I realize the over-educated, under-intelligent, otherwise-unemployables of the Press Corpse can’t help their moron stupidity and the requirement that they all run in a pack, but given that there are those among them who aren’t that stupid, who have pointed out what is really what on this point, why can’t the others get off their idiot script and catch up with reality?
“It has been 1,329 days since our committee sought Donald Trump’s tax returns – almost as long as the American Civil War,” said Chairman Pascrell. “And for 1,329 days, our request made under law has been delayed, obfuscated, and blocked by Donald Trump and his adjutants in the government and the courts. Our right to receive these documents is under a century-long statute and our wide Article I legislative and oversight powers. The Supreme Court is right to keep its nose out of this case. I have led this fight for over five long years because it is bigger than one man or one party. It is about accountability and fairness. I am sick thinking about all the taxpayer money that has been wasted. At long last the charade should today be over and we should get these documents transmitted to the desk of our committee chairman as soon as possible.”
It seems to me you think I was denigrating Pascrell's work. I wasn't. As far as his being re-elected, that has nothing to do with him becoming the "ranking member" of the Ways and means Committee, since he will not be a member of the party in the majority in Congress, other than his re-election means he will be there.
No, TC, I didn't think you denigrating him. It was just that I didn't understand 'ranking member' to the 'Senate' committee. Your use of 'Senate' confused me. I'm slow once in a while.
Here's some background about this American public servant.
'Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. has built a life of public service around the principles he learned while growing up on the south side of Paterson, New Jersey. The first member of his family to graduate high school, Congressman Pascrell went on to receive dual degrees from Fordham University, serve in the United States Army, and become a teacher and adjunct professor. He served as a State Assemblyman and Mayor of Paterson before his election to the United States Congress in 1996. In the Congress, Congressman Pascrell has prioritized funding public safety, supporting educators, protecting our environment, and making our tax system fairer. He now serves as Chairman of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, where he works tirelessly to improve our tax system for working families.'
Hey Fern - I think he's great. The fact he hung in for three and a half years on this suit to get the tax returns is a service to the country that may turn out to be more important than anything else he did. He might not be able to make maximum use of it at this point (but he impressed me last night as being highly likely to release the returns publicly before he's out of power), but he ran the first and most important part of the relay race.
Good to know, now I feel much better. I admit it, I am not as knowledgeable as I could be about how our government works, but I'm learning! This is why I am so grateful to you, TC, for patiently "splaining" it to us. Thank you!
Susan, I didn't know how this worked either, and thank you TC. I am, as always, torn between believing these men and women of the Major League press corps really don't know some of this stuff--even the kind of inside Beltway info like the tax structure you describe--and fearing that they are just getting more subtle at slanting the news. All the articles reflecting what you describe in your Glorious Rant as stupidity also have a tremendous negative impact on the confidence and energy of Democrats.
To tell you the truth, I don't know what to think anymore. What sayest thou?
There's definitely an argument to be made that the DC Press seems to "have it in" for Democrats and go to sometimes great lengths to slant the story in such a way (as this) that they have that negative impact on the confidence and energy of Democrats.
I think of the DC Press Corp(se) as a bunch of breathless nincompoops running around with a mic in their hands and hoping that someone will notice them and maybe even give them a soundbite.
As Ashley Parker of the washington post (lower case intentional) reminds us, the DC press corpse (I LOVE that) is indeed the enemy of the people. And Joe Biden should walk into the next briefing and announce that he will invite them to kiss his hindquarters in the Rose Garden and give them 15 minutes to put out the clickbait about it.
I wasn't inclined that way, either, but then again, my response to the hoo-hah would be that I want access to the dinner table at the home of Peter Baker of The New York Times and Susan Glasser of The New Yorker to find out what they say to each other. Ahem.
I just left messages at Senator Wyden's offices in DC, Portland and Eugene asking him to request these returns. His staff member in Portland, Oregon was especially helpful. Here are the phone numbers:
Washington DC 202-224-5244
Portland 503-326-7525
Eugene 541-431-0229
There was no answer at his Salem office just now but here's the number: 541-431-0229
I have lived in Cali my entire life but I still called Wyden's offices. I hope that you all will not let a little thing like not being one of Wyden's constituents stop you from telling him that you want him to get those tax returns
This would be the same Ashley Parker, when President Biden addressed the country during Afghanistan withdrawal, was asked that night by Brian Williams on MSNBC “what it was like in the room,” because she was present during the address, responded that “The President’s voice was very low and then he got LOUD; the President was ANGRY.” (Forgive my possibly inexact but very close quote and repeating this incident.) The disdain for President Biden resulted in my unsubscribing to WAPO. Not surprising Lawrence O’Donnell was likely all alone, accurately reporting Senate Finance Cmte is also entitled to the tax returns.
I hadn't been watching (or remembering) that, but thanks for pointing it out. Parker goes to the top of the list of people to stop paying attention to.
Sad to say, digging for facts in covering news stories requires work and critical thinking, something the Washington DC Press Corpse avoids doing because it requires real effort. They just want neat little sound bites and a little controversy to kick up the ratings, that’s all.
I look forward to hashing and rehashing all the dirty, dirty lies Trump has told and forcing his organization and his fat ass to bow to rule of law. At least, I hope so.
The bleeping stenographers that purport to cover the WH and Congress want gossip stories and horserace. My goodness, are you asking them to do actual journalism (read:work)? Good luck with that. Admittedly I had forgotten there was a Senate equivalent committee in the chamber that is in Democratic hands, and I'm sure Sen. Wyden can do the slow drip with the best of them.
Wish they would read you, always an education. Often info not readily available elsewhere (like from your extensive background), but more often info that others missed. I share your frustration, at least the MSM could look like it’s not on Rupert’s payroll…
The press corps of the MSM not understanding (or caring) how Congress works? Really? Who'd a' thunk it? I mean after all, it's not like they'd try to, uh, shade the facts to fit a particular narrative, such as 'The D's lost the house; the sky is about to fall!', or anything like that. Right?
I’m sure Ron Wyden , our Oregon Senator, will be all over it tout suite.
Yes.
fun fact: Ron Wyden is married to Nancy Bass, who owns The Strand...last of the great 4th Avenue bookstores.
Interesting, I wasn’t aware of that. It’s an amazing bookstore. Would love to go there sometime. But it’s pretty far away so Powells is it for now.
Powell's is a pretty good alternative.
Pascrell Praises Supreme Court Ending Trump Tax Return Charade
Washington, DC, November 22, 2022
“It has been 1,329 days since our committee sought Donald Trump’s tax returns – almost as long as the American Civil War,” said Chairman Pascrell. “And for 1,329 days, our request made under law has been delayed, obfuscated, and blocked by Donald Trump and his adjutants in the government and the courts. Our right to receive these documents is under a century-long statute and our wide Article I legislative and oversight powers. The Supreme Court is right to keep its nose out of this case. I have led this fight for over five long years because it is bigger than one man or one party. It is about accountability and fairness. I am sick thinking about all the taxpayer money that has been wasted. At long last the charade should today be over and we should get these documents transmitted to the desk of our committee chairman as soon as possible.”
And to the Senate committee. Pascrell becomes "ranking member" in January.
TC, I do not understand your reply. Bill Pascell was reelected to serve as congressman in NJ District 9. Please explain.
It seems to me you think I was denigrating Pascrell's work. I wasn't. As far as his being re-elected, that has nothing to do with him becoming the "ranking member" of the Ways and means Committee, since he will not be a member of the party in the majority in Congress, other than his re-election means he will be there.
No, TC, I didn't think you denigrating him. It was just that I didn't understand 'ranking member' to the 'Senate' committee. Your use of 'Senate' confused me. I'm slow once in a while.
Oh, OK. "Ranking member" is the most senior member of the opposition party onj a Senate or House committee or subcommittee.
Thank you, TC. I did eventually figure it out.
Here's some background about this American public servant.
'Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. has built a life of public service around the principles he learned while growing up on the south side of Paterson, New Jersey. The first member of his family to graduate high school, Congressman Pascrell went on to receive dual degrees from Fordham University, serve in the United States Army, and become a teacher and adjunct professor. He served as a State Assemblyman and Mayor of Paterson before his election to the United States Congress in 1996. In the Congress, Congressman Pascrell has prioritized funding public safety, supporting educators, protecting our environment, and making our tax system fairer. He now serves as Chairman of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, where he works tirelessly to improve our tax system for working families.'
Hey Fern - I think he's great. The fact he hung in for three and a half years on this suit to get the tax returns is a service to the country that may turn out to be more important than anything else he did. He might not be able to make maximum use of it at this point (but he impressed me last night as being highly likely to release the returns publicly before he's out of power), but he ran the first and most important part of the relay race.
Who has as much passion as Pascrell about this matter? Maybe not quite as much but you and me and a lot more of us care a hell of a lot.
Good to know, now I feel much better. I admit it, I am not as knowledgeable as I could be about how our government works, but I'm learning! This is why I am so grateful to you, TC, for patiently "splaining" it to us. Thank you!
Susan, I didn't know how this worked either, and thank you TC. I am, as always, torn between believing these men and women of the Major League press corps really don't know some of this stuff--even the kind of inside Beltway info like the tax structure you describe--and fearing that they are just getting more subtle at slanting the news. All the articles reflecting what you describe in your Glorious Rant as stupidity also have a tremendous negative impact on the confidence and energy of Democrats.
To tell you the truth, I don't know what to think anymore. What sayest thou?
There's definitely an argument to be made that the DC Press seems to "have it in" for Democrats and go to sometimes great lengths to slant the story in such a way (as this) that they have that negative impact on the confidence and energy of Democrats.
I personally think they're a bunch of whores. Just sayin'
yes, it sure seems that way. why do you suppose that is? all I can come up with is that Democrats nowadays seem more "boring" (ie--competent).
I think of the DC Press Corp(se) as a bunch of breathless nincompoops running around with a mic in their hands and hoping that someone will notice them and maybe even give them a soundbite.
You've described them to the proverbial "T."
As Ashley Parker of the washington post (lower case intentional) reminds us, the DC press corpse (I LOVE that) is indeed the enemy of the people. And Joe Biden should walk into the next briefing and announce that he will invite them to kiss his hindquarters in the Rose Garden and give them 15 minutes to put out the clickbait about it.
I couldn't believe Ashley Parker of all people could be that fucking stupid.
I wasn't inclined that way, either, but then again, my response to the hoo-hah would be that I want access to the dinner table at the home of Peter Baker of The New York Times and Susan Glasser of The New Yorker to find out what they say to each other. Ahem.
C’mon, Thomas, it ain’t in the style book!
Thanks TC. Love Lawrence Odonnell.
I loved it that the Press Corpse was kept away from Biden's granddaughters wedding and the
Turkey Pardons. There are few who
are capable of restraining themselves from asking really dumb
dumb questions.
I just left messages at Senator Wyden's offices in DC, Portland and Eugene asking him to request these returns. His staff member in Portland, Oregon was especially helpful. Here are the phone numbers:
Washington DC 202-224-5244
Portland 503-326-7525
Eugene 541-431-0229
There was no answer at his Salem office just now but here's the number: 541-431-0229
Excellent idea for all Oregonians.
I have lived in Cali my entire life but I still called Wyden's offices. I hope that you all will not let a little thing like not being one of Wyden's constituents stop you from telling him that you want him to get those tax returns
good point!
Say you’re calling for a constituent of his...me!
Not to be rude or disrespectful, but why don't you call for yourself? I don't understand your comment.
I have called. The more the merrier. Disregard if this is much work.
Glad you called! I have called as well.
Thank you for the numbers. I will call
I just called all of the numbers and left messages for him to request the tax returns.
This would be the same Ashley Parker, when President Biden addressed the country during Afghanistan withdrawal, was asked that night by Brian Williams on MSNBC “what it was like in the room,” because she was present during the address, responded that “The President’s voice was very low and then he got LOUD; the President was ANGRY.” (Forgive my possibly inexact but very close quote and repeating this incident.) The disdain for President Biden resulted in my unsubscribing to WAPO. Not surprising Lawrence O’Donnell was likely all alone, accurately reporting Senate Finance Cmte is also entitled to the tax returns.
I hadn't been watching (or remembering) that, but thanks for pointing it out. Parker goes to the top of the list of people to stop paying attention to.
Sad to say, digging for facts in covering news stories requires work and critical thinking, something the Washington DC Press Corpse avoids doing because it requires real effort. They just want neat little sound bites and a little controversy to kick up the ratings, that’s all.
I look forward to hashing and rehashing all the dirty, dirty lies Trump has told and forcing his organization and his fat ass to bow to rule of law. At least, I hope so.
The Press Corp is the "enemy of the people"? Odd, seems to me that wasnt the purpose of the Press!
Thanks TC
Too many of them have become such. I'll give them this: I don't think they started out that way, but they live in a nearly-impermeable bubble too.
As Orwell put it: It is difficult for a man to see the truth when his employment requires that he do otherwise. (or words to that effect)
Always wondered why any ethical person would work for Rupert, then I figured it out.
Well ranted.
The bleeping stenographers that purport to cover the WH and Congress want gossip stories and horserace. My goodness, are you asking them to do actual journalism (read:work)? Good luck with that. Admittedly I had forgotten there was a Senate equivalent committee in the chamber that is in Democratic hands, and I'm sure Sen. Wyden can do the slow drip with the best of them.
Admittedly it had slipped my mind until Lawrence reminded me, at which point I said "Of course!"
Wish they would read you, always an education. Often info not readily available elsewhere (like from your extensive background), but more often info that others missed. I share your frustration, at least the MSM could look like it’s not on Rupert’s payroll…
The press corps of the MSM not understanding (or caring) how Congress works? Really? Who'd a' thunk it? I mean after all, it's not like they'd try to, uh, shade the facts to fit a particular narrative, such as 'The D's lost the house; the sky is about to fall!', or anything like that. Right?
Actually, now that the Democrats lost the House, the sky is about to fall. Just not on the Democrats. :-)
AOC's description of the House will become clearly evident to anyone with a pulse - "It's a shitshow....."
I'm really hoping Kevin McCarthy gets the nod...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsYAPX_YAIc
Yeah, he's a good "punching dummy" - the inflatable doll that keeps bobbing back up.
...what the guys on my block referred to as a "Joe Palooka dummy" (branding, after all).