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Friday March 31st, 2023

"It Is Not A Question of Who Is Right Or Wrong But What Is Right Or Wrong That Counts."
--Geoff Metcalf
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Trump indicted over hush money; first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges
                           
Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, March 4, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) **FILE**

A Manhattan grand jury on Thursday indicted former President Donald Trump on charges involving a hush money payment in 2016 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, making Mr. Trump the first former president in history to face criminal charges.

A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, said the prosecutor’s office “contacted Mr. Trump‘s attorney to coordinate his surrender to the Manhattan D.A.’s Office for arraignment on a Supreme Court indictment, which remains under seal.”
The arraignment will likely take place next week.

Mr. Trump, the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, called the indictment “political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history.”


Now US Has 'Indicted the Opposition Leader'

The indictment against former President Donald Trump is "weak," but Democrats "want the circus" and the power to "rough" him up so he cannot run for the presidency in 2024, Ric Grenell told Newsmax on Thursday night.

"What people need to understand is that this case is going to fall apart, but Democrats don't care about that," Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador and acting national intelligence director during Trump's administration, told "Rob Schmitt Tonight." "Let's be very clear: The Democratic Party has indicted the opposition leader."

The exact charges Trump is facing have not yet been released, as the indictment remains sealed, but Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's investigation centers around Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen and adult film star Stormy Daniels, who Cohen paid $130,000 in hush money over her claims of an alleged affair with Trump.

The money was transferred to her less than two weeks before the 2016 election, and after Trump won, he reimbursed Cohen. The former president has admitted to reimbursing Cohen but denied he had an affair with Daniels.



Pelosi ripped for tweet saying Trump can ‘prove innocence’ at trial
                              
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks during a ceremony marking the second year anniversary of the violent insurrection by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, in Washington, Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Rep. Nancy Pelosi was flagged on Twitter for a tweet saying that former President Donald Trump can “prove innocence” in a trial, suggesting that Mr. Trump is guilty until proved otherwise.

“No one is above the law, and everyone has the right to a trial to prove innocence,” Mrs. Pelosi, California Democrat, tweeted after Mr. Trump’s indictment by a New York grand jury.

In an advisory attached to her tweet, readers added context.

“Ms. Pelosi mistakenly says that Trump can prove his innocence at trial. Law in the U.S. assumes the innocence of a defendant, and the prosecution must prove guilt for a conviction,” the advisory said. It provided a link to the Cornell Law School’s page on “presumption of innocence.”




Putin expands military draft, risking social tensions in Russia
Move comes amid uncertainty over springtime offensive in Ukraine
                               
Russian recruits walk to take a train at a railway station in Prudboi, the Volgograd region of Russia, on Sept. 29, 2022. A campaign to replenish Russian troops in Ukraine with more soldiers appears to be underway again, with makeshift recruitment centers popping up in cities and towns, and state institutions posting ads promising cash bonuses and benefits to entice men to sign contracts enabling them to be sent into the battlefield. (AP Photo, File)

Russia is expanding the scope of a nationwide military draft to conscript men between the ages of 18 and 27 amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The move is likely to trigger social unrest inside Russia, according to U.S. analysts, who note public pushback to a previous enlistment call by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022. The Kremlin has tried to minimize the domestic impact of what it calls the “special military operation” in Ukraine, which has gone on far longer and been far bloodier that Russian leaders had anticipated.

Russian officials said this week that new draftees will not immediately be sent to the front lines in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin signed a decree Thursday ordering the country’s defense ministry to enlist a fresh 147,000 men for compulsory military service.



Most voters believe indictment won’t hurt Trump’s run for the White House

Most general election voters believe former President Trump’s indictment and looming arrest will either help him or have no impact on his 2024 presidential campaign, a recent poll found.

Another national survey showed most Americans believe the case against Mr. Trump is politically motivated.

Overall, 36.8% of general election voters believe Mr. Trump’s indictment will be a political winner for the former president and 37.5% believe it will not be a major factor, compared to 25.7% who say it will be detrimental, according to a Trafalgar Group poll conducted last week.

The options in both polls split starkly along party lines.




Explained: What’s happening with Mayorkas and the border?

                                                     Explained: What’s happening with Mayorkas and the border?

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has faced multiple rounds of questioning in Washington, D.C. for matters related to the southern border.

Republicans have been highly critical of Mayorkas, including some who filed articles of impeachment as a surge of illegal border crossings has coincided with secretary’s time in office.

After Mayorkas took over DHS in February 2021, the number of migrant encounters along the southwest border rose to record highs of more than 250,000 in December alone, although that number fell almost 40% in recent months.

It’s a trend Mayorkas has pointed to as a sign President Joe Biden’s recently enacted enforcement measures have been effective.

But beyond the political back-and-forth, what is the federal government actually doing at the border — and how could Mayorkas address the crisis? NewsNation’s Joe Khalil will be answered your questions.



Far-left Democrats push Biden to adopt wishlist of executive orders to bypass House GOP

The Congressional Progressive Caucus is urging President Biden to undertake a flurry of executive orders to circumvent opposition by the GOP-controlled House to far-left priorities, including access to abortion services and expanding protections for illegal immigrants.

The nearly 100-member group released a 13-page wish list of executive orders it wants Mr. Biden to immediately adopt. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who chairs the caucus, was optimistic, saying many of the proposed orders complement Mr. Biden’s policies and public positions.

“Probably 90% of what’s on this executive action agenda are things that the White House shares our urgency and our desire to get done,” said CPC Chair Pramila Jayapal, Washington Democrat. “With a divided Congress, President Biden must make full use of his executive authority to continue to deliver for working families.”

Republicans say the agenda being proposed is extreme and would never secure sufficient support from voters.



White House back on defense after Biden leaves Dems in the dust on COVID-19 emergency bill

                                            White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

The White House went on defense Thursday after President Biden signaled he won’t veto a Republican-led measure to end the national COVID emergency, miffing lawmakers in his own party who say they were misled by the administration when they voted in droves to swat down the bill.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was again forced to defend her boss from Democrats’ barbs just weeks after Mr. Biden declined to veto a Republican-led bill to overturn the District of Columbia’s crime overhaul after signaling that Democrats needed to vote against it.

Ms. Jean-Pierre said despite opposing the repeal of the emergency designation concerning the coronavirus in January, the Senate’s final passage of the bill on Wednesday closely aligns with the White House’s plans to wind down the national emergency status in May.



State Department trying to get personnel to imprisoned WSJ reporter in Russia


The White House on Friday said the State Department is working to get a counselor to the Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained in Russia this week on espionage charges, sparking a furious reaction in the U.S.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said getting help to Evan Gershkovich, a veteran journalist who speaks fluent Russian, is a “priority” for President Biden, the White House National Security Council and the State Department.

“I wish I had breakthrough news, a breakthrough update, for all of you. I just do not,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One. “The State Department is working very hard to get a counselor, as I mentioned yesterday, to Evan, which is something that we do for all Americans that are detained.”

She declined to say how long it would take for the State Department to determine whether Mr. Gershkovich is unlawfully detained, or if that process would move fast, given tensions between the West and Russia.



House Dems cross aisle to slap down Biden climate change agenda, pass bipartisan energy bill


The House has passed a sprawling energy package that was championed by Republicans as a fix to soaring energy prices, and the bill garnered the support of four Democrats.

The Lower Energy Costs Act, which was designated HR 1 as the House GOP’s top priority this Congress, would overhaul the environmental review process for energy projects to streamline their approvals, boost fossil fuel production and reduce prices.

The vote was 225-204, with a quartet of Democrats crossing the aisle to vote in favor of the legislation. They included Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez from oil-rich districts in Texas; Jared Golden of Maine; and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state.



Something Is Seriously Wrong with Joe Biden


President Joe Biden looks like he cannot take a simple tour of a manufacturing facility without non-stop directions from a guide throughout the event.

In an embarrassing video showing his recent stroll through a semiconductor plant in Durham, North Carolina, Joe Biden had to be given instructions like someone who did not know the basics of simply walking in a straight line and talking to voters. The president needed a coach to choreograph his every move.

The video looked and sounded problematic as it picked up Biden’s feeble movement and a hot mic showed evidence of his continuous need for directions from his handlers. The footage showing the bewildered and confused president was posted on Twitter March 28 and it had racked up 3.2 million views in the first 24 hours.

Here are some of the quotes from his coaches that guided the puzzled president:
-“Down here?” Biden asked. “Yes Sir, down the ramp, and we have people lined up on the left over here.”
-“There are some union workers and ladies” the guide said. “Hey guys and ladies,” as Joe Biden waved.
-“Your mark is going to be the blue one on the left. You got a blue mark but that’s ok.”
-"I'll stand on my blue mark, and then I'm going to say hello to each one of you.” Biden said. “I’ll help you get started,” the coach explained.



Why do Democrats despise women?

The real 'war' is being waged by liberals

As March and Women’s History Month draw to a close, it’s worth taking a moment to ponder a rhetorical question posed earlier this month by the website SelfRelianceCentral.com: “Why Do Democrats Despise Women?”

That’s not political hyperbole. It’s a serious — and legitimate — question.

How else can one explain why elected Democrats nearly unanimously oppose efforts at the state level to prohibit gender-confused biological boys and men who “identify” as girls and women from competing in interscholastic and other athletic events against biological females?

Forget climate change. These Democrats are the true science deniers — deniers of biological reality, genetics, XX/XY chromosome science — and they apparently have no qualms about transgender “women” (aka biological males) hijacking girls’ and women’s athletics and beating them at their own games.


" It is discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit."
-- Noel Coward
     (1899-1973) British playwright

Medal of Honor
                                                                                                                             See the source image
THOMAS JEROME HUDNER JR.

RANK: LIEUTENANT, J.G.
CONFLICT/ERA: KOREAN WAR

MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. NAVY
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: DECEMBER 4, 1950

MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: CHOSIN RESERVOIR, KOREA
CITATION

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in Fighter Squadron 32, while attempting to rescue a squadron mate whose plane, struck by antiaircraft fire and trailing smoke, was forced down behind enemy lines. Quickly maneuvering to circle the downed pilot and protect him from enemy troops infesting the area, Lt. (j.g.) Hudner risked his life to save the injured flier who was trapped alive in the burning wreckage. Fully aware of the extreme danger in landing on the rough mountainous terrain, and the scant hope of escape or survival in subzero temperature, he put his plane down skillfully in a deliberate wheels-up landing in the presence of enemy troops. With his bare hands, he packed the fuselage with snow to keep the flames away from the pilot and struggled to pull him free. Unsuccessful in this he returned to his crashed aircraft and radioed other airborne planes, requesting that a helicopter be dispatched with an ax and fire extinguisher. He then remained on the spot despite the continuing danger from enemy action and, with the assistance of the rescue pilot, renewed a desperate but unavailing battle against time, cold, and flames. Lt. (j.g.) Hudner's exceptionally valiant action and selfless devotion to a shipmate sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.


From the Archive....

            TO KILL OR FEED A MOCKINGBIRD

                 By Geoff Metcalf
                 July 29, 2002

            Two mutually exclusive and under reported stories have been troubling me.

               *   The apparent penchant for political operatives to leak classified information that jeopardizes national security.
               *   The generational control of information dissemination by powerful controllers.

            So we have another ‘Catch-22’.

            The complicity of the mainstream media to spin, cover, and obfuscate government abuse of power under the color of authority was not unique to the Clinton administration.  It may have been more ubiquitous, and at times even clumsy, but it was not unique.

            It has been reported that in June 1991 David Rockefeller allegedly told a Bilderberg meeting in Baden Baden German, "We are grateful to the Washington Post, the New York Times, Time Magazine and other great publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost forty years." He went on to explain: "It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subjected to the lights of publicity during those years. But, the world is more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government. The supernational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national autodetermination practiced in past centuries."

            Some argue that quote is apocryphal urban legend.  However, although I have never been able to find three corroborating independent sources for it, it IS consistent in content and tone with other Bilderberg quotes I HAVE been able to confirm.

            “If we had been subjected to the light of publicity….” Indicates the one world, globalist, wannabe controllers were/are successful in managing the message.

            Operation ‘Mockingbird’ was a program supposedly conceived by a brilliant Machiavellian State Department official, Frank Wisner.  Wisner selected Philip Graham, then publisher of the Washington Post to manage the program.  According to Deborah Davis, author of ‘Katharine the Great’, "By the early 1950s, Wisner 'owned' respected members of the New York Times, Newsweek, CBS and other communications vehicles, plus stringers, four to six hundred in all, according to a former CIA analyst."

            Over twenty five major newspapers and wire services became willing house organs for the CIA media manipulation.

            Investigators digging into MOCKINGBIRD have been flabbergasted to discover FOIA documents in which agents boast (in CIA office memos) of  pride in having placed "important assets" inside every major news publication in the country.

            I know, this is the stuff of Ludlum novels conspiracy wackos, but not until 1982 did the ‘Company’ finally concede that reporters on the CIA payroll have been case officers to field agents.

            I have too often observed, “Some people don’t like to be confused with facts that contradict their preconceived opinions.”  I have also noted (and struggle to maintain) “It is not WHO is right or wrong…but WHAT is right or wrong.”

            Anyone with almost ‘any’ military experience has no doubt seen the once ubiquitous posters cautioning “Loose Lips Sink Ships”.  It is a left over phrase from WWII and among “lessons learned”.

            In the complex world of intelligence loose lips can and have cost lives.

            Once upon a time, not so long ago, Senator Patrick Leahy (currently the Senate Judiciary committee’s lead obstructionist) used to be the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee in the mid 80s.  Leahy allegedly ‘inadvertently’ exposed a top-secret intercept of Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak that led to the capture of the Achille Lauro terrorists.  That supposed slip of the tongue “cost the life of at least one Egyptian operative.” http://www.newsmax.com/showinside.shtml?a=2001/1/31/85757

            Loose Lip Leahy was forced to resign in disgrace 14 years ago in the wake of having to acknowledge he leaked secret intelligence to the press.   However today he lords his power over the Senate Judiciary committee.  Congress’ institutional memory must be as short as some of Jennifer Flowers former paramours.

            In our contemporary environment in which whistleblowers have become in many cases heroes it is important to make the distinctions between the appropriateness of corporate and political whistleblowers and the idiot or miscreant who leaks information with genuine national security implications.

            Currently the FBI is investigating national security leaks from specifically the House and Senate Select Intelligence committees.  This is serious stuff.

            Defenders of the indefensible will argue it is a political witch-hunt by politicians in a heavy C.Y.A. mode.  That is not true but a convenient political spin job.

            Sure it is true the white house is p.o.-ed over media reports that the National Security Agency had received but not acted on two early warning messages to 9/11.  Dick Cheney reportedly went ballistic and ripped congressional leaders.  Both House and Senate Select Intelligence committees asked the Attorney General to conduct an investigation (and no doubt quietly prayed it would be botched).

            Justice said in a statement, “…the appropriate department officials will expeditiously review this matter and take any appropriate action.”  Not if congress has anything to say about it.  Don’t expect anything fast.  Remember Leahy resigned in disgrace 14 years ago and today has the chutzpah to pontificate ad nauseum to the Judiciary committee and stall any and all Bush judicial appointments.

            More on Operation Mockingbird http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POLITICS/

            MOCK/mockingbird.html 

            http://www.grandconspiracy.com/library.html#operation

            © 2002 Geoff Metcalf - All Rights Reserved

            Geoff is a veteran media performer. He has had an eclectic professional background covering a wide spectrum of radio, television, magazine, and newspapers.  A former Green Beret and retired Army officer he is in great demand as a speaker. Metcalf has hosted his radio talk show on the ABC/Disney owned and operated KSFO and in worldwide syndication. www.geoffmetcalf.com


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