New NY 23rd

Impeachment is taking up … the airwaves and taking up the oxygen in the room. As I have publicly stated, and I’ll state here again, I do not support the impeachment process. I do not support the inquiry.–Rep. Tom Reed

Tom doesn’t favor investigation because he already knows there is no wrongdoing to find. He explains:

High crime, when you look at the constitution, are crimes that are generally subject to things like penalty of death (and) bribery in regards to selling out state secrets for personal financial gain. Those are the types of impeachable offenses that are envisioned in the constitution.

Tom’s argument is this:

1. Only certain crimes justify impeachment.
2. Those crimes can’t be proved.

These points are weak. There is nothing in The Constitution to justify the first; The Constitution pointedly leaves the question of what justifies impeachment open. Tom does list bribery, but then must ignore the fact that bribery (making military aid dependent on a favor) did occur. This second point is also weak because Tom would not look for evidence even of the crimes he says would justify impeachment.

David Graham, writing for The Atlantic, gives three arguments Republicans use:

1. The president did nothing wrong.
2. The president did something wrong, but it’s not an impeachable offense.
3. The president did nothing wrong, but his advisers did. 

Tom Reed has taken the second position. About this Graham writes: This is perhaps the simplest position to argue, since it allows members to concede that something is rotten without having to actually take the drastic step of backing impeachment. Tom does leave himself wiggle room–he allows that bribery might justify impeachment and might some day choose to see that bribery did occur. DAVID A. GRAHAM is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he covers U.S. politics and global news.

https://www.post-journal.com/news/page-one/2019/11/talking-about-trump/?fbcl

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The leak story raises questions. Here are some:

• Are there no barriers to a government contractor searching for a classified document, printing it, and taking it home?
• Do contractors with clearance not know that printed documents can be traced? Why not?
• Why was that document classified?  Surely there was no need to keep it secret from Russia. Who was not to know?

I know from experience that documents are sometimes improperly classified to avoid embarrassing a government agency. I wonder if this was an instance of that.

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/the-administration/336500-is-alleged-nsa-leaker-a-hero-or-villain-a-patriot-or

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-did-accused-nsa-leaker-reality-winner-get-security-clearance-n768816

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I feel compassion for DREAMers who face uncertain futures due to choices not their own. We in Congress should take this opportunity to reform our legal immigration system, not only to find a permanent solution to the plight of these individuals but also to ensure that immigrants can contribute to our society and economy. We must develop policies that create both opportunity and long-term stability for our country as a whole.  — Tom Reed

Is Tom Reed Compassionate? Let’s review his record.

• He voted against keeping the government open in 2013 potentially putting many out of work.
• He voted against SNAP funding.
• He voted for higher student loan interest rates.
• He voted for a health care bill which would have deprived many of his constituents of affordable health care.

Reed is compassionate in a pig’s eye. His feigned compassion for “dreamers” is a transparent political ploy.

https://newny23rd.com/2013/10/24/rep-reeds-shutdowndebt-ceiling-vote-wont-go-away/

https://newny23rd.com/2013/06/30/the-proposed-snap-program-that-rep-reed-voted-for/

https://newny23rd.com/2013/07/30/reed-lacks-vision-on-student-loans/

https://newny23rd.com/2017/03/10/reed-buys-ahca-without-looking-at-the-cost/

https://newny23rd.com/2014/11/22/tom-reed-on-immigration-reform/

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Deb Meeker’s recent article asked What does a Presidential campaign co-chair do? One thing Rep. Tom Reed has done for Candidate Trump was to speak at a Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus and Economic Equality Coalition event, explaining his support for Trump. This was May 11. (Note: the original Conference announcement listed: “**1:30 p.m.–Donald Trump representative”)

In June the Caucus and Coalition published the In-Depth Summary of May 11-12 Economic Equality Coalition Event in Washington, DC.  Here is the section of the In-Depth Summary which pertains to our Congressman:

Rep. Tom Reed of New York is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and a high-profile supporter of Donald Trump. He emphasized Mr. Trump’s successful record in business as a key part of his credentials to lead American job growth if elected President.

The EEC partners believe it is very important to have cordial, civil discourse in our political debates. Congressman Clyburn and Congressman Reed were both entirely civil and positive and we commend both of them for the constructive tone of their remarks and for refraining from personal negative comments.

As a factual matter, the audience included a substantial number of Hispanics, African Americans and women, and it is well known that Mr. Trump had made very controversial remarks regarding those sections of the population.

Congressman Reed acknowledged that even though he is an enthusiastic supporter of Mr. Trump, he did have concerns about his “rhetoric” about Hispanics, women, African Americans and other minorities and has discussed these concerns with Mr. Trump. But he said he believes Mr. Trump will set a different tone in the general election.

A Hispanic woman in the audience said she and the Congressman would have to agree to disagree about his comments, because she said that Trump’s comments were not “rhetoric” but were racist. Another woman leader from California expressed disagreement with Mr. Trump’s comments about women.

Rep. Reed fielded the questions respectfully and calmly, said he appreciated their concerns, but added that he believed that what unites people as Americans greatly exceeds what divides us. We know this was a challenging group of people in some ways for Rep. Reed to deal with, but we appreciated his professional, respectful demeanor and the fact that he came to address our coalition. He received a round of applause for his remarks.

What does this article tell us about our Congressman?

Reed has been quite quiet about this conference. As Deb Meeker pointed out,  “From what we can read in Tom Reed’s press releases, Facebook posts, and mailings, Donald Trump doesn’t exist.”

Has he represented Trump at other events?

If Tom Reed was right to oppose intervention in Syria in 2013, no intervention is needed in 2019 under much different circumstances. If U.S. troops should not have been sent to Syria, their precipitous withdrawal by Trump is justified. President … Continue reading

Posted in Reed’s Views, Trump Tagged false arguments, Impeachment, Syria

The Trump Administration’s foreign policy: North Korea’s Kim is a good guy, smart. Disparage allies, praise enemies. Taliban and ISIS resurgent in Afghanistan. Trump and Putin enabling Assad to continue his murderous rule in Syria. American military resources killing people … Continue reading

Posted in 2018, Trump, War Tagged Afghanistan, Syria, Yemin

  U.S. Rep. Tom Reed said President Donald Trump’s decision to coordinate a U.S. led airstrike against chemical weapon facilities in Syria was a “reasonable action” meant to send a message to dictator Bashar Assad.–Eric Tichy, The Post-Journal “The use of weapons … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Political, Reed’s Views Tagged Gerry, SNAP, Syria

“A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!–President Donald Trump The claim of Mission Accomplished … Continue reading

Posted in Trump, War Tagged bombs, Syria

After hearing from several hundred constituents at our Syria listening sessions and from phone calls and emails to our office, it is clear United States military action in Syria is not what residents of the 23rd district want. Absent some … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Political, Reed’s Views, Treaties, Trump, War Tagged Syria

There’ll be differences of opinion in just about every intelligence analysis that you make.–Special Counsel Robert Mueller We’re knocking the hell out of ISIS. We’ll be coming out of Syria like very soon. Let the other people take care of it … Continue reading

Posted in Defense, Trump, War Tagged Syria

“Mission accomplished”–GWB Nick Paton Walsh, writing for CNN, reports on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s five goals for ending the conflict in Syria. Here is a list of Tillerson’s five points followed by my views on the Syrian conflict. ISIS … Continue reading

Posted in Political, War Tagged Syria, Tillerson

Rep. Capuano (D-MA) writes: On Monday night the White House released a statement indicating it had intelligence suggesting that the Assad-led Syrian government was preparing another chemical attack against its citizens. The statement also issued a clear and direct threat to … Continue reading

Posted in Reed’s Views Tagged Rep. C, Rep. Walter Jones, Syria

We have the greatest military in the world…We have given them total authorization…If you look at what’s happened over the last eight weeks and compare that really with what’s happened over the last eight years, you’ll see there’s a tremendous … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Defense, Political, President, Terrorism, Trump, War Tagged Iran, Korea, Syria

In 2013, Syrian atrocities provoked President Obama to threaten the use of force to destroy chemical weapons. Obama asked Congress to approve the limited use of force. Rep. Tom Reed held “listening sessions.” He opposed President Obama’s request. He said … Continue reading

Posted in Trump, War Tagged chemical weapons, Syria

H.R. 6800 Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act or the HEROES Act

CRS Summary:

This bill responds to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.

Among other things, the bill

1. provides FY2020 emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies;
2. provides payments and other assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments;
3. provides additional direct payments of up to $1,200 per individual;
   expands paid sick days, family and medical leave, unemployment compensation, nutrition and food assistance programs, housing assistance, and payments to farmers;
4. modifies and expands the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofit organizations;
5. establishes a fund to award grants for employers to provide pandemic premium pay for essential workers;
6. expands several tax credits and deductions;
7. provides funding and establishes requirements for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing;
8. eliminates cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments;
9. extends and expands the moratorium on certain evictions and foreclosures;
10. and requires employers to develop and implement infectious disease exposure control plans.

The bill also modifies or expands a wide range of other programs and policies, including those regarding

1. Medicare and Medicaid,
2. health insurance,
3. broadband service,
4. medical product supplies,
5. immigration,
6. student loans and financial aid,
7. the federal workforce,
8. prisons,
9. veterans benefits,
10. consumer protection requirements,
11. the U.S. Postal Service,
12. federal elections,
13. aviation and railroad workers,
14. andpension and retirement plans.

Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) objects giving these reasons:

1. Allows illegal immigrants to receive a stimulus check.
2. Opens the Paycheck Protection Program to the payrolls of 501c4 dark money political groups, lobbyists, and professional sports teams.
3. Includes election provisions to enhance democratic partisan advantages.
4. Lets wealthy people who make money from dividends and royalties claim the earned income tax credit, which is an anti-poverty provision.
5. Shields illegal immigrants from deportation.
6.  Addresses marijuana issues unrelated to the COVID-19 situation.
7.  Orders the release of federal prisoners into the community who have asthma, diabetes, or are over 50.
8. Repeals the SALT cap in 2020 and 2021, which benefits wealthy taxpayers and is obviously unrelated to the COVID-19 crisis.
9. Restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities.
10. Provides millions for the National Endowment for the Arts.
11. Provides millions for the bio-surveillance of wildlife.
12. Provides millions for environmental justice grants.

Even if Reed’s objections were valid, most aren’t important enough to be reflected in the CRS summary. Relief for those who lost employer health insurance, for state and local government, and those who are short of food are all good. Extended unemployment benefits and support for testing, tracing, and treatment are needed. Partisan posturing should not obscure the big picture.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6800

“Democrats  need to get a candidate soon!! I for one am ready to work.  I just wish we had a front runner so we could start working …. it’s an uphill trek we are embarking on and we may as well get busy!!!”  Alex Smith, a NY 23rd constituent,  recently on a New NY 23rd Facebook posting.

Alex’s quote expresses the feelings of many in the NY 23rd. We have gone through four sets of  Town Halls since the inauguration. (The 5th one will be June 3). Many participated in The Washington Women’s March, or local marches on the day after.  There has been countless demonstrations at Reed’s offices throughout the district and other venues. There have been county resolutions urging Rep. Reed to support different issues brought forth by upset constituents. There have been letters, phone calls, emails and tweets to Rep. Reed’s offices. We are ready to work for a candidate.
We have heard rumors of possible candidates, even some names have been floating around. The fact is that only two have officially filed with the Federal Election Commission: Eddie Sundquist and Rick Gallant. Ian Golden has not filed with the FEC, but had a newspaper article announcing his candidacy. I have included  links to their newspaper articles and political websites at the end of this article. Other possible candidates have made serious steps towards running, and I will publish information them when they file with the FEC, or have campaign newspaper articles or campaign websites. I expect they will announce within a month.

There is a good the possibility that there will be a Democratic Primary to determine who will be the party’s nominee. The 2012 campaign was the first after the 2010 census realignment of congressional elections. The realignment wasn’t official until March. The democrats had three candidates who wanted to run against Rep. Reed–Nate Shinagawa, Leslie Danks Burke, and Melissa Dobson.  They had three months to scurry around the district, connect with the Democratic Committees of eleven counties, and get their names known to the democratic voters. Shinagawa won the June primary. He then continued to criss-cross the district to get known well enough to get 48% of the vote against Reed!

This year the situation is a bit different, and it is to the challengers’ advantage. We have three (probably five) candidates who will have a year to make theirselves known around the district before the June 2018 Primary election. That’s 12 months of newspaper articles, parades, picnics, dinners,  television/radio interviews, door to door campaigning and raising funds. That is 12 months of local democrats trying to decide who would be their best candidate. There will also be 12 months to scrutinize and make known Reed’s voting record.

After the June Primary the four month plus real campaign will begin. What makes it different this time is that the Democratic candidate’s name will be more recognizable than in the past two election cycles. The issues will be clear and the difference between the candidates well defined.

As Alex Smith said, “It’s an uphill trek we are embarking on.”

Defeating Rep. Reed will never be easy.  He won his last election by 15%, and it takes a lot to convince those who have once voted for a candidate to change their minds. He will call his top donor industries–Securities & Investments, Insurance, and Gas & Oil and they will be happy to drop bundles at his feet. He will have his party base faithfuls. He will have his personal attacks planned and placed on traditional and social media. In the past he has used fake websites, fake Facebook pages, and fake Twitter accounts. He has had Team Reed organized at debates to ridicule his opponent. This will not be pretty.

The army of activists need to remain diligent throughout the campaign–feet on ground, knocks on the doors, and flood social media with facts and issues. Remember what Michelle said, “When they go low, we go high.”

Here is information about our current candidates. They all have Facebook pages. Check social media accounts.

Eddie Sundquist is an attorney in Jamestown. Follow this  link to his website.

Rick Gallant is a teacher in Corning.  Follow these links to see a newspaper article  and   website.

Ian Golden owns small businesses in Ithaca and other areas. Follow this link to a Newspaper article about his campaign.

Google periodically to see newer articles about these other candidates. You can set up Google Alerts for candidates you want to follow.

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s because history really is here to help. — “Bagman,” page 19

If I leave this office without enemies, I will not have done the job properly. I think that the public has to know there is an office somewhere that is incorruptible. — George Beall, “Bagman,” page 263

I recently read Bagman by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz. The book’s subtitle is “The Wild Crimes, Audacious Cover-up and Spectacular Downfall of a Brazen Crook in the White House.” There is also a podcast.

The story is shocking, detailed and well-documented. Here is a brief summary:

• Corruption in Maryland in the 1960’s and 1970’s was commonplace, expected.
• Spiro Agnew was elected Baltimore County Executive in 1962.
• In 1967, he was elected Governor of Maryland.
• Paying government officials to get a contract was normal.
• Agnew set a standard for his share–five percent for him in cash.
• In 1968 and 1972 Agnew was elected Vice President.
• Agnew continued to receive envelops full of cash in his White House office.
• When Attorney General Elliot Richardson learned that Federal Prosecutors planned to charge Agnew with multiple felonies, he knew he had a problem. President Nixon might not finish his term, which would make Agnew President.
• When Agnew learned of the investigation, he pushed back, claiming political bias, over-zealous prosecutors, leaks to the press, and proclaiming his innocence.
• Agnew argued that the Vice President couldn’t be indicted. The Justice Department decided differently: The President couldn’t be indicted while in office, but the Vice President could be. This is why Michael Cohen more recently went to jail but President Trump wasn’t indicted.
• Normally Agnew’s crimes would mean a long prison sentence, which the prosecution demanded.
• Nixon was on the ropes; there was no time for a lengthy trial. The prosecution agreed to a plea deal. Agnew would plea to a felony, resign and receive a light sentence — he got off with a $10,000 fine and three years of unsupervised probation. He wasn’t required to return the money he extorted.
• Ten days later, Attorney General Elliot Richardson, who orchestrated the plea deal, resigned in what is known as “the Saturday Night Massacre.”

The book is full of juicy details, an interesting and informative read.

Compiled / tweeted by Rep. Andy Kim:

Remember what Republican leaders said before amnesia set in. I took notes that night:

Mitch McConnell (Jan 6): “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people…They tried to disrupt our democracy, they failed…This failed insurrection.”

Kevin McCarthy (Jan 6): The violence, destruction, and chaos we saw earlier was unacceptable, undemocratic and unamerican. It was the saddest day I’ve ever had as serving as a member of this institution…We saw the worst of America this afternoon…”

Kevin McCarthy on Jan 13: “last week’s violent attack on the Capitol was undemocratic, un-American and criminal…those who are responsible for Wednesday’s chaos will be brought to justice…The President bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters.”

VP Pence on Jan 6: “Today was a dark day in the history of the United States capitol…We condemn the violence that took place here in the strongest possible terms…To those who wreaked havoc today, you did not win.”

Rep Steve Scalise on Jan 6: “Once you start taking violent actions against law enforcement you’re not a protestor anymore, you are an anarchist. Whether it’s anarchy or terrorism, they were trying to storm the Capitol and stop our democracy from working.”

Rep Stefanik (R) on Jan 6: “This has been a truly tragic day for America, and we all join together in fully condemning the dangerous violence and destruction…violence in any form is absolutely unacceptable, anti-American, and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Rep Mike Gallagher (R) on Jan 6: “Mr. President. You have got to stop this. You are the only person who can call this off. Call it off. The election is over. Call it off. This is bigger than you. It is bigger than any member of Congress. It is about the United States of America.”

Senator Lindsey Graham on Jan 7:“When it comes to accountability the president needs to understand that his actions were the problem not the solution.”

Senator Rand Paul on Jan 6: “Chaos, anarchy. The violence today was wrong and un-American.”

Rep Chip Roy (R) on Jan 6: “Today the people’s house was attacked, which is an attack on the republic itself…People need to go to jail… and the president should never have spun up certain Americans to believe something that simply cannot be.”

Senator Thune (R) on Jan 6: “I hope that the types of people who stormed the Capitol today got a clear message that they will not stop our democracy from moving forward…We need to get our work done and this kind of thuggery would not keep us from doing the people’s work.”

Rep Dan Crenshaw (R) on Jan 7: “On Wednesday the Capitol of the most powerful nation the world has ever known was stormed by an angry mob. Americans surely never thought they’d see such a scene…It was a display not of patriotism but of frenzy and anarchy.“

Senator Ben Sasse (R) on Jan 6: “This building has been desecrated, blood has been spilled in the hallways…what happened today isn’t what America is…There are some who are trying to burn it all down, and we met some of them today.”

Senator Rob Portman (R) on Jan 6: “I condemn the violent and criminal acts that took place at the US Capitol today. These shameful actions to disrupt a session of Congress and vandalize the Capitol building should never happen in our great republic.”

Senator Barrasso (R) on Jan 6: “The violence and destruction have no place in our republic.”

Senator Roy Blunt (R) on Jan 6: “The events unfolding at the Capitol are shameful. There is no justification for violence and destruction. It has to stop now. This is not who we are as a nation. Thank you to the Capitol Police who are keeping us safe.”

Senator Blackburn (R) on Jan 6: “These actions at the US Capitol by protestors are truly despicable and unacceptable. While I am safe and sheltering in place, these protests are prohibiting us from doing our constitutional duty. I condemn them in the strongest possible terms.”

Senator Cynthia Lummis (R) on Jan 6: “Call it what it is: An attack on the Capitol is an attack on democracy.”

Senator Rick Scott (R) on Jan 6: “No one has a right to commit violence. What happened today at the Capitol is disgraceful and un-American. It is not what our country stands for.”

Rep Cathy Rodgers (R) on Jan 6: “What we have seen today is unlawful and unacceptable…I have decided I will vote to uphold the Electoral College results and I encourage Donald Trump to condemn and put an end to this madness.”

Senator Rubio on Jan 6: “There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy.”

Senator Rick Scott (R) on Jan 6: “No one has a right to commit violence. What happened today at the Capitol is disgraceful and un-American. It is not what this country stands for.”

Senator McConnell: “Former President Trump’s actions preceding the riot were a disgraceful, disgraceful dereliction of duty. There’s no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day.”

These are their words from a year ago. Let’s not let them forget.

Thanks to Ellen Kuebrich Agnello for finding Rep. Kim’s tweet. Kudos to Rep. Kim for compiling it.

Remember what Republican leaders said before amnesia set in. I took notes that night:
Mitch McConnell (Jan6): “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people…They tried to disrupt our democracy, they failed…This failed insurrection.” THREAD

— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) January 5, 2022

“What Do You Care What Other People Think?”is the second of two books of oral reminiscences of American physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman explains that this was the advice given by his wife. This advice seems to have served him well.

Freshman New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) in an interview late Monday (Jan. 21) said she gives “zero” f—s about criticism she’s received from members of her own party. Why should she care–she was elected to represent her constituents not other members of her party.

Rep. Tom Reed is very much a party stalwart; he almost always votes with his party, especially when his vote matters.  His constituents would be better represented if he represented local interests rather than the interests of his out-of-state fat cats, self-interest, special interests, and other members of the Republican Party.

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/426350-ocasio-cortez-on-how-many-f-ks-she-gives-i-think-its-zero

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/01/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-didnt-actually-say-the-f-word-on-stephen-colbert.html