August 3, 2018

US Security Chiefs Express Alarm About Election Meddling in presser today at WH briefing room

https://www.voanews.com/a/us-officials-concerned-potential-efforts-meddle-election/4511150.html



Top U.S. national security leaders made a rare joint appearance in the White House briefing room Thursday to express concern about efforts by Russia — and potentially others — to meddle in upcoming elections here, and to reassure the public that strong countermeasures are being taken.

"We continue to see a pervasive message campaign by Russia to try to weaken and divide the United States," said the director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, adding that he was aware "Russia is not the only country that has an interest in trying to influence our domestic political environment."

Coats said President Donald Trump "has specifically directed us to make the matter of election meddling and securing our election process a top priority."

FBI Director Christopher Wray, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Army General Paul Nakasone, who is head of the National Security Agency, also appeared at Thursday's briefing.

As they spoke, a letter national security adviser John Bolton sent to five senators of the opposition Democratic Party was released outlining the Trump administration's "extensive, historic actions" taken to "ensure the integrity of our elections and defend against foreign malign influence."

The letter specifically mentioned actions taken against the Russian government, companies and individuals.

snip

Wray warned, however, "Any moment is just a moment before the dial can be turned up." He also revealed that FBI field offices across the country were investigating election interference, and he stated that adversaries were "manipulating news stories and spreading disinformation."

More at link

August 3, 2018

Jim Acosta appreciation thread.

I always wonder about appreciation threads, if the person being appreciated ever sees them, but in case, let's do one. And then email him individually. As Dan Rather said, he needs to know he has support.
"Last night @CNN's @Acosta faced down a hostile crowd. Support from his colleagues, competitors, and general public is a must."

I felt so grateful for him today watching that press briefing, and at the event yesterday that Dan Rather referenced in quote above. Speaking truth to power both times, which he does regularly.

Any other ideas on how to let him know he is supported?

August 2, 2018

Mueller as The Last Witch Hunter. You gotta see this.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1024646945640525826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1024685256035717125&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.democraticunderground.com%2F100210950366



He doesn't look conflicted ...

August 1, 2018

George Takei on Lawrence shortly to talk about family separation and interment camps.

Lawrence just said he will be on tonight. Lawrence is going to talk about how no GOP congress critters supported zero tolerance today when it came up. Then Takei after that sometime.