teabag09

You get an absolute AMEN on bended knee from me. Mike

JediKnight

What really should be the main topic of discussion is WHY would there be a need to surveil and investigate our own president in the first place.

dtucker300 Loc: Vista, CA

The was no need; Trump wasn't President. The prudent thing to do would have been for the Obama Administration to notify the Trump campaign about the suspected Russian interference in his campaign so that is could have been investigated then and there. Instead, they all thought Hillary would win and this wouldn't matter because it was all in her favor.


James Comey Stumbles As FBI Abuses Against Trump Camp On Full Display
by Ronn Blitzer


By Ronn Blitzer December 16th, 2019 | Image Source: Business Insider

Former FBI Director James Comey admitted on “Fox News Sunday” that the recently released Justice Department Inspector General’s report on the launch of the FBI’s Russia investigation and their use of the surveillance process showed that he was “overconfident” when he defended his former agency’s use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

This comes days after Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report and testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee detailed concerns that included 17 “significant errors and omissions” by the FBI’s investigative team when applying for a FISA warrant to monitor former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Horowitz referred “the entire chain of command” to the FBI and DOJ for “how to assess and address their performance failures” during the probe, which was conducted while Comey was in charge.

“He’s right, I was wrong,” Comey said about how the FBI used the FISA process, adding, “I was overconfident as director in our procedures,” and that what happened “was not acceptable.”

Horowitz did make it clear that he believes the FBI’s investigation of Russian e******n i**********e and possible connections with the Trump campaign was properly initiated, but he did note that this is based on a “low threshold.” He also concluded that there was no testimonial or documentary evidence to show that the investigation started due to any political bias, but said the issue of bias “gets murkier” when it comes to the various issues with the FISA process.

That process included the reliance on information gathered by former British spy Christopher Steele as part of opposition research conducted by Fusion GPS for the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign. Horowitz’s report stated that government attorneys were hesitant to approve a FISA warrant application until they relied on unverified information from Steele. That information also was used in subsequent renewals for the FISA warrant.

Comey downplayed the role of Steele’s information in obtaining the FISA warrant against Page, claiming Sunday that it was “not a huge part of the presentation to the court,” just part of the information included in the warrant application.

He insisted that he and Horowitz “weren’t saying different things” about Steele’s significance, but host Chris Wallace then read Horowitz’s words, which said Steele’s information “played a central and essential role” in establishing probable cause.

Comey said he did not “see the disconnect” between his stance and Horowitz’s, even though he recognized that Steele’s reporting “was the one that convinced the lawyers” to move forward.

When Wallace accused him of minimizing the relevance of Steele’s information, Comey said, “if I was then I’m sorry that I did that.”

Another tense exchange occurred when Comey and Wallace accused each other of “mischaracterizing” the problems with Steele’s reporting. Comey claimed that the issue “were significant questions about the reliability of some of the sub-source reporting.”

Wallace then pointed out that according to Horowitz’s report, Steele’s Russian sub-source was not the problem. Rather, the sub-source told the FBI that Steele was the one misrepresenting his statements, demonstrating a lack of reliability.

Comey maintained “that doesn’t drive the conclusion that Steele’s reporting was bunk.”

In addition to the issues related to Steele, the FBI was found to have omitted exculpatory information about Page that could have impacted the judge’s decision in granting the FISA warrant. Included in this was an instance where an attorney was found to have altered an email to say that Page had not been a CIA source, when in fact he had been working with them. That information would have justified Page’s contacts with Russia, and its omission ultimately led to the FBI renewing the FISA warrant against Page.

In an April 2018 interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Comey claimed that the FISA process is “incredibly rigorous” and claimed that Republicans’ criticism of the Page FISA warrant was “a political deal” that was not “based in substance or law.”

Following the report’s release, Comey essentially claimed vindication, declaring in the wake of the report that the criticism of the bureau’s actions “was all lies.” When asked about vindication at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, the inspector general bluntly replied, “I think the activities we found here don’t vindicate anybody who touched this FISA.”

Comey explained that his claim of vindication was not in reference to the issues identified in Horowtiz’s report.

“What I mean is that the FBI was accused of treason, of illegal spying, of tapping Mr. Trump’s wires illegally, of opening an investigation without justification, of being a criminal conspiracy to unseat, defeat and then unseat a president. All of that was nonsense,” he said.

On Sunday, Comey claimed that the FBI did not intentionally commit wrongdoing, but described the FBI’s failures as “real sloppiness.” He said the Horowitz report “did not find misconduct by any FBI people,” rather just “mistakes and negligence.”

Wallace was quick to remind Comey that attorney Kevin Clinesmith was referred for criminal investigation for the doctored email. Comey said, “that’s not been resolved.” He did say it was “fair” to say that the FBI provided false information to the FISA court.

Comey said that “in general” he was unaware of “the particulars of the investigation” when it was going on, but said that as the person at the head of the FBI at the time, it still falls on him.

“I was responsible for this.”

JediKnight

dtucker; I think what is commonly overlooked in all of this is the simple fact that there was ample reason to suspect Trump was up to no good. Trump's incessant fawning over Putin, Kim, Duarte, and MSB breaks with all tradition, and IMO, common sense. Yes, mistakes were made in the initial investigations for sure. However, that does not negate the reasons that made the investigations necessary.

Saying "I didn't mean to do it" is no defense.

dtucker300 Loc: Vista, CA

True, ignorance of the law is no excuse. People suspect, but there is no proof. Your opinion is no more nor less valid than mine. Instead, I prefer to consider the facts. But we are limited only to the information at hand and by what the media tell us. In time, all the t***h will come out. Until proven otherwise, I still support Trump and think the Democrats suffer from TDS.

JediKnight

Very well....I can agree with all you said, except the last sentence of course. I believe people are tired of being played for fools. Yes, we know that all politicians lie at some point, and many do not accomplish the promises they made while campaigning. However, to make lofty promises with no concrete means of accomplishing said promise is no more than telling a deliberate lie - I offer "Mexico will pay for the wall" as just one example.

I respectfully submit that what you see as 'democrats suffering from TDS' is actually people getting tired of the bullchit. Peace be unto you.

dtucker300 Loc: Vista, CA

I'm also tired of the Clinton Foundation and so many other things politicians do that are conveniently overlooked. I didn't v**e for Trump but I think he was elected because of exactly what you say. People are tired of the BullChit. Even Boris Johnson's conservatives blew away the Liberal Labour Party because of Brexit.

Louis

That’s nonsense. They lied on the application by omitting the fact that Carter Page was already an asset for the CIA to spie on Russia.

JediKnight

I understand your view. However, I think those who v**ed for Trump as 'opposition to democrats' totally overlooked that Trump is obviously more flawed than any democrat past or present.

dtucker300 Loc: Vista, CA

We are all flawed. We are human. I try to overlook the flaws in everyone, which is difficult at times to do. Nevertheless, I try to see the good that he has brought to this country. One of which is the greatest economic expansion in decades, low unemployment, particularly among minorities, and curtailing regulations that hurt the free market because that is the single biggest weapon we have to fight against totalitarianism and promote liberty in the world. It is bigger and more effective than the military.

Trump is far from perfect. But he is a fighter. And right now, there is no candidate among the Democrats who I believe can do better for America. I pay less attention to what Trump says and more so to his results.

dtucker300 Loc: Vista, CA

[quote=JediKnight]I understand your view. However, I think those who v**ed for Trump as 'opposition to democrats' totally overlooked that Trump is obviously more flawed than any democrat past or present.[/quo

People v**ed for Trump because Flyover country is tired of being disrespected by the Left and their elitist attitude which is prevalent on both coasts.

The Arrogance of the Impeachment-Crazed Left Reaches New Heights
Posted Thursday, December 12, 2019 | By Outside Contributor

If you thought the left’s Trump Derangement Syndrome had reached its peak during the Schiff Show in recent weeks, then you definitely weren’t ready for the over-the-top hatred displayed during the most recent slate of impeachment hearings.

Not only has the anti-Trump vile from Democrats and their allies reached fever pitch, but they are continually exhibiting utter disdain for the millions of people who reject their l*****t ideology.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has directed her fellow Democrats to begin drafting impeachment charges against President Trump. In Pelosi’s words: “His wrongdoing strikes at the very heart of our Constitution. Our democracy is what is at stake.”

The unfounded and outlandish accusations didn’t stop there. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler brazenly demanded Trump’s removal before the 2020 e******n, by stating, “If we do not act to hold him in check now, President Trump will almost certainly try again to solicit interference in the e******n for his personal, political benefit.”

What message does this send to the 63 million Americans who v**ed for Trump in 2016? Is the congressman saying that these voices don’t matter? That they were all bamboozled by a supposedly “corrupt” candidate who would never have defeated Hillary Clinton if not for the help of some nefarious foreign actors?

The left’s blinding anger and spite toward the American people has no limits — not only for Republicans but also for the millions of Democrats and unaffiliated v**ers who worked tirelessly to elect Trump in 2016 and who passionately oppose his impeachment. Pelosi, Rep. Adam Schiff, and Nadler are basically telling them that they are nothing more than mindless simpletons.

Stanford University professor Pam Karlan, who recently appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, once admitted she crossed the street to avoid the Trump International Hotel in Washington. When asked during the impeachment hearing if she was staying there, Karlan responded, “God, no! Never!”

This is the same Professor Karlan who gleefully rattled off a highly scripted jab at Trump’s 13-year-old son, Barron. The resulting outcry was so overwhelming that Kaplan was forced to sheepishly apologize, but not before taking one final jab at the president. (It also didn’t stop certain news outlets from attacking the Trump family.)

To her credit, first lady Melania Trump came to the defense of her child: “Pamela Karlan, you should be ashamed of your very angry and obviously biased public pandering, and using a child to do it.”

As usual, the first lady is right. What we are seeing in the impeachment hearings encapsulates why most Americans outside of the liberal coasts are so repulsed by the establishment class — the political ideologues who belittle the people.

This pompous, arrogant and sanctimonious attitude toward hard-working, common-sense Americans must not go unchecked.

There is a reason T***p w*n in 2016, and why he will again in 2020. The American people are sick and tired of being disrespected by the left — from anti-Trump Democrats to liberal professors and media elites. We are fed up with the establishment class telling us whom to support and how to v**e.

Trust me: I’ve traveled throughout the country in support of Trump, and there is a revolution taking place in the heartland of America. We are in the midst of a political tsunami, the likes of which our nation has never seen. A red tsunami — set to make landfall in November 2020.

Why? Just turn on CNN or MSNBC, and witness the witch hunt for yourself.

Reprinted with permission from - Inside Sources - by Ted Harvey

JediKnight

I agree that we all are flawed -and therefore fall way short of the glory of God. However, even God instructs us to "call out" our brothers when they err. I cannot see the "good" of Trump that you see, perhaps because I cannot get around what I see as his blatant disrespect for the laws, our Constitution, and concern for ALL Americans, not just the privileged few. The only 'positive' thing I have seen from Trump was his proposal to 'forgive student loan debt' of our Wounded Warriors - and that still has to pass Congress.
I cannot overlook Trump's passion for r****m and discrimination. The oft repeated line that "Trump has created the best American economy ever" is a misnomer. Trump rode in on Obama's economy, and has done little on his own to make things better. The trade war he started has done way more harm than good. Many Americans complain about 'the left wanting us to be like socialist' -yet I hear no one complaining when billions of our tax dollars have to be given to our farmers to keep them afloat. Job numbers are easily manipulated, so I don't count those as a huge victory, but rather clever manipulation of statistics. With truck drivers and many manufacturers laying off or terminating workers, how can anyone honestly claim that Trump has championed the 'greatest economy' ever?
Trump, in my opinion, is the proverbial 'bull in the china closet' -and his apparent lack of values makes him less than desirable. I wouldn't accept a free ice cream cone from a p*******e, nor will I accept Trump in his current state. I do pray to God that Trump's heart and mind will be changed for the good. And that's really all the positive I can offer regarding Trump at this point. Thank you for sharing, and peace be unto you.

dtucker300 Loc: Vista, CA

Well said, I understand how you feel. We see the same things from different perspectives. As I have said before, I didn't v**e for Trump. I often disagree with him and dislike many of his actions and words. I also dislike the way the Democrats have handled this impeachment issue. The swamp is deep in DC. Both sides are to blame.

I'm reminded of the saying from the movie The Best Marigold Hotel in which the hotel owner tells a visitor "Everything will be okay in the end. If it isn't okay, it isn't the end." I am hopeful that the 2020 e******n will put an end to all this political nonsense. But I won't hold my breath. One side or the other is going to have to accept the final results once the e*****rate has spoken, even if only for four years. I fear that the rift is too deep between both parties.

I've stated that Trump was created by the Democrats because of Obama's eight years. I was so hopeful for America in 2008. We showed the world that W***e A******ns would v**e for a Black person to occupy the most powerful position in the world. Race relations deteriorated after that and the "beer summit" signaled that nothing really changed, regardless of who was in office. Obama set race relations back 50 years, in my opinion. That is one Obama legacy Trump inherited when he came into office. I am sure you will disagree and that is okay. You have your reasons. However, I'm not going to delve into all the details because it would take far too long to express them on OPP. There was so much more Obama did and said that was wrong for America.

Thank you for your thoughtful and considerate reply. Now, if only Congress could get along as well.

JediKnight

Funny thing about that quote you mentioned about "the end." One of the last things Christ told His disciples was "....trust God and keep the faith... and I will set all things in order when I return." So, IMO, no matter if Trump, or someone just like him gets in office for 4, 40, or 400 years, I know that when Christ returns all will be made as it should be.
All jokes aside, I do actually pray for Trump, and those who seem to think as he does. It is apparently nearly impossible (IMO) to display stark r****m, discrimination, and brutality all while claiming to be "working for ALL Americans" and even claiming to be Christian - that's like putting oil and water into a bowl and wondering why they naturally resist one another.

I do not understand your statement that "Obama set race relations back 50 years...." What exactly do you feel Obama did to accomplish such a feat? I would submit that if there is t***h in your statement, it was NOT Obama's doing, but rather those who already knew the r****ts in this country would use Obama's ascension to the presidency as inspiration and encouragement to flaunt their true colors.

Yes, it is a foregone conclusion that I do not support Trump. However, I continue to hope and pray that our country will be able to recover and heal from the great divide we are currently, and once again in the middle of. I am quickly approaching the place where I will no longer offer crude, negative, bashing statements about Trump -even when others attempt to provoke anger from me. It has been a long, hard, and exhausting road to get to this point, and I thank God for the peace that has ensued.

I realize that the temptation to return to posting as I have in the past will be great, but I truly believe that the "God within me" is stronger than any notion to bash, provoke, or insult others who may disagree with me. I still owe you for pointing out my hypocrisy in a way that I could actually see it.

May your hope come true that one day our politicians and representatives may come together in harmony and compromise.....and that right soon. Peace be with you dtucker300, and may you and family enjoy the very best Merry Christmas, and a safe and prosperous New Year.

dtucker300 Loc: Vista, CA

And a Merry Christmas, and a safe, prosperous, New Year to you. The rest I will leave to the Historians to write about.