Impeachment Drama Unfolds in Washington, Even MLK Gets Invoked
Why won't it just go away? The House Democratic impeachment effort against President Trump seems to have reached a new high of desperation.
During a late-night impeachment pow pow, one Democrat stated that the president's actions were an "affront to the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr."
All joking aside, how the hell does this have anything to do with MLK?
House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D) impugn the decision voting Americans made after they elected President Trump.
"We cannot rely on an election to solve our problems when the president threatens the very integrity of that election," said Nadler
Even terrorists are afforded due process. Read more here
'Open Gaetz' Smackdown
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), who sits on the House Judiciary, unleashed a scathing rebuke to his Democratic colleague's case for impeachment.
"Impeachment has become reflexive for Dems. It’s what they’ve wanted all along.
Impeachment is their passion, their drug, their all-consuming ambition and obsession.
It has been since the moment they stopped crying at Hillary Clinton’s election night sob-fest."
In more pressing news, while we won't be mentioning everyone's birthday on the JUICE, we do have to mention that today I, El Javier Manjarres, turn 26 years old. Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me...
Visit The Floridian
Not Guilty
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has reinstated Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper after a being found not guilty of corruption charges stemming from an FBI sting operation.
The Sun-Sentinel has reported that DeSantis' reinstatement came down in the form of an executive order.
With all the negativity surrounding politics, its always good to mention those good moments that make us all smile, even if it's just for a few moments.
Voting
With Florida being a state that is always at the center of some election controversy, the Sunshine State has been accepted for membership in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). ERIC, a "sophisticated data-matching tool", is used to "enhance the accuracy of voter registration systems."
“Medical marijuana prescriptions surpass 300K in Florida” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – During a not-so-winter wonderland Christmas extravaganza in Oakland Park, Florida, where we took the girls to do some fake ice, ice skating and to meet Santa Clause, there were several individuals pushing a petition to legalize recreational marijuana. Legalizing pot for recreational consumption was the next play for the pro-pot lobby after Floridians voted to legalized medical pot. Legalizing medical marijuana was all rage a couple of years back, but according to a recent story posted by the News Service of Florida, interested in purchasing medicinal marijuana licenses has really dwindled. “There’s nothing wrong with the market in Florida. It’s just that nobody wants to put millions and millions of dollars into the ground,” said Alan Brochstein, managing partner at New Cannabis Investors.
“Gunman in Florida base shooting may have embraced radical ideology years before arriving in US, Saudi report says” By Washington Post’s Missy Ryan – The Saudi aviation student responsible for a shooting that killed three US sailors on a Florida base last week appears to have embraced radical ideology as early as 2015, well before he arrived in the United States for training, a Saudi government analysis has found. According to the internal report, a Twitter account believed to have been used by Ahmed Mohammed al-Shamrani indicates that four religious figures described as radical appear to have shaped the Saudi Air Force trainee’s ‘‘extremist thought.’’ A copy of the report was obtained by The Washington Post. The attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola has raised concerns about the vetting of foreign military personnel who take part in training and exchange programs in the United States, and it has drawn renewed congressional scrutiny of the kingdom following a period of substantial tension. While some lawmakers have criticized Saudi Arabia for its role in Yemen’s punishing civil war and the killing of journalist and Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last year, the Trump administration has consistently defended the kingdom as a key ally against Iran and other threats.
“Florida officially joins national voter database network” by Associated Press – Florida officials announced Wednesday that the state’s voter registration rolls are now linked to a national database that could help elections officials detect possible fraud — or spot multiple voter registration files across state lines. Gov. Ron DeSantis had previously announced his state’s intent to join the national network known as ERIC, but it became official Wednesday when his office said the state’s application had been approved for membership. Florida joins 28 other states and the District of Columbia as part of a network operated by the Electronic Registration Information Center, which is supposed to help elections officials more efficiently update voter registration records so the same person does not have multiple records across jurisdictions. Florida has had its share of ballot box controversies over the years, including the revelation earlier this year that hackers had infiltrated the election systems of at least two of the state’s 67 counties. The secretary of state’s office, which oversees elections across Florida, has sought to regain public trust ahead of next year’s presidential elections but has revealed little about its examination into the integrity of county run election systems across the state. “My administration is committed to protecting the integrity of Florida’s voter rolls and preventing election fraud,” DeSantis said in a statement released by his office.
“Florida students will learn about child trafficking and drug abuse as part of their curriculum” by Action News Jax’s Brittney Verner – Florida students will soon start getting some tough lessons in the classroom. Starting next semester schools will be required to teach students about drug use and abuse, child trafficking and prevention and mental and emotional health education. The new requirements in schools comes after the state board announced that all students in elementary through high school in the entire state are required to receive five hours of training in those subject areas. The middle and high schoolers will learn about all three topics and elementary students will only learn about drug use and abuse and child trafficking prevention. Dr. Lynn Wadelton who’s a clinical psychologist at First Coast Therapy Group said depending on the type of information given to these students it could cause problems opposed to prevention. “A mass approach is a mass approach, it is not as good as an individualized approach for all of these really complicated problems that are going on,” Wadelton said. She said there are some pros to providing the educational program if it’s taught in a thoughtful way. However, the school and parents should work together to provide a backup plan in case a child is extremely disturbed by what they’ve learned.
“Florida bills would require employers to give 3 months of paid leave for new parents” by Fox 13 Tampa Bay – Florida lawmakers have introduced bills in the legislature that would require companies to provide three months of paid time off to new parents. The bills, HB 899 and SB 1194, outline the "Florida Family Leave Act," which would require businesses to give employees paid family leave for three months after the birth or adoption of a child. Parents who take a foster child into their care would also be able to take family leave under the proposed legislation. The Senate bill says the requirement would allow new parents time to "bond with a new child upon the child’s birth, adoption, or foster care placement." Workers who have been with the companies for at least a year and a half would qualify. Senator Janet Cruz, who represents portions of Hillsborough County, introduced the bill in the Florida Senate.
“Trump loves on Israeli special needs kids” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Regardless of which side of the political aisle you find yourself, moments of compassion and jubilation like this will make everyone feel all warm and fuzzy, and a bit emotional. During his address at the Israeli-American Council’s yearly national summit in Hollywood, Florida, President Donald Trump was greeted on stage by a group of Israeli special needs kids. President Trump was taken back by the show of support, to say the least. Trump returned the love for the overwhelming appreciation and love the kids showed him. Hugs all around.
“New poll may show less Democrats support impeaching Trump” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – With House Democrats having announced that they are pursuing two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) has emailed a survey from her legislative office asking her constituents to “share” their thoughts in the poll. “Recent allegations against the President say that he asked the President of Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden’s son,” stated Wasserman Schultz “I believe such actions undermine our national security and should alarm every American. I fully support Congress moving forward with drafting articles of impeachment. No individual stands above the law, even the President. Assuming that the email was sent to her Democratic following in the congressional district, the survey is very telling in that as of this morning, 46 percent of those who took the poll did not support the impeaching inquiry into President Trump, while 54 percent did.
“Alyssa Milano drops out of Yang fundraiser citing sexual misconduct allegations against unnamed campaign aide” By CNN’s Dan Merica – Actress and political activist Alyssa Milano said on Tuesday night that she was pulling out of a fundraiser for Democratic presidential hopeful Andrew Yang over "repeated allegations of sexual misconduct against a campaign staffer by a campaign staffer." Milano said the allegations were "not appropriately addressed" but did not provide specifics about the allegations and did not respond to CNN's requests for more details. She also tweeted that the allegations were not against Yang himself.
A Yang campaign spokesperson said the campaign takes "these matters seriously, and creating a safe environment for anyone participating in any activity with the campaign is an utmost priority." "To those ends, we have initiated prompt action to evaluate these allegations and will take all necessary steps to ensure that we foster a work environment that is in accordance with our values," the spokesperson added.
“Insurers plead with Supreme Court for $12 billion in government reimbursements for Obamacare” by CNN’s Ariane de Vogue – Insurers went to the Supreme Court on Tuesday seeking justice on $12 billion in Obamacare payments they say they are owed by the government. During a lively hour-long argument, several justices suggested that the government had reneged on a promise, suggesting they may rule in favor of the insurers -- who claim they are the victims of a "bait and switch of staggering dimensions." In the early days of the Affordable Care Act, insurers agreed to offer lower premiums to encourage participation in health care exchanges because the law guaranteed partial reimbursement for their losses. But the payments never came after Congress, then controlled by Republicans, ultimately declined to appropriate the money. "Why doesn't the government have to pay?" Justice Stephen Breyer asked at one point. Breyer and Chief Justice John Roberts, among others, pointed to a risk mitigation program, written into the law, for insurers who might incur losses from 2014-2016.
"You don't question that these insurance companies would not have participated," Roberts asked the government lawyer, "but for the government's promise to pay? " The case does not concern the overall legality of the Affordable Care Act, but instead involves the initial three-year implementation period where insurers claim they suffered massive losses because of the lower premiums.
“Trump stresses Saudi Arabia response to Navy base attack as Florida Republicans take harsher tone” by CNN’s Nicole Gaouette and Kylie Atwood – President Donald Trump's support for Saudi Arabia in the wake of a deadly shooting by a Saudi national at a Florida naval base is underscoring the latitude Trump gives the Kingdom's rulers, even as Congress has pushed to limit the ties between Washington and Riyadh. The December 6 attack on a military base in the Florida panhandle -- a political stronghold for the President -- raises questions about whether Trump will feel any political fallout as Florida Republicans warn Saudi Arabia not to interfere in investigations and call for a review of foreigners training on US bases. Also in question: the extent to which Saudi Arabia will help with the investigation. The FBI is presuming the attack, which killed three US young servicemembers, was an act of terrorism, a word the President has yet to use, though he has tweeted about Saudi condolences and promises of cooperation. Speaking at the White House the day after, Trump said Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud had told him they "are devastated," and that the King would be involved "in taking care of the families." The President promised that "we will get to the bottom" of what happened.
“Lawmakers reach tentative bipartisan deal to tackle surprise medical bills” by CNN’s Tami Luhby – After months of stalemate, lawmakers in the House and Senate have finally reached a bipartisan deal to address surprise medical bills. While the issue is one of the few to enjoy broad cross-party support on Capitol Hill and in the White House, just how to spare Americans from unexpected bills became bogged down amid a lobbying and advertising blitz by the health care industry. At issue are the bills that patients get after receiving care from out-of-network physicians or hospitals, often in an emergency situation. These unexpected charges are one of Americans' top health care headaches. Roughly 1 in every 6 emergency room or in-hospital stays generated at least one out-of-network medical bill in 2017, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis. Insurers favor the government setting a benchmark rate, but hospitals and other providers -- often backed by private equity firms -- strongly support resolving the matter through arbitration.
“Judge blocks Los Angeles law requiring potential city contractors to disclose NRA ties” by Fox News’s Brie Stimson – A federal judge Wednesday temporarily blocked a new Los Angeles law that requires prospective city contractors to disclose any ties with the National Rifle Association. U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson granted the injunction at the request of the NRA, which sued the city of Los Angeles last summer, claiming the law violates the right to free speech and equal protection. The NRA also called the ordinance “modern-day McCarthyism,” claiming that NRA members would have to choose between contracting with the city or keeping their memberships. The injunction stops enforcement of the law as the case goes forward. The judge removed Mayor Eric Garcetti and the city clerk as defendants in the lawsuit but didn’t entirely throw it out. The city may appeal the ruling or the NRA could request that the injunction be made permanent. The law, which went into effect in April, says that contracting with NRA-linked businesses "undermines the city's efforts to legislate and promote gun safety and would lead "to more pro-gun advocacy, laxer gun laws, and inevitably more mass shootings," according to Wilson.
“Dems plow ahead with impeachment articles as initial vote looms” by Fox News’s Ronn Blitzer and Gregg Re – The House Judiciary Committee is poised to be the scene of another major partisan clash Thursday as lawmakers press ahead with two articles of impeachment against President Trump, ahead of an initial vote expected by day's end likely to advance the measures to the floor. The final "markup" process began Wednesday evening, immediately breaking out into fiery disagreement. Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., argued that it would be unsafe to wait until the 2020 election to remove Trump from office. "We cannot rely on an election to solve our problems when the president threatens the very integrity of that election," Nadler claimed during Wednesday's session. Democrats from districts that supported Trump in 2016, however, have been less enthusiastic. Recent polls have shown declining support for impeachment in key swing states, with two polls released Wednesday indicating that most Americans did not want Trump removed. Politico reported earlier this week that the numbers were making a "small group" of moderate Democrats, who have held seats in districts where Trump won in 2016, nervous about how to vote. They instead have suggested Trump be censured, which would prevent the GOP from holding a potentially damaging Senate trial and give them political cover in the upcoming election.
“Eric Holder, once Obama’s ‘wingman,’ now calling out Barr for loyalty to Trump” Fox News’s Edmund DeMarche – Eric Holder, who headed the U.S. Justice Department under former President Barack Obama, penned a column late Wednesday in which he calls Attorney General William Barr an unfit successor due to "nakedly partisan" actions and loyalty to President Trump. Barr has been a favorite target of Trump critics since becoming attorney general in February following the departure of Jeff Sessions. Barr's detractors see him as a high-ranking enabler of the president who may use the department to serve Trump's personal and political interests. In an interview with Fox News earlier this year, Barr said he was ready for the criticism. His supporters, however, see Barr as a major player in determining the origins of what became the Russia investigation. The White House and Republicans in Congress say they want to know more about why the FBI decided to investigate the Trump's 2016 campaign's possible ties to Moscow — what Trump has often called a partisan “witch hunt.” Writing in The Washington Post, Holder's criticism of Barr is wide-ranging. He points to a comment Barr made last month at a Federalist Society event, asserting that Barr made the "outlandish suggestion that Congress cannot entrust anyone but the president himself to execute the law."
President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump - (Retweeting) This is the fastest, weakest, thinnest, MOST PARTISAN impeachment in American presidential history. #impeachmentDebate - Rep. Jim Jordan
(((Rep. Nadler))) @RepJerryNadler - "Having reviewed the evidence, we come to our second question: is the President’s proven conduct impeachable? The answer is simple: absolutely."
Rick Scott @SenRickScott - Thank you @POTUS for standing firm against anti-Semitism and hate in this country.
As one of our greatest allies, Israel’s friendship with the US is always growing and we will always work to protect them from those who wish them harm.
Marco Rubio @marcorubio - The terror attack at #PensacolaNAS exposed serious flaws in our vetting process that may require additional suspensions of some of our foreign training programs until these flaws are addressed.
Very disturbing.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz @DWStweets - The courts have ruled again Trump can't steal money that Congress appropriated for military needs, just to pay for a boondoggle border wall.
The real winners: military families, national security, and the rule of law.
Rep. Ted Deutch @RepTedDeutch - When my children were younger, we taught them to tell the truth. If you've got nothing to hide, honesty is the clearest path to putting trouble behind you. If the President has not abused his power, he would have ordered his staff to tell the truth. Instead he silenced them.
Rep. Matt Gaetz @RepMattGaetz Impeachment has become reflexive for Dems. It’s what they’ve wanted all along. Impeachment is their passion, their drug, their all-consuming ambition and obsession. It has been since the moment they stopped crying at Hillary Clinton’s election night sob-fest. #impeachmentDebate
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell @RepDMP - America is a beacon of freedom, where even the most powerful are held to account. It is why I feel so fortunate to be raising my two children in this great country. But this President has acted as if he is above the law, & here, NO ONE is above the law. #DefendOurDemocracy
Ron DeSantis @GovRonDeSantis - I'm pleased that the @flcourts
Statewide Grand Jury has issued their 2nd interim report identifying recommendations to improve school safety. I look forward to working with the Legislature this session to review these recommendations.
CFO Jimmy Patronis @Jimmypatronis - Katie and I enjoyed catching up with Senator Scott at RJC.
Commissioner Nikki Fried @NikkiFriedFL - This is right for Kentucky. And it’s right for Florida. Thank you Governor @AndyBeshearKY for showing the nation what leadership on voting rights looks like. We can do the same in Florida for 1.4 million ex-felons waiting for justice. And we will.
Dane Eagle @DaneEagle - Was disappointed to miss the annual Lee GOP Christmas Party last night, but they lucked out because they got my beautiful wife instead. Busy week in Tallahassee getting things in order for the upcoming 2020 Legislative Session.
“Florida man shows up ‘buck naked’ to undercover sex sting, deputies say” by WKMG ClickOrlando’s Adrienne Cutway – A Florida man was “buck naked” when he showed up to the front door of a home where an undercover sex sting operation was being conducted, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Records show Rodney Davis was one of 124 people arrested during Operation Santa’s Naughty List, which targeted prostitutes, child predators and johns during a six-day period.
As part of the operation, deputies said they used internet advertisements to arrange meetings between suspects and undercover detectives. Judd said Davis was among the 46 people accused of trying to meet a prostitute for sex. Video from the undercover operation shows Davis was nude when he arrived at the undercover location. “This guy walked up to the front door of this home in a neighborhood on a cool evening buck naked.
Now if you don’t know the difference in naked and buck naked, buck naked means you’re not even wearing your socks. He didn’t have a stitch of clothes on but he was carrying a shirt, I guess in case of an emergency. He walked into the house, he was proud of himself - that’s up for debate,” Judd said.
Deputies Ann Marie Larocque and Lane Jacobs responded to find Klum closed up in the residence and the victim “hiding behind a tree” nearby, according to the report.
Larocque made contact with the victim who said Klum, with whom she had the child, had moved in with her and the child about a month ago, according to the report.
The victim told the deputy on Saturday afternoon Klum had accused her of cheating on him and “jumped over a couch and attacked her” pulling her to the floor by her hair and punching her, according to the report.
The victim told Larocque that during one part of the attack, Klum tried to force oral sex and reportedly stated “I’m going to get five years so I might as well get it before I go,” the report states.
A search of Florida Department of Correction inmate records show a Robert M. Klum II with a birth date of July 18, 1980 and a residential address the same as listed on the report, was placed on two years of community supervision for a Marion County “domestic battery , strangle” offense on in March 7.
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