless, clueless buffoon is president of the United States.
Meanwhile, Chaffetz & Ryan and the rest of the GOP jokers in Congress are more interested in administering the "Shock Doctrine" to the American people and appear intent on doing as much damage as possible before turning a blind eye to Donald's incompetence becomes untenable.
Has a country as badly governed as Haiti has been since 1804 ever faced a situation as potentially awful and ridiculous as the one that now confronts the United States? The Mobutu-like looters are carrying their copies of Atlas Shrugged and licking their chops like ravenous dogs.
Meanwhile, Chaffetz & Ryan and the rest of the GOP jokers in Congress are more interested in administering the "Shock Doctrine" to the American people and appear intent on doing as much damage as possible before turning a blind eye to Donald's incompetence becomes untenable.
Has a country as badly governed as Haiti has been since 1804 ever faced a situation as potentially awful and ridiculous as the one that now confronts the United States? The Mobutu-like looters are carrying their copies of Atlas Shrugged and licking their chops like ravenous dogs.
10
Next = Bannon and Miller
6
Let us Pray that Bannon and Miller are gone soon. Nasty guys. Fingers crossed
“Unreviewable” is that Nixonian logic the Executive ring is somehow its own circus: “When the President does it, that means that it is not illegal”
Every president since Iran-Contra criminal Reagan has had reason to believe they’re above the law.
Actually, democrats believe in the Boogieman and Santa Claus.
Every president since Iran-Contra criminal Reagan has had reason to believe they’re above the law.
Actually, democrats believe in the Boogieman and Santa Claus.
1
Remember that Trump asked the Russians to hack our election.
Either they were already doing it and he was well aware, or they took up his invitation.
Please get to the root of this.
Either they were already doing it and he was well aware, or they took up his invitation.
Please get to the root of this.
1
If you believe that Michael T. Flynn talked to the Russian Ambassador about lifting sanctions immediately after President Obama announced sanctions against Russia without the full knowledge and permission of Donald Trump and key members of his administration, then I have a bridge to sell you that's on special today, that is if Trump hasn't sold it to you already.
3
Trump's connections to Russia are rotten to the core so this is nothing but an unraveling mess. And in true Trump fashion, it was all done as absolutely stupidly as possible. Yet the republicans in congress protect Trump's tax returns and blocks a complete financial disclosure?
The backlash by intelligent conservatives is painfully slow...but at least it's starting to happen. Watch the town halls in the next few weeks.
The backlash by intelligent conservatives is painfully slow...but at least it's starting to happen. Watch the town halls in the next few weeks.
2
Ashamed of this retired US Army officer. An officer and a gentleman (or gentlewoman): "My word is my bond." Been there, done that.
Makes me wonder about how Flynn made it through the ranks. What a despicable individual......same as all the other prevaricators surrounding the "commander-in-chief" of a country that used to be great.
Makes me wonder about how Flynn made it through the ranks. What a despicable individual......same as all the other prevaricators surrounding the "commander-in-chief" of a country that used to be great.
1
Time to get the generals out of the NSA. We don't want David Betrayus either.
2
America's presidency is not a reality show.
It is time to wake up and call out those who foster the incompetency that permeates this White House.
It will go down in history as the biggest con-job from a professional grifter executed on the nation.
It is time to wake up and call out those who foster the incompetency that permeates this White House.
It will go down in history as the biggest con-job from a professional grifter executed on the nation.
3
How exactly is "extreme vetting" going to work when the man-boy in the Oval Office, his boss Bannon and his lackeys, can't even handle the vetting of cabinet choices? If lying during the interview process, refusing to answer simple yes or no questions, not providing correct financial information, etc. took place for an average Joe or Jill looking for a job at K-Mart, they wouldn't get hired. Why is that these people up for cabinet level positions who will be responsible for decisions that have national and global ramifications being approved? They are all employees of the citizens of the US and should be held to the same standards that their employers (us) are held to when being interviewed and hired.
2
Treasonous Trump.
Trump is "to great " .
Spelling mistake on official inauguration photo.
https://twitter.com/paulm4749/status/830929219861389312/photo/1?ref_src=...
Spelling mistake on official inauguration photo.
https://twitter.com/paulm4749/status/830929219861389312/photo/1?ref_src=...
1
For all of us who know we need to get Trump out of the White House as soon as possible, this episode serves as a good reminder. Focus on Russia, Russia, Russia. The daily, sometimes hourly, outrages that flow from Trump can make it easy to get distracted. Please everyone, demand that your representatives conduct a thorough investigation. Now.
Well thank God we didn't elect a well-prepared woman who used a private email server and who gave speeches to the people that are now in Trump's cabinet.
3
It would appear that when Trump said he'll "drain the swamp", he must have meant his own administration, not the establishment status quo . . .
1
The WH kept Flynn on as NSC head for WEEKS after they were warned by Acting AG Yates that he had "misled" the administration. In plain terms, after he LIED to them.
Why did they do that?
The only logical explanations are:
1. They already knew and did not care.
2. They did not believe the intelligence community.
What a bunch of "lose-lose" incompetents.
Why did they do that?
The only logical explanations are:
1. They already knew and did not care.
2. They did not believe the intelligence community.
What a bunch of "lose-lose" incompetents.
Hillary would have been ready day one.
2
Day one? Her performance as Secretary of State was tragic. She was there four years while being wrong on everything she did. She also used that office to stuff her pockets.
Ray _ These are just rants without evidence, and I no longer listen to them. Her emails compared to Trump's Russian fiasco, etc? There is no reaching people who refuse to learn.
One down. More to go.
Putin must be laughing his butt off at this dysfunctional presidency and how much influence he holds over it.
Putin must be laughing his butt off at this dysfunctional presidency and how much influence he holds over it.
3
It is astounding that they and he would feel comfortable enough stepping into the diplomatic arena. It says a lot about their assumptions of relationships with the Russians.
There is something here. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck.
There is something here. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck.
1
Flynn is an example of the quality of trump supporters who are now in positions of power. Liars and power hungry nut cases. Meanwhile, while trump and bannon are focusing on a travel ban to prevent a problem that doesn't exist, North Korea and now Russia (remember what bro's trump and Putin are?) are now testing this inept mob. These are real problems and trump just keeps making decisions at banquets and dinners, shooting from the hip and consistently getting it wrong.
trump needs to call Hillary and let her take over so we have some adults in charge. trump can work on his brand and "making America great again."
trump needs to call Hillary and let her take over so we have some adults in charge. trump can work on his brand and "making America great again."
3
And they aren't going to investigate because it has "taken care of itself." Surprise!
1
A former general, Flynn was surely following orders from his Commander In Chief. Falling on his sword to protect Trump, Flynn was loyal to the end. Fool!
1
Flynn falls on sword. Trump chaos continues.
This story somehow feels incomplete -- and carefully sanitized for public consumption. Flynn makes a point of getting his bosses off the hook -- but I suspect that #45 and his vice don't have such clean hands themselves. Why would Flynn 'freelance' that premature conversation with the Russian ambassador? My strong hunch is that T actually asked Flynn to assure the Russians that they needn't worry about the sanctions, that the new admin would make it all nice for them again.
Let's hope the full story gets exposed... and soon.
Let's hope the full story gets exposed... and soon.
President Trump should have stood behind Flynn. I don't see any problem with him speaking to the Russian Ambassador once Trump was elected. Didn't President Obama send a letter to the Ayatollah Khamenei after winning the election but prior to being sworn in? He should have been more upfront with VP Pence however.
Democrats and the media will go into a frenzy with the blood now in the water. There has been a concerted effort by both to delegitimize, impede and destabilize the Trump administration. It will be open "cold warfare" for the next 4 to 8 years. The pretense of objectivity in the press and media has been ripped away after this election. The Trump administration should have never handed them the scalp; they will only want more.
Democrats and the media will go into a frenzy with the blood now in the water. There has been a concerted effort by both to delegitimize, impede and destabilize the Trump administration. It will be open "cold warfare" for the next 4 to 8 years. The pretense of objectivity in the press and media has been ripped away after this election. The Trump administration should have never handed them the scalp; they will only want more.
1
This is only the beginning. Trump is building a house of cards on a foundation of ineptitude and ignorance. It will only be a matter of time before it all comes tumbling down,
1
If what Flynn provided was "incomplete information" I would hate to see what "complete" looked like.
Every Californian should be pressuring Devin Nunes, Chairman of the United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to hold investigations on Flynn and President Trump. Nunes, R. Ca- 22nd Congressional District( and home to some of the poorest communities in California) at age 42, is a career politician; having begun his political career at age 22. He is an under-the-radar Paul Ryan.
1
Looks like Flynn did some of the dirty work for the campaign as far as Russians are concerned and is now becoming a liability. So, naturally, he is thrown under the Trump bus... Good riddance, general, and don't let the door hit you on the way out! And as you pass "Go", do not collect $200K, but do show up for a hearing at the Congressional Intelligence Committee -- there are a few questions that we, the people, would like you to answer about your former boss's involvement in this whole affair.
1