The Serious Side - part 6

Isn't that what any good dictator would do? And let's not forget patting himself on the back for all he has done .

Trump again said, 'If it’s Russia, if it’s Syria, if it’s Iran, if it’s all of them together, we’ll figure it out.'
'Everybody's gonna pay a price,' he said, including Russian strongman Vladimir Putin. 'He will, everybody will.'

And won't that be fun for the rest of us sharing the planet with these numpties?

Quite like this!

https://twitter.com/ABC/status/983744129753669633/video/1

Let's see if he can do as well as Christopher Wylie in front of the interrogators.......we know that he's on the spectrum and it's not what he'd prefer - but so is Wylie........

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5600589/Trump-thinks-power-fire-Mueller-without-ordering-deputy-attorney-general-it.html

[size=34]WH confirms that Trump DOES think he has the power to fire Mueller – but lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are warning him not to[/size]

• Following FBI raids targeting Donald Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen, the White House is being asked against whether the president might fire Robert Mueller
  
  
• Press Secretary Sarah Sanders says Trump has the authority to terminate the special counsel, but won't say who has provided the president with that advice
  
  
• Republican Senators Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn, Chuck Grassley and others are warning Trump that it would be political suicide to interfere with Mueller
  
  
• Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer agrees, and wants a new law to tie Trump's hands
  
  
• Existing Justice Department regulations seem to make clear that only Attorney General Jeff Sessions or his deputy Rod Rosenstein can fire a special counsel 
  
  
• Sessions has recused himself from the probe, which began as an investigation of the Trump campaign's alleged Russia ties, because he advised the campaign
  
  
• Trump could replace Sessions or Rosenstein and substitute a Cabinet member who has already been confirmed by the Senate
  
  
• But that could set up an entirely separate legal quagmire 
  
  

By DAVID MARTOSKO, US POLITICAL EDITOR FOR DAILYMAIL.COM  and WIRES
PUBLISHED: 16:55 EDT, 10 April 2018 | UPDATED: 17:55 EDT, 10 April 2018

    

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders insisted Tuesday that Donald Trump has the legal authority to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, even though the Justice Department's own rules say otherwise. 
The president 'certainly believes he has the power to do so,' Sanders told reporters.
She said she knows 'a number of individuals in the legal community, and including at the Department of Justice, [who say] he has the power' to fire the special counsel.
'We've been advised that the president certainly has the power to make that decision.'

Sanders and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah did not respond to an email after the briefing, asking for examples of legal experts who believe the president can unilaterally dismiss Mueller.


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 President Donald Trump (left) believes he has the power to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller (right) even though the Department of Justice's guidelines seem to disagree


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White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters on Tuesday that Trump 'certainly believes he has the power' to send Mueller packing


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The latest tensions were brought about when the FBI raided the home, hotel room and offices of Michael Cohen, who was Donald Trump's personal lawyer during the 2016 presidential campaign
Republican and Democratic senators, meanwhile, are urging Trump to let the special counsel process run its course without any political bloodletting.  
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Capitol Hill that he doesn't believe Mueller will be removed. 
'I think he will be allowed to finish the job. He should be allowed to finish the job he was assigned,' McConnell said. 
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer agreed that Mueller should be permitted to stay, and he demanded a legislative fix on Tuesday to tie Trump's hands.
'Let us take steps to protect the special counsel from political interference. We have several bipartisan bills designed to do just that. Majority Leader McConnell should bring them to the floor and let us debate them very soon,' Schumer said. xpandClose



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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Congress could help avoid a constitutional crisis by passing legislation that would put Mueller's employment out of Trump's reach


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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters he has seen no clear indication that Congress needs to step in, but believes Mueller should be allowed to finish his job
McConnell responded separately that he has seen no clear indication that Congress needs to step in. 
The No. 2 Republican in the Senate, John Cornyn of Texas, said letting Mueller go 'would be a mistake,' and 'I don't believe that's going to happen.' 
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, another Republican, said in a Fox Business Network interview that it would be political 'suicide for the president to want to talk about firing Mueller. The less the president said on this whole thing, the better off he would be, the stronger his presidency would be.'
Justice Department guidelines say only Deputy Attorney Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller last May, has the authority to fire him – and only for 'good cause' such as misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity or conflict of interest.
Rosenstein has repeatedly said that he has not seen any reason to dismiss Mueller.
After reports on Monday that the FBI had raided the offices of his attorney Michael Cohen, Trump was asked why he wouldn't just relieve Mueller of his duties.


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Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is at present the only person legally empowered to fire Mueller, according to DOJ regulations


Schumer tweeted a warning to Trump on Monday night
'Well, I think it's a disgrace what's going on,' the president replied, calling Mueller's investigation into any links between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russia and possible obstruction of justice a witch hunt and saying: 'We'll see what happens.'
Trump's predicament – and his menu of options – reminds some historians of President Richard Nixon's infamous 'Saturday night massacre' in October 1973. 
That's when he ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to fire Archibald Cox, the special prosecutor investigating the Watergate scandal. Richardson refused Nixon's order and resigned. 
Nixon then gave the same order to Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus, who followed Richardson out the door on principle. 
Solicitor General Robert Bork, next in line at the Justice Department at the time, finally followed Nixon's order and fired Cox.
The events proved a political disaster for Nixon. Another special prosecutor was appointed and the Watergate investigation continued, leading to the president's resignation the following year in the face of near-certain impeachment.


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As Trump mulls Mueller's fate, parallels are being drawn with President Richard Nixon's (left) 'Saturday Night Massacre,' which saw Attorney General Elliot Richardson resign rather than obey his order to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox

[size=18]Trump on FBI raiding Michael Cohen: It's a total witch hunt


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Trump could get around the problem in a different way by firing either Rosenstein or Attorney General Jeff Sessions – and then naming a replacement from among his Cabinet who would agree to send Mueller packing.  
The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, which lays out general rules for temporarily filling vacant executive branch positions, could allow the president to replace a high-ranking DOJ official with someone who has already been confirmed by the Senate.
'That's probably the most politically savvy way to fire Mueller,' University of Iowa College of Law professor Andy Grewal told Reuters.
Anyone affected negatively by the actions of a newly appointed DOJ official could sue, arguing that the replacement was illetimate since it resulted form the president firing someone.
By that time, however, Mueller would be gone and the special counsel probe shuttered.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5604651/Trump-blames-bad-blood-Russia-Mueller-Democrat-loyalists.html

[size=34]Trump blames 'bad blood' with Russia on Mueller and 'Democrat loyalists' for launching and pushing collusion probe[/size]

• Trump directed his ire at Robert Mueller, the DOJ-appointed attorney leading the task force, claiming he's the 'most conflicted of all' the senior leaders
  
  
• He also hit out at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in the tweet claiming the Russia probe is made up of Democratic loyalists  
  
  
• Trump's anger at Mueller comes after FBI raided the president's personal attorney's dwelling and office
  
  

By FRANCESCA CHAMBERS, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 15:37 EDT, 11 April 2018 | UPDATED: 18:12 EDT, 11 April 2018

    




President Donald Trump lashed out at the special counsel again this morning, this time for the 'bad blood' he says the U.S. has with Russia.
Trump directed his ire right at Robert Mueller, the DOJ-appointed attorney leading the task force, claiming he's the 'most conflicted of all' the senior leaders in the law enforcement division, aside from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
In a tweet Trump cast the probe as a the 'Fake & Corrupt Russia investigation' and claimed that it was headed up by 'Democratic loyalists' and people who were hired by Barack Obama.


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President Donald Trump lashed out at the special counsel again this morning, this time for the 'bad blood' he says the U.S. has with Russia


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Trump directed his ire right at Robert Mueller, the DOJ-appointed attorney leading the task force, claiming he's the 'most conflicted of all' the senior leaders in the law enforcement division, aside from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein


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Trump's claim today that Mueller has overwhelming conflicts of interest hinges on his alleged friendship with former FBI Director James Comey
Trump's anger at Mueller comes after FBI raided the president's personal attorney's Rockefeller Center office and a hotel he was staying in. 

Michael Cohen paid a porn actress who says she had an affair with his client $130,000 not tell her story in the press prior to the election. He says he was not repaid by the president, and Trump told reporters last week he didn't know about the payoff until it was reported in the press.
At a meeting on Monday with military leaders, Trump unloaded on the Department of Justice, special counsel investigators and everyone he felt had treated him unfairly as he commented for the first time on the raid on Cohen.
The president said it was an 'absolute disgrace' and a 'sad situation' after he was asked why he doesn't just fire Mueller if he's unhappy with him.
'Many people have said, 'You should fire him.' Again, they found nothing. And in finding nothing, that's a big statement,' he said, referring to allegations that his 

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Trump also ripped into Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general he not only appointed but who advice he relied on to fire former FBI Director James Comey.
Rosenstein signed a FISA warrant to spy on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page -- an act that the president says was an abuse of power.
'I think it's disgraceful, and so does a lot of other people,' Trump said. 'This is a pure and simple witch hunt.'
At the White House press briefing on Wednesday Sarah Sanders said that the special counsel investigation and the 'constant focus' that's been on the president's campaign has hurt the United States's relationship with Russia. 
She acknowledged that election meddling and other bad actions by Russia had also been unhelpful while backing up the president's claim that Mueller's probe had also played a big part in it.
'This investigation started off as Russia collusion, of which there was none. It has been very clear that nothing has come up over the last year, and the President has spoken at length on this topic,' she at one point said.
The probe actually began because of an intelligence community claim that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Allegations of a conspiracy between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign came later.


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Trump is angry at Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general he not only appointed but who advice he relied on to fire former FBI Director James Comey, because he approved a FISA warrant to spy on his one-time adviser Carter Page
Trump's claim today that Mueller has overwhelming conflicts of interest hinges on his alleged friendship with Comey.
Mueller was the head of the FBI when Comey was the deputy attorney general under Republican President George W. Bush.
'He's one of the finest people I've ever met,' Comey once said in Senate testimony of Mueller.
Trump's dripping disdain for Comey, who he fired last year in May amid charges that he botched the Hillary Clinton email investigation, have carried over to Mueller.
The president claimed last month that Mueller's investigators consisted of '13 hardened Democrats, some big Crooked Hillary supporters, and Zero Republicans.'
Politifact rated his claim half-true after it determined that 12 of the 17 people on Mueller's staffer were registered Democrats and another one had claimed to be in a 2012 interview.
Mueller himself was registered at the time as a Republican in Washington, D.C.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5603957/Trump-Twitter-war-New-York-Times-gets-correction-wrong.html



[size=34]Trump in bizarre Twitter war with New York Times as he wrongly attacks paper for article about Ukrainian's $150,000 foundation donation for 20-minute video speech
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• Trump spoke to a 2015 Kiev conference via video link in exchange for a $150,000 donation to his family charity
  
  
• The money was solicited by his lawyer Michael Cohen, whose offices were raided Monday
  
  
• But the speech was originally set up by pollster Doug Schoen
  
  
• President claimed Wednesday that The New York Times got it wrong – but his claims agree with what was in the original story
  
  
• White House isn't commenting on what the president was trying to say
  
  

By DAVID MARTOSKO, US POLITICAL EDITOR FOR DAILYMAIL.COM 
PUBLISHED: 12:42 EDT, 11 April 2018 | UPDATED: 12:42 EDT, 11 April 2018


    



Donald Trump's latest Twitter spat with The New York Times left Washington insiders scratching their heads on Wednesday when the president tried to correct a 'phony story' that was already correct.
The Times reported Tuesday that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office was investigating a $150,000 donation that a Ukrainian billionaire made to Trump's family charity three years ago.
Victor Pinchuk made the sizable donation in exchange for a 20-minute appearance Trump made via video during a conference for the oligarch's foundation in Kiev.
'The Failing New York Times wrote another phony story. It was political pundit Doug Schoen, not a Ukrainian businessman, who asked me to do a short speech by phone (Skype), hosted by Doug, in Ukraine. I was very positive about Ukraine-another negative to the Fake Russia C[ollusion] story!' Trump tweeted Wednesday, in an attempt to pick the story apart.

The Times had reported that the long-distance speech 'was set up by Doug Schoen, a veteran political consultant and pollster who works with Mr. Pinchuk.'
Citing 'a person familiar with how the speech was arranged,' the paper's reporters wrote that 'Mr. Schoen, a frequent Fox News guest, has known Mr. Trump for years and contacted him personally to set it up.'


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President Donald Trump got into a bizarre Twitter war with The New York Times on Wednesday


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Trump claimed the Times falsely reported that Ukrainian oligarch Victor Pinchuk had asked him to speak via video link to a 2015 Ukraine conference






The Times and one of the story's reporters pointed out that the piece was already spot-on correct
Michael Schmidt, the principal Times reporter on the story, said Wednesday on 'Morning Joe' that the president 'inaccurately describe[d]' it.
'The story does acknowledge that Schoen was the one who set up the meeting,' Schmidt said. 'The question isn't necessarily who set up the meeting, but why did the money come in?'

Pundit and pollster Doug Schoen set up the 2015 appearance for Trump, something the Times reported accurately but Trump later insisted was written in a different fashion
'The money came from a Ukrainian steel magnate who had given millions and millions of dollars over the years to the Clinton Foundation,' he added, 'and was making donations to Trump for a very short speech.' 
Tax returns for 2015 released by the Trump Foundation show Pinchuk's UK foundation office made the donation. It was the largest contribution made to Trump's charity by anyone that year other than Trump himself.
Maggie Haberman, the second reporter on the Times story, tweeted Wednesday: 'Political pundit Doug Schoen, who works for that Ukrainian businessman, arranged the speech ...as our story says.'
The newspaper's PR department issued a shorter statement: Our story is accurate. Here's a link to it.' 
A White House spokesman did not respond to a request for an explanation.


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Trump's 2015 talk at the YES Annual Meeting (pictured) promised a stronger line on Russian intervention in Ukraine


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Pinchuk made a $150,000 contribution to Trump's family charity in exchange for the 20-minute 'appearance' the future president made via video to a conference in Kiev


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The donation was solicited by longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen (pictured), whose offices were raided by the FBI on Monday 
It's possible the president was attempting to plant confusion about the nature of the $150,000 honorarium, which Cohen solicited from Pinchuk before Trump's speech. 
The event ... was set up by Doug Schoen, a veteran political consultant and pollster who works with Mr. Pinchuk, according to a person familiar with how the speech was arranged. Mr. Schoen, a frequent Fox News guest, has known Mr. Trump for years and contacted him personally to set it up at the end of August 2015 ...
THE NEW YORK TIMES STORY 
FBI agents raided Cohen's offices on Monday, seizing a trove of documents related to the porn star Stormy Daniels' hush-money case and communications between the attorney and the president. 
Marcus Owens, a former heard of the IRS division overseeing tax-exempt organizations, said the donation was an 'unusual amount of money for such a short speech.'
'[It] is curious because it comes during a campaign and is from a foreigner and looks like an effort to buy influence,' he told the Times.
Pinchuk founded the Foundation and Yalta European Strategy (YES), a nonprofit that organizes an annual event in Ukraine.
YES's stated aim is 'to develop strategies for Ukraine and Wider Europe and promote Ukraine’s European integration.'
It is pro-Western and opposes Vladimir Putin's expansionist attitude towards former Soviet states. 



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Special Counsel Robert Mueller subpoenaed Trump's charity this year for records dealing with business from foreign nationals

[size=18]FBI raids Trump's attorney Michael Cohen's office and hotel



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Trump's 2015 talk to the group's annual meeting promised a harder line on Russian intervention in Ukraine.
'The United States has been supportive [toward Ukraine] but more verbally than anything else,' Trump said to applause from the audience.
'Our president is not strong and he is not doing what he should be doing for the Ukraine,' he continued, referring to Barack Obama.
'So far we have all lip service and in this country we call it just that - it's lip service and nothing else.' 
'Part of the problem that Ukraine has with the United States is that Putin does not respect our president whatsoever,' he added. 
Pinchuk runs the EastOne investment advisory company and is one of Ukraine's richest men, with $1.52 billion to his name.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5605263/Trumps-brass-huddle-White-House-threat-launch-missiles-Syria-plays-out.html

[size=38]Did Trump jump the gun with Twitter threat of strikes on Syria? President meets top military brass and national security advisor as the White House tries to downplay threat to launch missiles[/size]

• President Donald Trump warned Russia on Wednesday to 'get ready' for strikes on Syria 
  
  
• Tweeted to Moscow: 'You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it'
  
  
• Message came after Russia's ambassador to Lebanon said that U.S. missiles fired at Syria would be shot down and launch sites targeted 
  
  
• Intelligence director Dan Coats, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford were at the White House
  
  
• 'All hands' meeting included National Security Advisor John Bolton and Vice President Mike Pence
  
  
• Press Secretary Sarah Sanders insisted that despite Trump's digital saber-rattling, nothing was decided 
  
  
• Statement raised questions over whether Trump had military options at hand when he made the threat
  
  
• Allies France and UK have still to decide on how to respond to gas attack on Douma at weekend which is being blamed on Bashar al-Assad
  
  
• Russian military says it will deploy troops to Douma, the rebel-held Damascus suburb where poisoned gas killed dozens on Saturday, to establish 'security' for the town 
  
  
• Air traffic control agency Eurocontrol warns about the use of missiles in the air around Syria 'in the next 72 hours'
  
  
• World Health Organization says 500 people went to hospitals showing 'symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals' after Saturday's poison gas attack 
  
  
• Kremlin's UN ambassador said the chemical attack was a 'staged event' faked by provocateurs working with a first-responder aid group whose work was chronicled in an Oscar-winning documentary
  
  

By DAVID MARTOSKO, U.S. POLITICAL EDITOR FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and JULIAN ROBINSON FOR MAILONLINE and WIRES
PUBLISHED: 17:56 EDT, 11 April 2018 | UPDATED: 18:28 EDT, 11 April 2018



Two of Donald Trump's highest-level strategic advisers were at the White House on Wednesday as he weighed whether, when and how hard to strike at Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime following his deadly chemical weapons attack on anti-government rebels and civilians.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats  and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen were all at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for what one official described as an 'all hands' meeting with the president's top-shelf national security advisers.
The group also included National Security Advisor John Bolton and Vice President Mike Pence, who White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said chaired the meeting.
The meeting raised questions over whether Trump's early-morning twitter threat to Russia and Syria that he would use missiles which they could not shoot down was made before he had full military advice.

Trump had used Twitter earlier in the day to says: 'Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and "smart!". 
'You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!'
But Sanders seemed to turn down the heat with a vague statement that bordered on murky. A military attack is 'certainly one option,' she told reporters during a briefing, 'but it's certainly not the only option – or the only thing that the president may or may not do.'
'All options are on the table,' said Sanders, 'and a final decision hasn't been made.' 
The U.S.'s key allies, the UK and France, have also still to decide what, if any, action to take.
In Britain, prime minister Theresa May is holding a cabinet meeting on Thursday to canvas support from ministers for backing any U.S. action. She is said to have ordered British missiles armed with Tomahawk missiles into range of Damascus.
And in France, president Emmanuel Macron said he would decide on a response 'in the coming days.' 'Our decision will not target allies of the regime or attack anyone but rather attack the regime's chemical capabilities,' he said, insisting he did 'not want an escalation.' 


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President Donald Trump's top advisers descended on the White House on Wednesday as he weighed the pros and cons of launching military strikes in Syria following the Bashar al-Assad regime's poison-gas attack Saturday on anti-government rebels in a Damascus suburb


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Gen. Joseph Dunford (center), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen (right), were photographed at the White House after a tense meeting held to decide whether or not the U.S. would make good on Trump's morning threat that missile attacks 'will be coming'


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Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats (center) left the White House in a hurry after the 'all-hands' meeting


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The US military appeared to be in position to carry out any attack order this morning with a Navy destroyer – armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles – underway in the eastern Mediterranean
Trump's apparent decision to telegraph his military moves Wednesday morning flies in the face of a pledge he made last year at Fort Myer, near Washington, D.C. 
'America's enemies must never know our plans or believe they can wait us out. I will not say when we are going to attack, but attack we will,' he said August 21.
That mirrored complaints he tweeted more than five years ago when President Barack Obama was openly contemplating military action in Syria: 'For all of those fools that want to attack Syria, the U.S.has lost the vital element of surprise-so stupid-could be a disaster!'
'In war, the elememt [sic] of surprise is sooooo important,' Trump added then. 'What the hell is Obama doing.'


Mattis, too, has expressed a strong preference for surprise attacks over advance warnings, writing in the2018 National Defense Strategy document that America's military should 'be strategically predictable, but operationally unpredictable.' 
Both the Syrian government and its Russian ally deny Saturday's attack ever took place.
The Russian military claims samples taken from the site of the attack in Douma did not contain any poisonous substances. 


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White House press secretary Sarah Sanders stayed mum on questions of whether Trump is preparing to retaliate against the Syrian dictatorship for its use of chemical weapons, saying only that 'all options are on the table'


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Newly minted National Security Advisor John Bolton (right, pictured Monday) was also at the table as the president's military options were debated


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Twitter war: Trump, who signed an anti-sex trafficking bill in the Oval Office Wednesday, launched a digital fusillade against Russia and Syria earlier in the morning 


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Trump used Twitter to warn that a missile attack on Syria was imminent – hours after the Kremlin vowed to shoot down any rockets fired at the Assad regime in retaliation for last week's gas atrocity


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The president declared Wednesday that the U.S.-Russia relationship has never been worse – not even during the Cold War


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Trump, who had just threatened Moscow with a missile attack, blamed Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his election 'collusion' probe for 'bad blood' between the U.S. and the Kremlin
Russian ambassador to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov said it had all been a 'staged event' faked by provocateurs working with the White Helmets, a rescue and aid first-responder group whose work was chronicled in an Oscar-winning documentary film.
At the White House, Sanders said U.S. intelligence 'certainly paints a different picture, and the president holds Syria and Russia responsible for this chemical weapons attack.'  
Secretary of Defense James Mattis said Wednesday that the Pentagon is standing by, awaiting an order for military action.
'We stand ready to provide military options if they are appropriate, as the president determines,' he said.
Asked if he had seen enough evidence to blame Assad for the chemical carnage, Mattis said: 'We're still working on this.' 
Trump issued a second Twitter blast as well during the morning hours, claiming America's rapport with Moscow has never been worse.
'Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War,' he tweeted. 'There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?'
Interfax reported in the late morning that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov scoffed at Trump's online brushback pitch.
'We do not participate in Twitter diplomacy,' Peskov said. 'We support serious approaches. We continue to believe that it is important not to take steps that could harm an already fragile situation.'
The Russian military had just announced a deployment of troops to Douma. Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces said military police would be there by Thursday to ensure 'security' of the town.
Poznikhir said 41,213 people, including 3,354 rebels and 8,642 members of their families, have left Douma with his military's assistance.


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On station: The U.S. Navy released photographs of the USS Donald Cook departing Larnaca in Cyprus on Monday as it steamed towards missile range of Syria. The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer has at least 50 Tomahawk cruise missiles embarked


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The U.S. has maintained its threat of rocket attacks in response to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's sickening chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma on Saturday


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Conspiracy theories: Russia has claimed their military experts have found no evidence of poisonous substances at the site of Assad's latest chemical attacks - and insist the atrocity was faked by rescue volunteers. Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Syrian President Bashar Assad(right) were both threatened by Trump on Twitter video









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The Syrian air defense system is understood to have been heavily damaged but Russia has a formidable S-400 system (pictured), which has been in place in Syria for more than a year


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Military might: Russia has demonstrated the power of its S-400 defence systems in videos showing rockets being fired off
Separately, Trump suggested Wednesday that Moscow doesn't want to be wrapped up in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe, which has been scouring Washington and New York for evidence that the president's 2016 campaign colluded with the Kremlin to help him win.
'Much of the bad blood with Russia is caused by the Fake & Corrupt Russia Investigation, headed up by the all Democrat loyalists, or people that worked for Obama,' Trump wrote, adding that there is 'No Collusion, so they go crazy!' 
His threats came hours after Moscow's ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Zasypkin, said any U.S. missiles fired at Syria would be shot down by Russia and the launch sites targeted. In response to Trump's tweet, Russia's foreign ministry said 'smart missiles should fly towards terrorists, not legal government.'
The Russian foreign ministry also claimed U.S. missiles would destroy 'all evidence' of a suspected chemical weapons attack. 
Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added: 'Or is it the original idea to use the smart missiles to sweep the traces of the provocation under the rug?' so inspectors would have nothing to inspect.


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Donald Trump flexed his military muscle Tuesday by tweeting an Oval Office image of 19 of his most senior military commanders. The group is pictured above left to right, Army General Curtis Scaparrotti (1), Army General Mark Milley (2), Marine Corps General Robert Neller (3), U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Paul Zukunft (4), Navy Admiral Kurt W. Tidd (5), Army General Raymond A Thomas (6), Marine Corps General Thomas D. Waldhauser (7), Air Force General Paul Selva (, Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford (9), Defense Secretary James Mattis (10), President Donald Trump (11), Vice President Mike Pence (12), Navy Admiral Michael Rodgers (13), Navy Admiral John Richardson (14), Army General Joseph Votel (15), Air Force General David Goldfein (16), Air Force General John E Hyten (17), Air Force General Joseph L. Lengyel (18), Air Force General Lori Robinson (19), Patrick M. Shanahan (20), Navy Admiral Harry Harris (21), Air Force General Darren W McDew (22), U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Karl Schultz (23)


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Russia's government claimed the 'White Helmets' first-responder group faked the chemical weapons attack; their volunteers are pictured here yelling toward ambulances during a search for survivors of an explosion in the Syrian city of Idleb on Tuesday


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In strike range: The USS Donald Cook, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer is now close to Syrian waters, and in missile range of Bashar Assad's regime



Syria's foreign ministry claimed Wednesday that Trump's government is using 'lies and fabrication' as an excuse to launch an attack.
According to SANA, the state news agency, a ministry official said: 'We are not surprised by such a thoughtless escalation by a regime like the United States regime, which sponsored terrorism in Syria and still does.' 
Wednesday morning saw a dramatic ratcheting of tensions in the Middle East where Russian forces are propping up dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and American forces are backing some of his opponents.
Britain, France and the U.S. continued to discuss possible strikes to punish Assad for the chemical attack on Saturday, in which 43 were killed and others left gasping for air and foaming at the mouth.
The U.S. military appeared to be in position to carry out any attack order Wednesday morning with a Navy destroyer – armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles – en route in the eastern Mediterranean.

Amid rising tensions, Moscow's United Nations envoy Vasily Nebenzia had earlier pleaded with America not to strike and warned the U.S. it will 'bear responsibility' for any 'illegal military adventure' it carries out. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged restraint this morning, saying countries should avoid taking action that could further destabilize the war-torn country. 

On Wednesday the pan-European air traffic control agency Eurocontrol warned aircraft to be careful when flying close to Syria. It said that air-to-ground and/or cruise missiles could be used within the next three days and there was a possibility of intermittent disruption of radio navigation equipment.
'Due to the possible launch of air strikes into Syria with air-to-ground and/or cruise missiles within the next 72 hours, and the possibility of intermittent disruption of radio navigation equipment, due consideration needs to be taken when planning flight operations in the Eastern Mediterranean/Nicosia FIR area,' it said, referring to the designated airspace. 
Aviation regulators in countries including the U.S., UK, France and Germany have previously issued warnings against airlines entering Syrian airspace leading most carriers to avoid the area.
The only commercial flights above Syria as of 9:15 p.m. Tuesday were being flown by Syrian Air and Lebanon's Middle East Airlines, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.


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This morning, the pan-European air traffic control agency Eurocontrol warned aircraft to be careful when flying close to Syria. It said that air-to-ground and/or cruise missiles could be used within the next three days and there was a possibility of intermittent disruption of radio navigation equipment. Flight path monitoring websites showed that few if any aircraft were flying over the country this morning

[size=18]Russia launches millions of pounds worth missiles in test attacks




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[size=34]Five hundred people poisoned in Syrian gas attack, WHO reveals[/size]

Up to 500 people were poisoned in the Syrian gas outrage that killed 43 people including children, the World Health Organisation has revealed.
WHO demanded 'immediate' access to the victims in rebel-held Douma as it revealed the total number of people who reported to hospital showing 'signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals'.
The atrocity, blamed on Syrian tyrant Bashar al-Assad's forces, has sparked a global outcry with the US and its allies considering taking military action in response. 


+35


Volunteers give aid to children at a hospital following the chemical attack in Douma
While the WHO statement did not confirm outright that a chemical weapons attack had taken place, it said more than 70 people sheltering in basements have died with 43 of those deaths related to symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals.
'We should all be outraged at these horrific reports and images from Douma' where Saturday's attack took place, said Peter Salama, the UN agency's chief of emergency response.
'WHO demands immediate unhindered access to the area to provide care to those affected, to assess the health impacts, and to deliver a comprehensive public health response,' he added.
Citing information previously released by local health organizations, WHO said that 'an estimated 500 patients presented to health facilities exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals'.


+35


Up to 500 people were poisoned in the Syrian gas attack that killed 43 people including children, the World Health Organisation has revealed
'There were signs of severe irritation of mucous membranes, respiratory failure and disruption to central nervous systems of those exposed,' the statement added.
The United States, Britain and France have argued the incident bears all the hallmarks of a strike ordered by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Assad has been blamed for previous attacks by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and UN-backed war crimes investigators.
WHO has delivered medicine capable of treating certain types of chemical agents to clinics through a series of humanitarian convoys deployed across the country in recent years.
UN officials have also accused Assad's troops of at times removing those treatments from humanitarian vehicles.  






+35





Trump blasted his predecessor Barack Obama in 2003 for telegraphing his military moves in the Middle East – the same thing he appears to be doing this week.
The Eurocontrol statement included a broader area outside the airspace controlled by Damascus.
The Nicosia flight information region named in the Eurocontrol statement on Tuesday covers the island of Cyprus and surrounding waters, according to a map on the agency's website. The same map did not designate any specific territory as being the 'Eastern Mediterranean' region. 
Meanwhile, the U.S. military appeared to be in position to carry out any attack order this morning with a Navy destroyer, the USS Donald Cook, getting underway in the eastern Mediterranean on Monday after completing a port call in Cyprus.
The guided missile destroyer is armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, the weapon of choice in a U.S. attack one year ago on an airfield in Syria following an alleged sarin gas attack on civilians.
Also, the Navy said the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its strike group will depart Norfolk, Virginia, on Wednesday for a regularly scheduled deployment to Europe. 


+35


The U.S. military appeared to be in position to carry out any attack order this morning and the Navy said the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its strike group will depart Norfolk, Virginia, on Wednesday for a regularly scheduled deployment to Europe


+35




+35



France, under Emmanuel Macron (left), warned it would retaliate against the Syrian regime if evidence emerged that the 'red line' of chemical weapons had been crossed in rebel-held Douma. Prime Minister Theresa May (right) described the attack as 'barbaric'


+35


The Navy said the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier (file picture) and its strike group will depart Norfolk, Virginia, on Wednesday for a regularly scheduled deployment to Europe


+35


Trump has warned there would be a 'big price to pay,' and Washington's UN ambassador Nikki Haley made it clear that the failure to secure a Security Council vote would not hold America and its allies back. Pictured: Sailors prepare F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets for take off during a routine training aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt in the South China sea on Tuesday
The strike group will be accompanied by a German frigate FGS Hessen, a state-of-the-art vessel specialising in air defense which officials say is the only type of warship in the Western world with three kinds of surface-to-air missiles. 
Its radar has a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles for air targets. 
In the face of intense world outrage, the United Nations Security Council failed to agree a global response to the chemical attack on Tuesday, after Washington and Moscow opposed each other's rival motions to set up an international investigation into poison gas use in the seven-year-old conflict.
Trump has made it clear he plans to make the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, and perhaps his Russian and Iranian backers, pay for the latest alleged toxic gas atrocity in the war-wracked country.
But Russia has warned against action and this morning defense committee lawmaker Andrei Krasov said the Kremlin would treat a U.S. airstrike on Syria 'not just as an act of aggression but a war crime of the Western coalition.'
His comments followed those of senior Russian lawmaker and retired general Vladimir Shamanov, who said on Tuesday that a U.S. strike could hurt Russian servicemen and trigger Russian retaliation.
He said that Russia has 'the necessary means for that and the Americans and their allies know that quite well.'
Shamanov emphasized that a retaliatory Russian strike could target U.S. navy ships and aircraft. He added that the use of nuclear weapons is 'unlikely.'
According to rescue workers, on Saturday more than 40 people died in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Douma in an alleged chemical attack, which left victims struggling to breathe, foaming at the mouth and with discolored skin.

[size=34]How Russia could use its fearsome S-400 defence system to shoot down missiles aimed at Syria[/size]

A Russian ambassador has warned that Russia would shoot down incoming missiles and attack their launching platforms in the event of a strike on Syria.
A similar warning has been issued in the past by the chief of staff of Russia's armed forces.
The Syrian air defence system is understood to have been heavily damaged but Russia has a formidable S-400 system, which has been in place in Syria for more than a year.
This poses a lethal threat to modern jets. Sources said it is likely any attack by the US, Britain and France would be carried out from a safe enough distance to avoid planes being shot down. 
The most advanced of Russia's terrifying S-400 systems is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range missiles, and can also be used against ground objectives, according to Russian media.


+35



The Syrian air defence system is understood to have been heavily damaged but Russia has a formidable S-400 system (pictured), which has been in place in Syria for more than a year 
It can engage targets at a distance of 250 miles and at an altitude of up to 19 miles.
In January, it was reported that contracts for S-400 deliveries were inked with China and Turkey and that negotiations were also underway to sell the system to Saudi Arabia. 
Dmitri Trenin, the head of the Carnegie Moscow Centre and a former Soviet military officer, raised the terrifying prospect of a military clash between world superpowers.
He said: 'The U.S. and Russia are now closer to a direct collision between their military forces than at any time since the cold war.
'The only question on my mind: will Russia hit back at the U.S. when it launches strikes against Damascus?'
In recent weeks the Russian military has reportedly began jamming some smaller U.S. military drones operating in the skies over Syria. According to four U.S. officials speaking to NBC news, this has affected American military operations.
The officials said the Russian military was concerned the U.S. military would retaliate for the attacks and began jamming the GPS systems of drones operating in the area.


+35


Last year Donald Trump ordered a Tomahawk missile strike (pictured) against the Syrian regime's al-Shayrat airbase following a chemical weapons attack which killed dozens of civilians
The drones impacted so far were smaller surveillance aircraft, as opposed to the larger Predators and Reapers that often operate in combat environments and can be armed.
Last year Donald Trump ordered a Tomahawk missile strike against the Syrian regime's al-Shayrat airbase following a chemical weapons attack which killed dozens of civilians.
Russian forces did not shoot down the missile using its air defence systems stationed in the region.
At that time the U.S. gave Russia advance warning of that attack through a de-confliction notice. But Russian military brass have signaled that their response could be different.
In March, Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces, said: 'In the case of a threat to the lives of our servicemen, the Russian military armed forces will take response measures against both the rockets, and the platforms from which they're fired.'
By MailOnline reporter and Larisa Brown, Defence and Security Editor for the Daily Mail  



The WHO also condemned the suspected chemical weapons attack, in which it said an estimated 500 patients went to health facilities with 'signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals.'
'WHO demands immediate unhindered access to the area to provide care to those affected, to assess the health impacts, and to deliver a comprehensive public health response,' Peter Salama, WHO deputy director-general for emergency preparedness and response, said in a statement issued in Geneva.
U.N. aid agencies do not have access to most of the enclave of eastern Ghouta, including Douma, where the alleged attack occurred. The Syrian government has denied responsibility.
But the United States, Britain and France have argued the incident bears all the hallmarks of a strike ordered by the regime of Russia's ally Assad, which has been blamed for previous attacks by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Trump has warned there would be a 'big price to pay,' and Washington's UN ambassador Nikki Haley made it clear that the failure to secure a Security Council vote would not hold America and its allies back.
'Russia has trashed the credibility of the council,' she said. 'Whenever we propose anything meaningful on Syria, Russia vetoes it. It is a travesty.'
Haley dismissed the Russian draft as 'all about protecting the Assad regime' because of provisions that would have required the Security Council to endorse its findings -- in other words, giving Russia a veto over any attempt to apportion blame.


+35


Volunteers spray a man with water at a makeshift hospital in Douma on April 7. International tensions are mounting over possible airstrikes in the wake of the sickening chemical attack
Russia, in turn, vetoed the US-backed motion, which would have re-established an international Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) to probe chemical strikes in Syria and to identify culprits.
Moscow's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Haley of seeking a vote to provide cover for a Western military strike on Assad, which now seems all the more likely.
'If you took the decision to carry out an illegal military adventure, and we do hope that you will come to your senses, well then you will have to bear responsibility for it,' he said.
Both Trump and his defense secretary Jim Mattis abruptly cancelled upcoming travel plans Tuesday, as the USS Donald Cook – a guided-missile destroyer – moved to within striking range of Syria.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been coordinating closely with Washington, said he would decide on a response 'in the coming days.'
'Our decision will not target allies of the regime or attack anyone but rather attack the regime's chemical capabilities,' he said, insisting he did 'not want an escalation.'
As it looked to head off the threat of Western strikes, Syria said it had invited the OPCW to visit the site of the alleged attack in Douma, a settlement in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta that is falling to the regime after a long and bloody siege.
The OPCW said it would 'shortly' deploy a fact-finding team to Douma for an investigation, but U.S. officials said they were working from their own information and would not necessarily hold back.
Damascus also mobilized overnight Tuesday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said the army had 'put all military positions on alert, including airports and all bases, for a period of 72 hours.'
A source from a pro-regime unit told AFP Tuesday there were 'precautionary measures being taken by the Syrian army, especially the airports and military bases.'
Residents in the capital were also bracing for a potential response.
'I have lived through seven American presidents, but Trump is the craziest and his administration is unbalanced,' said Abu Fadi, 70.
'I think his threats are to be feared, and we should take them seriously.'
In 2017, Trump launched a cruise missile strike against a Syrian air base in retaliation for a sarin attack the UN later pinned on Assad.


+35


The United States, Britain and France have argued the incident bears all the hallmarks of a strike ordered by the regime of Russia's ally Assad, which has been blamed for previous attacks by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) 
Syria's government has denied accusations of using banned weapons such as chlorine or sarin throughout the country's civil war.
Douma has been heavily bombed by the regime and Russia making it extremely difficult for media, including AFP, to independently verify the claims.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Tuesday the OPCW should be granted unfettered access to investigate.
The OPCW does not have a mandate to establish who is responsible for attacks, and the joint OPCW-UN taskforce that once did was shut down by Russia last year after it blamed the Syria regime.
Damascus agreed to hand over its chemical arsenal in 2013, narrowly avoiding American and French air strikes in retaliation for a suspected sarin attack.
That incident, which killed hundreds, also took place in Eastern Ghouta.
Trump has threatened to respond 'forcefully' to the most recent allegations, saying the U.S. had 'a lot of options militarily' and would decide in the coming days.
The White House said that, in a telephone call, Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May 'agreed not to allow the use of chemical weapons to continue.'

[size=34]French navy ship equipped with cruise missiles that could strike Assad was 'aggressively buzzed by a Russian warplane' in the Med[/size]

A Russian warplane this weekend flew over a French warship at low altitude in the eastern Mediterranean, a deliberate breach of international regulations, a French naval source said on Tuesday. 
The weekly magazine Le Point said the Russian plane had flown over frigate Aquitaine over the weekend and was fully-armed.
It also added that the Aquitaine could be used in strikes against the Assad regime.

[size=16]
+35


The Aquitaine is equipped with 16 cruise missiles and 16 surface-to-air missiles. It is currently operating off Lebanese shores alongside U.S. ships as part of France's contingent fighting Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq
The incident comes as tensions mount between Russia and Western nations following a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria on April 7. At least 60 people were killed in the attack, according to a Syrian relief agency.
France, the United States and their allies are considering a coordinated military response after accusing the Russia-backed Syrian government of being behind the attack. Damascus and Moscow have denied a chemical attack took place. 
The Aquitaine is equipped with 16 cruise missiles and 16 surface-to-air missiles. It is currently operating off Lebanese shores alongside U.S. ships as part of France's contingent fighting Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq.
'The flight took place several days ago,' a French naval source said, adding that France had contacted Russian authorities over the matter.
'Passes by military aircraft over warships are things that happen at sea. When it is deemed too close, the opposing party is notified,' the source said.
The Russian air force has already carried out such 'aggressive' flights over Western warships in the past.
In April 2016 two Russian warplanes flew simulated attack passes near a U.S. guided missile destroyer in the Baltic Sea, so low they created wake in the water.
Phone calls to the Russian defence ministry in Moscow were not answered after business hours on Tuesday.[/size]

About Trump's 'bad blood' tweets and accusations:
Aren't Rosenstein and Mueller Republicans?

http://people.com/human-interest/homeless-nyc-girl-scouts-troop-holds-first-ever-cookie-sale/





KAREN MIZOGUCHI 
April 12, 2018 12:46 AM
Girl Scout Troop 6000, a homeless shelter-based troop in New York City, is holding their first-ever cookie sale!
The more than 20 members – who hail from shelters in the Queens area – are currently selling cookies, including Thin Mints and Samoas, at Kellogg’s NYC, a cereal cafe located in Manhattan’s Union Square.
And in honor of their troop number, the young girls have set a sale goal of 6000 boxes.
“The biggest impact that we see and when you talk to the girls you’ll hear them say is that they belong to something, they have a sisterhood within the other Girl Scouts,” Meredith Maskara, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, told ABC News on Wednesday. “They talk to other girls who may be in their same situation who feel alone, and they feel like they have a stronger sense of community and belonging overall.”

ABC News

@ABC





[ltr]Your daily dose of inspiration: The Girl Scouts of Troop 6000, the first homeless shelter-based troop in New York City, hope to sell 6,000 boxes of cookies during their first-ever cookie sale. https://abcn.ws/2IN71iH [/ltr]


2:30 PM - Apr 11, 2018

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RELATED: These Are the Most Popular Girl Scout Cookies in Each State
Troop 6000 was formed in March 2017 by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Department of Homeless Services with the goal of reaching 500 girls and women at 15 shelters.
The group was also the same Girl Scout troop that received a surprise donation of $56,000 from Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show in December 2017.
Troop 6000 will be selling cookies from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday, April 13.

Could somebody do something about this man, please?

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/russia-us-war-live-updates-syria-war-crisis-latest-trump-nuclear-a8300821.html

He is now saying that he didn't say what he said

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/apr/12/uk-russia-tensions-rise-over-syria-attack-and-salisbury-poisoning-live-updates


Diplomacy at its finest...........

Pan there are a lot of us who would like to do something about him, unfortunately we have to wait and pray that at election time he loses. Or that Mueller finds something that and he can be impeached.

He says it then deny's he said it par for the course with this idiot.

His mouth is so going to get us into a war.

The country was warned many, many times about this man before the election.   It’s all coming true.

He’s a cancer on this country.  It will take years for our credibility to be restored in the world.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5607905/White-Democrat-claims-hes-member-African-American-community.html




[size=34]White Democrat running for a North Carolina House seat tells a campaign event he is a 'member of the African-American community' and has been to 'many a fish fry held by my brothers'[/size]

• Gary Shipman is challenging Republican incumbent Holly Grange in the state House
  
  
• He was at a campaign event in Wilmington and was asked how he would promote inclusion and diversity and 'enthuse African-Americans' about his campaign 
  
  
• Shipman tried to clarify his comment, saying that he had spent time among his African-American constituents
  
  
• 'I've eaten at many a fish fry held by my "brothers" and "sisters", "aunts" and "uncles" in that community,' he wrote in an email to a newspaper
  
  

By MARY KEKATOS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 10:28 EDT, 12 April 2018 | UPDATED: 11:32 EDT, 12 April 2018


A white Democrat running for a state House seat in North Carolina has ruffled feathers after claiming he's a 'member of the African-American community'.
Gary Shipman, who is running in the Democratic primary and hoping to challenge Republican incumbent Holly Grange in the District 20 race in November, was attending a campaign event in Wilmington on Sunday.
He was asked at the event how he would promote inclusion and diversity and 'enthuse African-Americans' about his campaign. 


+4


Gary Shipman (pictured), a white Democrat running for a state House seat in North Carolina, has ruffled feathers after claiming he's a 'member of the African-American community'


+4


He was asked at a campaign event in Wilmington (pictured) on Sunday how he would promote inclusion and diversity and 'enthuse African-Americans' about his campaign
'I'm a member of the African-American community,' Shipman said. 'I've been where you are. I've been in your communities.'

He then tried to clarify his comment, saying that he had spent time among his African-American constituents and felt confident that he knows them, reported the News & Observer of Raleigh.



'I've eaten at many a fish fry held by my "brothers" and "sisters", "aunts" and "uncles" in that community,' he wrote in an email to the newspaper.
'I've celebrated birthdays, births, marriages, graduations, Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4, etc., with many members of the African-American community.


+4


He then tried to clarify his comment, saying that he had had spent time among his African-American constituents and had 'eaten at many a fish fry'


+4


Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of North Carolina's Republican Party, said that Shipman's remarks were 'off-putting'  (Pictured, Shipman speaks with constituents)
'There are people within that community and elsewhere that refer to me (and treat me) like their "brother" or "pops" or "uncle", and I refer to them (and treat them) like my "brothers", "sisters" and children,' he wrote.   
Shipman also told the News & Observer that he took in an 'African American kid' he had known for years after the teenager's parents died.
The attorney said he helped the teenager prepare for college and 'pushed him out into the world' as if he was his biological child. just as he would one of his own children.
'I don't see color, I see people; and not because I'm running for the NC House either - I've talked the talk and walked the walk for many, many years,' Shipman wrote.
Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of North Carolina's Republican Party, said that Shipman's remarks were 'off-putting' but added that ultimately voters would decide which candidate represented their values and the community.

Dude is proof that everything that comes into your head you shouldn't say out loud.

North Carolina. Welcome to my world.

I feel for you Way2, I have relatives there I get it.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5609857/Mueller-prepares-end-Russia-probe-WITHOUT-interviewing-Trump.html




[size=34]Mueller prepares to end Russia probe WITHOUT interviewing Trump after president's lawyers say sit-down can't happen in wake of Cohen raid
[/size]

• Negotiations for a presidential interview have broken down between the president and Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team, NBC News has learned 
  
  
• Now Mueller may conclude his obstruction of justice report earlier as his team won't have to prep for a presidential interview 
  
  
• The catalyst for the break-down was the FBI's raid on Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen's office and hotel room on Monday  
  
  

By NIKKI SCHWAB, U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 17:23 EDT, 12 April 2018 | UPDATED: 21:46 EDT, 12 April 2018


    

Talks between President Trump's legal team and Special Counsel Robert Mueller have collapsed, according to NBC News, and so Russia investigators are looking to move forward without a presidential interview. 
On Monday, Trump's lawyers were working out some of the interview's final sticking points, when the law offices and the hotel room of the president's personal Michael Cohen were raided. 
After that, the possibility of a sit-down between the president and the special counsel 'drastically dimmed,' NBC wrote, with a source telling the network that the Cohen raid 'significantly complicated' talks.  


+2


President Trump's lawyers have indicated that he won't be sitting down for an interview with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in the wake of his longtime lawyer Michael Cohen's office being raided by the FBI 


+2


Special Counsel Robert Mueller may be able to wrap up his probe earlier now that a presidential interview is likely off the table 
Prior to the Cohen raid, Mueller's team had wanted to finalize a report on whether the president obstructed justice in the Russia investigation in the next few months, with three sources telling NBC News that report could have come as early as May or as late of June. 

But now without a presidential interview, Mueller and his team may be able to wrap things up even sooner, as the lawyers won't have to prep for a sit-down with Trump.  
NBC's story comes on the heels of President Trump complimenting himself for cooperating with Mueller.  
'I have agreed with the historically cooperative, disciplined approach that we have engaged in with Robert Mueller (Unlike the Clintons!),' Trump wrote. 'I have full confidence in Ty Cobb, my Special Counsel, and have been fully advised throughout each phase of this process.'
Trump's tweet was in response to a Washington Post story which detailed a plan that former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon has been floating around town to scuttle the Russia probe.  
Bannon told the Post that Trump's lawyer Ty Cobb should be 'fired immediately.'   



Bannon left the White House in August and was further pushed out of Trump's orbit in the aftermath of the publication of Michael Wolff's Fire and Fury book, in which he was a source. 
Aiding the Republican Party in losing a Senate seat in deep red Alabama in December also didn't help matters.
But as the Post reported Wednesday, Bannon has tried to telegraph strategies to Trump through White House aides and Congressional allies.
Bannon's latest scheme starts with the idea that President Trump should fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the man responsible for appointing Mueller to the Russia probe. 
More recently, Rosenstein green-lit the FBI raid on the law offices and hotel room of Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen.  
Beyond axing Rosenstein, Bannon advised that Trump no longer play ball with Mueller, and he suggested that by throwing Cobb – the White House attorney handling all Mueller-related stuff – under the bus the president may improve his legal situation.  
'The president wasn't fully briefed by his lawyers on the implications' of not invoking executive privilege,' Bannon told the Post Wednesday. 'It was a strategic mistake to run over everything without due process, and executive privilege should be exerted immediately and retroactively.' 
Bannon suggested that Trump should now invoke that executive privilege, making Mueller's interviews with various White House officials null and void. 
Even if Trump is tempted to fire Rosenstein, his tweet Thursday indicates he'll give Bannon zero credit for the idea, as sources told the Post there is still bad blood. 



'If you say his name in front of the president, it's not a pretty sight,' a senior administration official told the newspaper. 'The president really goes off about him.'   
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Read more:

Just in case you guys are wondering about the thread title, I've renumbered all of the 'serious side' threads.

The forum is set so that no thread can be longer than 20 pages (at 50 posts per page, so roughly 1000 posts). If we go over that limit, it'll stretch to a few more posts, then 'break' and automatically create a new thread with the same name. I've just gone back to renumber all of the threads of the same name.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5610959/Ivanka-Trump-tours-Lima-quinoa-factory-stepping-glamorous-red-ballgown.html

[size=34]From factory floor to belle of the ball: Ivanka tours Lima quinoa factory before stepping out in glamorous red Calvin Klein ballgown for VIP dinner[/size]

• Ivanka Trump wore a stunning $3,519 red Calvin Klein ballgown to dinner in Lima
  
  
• The 36-year-old attended a dinner for the Summits of the Americas trade conference, where she is for the weekend 
  
  
• She first visited the cultural site Huaca Pucllana in central Lima
  
  
• Earlier in the afternoon the first daughter visited a quinoa factory in the city
  
  
• During her trip she will be announcing an initiative 'to propel women’s economic empowerment' in Latin America
  
  
• Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner and Vice President Mike are to join her in Peru 
  
  

By ABIGAIL MILLER and ERICA TEMPESTA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 01:47 EDT, 13 April 2018 | UPDATED: 03:27 EDT, 13 April 2018

    


Ivanka Trump looked stunning in a $3,519 red Calvin Klein ballgown as she stepped out for her first night of sightseeing during her trip to Peru for the for the Summits of the Americas trade conference. 
The first daughter flaunted her glamorous ensemble, complete pair of baby pink $1,495 Calvin Klein high heels, on her Instagram story Thursday evening. 
'Arriving at Huaca Pucllana,' the 36-year-old wrote in a glitzy cursive script as she stepped out on the adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima.  
Scroll down for video   


+15


Ivanka Trump looked stunning in a $3,519 red Calvin Klein ballgown as she stepped out for her first night of sightseeing during her trip to Peru for the for the Summits of the Americas trade conference


+15




+15



The first daughter flaunted her glamorous ensemble, complete pair of baby pink $1,495 Calvin Klein high heels, on her Instagram story Thursday evening


+15


After visiting the cultural site she went to a dinner for the CEO Summit of the Americas
Huaca Pullcana is in the Miraflores district of the city, and once served as a ceremonial and administrative center for Lima between the years 200 and 700 AD.

After visiting the cultural site she went to a dinner for the CEO Summit of the Americas.   
At dinner she posted a series of photos to her Instagram with many of the other invitees to the weekend's conference. 
'Dinner at the historic Huaca Pucllana with President Vizcarra, IDB President Moreno, US Cabinet Secretaries and CEOs, culminating a great first day at the CEO Summit of the Americas in Lima,' she wrote.   


+15


At dinner she posted a series of photos to her Instagram with many of the other invitees to the weekend's conference. She is pictured at the dinner with the president of Peru 


+15


Ivanka is pictured with Peru's president Martin Vizcarra (left) , an Inter-American Development Bank president Luis Alberto Moreno


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'Dinner at the historic Huaca Pucllana with President Vizcarra, IDB President Moreno, US Cabinet Secretaries and CEOs, culminating a great first day at the CEO Summit of the Americas in Lima,' she wrote


The evening came after a busy day of touring businesses throughout Peru's capital. 
Earlier in the afternoon she stopped by a quinoa factory, where she learned about the production of the popular American health food.
She also shared a number of snaps of this to her Instagram story - in which she can be seen following workers around in a white lab coat. 
'Now... firsthand seeing the quinoa production process,' she wrote alongside a photo of herself with a palm-full of the grain. 


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Earlier in the afternoon she stopped by a quinoa factory, where she learned about the production of the popular American health food


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She also shared a number of snaps of this to her Instagram story - in which she can be seen following workers around in a white lab coat
And before that she toured the Lima Stock Exchange - again dressed to impress.
She wore a $1,693 a navy blue and yellow floral-print silk-jacquard shirtdress featuring pearl buttons by Altuzarra, which she paired with navy blue ankle-strap stilettos.
Her long blonde hair was parted in the middle and straightened for her day of meetings, and she was sporting a smokey brown eye and glossy lips.
During her trip Ivanka will be announcing an initiative 'to propel women’s economic empowerment' in Latin America on Thursday, and she excitedly took to Instagram Stories to document her trip. 





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Strike a pose: Ivanka Trump was all smiles as she met with female business leaders in Lima, Peru, on Thursday 


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'Buenos dias!' Upon her arrival in Peru, Ivanka shared a video of herself waving at the camera and using a local greeting
'Buenos dias!' she says in one clip. 'I am here in Lima, Peru, for the Summit of the Americas conference, and I am really excited about my first stop, which is the Lima Stock Exchange, where I am going to meet with some incredible women business leaders from right here in Peru.' 
She was filmed in the backseat of a car with her seat belt sapped across her chest as she animatedly spoke about the day ahead of her. 
Ivanka went on to share a video of herself walking through the Lima Stock Exchange with CEO Francis Stenning, as well as a photo of herself sitting down during a roundtable discussion.
'Meeting with women business leaders based in Lima!' she captioned the image. 

[size=18]Ivanka visits the Peru for Summit of the Americas Conference



[/size]





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Busy: The first daughter took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday evening to share a video of herself arriving in Lima (L) before documenting her meetings the next morning (R) 


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Happy as can be: The senior adviser smiled and waved when she arrived at the Lima Stock Exchange on Thursday

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5609411/Ivanka-Trump-makes-glamorous-arrival-Peru-1-700-dress.html

[size=34]'Buenos dias!' Ivanka Trump shares a cheesy Instagram video as she makes glamorous arrival in Peru, wearing a $1,700 floral-print dress to meet with local female business leaders[/size]

• Ivanka, 36, traveled to Lima, Peru, on Wednesday evening to attend the Summits of the America trade conference this week
  
  
• The first daughter documented her trip to the Lima Stock Exchange on her Instagram Stories on Thursday before meeting with female business leaders
  
  
• Ivanka donned a $1,693 Altuzarra dress, which she paired with ankle-strap heels
  
  
• The senior adviser will be announcing an initiative 'to propel women’s economic empowerment' in Latin America 
  
  
• Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner and Vice President Mike are to join her in Peru 
  
  
• She is traveling unilaterally with her own program of events that are separate from Pence's 
  
  

By ERICA TEMPESTA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 15:48 EDT, 12 April 2018 | UPDATED: 20:19 EDT, 12 April 2018

    


Ivanka Trump was all smiles as she toured the Lima Stock Exchange in a $1,693 floral dress by Altuzarra while in Peru for the Summits of the Americas trade conference.
The 36-year-old first daughter will be announcing an initiative 'to propel women’s economic empowerment' in Latin America on Thursday, and she excitedly took to Instagram Stories to document her trip.
'Buenos dias!' she says in one clip. 'I am here in Lima, Peru, for the Summit of the Americas conference, and I am really excited about my first stop, which is the Lima Stock Exchange, where I am going to meet with some incredible women business leaders from right here in Peru.'


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Strike a pose: Ivanka Trump was all smiles as she met with female business leaders in Lima, Peru, on Thursday 


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Ladylike: The 36-year-old (pictured alongside Lima Stock Exchange CEO Francis Stenning) donned a $1,693 floral-print silk-jacquard shirtdress by Altuzarra 


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'Buenos dias!' Upon her arrival in Peru, Ivanka shared a video of herself waving at the camera and using a local greeting
Ivanka was filmed in the backseat of a car with her seat belt sapped across her chest as she animatedly spoke about the day ahead of her.

The senior adviser was wearing a navy blue and yellow floral-print silk-jacquard shirtdress featuring pearl buttons, which she paired with navy blue ankle-strap stilettos.
Her long blonde hair was parted in the middle and straightened for her day of meetings, and she was sporting a smokey brown eye and glossy lips.
Ivanka went on to share a video of herself walking through the Lima Stock Exchange with CEO Francis Stenning, as well as a photo of herself sitting down during a roundtable discussion.
'Meeting with women business leaders based in Lima!' she captioned the image.







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Busy: The first daughter took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday evening to share a video of herself arriving in Lima (L) before documenting her meetings the next morning (R) 


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Happy as can be: The senior adviser smiled and waved when she arrived at the Lima Stock Exchange on Thursday

Be blooming beautiful like Ivanka in an Altuzarra dress

Altuzarra Filippa floral print dress

On sale for $1147



Ivanka Trump looked sensational in an Altuzarra floral dress as she touched down in Lima, Peru to attend the Summit of the America's as she promotes female-owned business and economic empowerment.
One to always cut a stylish figure, she stunned in this navy and gold floral jacquard frock.
You too can get the same look by clicking to buy it on sale for $1147 at Matches Fashion.
Also, get the look for less with one of our high street picks in the carousel below.
From Boohoo to Diane von Furstenberg we have all budgets sorted out for you!
Pair with a metallic clutch and pumps for style win!




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First daughter duties: The president's daughter is representing the administration at Summits of the Americas trade conference this week 
The day before, Ivanka posted a video of herself stepping off a plane in a cream sweater and tan, wide-leg pants upon her arrival in Peru.
'I'm extremely excited for my visit and look forward to highlighting the important work that the U.S. government and this administration are doing to empower women economically in the region and elsewhere around the globe,' she told reporters on Wednesday.
The president's daughter is representing the administration at a CEO summit that is taking place in Lima. Her husband Jared Kushner, and Vice President Mike Pence will be joining her on the trip. However, they were both still in Washington, D.C. on Thursday morning.
Jared, a 37-year-old senior adviser, joined governors and lawmakers in a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House. He and the vice president were later seen arriving in the Rose Garden for the president's speech on tax cuts. 
Trump was originally scheduled to be in Lima for the U.S.-founded Summit of the Americas this weekend before heading to Colombia. He nixed his visit to South America at the last minute and ordered Pence to Peru instead, allegedly so he could focus on the situation in Syria.



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Focus: The senior adviser will be announcing an initiative 'to propel women’s economic empowerment' in Latin America


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Girl power: During her trip to the Lima Stock Exchange, Ivanka took part in a roundtable discussion about the future of business 


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Passionate: Ivanka spoke animatedly during the meeting, which saw her speaking with female business leaders from the local area
His daughter was always among the senior administration officials traveling to Peru, and she said on a call Wednesday that she would make an appearance at a companion summit for CEOs at the invitation of the Inter-American Development Bank.
She traveled with the acting secretary of state but had her own program of events.
Ivanka hitched a ride with the Trump administration official instead of traveling commercially, like she did on her last foreign trip, a solo visit to India for a State Department-run tech conference.
The first daughter as spearheaded women's outreach and issues in her father's administration, where she's been credited with pushing through an increase in the child tax credit and a sex trafficking bill her father signed on Wednesday.
Her portfolio has helped her to secure plum spots on her father's oversees trips to the Middle East, Italy, Germany and Japan.
She said on a call that she'd promote women's economic empowerment through public-private partnership on a panel in Lima this week with Overseas Private Investment Corporation President and CEO Ray Washburne.


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Sleek 'do: Ivanka wore her long blonde hair was parted in the middle and straight 


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Goal; Ahead of her visit, Ivanka said she was looking forward to highlighting the work the U.S. government is doing to empower women economically in the region


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Smile: Ivanka happily posed for a photo with the women after their meeting 


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Meet and greet: Ivanka also shook hands during the photo-op with the women 
'Women’s economic empowerment has been a core mission of mine and an ongoing priority for the administration. This work is critical,' she said. 'When women are empowered economically, it contributes to increased economic growth, peace, and global stability.'
Ivanka said she was channeling her energy into Latin America because the rate of business formations by women is especially low there.
'For those women who do start businesses, they face unique barriers to accessing capital, including a significant credit gap,' she explained. 
The president's daughter did not provide further details on the initiative she'd be unveiling or the price tag that's associated with it, other than to say it would be a joint collaboration between the U.S. and Peru in both the public and private sectors.
During her visit, Ivanka will also be making a stops at EcoInca, a Peruvian business that makes organic products. EcoInca is owned and operated by women.
The morning before her flight to Peru, Ivanka stepped out of her Washington, D.C. home in a spring-inspired look.   
She flashed a bright smile and waved to the cameras while making her way to the SUV parked outside as she headed to work at 8:25 a.m.


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Party of one: While Ivanka was in Peru, a rather somber-looking Jared Kushner attended a White House meeting held by her father, President Donald Trump


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Packed schedule: Jared and Vice President Mike are to join her in Peru, but they were pictured heading to the Rose Garden to watch President Trump's speech on tax cuts on Thursday 


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Cheerful: Ivanka flashed a smile as she stepped out of her Washington, D.C. home on Wednesday morning before her flight to Peru 


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Feeling the blues: The mother-of-three donned a blue blouse tucked into a $1,100 floral-patterned skirt from Calvin Klein


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Added touches: Ivanka topped off the look with a pair of navy blue suede pumps 
Ivanka donned a light blue blouse featuring a sparkling collar, which she tucked into a $1,100 silk floral pencil skirt from Calvin Klein.
The mother-of-three wore her long blonde hair loose around her shoulders and sported natural-looking make-up. She topped off the look with a pair of navy blue suede pumps.
Ivanka forewent jewelry — save for a pair of diamond studs in her ears — but she was seen sporting a red string tied around her left wrist.
Although she hasn't spoken about the purpose of the string, which she has been wearing since last summer, it does bear a resemblance to the type of red string that Kabbalah practitioners wear to ward off the 'evil eye.' 
After arriving at the White House, Ivanka attended a bill signing in the Oval Office, where she was once again pictured with a beaming smile on her face.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5612251/Trump-says-Comey-prosecuted-classified-leak-Comey-says-hooker-story-possible.html

[size=34]Trump says 'slime ball' Comey 'should be prosecuted' for leaking classified info as fired former FBI chief goes on offense and says salacious golden-showers story is 'possible'[/size]

• Fired FBI director James Comey goes to war with Trump in sensational new book, and the president is firing back with both barrels
  
  
• Trump calls him 'a slime ball' and 'a PROVEN LEAKER AND LIAR'
  
  
• President also wants his criminal prosecution for asking a friend to leak notes from their meetings to reporters
  
  
• Comey said in an interview that he still can't be sure a salacious claim about Trump cavorting with hookers in a 'golden showers' act in Moscow is untrue
  
  
• He also questioned the strength of Trump's marriage, marveling that the president thought there was a chance the first lady might believe it 
  
  
• GOP has a war room and is going all-out to push back against Comey as an untrustworthy, vengeful man who lied to Congress  
  
  

By DAVID MARTOSKO, US POLITICAL EDITOR FOR DAILYMAIL.COM 
PUBLISHED: 08:22 EDT, 13 April 2018 | UPDATED: 08:44 EDT, 13 April 2018

    


President Donald Trump on Friday called former FBI director James Comey an 'untruthful slime ball' and 'a PROVEN LEAKER AND LIAR' who 'should be prosecuted' for putting classified information in view of the media.
'James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired,' Trump wrote in a pair of statements on Twitter. 'He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH.'
'He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst “botch jobs” of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!' 
His extraordinary tweets, an unprecedented moment in American history, came after excerpts from a televised interview were broadcast on national television, with Comey saying it's 'possible' the most salacious detail in the anti-Trump 'dirty dossier' is true.

Comey said in advance of next week's high-profile book release that despite having access to the nation's most sensitive law-enforcement intelligence for years, he still can't dismiss the possibility that Trump was involved with a 'golden showers' sex act with prostitutes five years ago.


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President Donald trump declared all-out war Friday on former FBI director James Comey, calling him a 'slime ball' and saying he shoud be prosecuted for leaking information to the media 


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Comey gave an extraordinary interview to ABC in advance of his book release next Tuesday, saying an unproven story about the president cavorting with prostitutes in Moscow five years age might be accurate


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Trump tweeted Friday that it was 'my great honor' to fire Comey in May 2017, and that he's 'a proven LEAKER & LIAR'
'I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current President of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013,' he told ABC's 'Good Morning America' program in an interview broadcast Friday. 
'It's possible, but I don't know.'
Trump's reference to leaking concerns Comey's admission during congressional testimony last year that he provided a longtime friend with a copy of memos he wrote after meeting with Trump in 2016 and 2017,m instructing him to circulate them among reporters.
Trump claimed Friday that the information was classified, a point that's still under debate in Washington.
The 'golden showers' accusation first came to light in an unproven dossier of opposition-research material paid for by the Democratic Party and the Hillary Clinton campaign and handed to the FBI during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Comey said he never told Trump that his political adversaries had funded the work, but warned him during a 'really weird' post-election meeting that the information was circulating at the top levels of the federal government.  





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Comey testified to Congress last year that he gave notes from his meetings with Trump to a friend and asked him to plant stories about them with reporters


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The extraordinary moment in history had America's former top cop questioning the strength of the president's marriage because Trump thought there was 'a 1 per cent chance' the first lady might believe the salacious 'golden showers' tale


'It was almost an out-of-body experience for me,' he said. 'I was floating above myself looking down saying, "You're sitting here briefing the incoming President of the United States about prostitutes in Moscow".'


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Comey's book, which goes on sale Tuesday, excoriates President Trump and is likely to be a best-seller
And he threw an elbow at the president's marriage, saying Trump suspected the first lady might choose to believe the dossier's worst conclusions about him – the hooker allegations.
'He said, "You know, if there's even a 1 per cent chance my wife thinks that's true, that's terrible",' Comey recalled. 
'And I remember thinking, "How could your wife think there's a 1 per cent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow?" I'm a flawed human being but there's literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true. 
'So what kind of marriage to what kind of man does your wife think there's only a 99 per cent chance you didn't do that?'
Comey suggested the claim was still unproven but hedged his bets, saying only that 'when I got fired it was unverified.'
He said he never told Trump that he didn't believe it 'because I couldn't say one way or another.'


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The president handed Comey his walking papers last year, prompting him to write a dramatic tell-all – the first such book in history

Trump gave Comey the ax in May 2017. His principal response has been the book, due out Tuesday, titled 'A higher loyalty.' It represents the first pointed, opinionated tell-all volume by a former FBI director in history.
As newsrooms quickly devoured advance copies on Thursday, details began to filter out.
One describes Trump imperiously sitting behind the historic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office while he met with Comey instead of the usual, more casual setting of chairs at the opposite end of the room.
'[W]hen the president sits on a throne, protected by a large wooden obstacle, as Trump routinely did in my interactions with him, the formality of the Oval Office is magnified and the chances of getting the full truth plummet,' he writes.
Comey also carps about Trump's 'constant equivocation and apologies for Vladimir Putin.' 
Elsewhere in his book, 'A Higher Loyalty,' Comey writes that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly told him shortly after hi was dismissed that Trump was a 'dishonorable' leader.
An 'emotional' Kelly, in Comey's telling, called him within minutes of his sudden dismissal and said he was 'sick' about the way Trump let him go.
Republican Party's Comey Book Talking Points by DailyMail.com on Scribd

Comey found out he was out of a job while he was delivering a speech to FBI agents in California and audience members told him his ouster was being flashed across TV news screens.
Kelly, Comey claims, said he 'intended to quit' in response and 'said he didn’t want to work for dishonorable people,' referring directly to the president.
The Republican Party has been gearing up for weeks to combat the accompanying PR blitz with a website, LyinComey.com. It lays out a set of talking points arguing that Comey lacks credibility and is out for revenge.
DailyMail.com obtained a copy of the White House's full-length talking points, which urge surrogates to emphasize 'gross inaccuracies' in Comey's congressional testimony.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5611419/Trumps-armada-Huge-task-force-12-warships-sets-sail-Syria.html

[size=38]Trump's armada: Huge task force of 12 warships sets sail for Syria in one of the biggest concentrations of US naval power since the 2003 Iraq invasion[/size]

• Four US destroyers, including Donald Cook armed with Tomahawk missiles, believed to be in Mediterranean
  
  
• The giant USS Harry S Truman, with 90 aircraft and a five-strong strike group, is steaming towards Europe
  
  
• Comes amid increasing tensions with Russia following Syrian chemical atrocity that left 40 dead on Saturday
  
  
• Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is said to have hidden his military assets on Russian bases in the country
  
  

By JULIAN ROBINSON FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 05:10 EDT, 13 April 2018 | UPDATED: 08:49 EDT, 13 April 2018

    


A huge task force of 12 warships is setting sail for Syria in one of the biggest concentrations of US naval power since the 2003 Iraq invasion, it has emerged.
The giant nuclear powered USS Harry S Truman, carrying 90 aircraft and escorted by its five-strong strike group of destroyers and cruisers, is powering towards Europe and the Middle East. 
A further four destroyers are believed to be in or near the Mediterranean already, including the Donald Cook, Porter, Carney and Laboon along with two nuclear-powered submarines, Georgia and John Warner. 
The deployment of 12 US warships on one mission is a huge concentration of fire power, one of the biggest since six aircraft carriers supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

It comes amid heightened tensions as Donald Trump continues to consider launching airstrikes on Syria in retaliation for a chemical gas attack in a rebel-held town on Saturday.  Russia has threatened to take down any missiles launched at the Assad regime's forces using its fearsome S-400 defence system. 
Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has reportedly moved his military assets to Russian bases in the country in the hope that the US and its allies would be reluctant to launch strikes anywhere near Vladimir Putin's forces.


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The giant nuclear powered USS Harry S Truman, carrying 90 aircraft and escorted by its five-strong strike group of destroyers and cruisers, is powering towards Europe and the Middle East


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The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Farragut (pictured) is among the ships accompanying the giant aircraft carrier


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Also in or near the Mediterranean is the USS Porter, pictured here launching a Tomahawk land attack missile in 2003

[size=34]Aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines: The huge US armada heading for Syria[/size]

 AIRCRAFT CARRIER
 USS Harry S Truman, Nimitz-class: 
Weight: 116,000 tons
Length: 1,092 ft
Propulsion: Two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors and four steam turbines
Propellers: Four
Speed: 35mph
Range: Unlimited
Ship's crew: 3,200 
Air wing personnel: 2,480ft
Aircraft carried: 90 fixed wing and helicopters
Armament: Sea Sparrow, RIM-116 Missile and three Phalanx guns 
Strike group: USS Normandy, USS Bulkeley, USS Arleigh Burke, USS Forrest Sherman, USS Farragut 
 TWO SUBMARINES
 USS Georgia, Ohio-class: 
Length: 560 ft  
Propulsion: One S8G PWR nuclear reactor and two geared turbines
Speed: 29mph
Test depth: Greater than 800ft
Crew: 155 
Armament: Four torpedo tubes and 154 BGM-109 Tomahawks in 22 groups of seven
USS John Warner, Virginia Class:
Length: 377ft
Speed: 29mph
Crew: 132
Armament: 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles and four torpedo tubes
Launched: September 10, 2014
EIGHT DESTROYERS
Arleigh Burke Class: Donald Cook, Porter, Carney, Laboon, Farragut, Forrest Sherman, Bulkeley and Arleigh Burke
Length: 505ft
Displacement: 6,900 tons 
Crew: 276 
Speed: 35mph 
Range: 4,400 nautical miles 
Armament: Includes Tomahawk missiles, Harpoon Missile launcher, chain guns
 

GUIDED MISSILE CRUISER
USS Normandy, Ticonderoga-class
Length: 567ft 
Speed: 37.4mph
Crew: 400





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On Thursday, the White House said that a 'final decision' had not been made on Syria.
Donald Trump had said earlier in the day that Americans won't have to wait long for a response to Saturday's horrifying chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held town that left at least 40 dead and others gasping for air.
But at least two of his top advisers couldn't agree on whether there's sufficient proof to blame the atrocity on dictator Bashar al-Assad's government, leaving the possibility of a retaliatory attack an open-ended question.
America's allies and adversaries alike were awaiting a signal from the White House about whether Trump will follow through on his warning that missiles 'will be coming,' potentially putting Russian troops in harm's way.



At close of business, the White House said that Trump had just concluded a meeting with his national security team and would be speaking again later to the heads of government in France and the U.K.
'No final decision has been made,' press secretary Sarah Sanders said. 'We are continuing to asses intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies.'
Trump suggested that he'd have an answer in hours, telling reporters, 'It's too bad that the world puts us in a position like that, but as I said this morning we've done a great job with ISIS. We have just absolutely decimated ISIS. But now we have to make some further decisions, so they'll be made fairly soon.'
But on Capitol Hill, Defense Secretary James Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee that the U.S. hasn't reached any conclusions.


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President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday before a meeting with Republican senators and governors that he would decide 'fairly soon' on an American response to Saturday's deadly poison gas attack in Syria


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The guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (pictured) is also steaming towards Europe and the Middle East


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The 500ft USS Laboon destroyer (pictured), also armed is reported to be among US warships already deployed in the area. It is shown launching a Tomahawk cruise missile in an attack on southern Iraq in 1996


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The USS Georgia, an Ohio-class submarine carrying guided missiles, is also said to be in the area

If 'Russian blood' is shed, Moscow will hit back, warns Ex-General

A former Russian General has warned that any intervention by the US, Britain and France could be a ‘direct way to military confrontation with Russia ’.
Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy, who previously served on the Russian General Staff, said if 'Russian blood is spilled', then Moscow will respond in kind.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today show that he believed if Russia determined that the UK was behind any attack on Syria , Moscow could order hits on UK aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean.

Strong words: Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy said any intervention could be a ‘direct way to military confrontation'
'As our chief of the general staff said a couple of weeks ago, Russia would shot down the missiles and its carriers and I don’t think he was joking, that’s a very serious situation and that’s true,’ he said.
Asked if that could mean striking back at Cyprus, he said: ‘If our military determined that the missiles were launched from the UK, carriers of course, UK carriers and missiles would be hit back.’
Mr Buzhinskiy said it would be ‘very difficult to find a significant military target in Syria where there are no Russians’.
‘We have several thousands advisers in all military installation in all military units,’ he said. ‘If Russian blood is shed then Russia will retaliate.’



'I believe there was a chemical attack,' Mattis told lawmakers, 'and we are looking for the actual evidence.' He said he wanted to see inspectors on the ground in Syria 'within the week.'
'As each day goes by – as you know, it is a non-persistent gas, so it becomes more and more difficult to confirm it.'
The USS Harry S Truman and its support ships were due to leave Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Wednesday. 
It is accompanied by the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Farragut, USS Forrest Sherman, USS Bulkeley and USS Arleigh Burke.
Also among the strike group's ships is the German frigate FGS Hessen, a state-of-the-art vessel specialising in air defense.
US Navy officials said the Hessen is the only type of ship in the Western world with three kinds of surface-to-air missiles. Its radar has a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles for air targets.
Already in position is the USS Donald Cook, an American destroyer equipped with up to 60 Tomahawk land attack missiles.
In April last year Trump ordered 59 Tomahawk strikes on the Shayrat Airbase in response to a chemical weapons attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhun. 
These strikes were launched from two US warships stationed in the Mediterranean.
Trump and his national security aides on Thursday discussed US options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow.
Worries about a confrontation between Russia, Syria's big ally, and the West have been running high since Trump said on Wednesday that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the attack in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, and lambasted Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Trump tempered those remarks on Thursday and even as he consulted allies such and Britain and France, who could join in any US-led strikes on Syria, there were signs of efforts to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. 
'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!' Trump wrote on Twitter, raising the prospect that an attack might not be as imminent as he seemed to suggest the day before. 
Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and 'no final decision has been made,' the White House said in a statement.
'We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,' it said.








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The U.S. has maintained its threat of rocket attacks in response to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's sickening chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma on Saturday


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Syrians from the city of Douma - the target of a horrific chemical attack - arrive in the Al-Bab district of Aleppo in a bus convoy today
That did not necessarily signal, however, that Trump was cooling to the idea of military action, especially given the high stakes in Syria. U.S. officials noted that Washington was still assessing intelligence and coordinating allies.
Trump spoke to British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday and the two leaders talked about the 'need for a joint response to Syria's use of chemical weapons,' the White House said.
May's office said they agreed on the need to deter Assad's government from further such attacks.
Trump was also due to speak with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France had proof the Syrian government carried out the attack near Damascus, which aid groups have said killed dozens of people, and will decide whether to strike back when all the necessary information has been gathered.
'We have proof that last week ... chemical weapons were used, at least with chlorine, and that they were used by the regime of Bashar al-Assad,' Macron said, without offering details of any evidence.


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Family members look on as the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman departs with its carrier strike group towards the Middle East from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on April 11
Two US officials familiar with an investigation of samples from Douma and the symptoms of victims said initial indications that a mix of weaponised chlorine gas and sarin were used in the attack appeared to be correct. But US intelligence agencies have not completed their assessment or reached a final conclusion, the officials said.
Russia, Syria and its other main backer, Iran, have said reports of the Douma attack were fabricated by rebels and rescue workers and have accused the United States of seeking to use it as a pretext to attack the Syrian government.
Russia said it deployed military police in Douma on Thursday after the town was taken over by government forces.
'They are the guarantors of law and order in the town,' RIA news agency quoted Russia's defense ministry as saying.
There were signs of a global effort to head off a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin said a crisis communications link with the United States, created to avoid an accidental clash over Syria, was in use.
Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow's ambassador to the United Nations, said he 'cannot exclude' war between the United States and Russia and urged Washington and its allies to refrain from military action against Syria.
'The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,' he told reporters. 'We hope there will be no point of no return,' the envoy said.
A team of experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, was traveling to Syria and will start its investigations on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said.

[size=34]Russia blames Trump's 'mood' for nearly provoking global war after the President tweeted 'get ready, the missiles are coming' [/size]

 The Russian Deputy Prime Minister made a thinly veiled dig at Donald Trump's Twitter habits on Friday, saying international relations should not depend on what side of the bed one person wakes up on.
Arkady Dvorkovich said the international community cannot depend 'on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning'.
This came after the U.S. President's 7am tweet on Wednesday in which he warned that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces.
Russia is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's most important military ally in the country's civil war.
Speaking at a forum in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, Dvorkovich made it clear that Russia had not taken Trump's Twitter-threats seriously.

[size=16]
+15




+15



Shade: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations cannot depend on one person's mood - a dig at U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter habits
'We cannot depend on the mood of someone on the other side of the ocean when he wakes up, on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning,' Dvorkovich said at a forum in Krasnoyarsk, according to the TASS news agency.
'We cannot take such risks.' 
Despite initially going out verbal guns a-blazing on Wednesday, President Trump appeared to dial down his threats in a tweets that followed 24 hours later.
'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!' it said.
He then lambasted the international community for being ungrateful, taking credit for the support the U.S. gave to Kurdish Peshmerga troops in the fight against ISIS.
He wrote: 'In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?''
Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and as of Thursday, 'no final decision has been made' on a response, the White House said in a statement.


+15


Early morning Wednesday: the U.S. President's 7am tweet saw him warne that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces


+15


Waking up on Thursday:  President Trump posted a somewhat back-pedalling tweet the following morning, stating he had never said when he would strike
 President Trump has been having discussions with both Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding an international response to the alleged chemical attack in eastern Ghouta on Saturday.
Both May and Trump have agreed that whatever the final decision on airstrikes, the Syrian regime must not go unchallenged following the attack which left at least 80 dead and hundreds injured in the city of Douma. 
Mrs May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. 
Macron, meanwhile, said on Thursday that  France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has today said Moscow has 'irrefutable' evidence that an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria was staged with the help of a foreign secret service.
'We have irrefutable evidence that this was another staged event, and that the secret services of a certain state that is now at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign was involved in this staged event,' he said during a press conference. 
The Times has reported that the biggest US air and naval task force since the Iraq War in 2003 is heading towards Syria.
It consists of ten warships and two submarines, with the USS Donald Cook - a destroyer equipped with up to 60 Tomahawk missiles - already in range.
The paper also reported that Russian anti-submarine planes were ready to deploy from the Russian airbase in Syria's west.  [/size]


It was not clear whether Trump and U.S. allies would wait for the results of the investigation before deciding on a strike.
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress he believed there was a chemical attack in Syria, but added a short while later that the United States had not made any decision to launch military action. He also suggested he was examining ways to prevent any strikes from triggering a broader conflict.
'I don't want to talk about a specific attack that is not yet in the offing ... This would be pre-decisional,' Mattis told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee.
Moscow is estimated to have dozens of aircraft at its Hmeymim air base in Syria including fighters and bombers, as well as 10 to 15 warships and support vessels in the Mediterranean.
The Syrian government and Russian forces in Syria possess truck-mounted surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapons systems.
Nervous world stock markets showed signs of recovery after Trump's signal that military strikes might not be imminent.
Britain's May won backing from her senior ministers to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria.
May had recalled the ministers from their Easter holiday for the meeting to discuss Britain's response to what she has cast as a barbaric attack that cannot go unchallenged.
Russian ships had left the Tartus naval base in Syria, Interfax news agency quoted a Russian lawmaker as saying. Vladimir Shamanov, who chairs the defense committee of the lower house, said the vessels had departed the base for their own safety, which was 'normal practice' when there were threats of attack.
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• [email=?subject=Read%20this:%20Trump%27s%20armada:%20Huge%20task%20force%20of%2012%20warships%20sets%20sail%20for%20Syria%20in%20one%20of%20the%20biggest%20concentrations%20of%20US%20naval%20power%20since%20the%202003%20Iraq%20invasion&body=Trump%27s%20armada%3A%20Huge%20task%20force%20of%2012%20warships%20sets%20sail%20for%20Syria%20in%20one%20of%20the%20biggest%20concentrations%20of%20US%20naval%20power%20since%20the%202003%20Iraq%20invasion%0A%0AThe%20giant%20nuclear%20powered%20USS%20Harry%20S%20Truman%2C%20carrying%2090%20aircraft%20and%20escorted%20by%20its%20five-strong%20strike%20group%20of%20destroyers%20and%20cruisers%2C%20is%20powering%20towards%20Europe%20and%20the%20Middle%20East.%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Farticle-5611419%2FTrumps-armada-Huge-task-force-12-warships-sets-sail-Syria.html%3Fito%3Demail_share_article-bottom%0A%0A%0AMost%20Read%20Articles%3A%0A%0AFired%20FBI%20director%20James%20Comey%20claims%20in%20book%20that%20John%20Kelly%20said%20Trump%20was%20%27dishonorable%27%20for%20axing%20him%20and%20threatened%20to%20quit%20chief%20of%20staff%20job%C2%A0%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Farticle-5608765%2FJames-Comey-claims-book-John-Kelly-said-Trump-dishonorable-firing-him.html%3Fito%3Demail_share_article-bottom_most-read-articles%0A%0AFather%20finds%20son%2C%2016%2C%20crushed%20to%20death%20by%20folding%20seat%20in%20Honda%20van%20after%20he%20called%20911%20TWICE%20and%20told%20operator%20%27tell%20my%20mom%20I%20love%20her%20if%20I%20die%27%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Farticle-5609337%2FOhio-teen-dead-van-getting-stuck-folding-chair.html%3Fito%3Demail_share_article-bottom_most-read-articles%0A%0AComey%20reveals%20Trump%20wanted%20him%20to%20DISPROVE%20%27golden%20showers%27%20claim%20in%20case%20there%20was%20%27even%20a%20one%20per%20cent%20chance%27%20Melania%20believed%20it%20-%20and%20calls%20president%20%27untethered%20to%20truth%27%20in%20bombshell%20book%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Farticle-5609915%2FIn-new-book-Comey-says-Trump-untethered-truth.html%3Fito%3Demail_share_article-bottom_most-read-articles%0A%0A]e-mail[/email]
  
  
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• Absolute madness. This has nothing to do with chemi...
  by Pete  610
  
  
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5611577/Russia-deputy-PM-says-international-relations-not-depend-one-persons-mood.html

[size=34]Russia blames Trump's 'mood' for nearly provoking global war after the President tweeted 'get ready, the missiles are coming'[/size]

• Russian Deputy PM Arkady Dvorkovich made a dig at President Trump's tweets
  
  
• Dvorkovich said international relations cannot depend on someone's mood
  
  
• Responded to Trump's tweet that 'missiles will be coming' in Syria  
  
  

By SARA MALM FOR MAILONLINE and REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 05:12 EDT, 13 April 2018 | UPDATED: 07:21 EDT, 13 April 2018

    


The Russian Deputy Prime Minister made a thinly veiled dig at Donald Trump's Twitter habits on Friday, saying international relations should not depend on what side of the bed one person wakes up on.
Arkady Dvorkovich said the international community cannot depend 'on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning'.
This came after the U.S. President's 7am tweet on Wednesday in which he warned that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces.


+5





Shade: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations cannot depend on one person's mood - a dig at U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter habits
Russia is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's most important military ally in the country's civil war.

Speaking at a forum in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, Dvorkovich made it clear that Russia had not taken Trump's Twitter-threats seriously.



Share
'We cannot depend on the mood of someone on the other side of the ocean when he wakes up, on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning,' Dvorkovich said at a forum in Krasnoyarsk, according to the TASS news agency.
'We cannot take such risks.' 
Despite initially going out verbal guns a-blazing on Wednesday, President Trump appeared to dial down his threats in a tweets that followed 24 hours later.


+5


Offline: Dvorkovich said Russia warned the international community not to take Trump's tweets seriously because 'we cannot take such risks'
'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!' it said.
He then lambasted the international community for being ungrateful, taking credit for the support the U.S. gave to Kurdish Peshmerga troops in the fight against ISIS.
He wrote: 'In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?''
Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and as of Thursday, 'no final decision has been made' on a response, the White House said in a statement.
 President Trump has been having discussions with both Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding an international response to the alleged chemical attack in eastern Ghouta on Saturday.


+5


Early morning Wednesday: the U.S. President's 7am tweet saw him warne that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces


+5


Waking up on Thursday:  President Trump posted a somewhat back-pedalling tweet the following morning, stating he had never said when he would strike
Both May and Trump have agreed that whatever the final decision on airstrikes, the Syrian regime must not go unchallenged following the attack which left at least 80 dead and hundreds injured in the city of Douma. 
Mrs May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. 
Macron, meanwhile, said on Thursday that  France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has today said Moscow has 'irrefutable' evidence that an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria was staged with the help of a foreign secret service.
'We have irrefutable evidence that this was another staged event, and that the secret services of a certain state that is now at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign was involved in this staged event,' he said during a press conference. 
The Times has reported that the biggest US air and naval task force since the Iraq War in 2003 is heading towards Syria.
It consists of ten warships and two submarines, with the USS Donald Cook - a destroyer equipped with up to 60 Tomahawk missiles - already in range.
The paper also reported that Russian anti-submarine planes were ready to deploy from the Russian airbase in Syria's west.

Under his administration they have done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our Thank you America?

He is the biggest ass I have ever seen you moron you didn't do anything the men and women who serve our country have done it. 
Isis has not been defeated they are still there.

In fact, without the US (and its allies, lest we forget), ISIS wouldn't exist in the first place.

True Katie.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5614479/Devout-Christian-53-wins-against-federal-tax-evasion-case.html

[size=34]Christian man who is refusing to pay his federal taxes in opposition to abortion WINS first court hurdle[/size]

• Michael Bowman told a U.S. District Judge on Thursday that that he is not a tax protester and considers himself a true patriot
  
  
• Bowman said he refuses to give a dime of his money if its allocated to fund government subsidized abortions 
  
  
• Mosman noted in his ruling that prosecutors failed to prove Bowman tried to conceal or mislead the government by keeping a low bank account balance 
  
  
• US federal prosecutors say that Bowman has failed to submit a timely or accurate tax return since 1997 
  
  
• The indictment said that Bowman owed $356,857 to the federal government after tallying up penalties accumulated for more than 20 years 
  
  

By DANIEL ROTH FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 19:52 EDT, 13 April 2018 | UPDATED: 23:31 EDT, 13 April 2018

    






+2


Michael Bowman (Pictured) told a U.S. District Judge on Thursday that that he is not a tax protester and considers himself a true patriot
An Oregon man who cites his Christian faith as a legal defense against the government in a felony tax evasion case has won the first round in court.
Michael Bowman told U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman on Thursday that that he is not a tax protester and considers himself a true patriot, but refuses to give a dime of his money if its allocated to fund government subsidized abortions. 
Mosman noted in his ruling that prosecutors failed to prove Bowman tried to conceal or mislead the government by keeping a low bank account balance so tax collectors couldn't garnish his account to pay taxes, according to The Oregonian. 

'Not everything that makes collection efforts more difficult qualifies as evasion,''  the judge added Wednesday. 
Bowman said that he has refused to pay federal income taxes since 1999, arguing that the government must make accommodations for his strongly held religious beliefs. 
'I'm not a tax protester. I love my country. I have a duty to my country. I have a duty to my conscience,'' the 53-year-old contract engineer from Columbus City. 
US federal prosecutors say that Bowman has failed to submit a timely or accurate tax return since 1997.


+2


Bowman said he refuses to give a dime of his money to the government if its allocated to fund government subsidized abortions (Pictured: IRS Building in Washington DC)
 In retaliation, the government began garnishing his wages from his bank account in January 2012 to make up for the unpaid dues. 
That's when Bowman said he adjusted how he makes his financial transactions, cashing his checks and keeping a low bank statement from January 2010 to January 2014 in order to avoid the government withdrawing cash from his account. 
'Defendant's altered bank behavior removed his income from the reach of taxing authorities and allowed him to avoid payment of assessed taxes,'' Assistant U.S Attorneys Donna Brecker Maddux and Rachel K. Sowray wrote in their original criminal complaint against Bowman. 



The prosecutors argued that numerous notifications were sent to the Oregon native from 2002 to 2014, informing him that failure to pay his taxes would result in penalties and possible jail time. 
The indictment said that Bowman owed $356,857 to the federal government after tallying penalties accumulated in 2000, 2001, 2008 and 2009, along with his failure to pay income tax to the IRS from 2012 to 2014. 

Judge Mosman (Pictured)  noted in his ruling that prosecutors failed to prove Bowman tried to conceal or mislead the government by keeping a low bank account balance
Bowman's defense lawer argued, however, that it was not a crime to deposit a check and then withdraw the cash from an account, particularly when the checks were all disclosed to the IRS. 
'Like a player collapsing as they lose Twister, the government has reached too far forward and stretched way too far back,'' attorney Matthew Schindler wrote in a motion to dismiss the charge.  
'Cashing a check at your own bank, made out to you, representing income contemporaneously disclosed by employers through 1099 and W-2 forms to the IRS is not 'handling one's affairs to avoid making records.'
Mosman ultimately agreed with the defense, writing in his decision that "Just cashing checks is not evasion.'
But the judge rules that the case would be dissmissed without prejudice, which means the government can reopen the case against Bowman if they so choose. 
Maddux said that the government needs to deliberate on prosecuting the case again and will decide on how to move forward, the Oregonian reported. 
Bowman still faces four counts of willful failure to file tax returns, a misdemeanor.
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U.S., Britain and France Strike Syria Over Suspected Chemical Weapons Attack
[size=9]By HELENE COOPER, THOMAS GIBBONS-NEFF and BEN HUBBARDAPRIL 13, 2018[/size]U.S. Strikes Chemical Weapons Sites in Syria
By NILO TABRIZY and BARBARA MARCOLINI

 

 



[size=11]The airstrikes on three sites in Syria, launched early Saturday local time, were part of what officials said was an effort to deter future chemical attacks.
 By NILO TABRIZY and BARBARA MARCOLINI on Publish DateApril 13, 2018. Photo by Hassan Ammar/Associated Press.Watch in Times Video »
[/size]

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WASHINGTON — The United States and European allies launched airstrikes on Friday night against Syrian research, storage and military targets as President Trump sought to punish President Bashar al-Assad for a suspected chemical attack near Damascus last weekend that killed more than 40 people.
Britain and France joined the United States in the strikes in a coordinated operation that was intended to show Western resolve in the face of what the leaders of the three nations called persistent violations of international law. Mr. Trump characterized it as the beginning of a sustained effort to force Mr. Assad to stop using banned weapons, but only ordered a limited, one-night operation that hit three targets.
“These are not the actions of a man,” Mr. Trump said of last weekend’s attack in a televised address from the White House Diplomatic Room. “They are crimes of a monster instead.”
Shortly after the attack, the Syrian presidency posted on Twitter, “Honorable souls cannot be humiliated.”
The strikes risked pulling the United States deeper into the complex, multisided war in Syria and raised the possibility of confrontation with Russia and Iran, both of which were supporting Mr. Assad with military forces. Within 90 minutes, the Russian ambassador to the United States warned of “consequences” for the allied attacks.





Hasaka
Manbij




Raqqa





Latakia
Deir al-Zour






Palmyra


LEBANON
April 7
Suspected chemical attack


Damascus
One site targeted
Suwayda
Dar'a




By The New York Times | Sources: Strike locations from the Pentagon. Control areas from Conflict Monitor by IHS Markit (as of April 9, 2018).

While Mr. Trump vowed as recently as last week to pull American troops out of Syria, he said he would remain committed to the goal of preventing further chemical attacks.
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“We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents,” he said.
[Read the full text of President Trump’s address »]
But Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who had urged caution in White House deliberations leading up to the strike, told reporters on Friday night that there were no more attacks planned unless Mr. Assad again uses gas on his own people.
“We confined it to the chemical weapons-type targets,” Mr. Mattis said. “We were not out to expand this; we were very precise and proportionate. But at the same time, it was a heavy strike.”
The assault was twice the size and hit two more targets than a strike that Mr. Trump ordered last year against a Syrian military airfield. Launched from warplanes and naval destroyers, the burst of missiles and bombs struck Syria shortly after 4 a.m. local time on Saturday.
They hit three of Mr. Assad’s chemical weapons facilities: a scientific research center in greater Damascus that was used in the production of weapons, and two chemical weapons facilities west of Homs, one of which was used for the production of the nerve agent sarin and the other was part of a military command post, said Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


 
CONFLICT IN SYRIA By U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 7:40Trump Announces Airstrikes Against Syria
Video

Trump Announces Airstrikes Against Syria

In an address from the White House, President Trump said the United States and European allies sought to punish Syria’s president for a suspected chemical attack.
By U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT on Publish DateApril 13, 2018. Photo by Tom Brenner/The New York Times. Watch in Times Video »

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Residents of Damascus, the capital, woke to the sounds of multiple explosions shaking the city before the dawn call to prayer.
Syrian state television said government air defense systems were responding to “the American aggression” and aired video of missiles being fired into a night sky. It reported that 13 missiles had been shot down by Syrian air defenses near Al-Kiswa, a town south of Damascus. American officials said they could not yet confirm that.
Mr. Trump called on Syria’s patrons in Russia and Iran to force Mr. Assad to halt the use of poison gas in the seven-year-old civil war that has wracked his country.
“To Iran and to Russia I ask: What kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?” he said. “The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep. No nation can succeed in the long run by promoting rogue states, brutal tyrants and murderous dictators.”
Russia responded with sharp words. “We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences,” Anatoly Antonov, the ambassador to the United States, said in a statement. “All responsibility for them rests with Washington, London and Paris.”
Taking umbrage at Mr. Trump accusing President Vladimir V. Putin in his speech of not living up to a promise to disarm Syria of its chemical weapons, Mr. Antonov added, “Insulting the president of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible.”


 
CONFLICT IN SYRIA By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LivePentagon Briefing After Trump Announcement
Video

Pentagon Briefing After Trump Announcement

In choosing to strike, it appeared that Mr. Trump’s desire to punish Mr. Assad for what he called a “barbaric act” — and to make good on his tweets promising action this week — outweighed his desire to limit the American military involvement in the conflict, at least in the short term.
The strikes marked the second time that Mr. Trump has attacked Syria to punish the government after it was accused of using chemical weapons. The White House had sought to create a response that would be more robust than the attack in April 2017, when the United States fired 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian air base that was back in use a day later.
Unlike last year, France and Britain joined the United States in retaliating for the suspected chemical attack last Saturday in the town of Douma, outside Damascus, but Germany refused to take part, even though Chancellor Angela Merkel called the use of chemical weapons “unacceptable.”
Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain said Syria had left the allies no choice. “This persistent pattern of behavior must be stopped — not just to protect innocent people in Syria from the horrific deaths and casualties caused by chemical weapons, but also because we cannot allow the erosion of the international norm that prevents the use of these weapons,” she said.
But she also emphasized the limits of the operation’s goals, reflecting the reluctance in London as well as Washington to become too immersed in the fratricidal war in Syria.
“This is not about intervening in a civil war,” she said. “It is not about regime change. It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties.”
Photo


Victims of a suspected chemical attack in Douma, Syria, on Sunday. Residents said they heard objects falling from the sky, followed by a strange smell that witnesses said resembled chlorine. CreditEmad Aldin/EPA, via Shutterstock
[Read statements by France and Britain, and [url=https://static01.nyt.com/files/2018/world/Syrie-Synthe%CC%80se-Les faits - Version anglaise .pdf][/url]a declassified French document on the airstrikes.»]
Defense officials said that Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from at least three American warships, while B-1 bombers dropped long-range missiles on targets. French and British warplanes also fired long-range missiles, while a British submarine launched cruise missiles.
Early reaction to the strikes from Capitol Hill appeared to break down along party lines, with Republicans expressing support for the president and Democrats questioning whether Mr. Trump has a well-thought-out strategy for what happens after the military action is over.



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“President Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against the Syrian government without Congress’s approval is illegal and — absent a broader strategy — it’s reckless,” said Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, who has long argued that presidents should request permission from Congress before taking military action.
Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the House Democratic leader, said that “one night of airstrikes is not a substitute for a clear, comprehensive Syria strategy.”
Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the House Republican majority whip, wrote in a statement: “President Trump is right to assert that the Assad regime’s evil acts cannot go unanswered.”
A fact-finding mission from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was to begin investigating the episode on Saturday in Douma, which had been held by rebels before the suspected attack. The mission’s job was only to determine whether chemical weapons had been used, not who had used them.


 
CONFLICT IN SYRIA By YOUSUR AL-HLOU, BARBARA MARCOLINI, NEIL COLLIER and DREW JORDAN 1:32We Asked Syrians About U.S. Airstrikes. This Is What They Said.
Video

We Asked Syrians About U.S. Airstrikes. This Is What They Said.

From the regime stronghold of Damascus to battle-scarred opposition areas, Syrians sent audio recordings to The Times in which they described what it’s like waiting for an attack by the U.S.-led coalition.
 By YOUSUR AL-HLOU, BARBARA MARCOLINI, NEIL COLLIER and DREW JORDAN on Publish DateApril 13, 2018. Photo by Sergey Ponomarev for The New York Times. Watch in Times Video »




Medical and rescue groups have reported that the Syrian military dropped bombs that released chemical substances during an offensive to take the town. A New York Times review of videos of the attack’s aftermath, and interviews with residents and medical workers, suggested that Syrian government helicopters dropped canisters giving off some sort of chemical compound that suffocated at least 43 people.
At the United Nations, Nikki R. Haley, the American ambassador to the world body, accused the Syrian government of using banned chemical arms at least 50 times since the country’s civil war began in 2011. State Department officials said the United States was still trying to identify the chemical used on April 7.
Leaders in Syria, Iran and Russia denied that government forces had used chemical weapons, and accused rescue workers and the rebels who had controlled Douma of fabricating the videos to win international sympathy.
On Friday, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry, said images of victims of the purported attack had been staged with “Britain’s direct involvement.” He provided no evidence.
Karen Pierce, Britain’s ambassador to the United Nations, called those allegations “bizarre” and “a blatant lie.”
Mr. Mattis had sought to slow down the march to military action as allies compiled evidence of Mr. Assad’s role that would assure the world the strikes were warranted. Mr. Mattis also raised concerns that a concerted bombing campaign could escalate into a wider conflict between Russia, Iran and the West.
Photo


Protesters in Damascus denounced the airstrikes on Saturday. The Syrian presidency said on Twitter, “Honorable souls cannot be humiliated.” CreditOmar Sanadiki/Reuters
Before the strikes, the United States had mostly stopped aiding Syria’s rebels, like those who were in Douma, who want to topple Mr. Assad’s government. The Pentagon’s most recent efforts in Syria have focused on the fight against Islamic State militants in the country’s east, where it has partnered with a Kurdish-led militia to battle the jihadists. It is the roughly 2,000 American troops there that Mr. Trump has said he wants to bring home.
In his televised address on Friday night, Mr. Trump sought to repeat his desire to disentangle the United States from the Middle East at some point. “It’s a troubled place,” he said. “We will try to make it better, but it is a troubled place. The United States will be a partner and a friend, but the fate of the region lies in the hands of its own people.”
Russian forces and Iranian-backed militias also are deployed around Syria to help fight the rebellion — including the Islamic State and other extremist groups — that has surged against Mr. Assad since the conflict started.
Last year’s American attack on Syria came after a chemical attack on the village of Khan Sheikhoun killed scores of people. Mr. Trump ordered a cruise missile strike against the Al Shayrat airfield in central Syria, where the attack had originated. The base was damaged, but Syrian warplanes were again taking off from there a day later.
388COMMENTS
Still, the response set Mr. Trump apart from President Barack Obama, who declined to respond with military force after a chemical weapons attack in August 2013 killed hundreds of people near Damascus, even though Mr. Obama had earlier declared the use of such weapons a “red line.”
Mr. Obama ultimately backed off a military strike and reached an agreement with Russia to remove Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal. That agreement was said to have been carried out, although a series of reported chemical attacks since have raised doubts about its effectiveness.

Helene Cooper and Thomas Gibbons-Neff reported from Washington, and Ben Hubbard from Beirut, Lebanon. Rick Gladstone contributed reporting from New York, and Michael D. Shear from Washington.
A version of this article appears in print on April 14, 2018, on Page A1 of the New York edition with the headline: Trump Launches Strikes on Syrian Targets. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe
Continue reading the main story

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5614593/Donald-Trump-expected-make-major-announcement-Syria-9pm-ET.html

[size=38]Airstrikes on Syria have destroyed 'large part' of Assad's chemical weapons stock, says French Foreign minister after US, France and Britain launch response to 'evil and despicable' attack[/size]

• U.S. President Donald Trump announced 'precision strikes' on Syria in a Friday evening address
  
  
• Strikes are in retaliation for a poison gas attack that killed up to 75 people people on April 7
  
  
• Trump said combined operation with France and UK will continue until Assad stops using chemical weapons 
  
  
• Warned Russia and Iran about their association with Assad, saying they'll 'be judged by the friends they keep'
  
  
• British Prime Minister Theresa May described the coalition air assault as a 'limited and targeted'
  
  
• French President Emmanuel Macron said the 'red line' set by France in May of 2017 'had been crossed'
  
  
• Shortly after the attack, the Syrian presidency posted on Twitter: 'Honorable souls cannot be humiliated' 
  
  
• Syrian state-run TV said three civilians have been wounded on the attack on a military base in Homs 
  
  

By FRANCESCA CHAMBERS, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT and JENNY STANTON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and CHARLIE BAYLISS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 20:54 EDT, 13 April 2018 | UPDATED: 06:04 EDT, 14 April 2018

    

A 'large part' of the Syrian regime's chemical arsenal was destroyed last night after America, the UK and France launched co-ordinated missile attacks on facilities known to be used in the production of the deadly weapons.
American, British and French forces launched airstrikes on two chemical weapons facilities and a military command post in Syria on Friday night in retaliation for a chemical attack that left up 75 civilians dead last week. 
French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Daturday morning: 'A large part of its chemical arsenal has been destroyed. A lot has been destroyed in last night's strikes.'
While no further strikes have been planned, Le Drian refused to rule out a further attack if Assad crossed the 'red line' of using chemical weapons again.

He said: 'On the question of chemical weapons, there is a red line that must not be crossed, and if it should be crossed again, there will be another intervention. But I think the lesson has been learned.'
It comes after President Trump addressed the U.S. while British Prime Minister Theresa May and President Emmanuel Macron both gave speeches justifying the use of force in response to the 'evil and despicable' poison gas attack.
Trump spoke in a national address at 9pm ET last night as missiles rained down on three sites across Syria. He said he ordered the precision strikes in direct retaliation to Bashar al-Assad's 'evil and despicable' poison gas attack on the rebel-held town of Douma.
'This massacre was a significant escalation in a pattern of chemical weapons use by the very terrible regime. The evil and despicable attack left mothers and fathers, infants and children thrashing in pain and gasping for air.' Trump said from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. 'These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster, instead.'
Trump forcefully confronted Iran and Russia for aligning themselves with 'barbarism and brutality' and said the United States and its allies in the strike, France and Britain, are prepared 'to sustain this response' until Assad discontinues his use of internationally prohibited chemical weapons.
'What kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?' Trump asked. 'The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep. No nation can succeed in the long run by promoting rogue states, brutal tyrants and murderous dictators.'
A chemical weapons scientific research center outside Damascus and a chemical weapons storage site and a command post West of Homs were hit in the attack which occurred in the early hours of Saturday local time.


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Donald Trump is pictured addressing the nation on Friday evening from the Diplomatic Room of the White House, announcing retaliatory airstrikes on Syria


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The Damascus sky lights up with missile fire as the US, Britain and France launch an attack on Syria


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Damascus skies erupt with anti-aircraft fire after Donald Trump announced the strikes on Syria on Friday night ET


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A cruise missile is pictured being launched from a French military vessel in the Mediterranean sea towards targets in Syria

[size=10][size=18]Trump orders strikes on Syria's chemical weapons capabilities

[/size][/size]


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Part of the calculation this week has also been gaming out how Russia will respond either in the region or around the world
Shortly after the attack, the Syrian presidency posted on Twitter: 'Honorable souls cannot be humiliated.'
State TV said the country's air defenses shot down 13 missiles in the Kiswah area south of Damascus and claimed three civilians were wounded in the attack on a military base in Homs.
The assault by the United States consisted of more than 100 missiles, the Pentagon indicated, with Secretary of Defense James Mattis describing the number as 'a little over double the number of weapons' that were used in last year's air assault on Syria.
The April 7, 2017 attack on a Syrian airbase after Assad's last confirmed use of chemical weapons consisted of 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Mattis said the latest round of strikes ‘sent a very strong message’ to Assad and his ‘murderous lieutenants' and that ‘right now this is a one-time shot’ driving home a message that conflicted with the president's.
'That will depend on Mr. Assad should he decide to use more chemical weapons in the future,' he said.
In a news conference that followed Trump's remarks, Mattis confirmed that chlorine gas, and possibly sarin, was used to poison Syrians a week ago.

[size=18]PM: I have authorised British forces to conduct strikes in Syria




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[size=18]President al-Assad arrives at work for the Syrian Arab Republic




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Syria air defenses strike back after air strikes by U.S., British and French forces in Damascus


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A fighter jet lands at Akrotiri military British Royal Air Force Base, Cyprus, on Saturday, April 14


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A fighter jet prepares to land at RAF Akrotiri, a military base Britain maintains on Cyprus


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An RAF Tornado comes into land at RAF Akrotiri after concluding its mission.Four Royal Air Force Tornado's took off to conduct strikes


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Smoke rises above Damascus after the air strikes. The US, Britain and France waged up to 120 air strikes


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Smoke rises over the capital Damascus after air strikes struck Syria early Saturday, April 14, local time
Trump said the purpose of the U.S.-led strike was to 'establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use' of such chemical weapons. But he said America does not seek 'an indefinite presence' in Syria and looks forward to the day when it can withdraw its troops from Syria. 
In a statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May described the coalition air assault as a 'limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region.'
'And while this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity,' she said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the 'red line' set by France in May of 2017 'had been crossed.'
'We cannot tolerate the trivialization of chemical weapons, which is an immediate danger for the Syrian people and our collective security,' Macron said. 'This is the direction of the diplomatic initiatives put forward by France at the United Nations Security Council.'


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Defense Secretary Jim Mattis (right) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford (second from right) brief members of the media on Syria at the Pentagon


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A photo released on the Twitter page of the Syrian governments central military media shows anti-aircraft fire through a night-vision device on the outskirts of Damascus

Loud explosions rocked Syria's capital and and lit up the sky with heavy smoke. Hours later crowds of Assad supporters gathered in the center of Damascus in a show of defiance.

Hundreds of residents gathered in Omayyad Square, many waving Syrian, Russian and Iranian flags. Some clapped their hands and danced, others drove in convoys, honking their horns.
'We are your men, Bashar,' they shouted.
General Joseph Dunford said that all three areas the coalition 'struck and destroyed' were specific to the Syrian regime's chemical weapons program. 
The scientific research center was used for the development and testing of chemical and biological warfare technology, he said. Another target, a storage facility west of Homs, was a primary location for sarin and precursor production equipment. The third target was a chemical weapons equipment storage facility and an important command force.
Dunford said the attack was carried out by U.S., British and French entrenched naval and air forces were involved in the operation, but for operational security, he would not be more specific than that.
The U.S. and the U.K. emphasized that steps had been taken to minimize civilian casualties. 

[size=18]J[/size]







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French President Emmanuel Macron said the Assad regime 'crossed a red line' with the chemical attack in Douma. He is pictured centre with close advisers 


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British Prime Minister Theresa May described the coalition air assault as a 'limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region'

[size=18]PM: I have authorised British forces to conduct strikes in Syria

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'We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents,' Trump in his address said.
He also said in the remarks that lasted a little more than eight minutes that he had a message for 'two governments most responsible for supporting, equipping and financing the criminal Assad regime' - Iran and Russia.
'In 2013 President Putin and his government promised the world they would guarantee the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons. Assad's recent attack and today's response are the direct result of Russia's failure to keep that promise,' he said. 'Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace.'
He added, 'Hopefully someday we'll get along with Russia, and maybe even Iran, but maybe not. I will say this, the United States has a lot to offer with the greatest and most powerful economy in the history of the world.'
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday strongly condemned the attacks on Syria and said Washington and its allies would bear the responsibility of the raids’ consequences in the region and beyond, Iranian state media reported.  
'Undoubtedly, the United States and its allies, which took military action against Syria despite the absence of any proven evidence... will assume the responsibility for the regional and trans-regional consequences of this adventurism,' Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by state media.  
Russian lawmaker and the deputy head of Russia's foreign affairs committee Vladimir Dzhabarov said Russia was likely to call for a meeting of the United Nations security council to discuss the air strikes.
'The situation is being analysed right now. Russia will demand a meeting of the U.N. security council, I am sure.'





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Donald Trump said on Friday evening he had ordered 'precision strikes' on Syria in retaliation for the 'evil and despicable' poison gas attack that killed at least 60 people on April 7 (a young victim is pictured)


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A child receives oxygen through a respirator following a poison gas attack in the rebel-held town of Douma


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A poison gas attack killed up to 75 people that the U.S. and its allies say was carried out by Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad on April 7 in Douma near Damascus


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'These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,' Trump said referring to Assad (pictured)


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Trump also warned Russia and Iran about their association with the Syrian government. President Putin is pictured on April 12

[size=34]PRESIDENT TRUMP'S FRIDAY NIGHT ADDRESS TO THE NATION [/size]

My fellow Americans: a short time ago I ordered the United States armed forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. A combined operation with the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom is now underway. We thank them both. 
Tonight I want to speak with you about why we have taken this action. One year ago, Assad launched a savage chemical weapons attack against his own innocent people. The United States responded with 58 missile strikes that destroyed 20 percent of the Syrian air force.
Last Saturday, the Assad regime again deployed chemical weapons to slaughter innocent civilians, this time in the town of Douma near the Syrian capital of Damascus. 
This massacre was a significant escalation in a pattern of chemical weapons use by the very terrible regime. the evil and despicable attack left mothers and fathers, infants and children thrashing in pain and gasping for air. 
These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster, instead. 
Following the horrors of World War I a century ago, civilized nations joined together to ban chemical warfare. Chemical weapons are uniquely dangerous not only because they inflict gruesome suffering but because even small amounts can unleash widespread devastation.
The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons. Establishing this deterrent is a vital national security interest of the United States. The combined American, British and French response to these atrocities will integrate all instruments of our national power -- military, economic, and diplomatic. 
We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents. I also have a message tonight for two governments most responsible for supporting, equipping and financing the criminal Assad regime. 
To Iran and to Russia I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children? The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep. No nation can succeed in the long run by promoting rogue states, brutal tyrants and murderous dictators. 
In 2013 President Putin and his government promised the world they would guarantee the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons. Assad's recent attack and today's response are the direct result of Russia's failure to keep that promise. Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace. 
Hopefully some day we'll get along with Russia and maybe even Iran, but maybe not. I will say this, the United States has a lot to offer with the greatest and most powerful economy in the history of the world. 
In Syria the United States with but a small force being used to eliminate what is left of ISIS is doing what is necessary to protect the American people. Over the last year, nearly 100 percent of the territory once controlled by the so-called ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq has been liberated and eliminated. 
The United States has also rebuilt our friendships across the Middle East. We have asked our partners to take greater responsibility for securing their home region, including contributing large amounts of money for the resources, equipment and all of the anti-ISIS effort. Increased engagement from our friends, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt and others can ensure that Iran does not profit from the eradication of ISIS.
America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria. Under no circumstances. As other nations step up their contributions, we look forward to the day when we can bring our warriors home and great warriors they are. 
Looking around our very troubled world, Americans have no illusions. We cannot purge the world of evil or act everywhere there is tyranny. No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East. It's a troubled place. We will try to make it better, but it is a troubled place. The United States will be a partner and a friend, but the fate of the region lies in the hands of its own people. 
In the last century, we looked straight into the darkest places of the human soul. We saw the anguish that can be unleashed and the evil that can take hold. By the end of World War I, more than 1 million people had been killed or injured by chemical weapons. We never want to see that ghastly specter return. 
So today, the nations of Britain, France and the United States of America have marshalled their righteous power against barbarism and brutality. Tonight I ask all Americans to say a prayer for our noble warriors and our allies as they carry out their missions. 
We pray that God will bring comfort to those suffering in Syria. We pray that God there guide the whole region toward a future of dignity and of peace. And we pray that God will continue to watch over and bless the United States of America. Thank you, and good night. Thank you



Meanwhile Russia's Ambassador to the United States warned the White House on Friday that military strikes against its ally 'will not be left without consequences'.
'Insulting the President of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible,' the ambassador continued. 'The U.S. – the possessor of the biggest arsenal of chemical weapons – has no moral right to blame other countries,' he added. 
Alexander Sherin, deputy head of the State Duma's defense committee, said Trump 'can be called Adolf Hitler No. 2 of our time - because, you see, he even chose the time that Hitler attacked the Soviet Union,' according to state news agency RIA-Novosti.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a statement on Facebook, said the US struck Syria when the country finally had a chance at peace.
'One must be really exceptional to strike Syria's capital when the country finally got a chance for a peaceful future,' she wrote.
Israeli officials backed the move with an unnamed spokesman telling Reuters that three allies were right to enforce the ban on chemical warfare.
'Last year, President Trump made clear that the use of chemical weapons crosses a red line. Tonight, under American leadership, the United States, France and the United Kingdom enforced that line,' the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
'Syria continues to engage in and provide a base for murderous actions, including those of Iran, that put its territory, its forces and its leadership at risk.' 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also backed the attack: 'Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in last week's attack in eastern Ghouta, Syria.
'Canada supports the decision by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to take action to degrade the Assad regime's ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against its own people. We will continue to work with our international partners to further investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Those responsible must be brought to justice.'

[size=18]Syrian-American activist hopes U.S. strike Syria after chemical attack



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Syrian government supporters wave Syrian, Iranian and Russian flags as they chant slogans against U.S. President Trump during demonstrations


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Syrian government supporters chant slogans against U.S. President Trump during demonstrations in Damascus following the strikes


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Protesters stand outside Trump Tower demonstrating against military strikes in Syria, late on Friday in New York

[size=18]'Stop bombing Syria!' small group of protesters outside White House




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US strikes had been expected since harrowing footage surfaced of the aftermath of the toxic gas attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma a week ago. Trump had reacted with a tweet warning Assad and his allies that the action would not go unchecked.
'Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria,' he declared. 'President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay.' 
Trump told reporters that the list of people he'd punish included Russian President Vladimir Putin, if appropriate. 
'Everybody's gonna pay a price. He will. Everybody will,' the U.S. president said.
After Russia rejected a U.S.-sponsored resolution authorizing a probe of the gas attack and vowed to shoot down U.S. missiles fired upon Syria, Trump took aim at the Kremlin.
'Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!' Trump tweeted.
The White House left the possibility of direct, military engagement with Russia after the tweet.
Russia's deputy prime minister, Arkady Dvorkovich, just brushed the rebuke off, however, saying, according to state media, 'We cannot depend on the mood of someone on the other side of the ocean when he wakes up, on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning.'

[size=18]French armed forces strike the chemical arsenal of Syrian regime




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The French presidency on Saturday released a video on Twitter showing what it said were Rafale war planes taking off to attack targets in Syria


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It was not immediately clear whether the planes were taking off from an aircraft carrier or a military base on land in video released by the French presidency

[size=18]Syrian Government forces mount defense of Damascus




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Moscow has claimed all along that the chemical weapons attack did not take place and on Friday that it had 'irrefutable evidence' that it had been fabricated.
The U.S. meanwhile joined France and the U.K. in pointing the finger for the attack - and their missiles - directly at Assad's forces.
Mattis said Friday evening that he was 'confident' that Assad's regime conducted a chemical weapons attack. 
Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, said at an emergency meeting of the Security Council, 'We know who did this. Our allies know who did this. Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and cover-ups.'

[size=34]Defense Secretary James Mattis' statement[/size]

Good evening. As the world knows, the Syrian people have suffered terribly under the prolonged brutality of the Assad regime. 
On April 7th, the regime decided to again defy the norms of civilized people, showing callous disregard for international law by using chemical weapons to murder women, children and other innocents. 
We and our allies find these atrocities inexcusable. As our commander in chief, the president has the authority under Article II of the Constitution to use military force overseas to defend important U.S. national interests. 

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Defense Secretary James Mattis says the U.S. and its allies have taken ‘decisive action’ against Syrian chemical weapons infrastructure
The United States has an important national interest in averting a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Syria, and specifically deterring the use and proliferation of chemical weapons. 
Last year, in response to a chemical weapons attack against civilians and to signal the regime to cease chemical weapons use, we targeted the military base from which the weapons were delivered. 
Earlier today, President Trump directed the U.S. military to conduct operations, in consonance with our allies, to destroy the Syrian regime's chemical weapons research, development and production capabilities. 
Tonight, France, the United Kingdom and the United States took decisive action to strike the Syrian chemical weapons infrastructure. 
Clearly, the Assad regime did not get the message last year. This time, our allies and we have struck harder. 
Together, we have sent a clear message to Assad, and his murderous lieutenants, that they should not perpetrate another chemical weapons attack for which they will be held accountable. 
The 70 nations in the defeat ISIS coalition remain committed to defeating ISIS in Syria. 
The strike tonight separately demonstrates international resolve to prevent chemical weapons from being used on anyone, under any circumstance, in contravention of international law. 
I want to emphasize that these strikes are directed at the Syrian regime. In conducting these strikes, we have gone to great lengths to avoid civilian and foreign casualties. But it is time for all civilized nations to urgently unite in ending the Syrian civil war by supporting the United Nations backed Geneva peace process. 
In accordance with the chemical weapons convention prohibiting the use of such weapons, we urge responsible nations to condemn the Assad regime and join us in our firm resolve to prevent chemical weapons from being used again. 
General Dunford will provide a military update. 
Based on recent experience, we fully expect a significant disinformation campaign over the coming days by those who have aligned themselves with the Assad regime. 
In an effort to maintain transparency and accuracy, my assistant for public affairs, Dana White, and Lt. Gen. McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff, will provide a brief of known details tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.  [/size]




The Friday night assault earned tepid support from Democrats in Congress who said they are awaiting additional information from the Trump administration about the targets and goals of the strike.
Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the upper chamber's Intelligence Committee, said, 'While the U.S. and our allies must not turn a blind eye to Assad's vile and inhumane attacks against his own citizens, military action in Syria must be measured, as part of a coherent strategy to prevent Assad from using chemical weapons without further destabilizing an already-volatile region or inadvertently expanding the conflict.'
Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader, said, that Assad's weapons attack was a 'brutally inhumane war crime that demands a strong, smart and calculated response.
But she argued, 'One night of airstrikes is not a substitute for a clear, comprehensive Syria strategy.
'The President must come to Congress and secure an Authorization for Use of Military Force by proposing a comprehensive strategy with clear objectives that keep our military safe and avoid collateral damage to innocent civilians,' the leading House Democrat insisted in a statement. 'President Trump must also hold Putin accountable for his enabling of the Assad regime’s atrocities against the Syrian people.'
Vice President Mike Pence briefed Pelosi and other congressional leaders in Congress after skipping a reception and rushing back to his hotel in Lima, Peru.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell received calls notifying them of the action before the president's address, his communications director, Jarrod Agen, said. So did Pelosi. Pence was unable to reach Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer until afterward, because the top-ranking Democrat was on a flight.
The vice president was attending a summit in Peru in Trump's stead on Friday. Trump called off his trip as he mulled how to respond to the attack in Syria. 



House Speaker Paul Ryan is praising Trump’s 'decisive action in coordination with our allies,' adding, 'We are united in our resolve.'
Senate Armed Service Committee Chairman John McCain applauded the airstrikes but said 'they alone will not achieve U.S. objectives in the Middle East.'
Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer called the airstrikes 'appropriate,' but said 'the administration has to be careful about not getting us into a greater and more involved war in Syria.'
In a statement released following the airstrikes, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said there 'is absolutely no question' the gas attack merits a strong response.
But he added: 'I remain concerned, as I have since the start of the Syrian civil war, about the danger of getting drawn into a horrific and complex civil war that has been raging in Syria, and will want to know whether these strikes are consistent with a broader military and diplomatic plan for the country and region. 
'While these joint American, British and French strikes are morally justified against the Assad regime’s gassing of its own people, they take place with no congressional authorization.' 
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, added: 'President Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against the Syrian government without Congress’s approval is illegal and – absent a broader strategy – it’s reckless.
'Last week, President Trump was adamant that the U.S. was leaving Syria imminently. This week, he is opening a new military front. Assad must face consequences for his war crimes, but Presidents cannot initiate military action when there isn’t an imminent threat to American lives.'
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) said: 'The administration is justified to take limited action in coordination with our allies to hold Assad accountable for the use of chemical weapons. 
'Next week, this committee will convene a hearing regarding U.S. policy for the region, and the administration needs to begin fully explaining its strategy for the months ahead. 
'Military force cannot be the only means of responding to these atrocities. The U.S. must leverage strong diplomacy and serious financial pressure. That’s why, last year, the House led in passing tough new sanctions against Assad and his enablers. The Senate needs to move this legislation to the president’s desk quickly.'      

[size=34]'I have done so because I judge this action to be in Britain’s national interest': Theresa May's statement in full [/size]

[size=16]
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Theresa May's statement in full 
'This evening I have authorised British armed forces to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian Regime’s chemical weapons capability and deter their use.
'We are acting together with our American and French allies.
'In Douma, last Saturday a chemical weapons attack killed up to 75 people, including young children, in circumstances of pure horror.
'The fact of this attack should surprise no-one.
'The Syrian Regime has a history of using chemical weapons against its own people in the most cruel and abhorrent way.
'And a significant body of information including intelligence indicates the Syrian Regime is responsible for this latest attack.
'This persistent pattern of behaviour must be stopped – not just to protect innocent people in Syria from the horrific deaths and casualties caused by chemical weapons but also because we cannot allow the erosion of the international norm that prevents the use of these weapons.
'We have sought to use every possible diplomatic channel to achieve this.
'But our efforts have been repeatedly thwarted. Even this week the Russians vetoed a Resolution at the UN Security Council which would have established an independent investigation into the Douma attack.
'So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Regime.
'This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change.
'It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties.
'And while this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian Regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity.
'At this time, my thoughts are with our brave British servicemen and women – and our French and American partners – who are carrying out their duty with the greatest professionalism.
'The speed with which we are acting is essential in co-operating with our partners to alleviate further humanitarian suffering and to maintain the vital security of our operations.
'This is the first time as Prime Minister that I have had to take the decision to commit our armed forces in combat – and it is not a decision I have taken lightly.
'I have done so because I judge this action to be in Britain’s national interest.
'We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world.
'We would have preferred an alternative path. But on this occasion there is none.
'History teaches us that the international community must defend the global rules and standards that keep us all safe.
'That is what our country has always done. And what we will continue to do. '
[/size]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5614749/Trump-challenges-Putin-DIRECTLY-rains-missiles-Syria.html

[size=34]Strikes on Syria will exacerbate country's humanitarian catastrophe, claims Putin as Russian ambassador warns White House there will be 'consequences' after Syria strikes while Moscow politician compares Trump to 'Hitler'[/size]

• Vladimir Putin denounced the attacks which he said would have a  'destructive influence' on internationl relations 
  
  
• Russia's Ambassador to the United States warned the US of 'consequences' after attacking its ally Syria
  
  
• Meanwhile, a highly placed Russian politician likened Trump to Adolf Hitler after the launch of airstrikes against multiple targets in the Middle East country
  
  
• Trump issued the statement while speaking to the American people from the White House on Friday
  
  
• 'These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,' Trump said referring to Assad and his role in recent chemical weapons attacks 
  
  
• Following the President's speech, US officials said attacks could continue beyond tonight, with a senior administration figure saying 'this isn't over'  
  
  

By TARIQ TAHIR FOR MAILONLINE and DANIEL ROTH FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and ASSOCIATED PRESS

    




Russian envoy to the US Anatoly Antonov (Pictured) warned the 
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced a strike on Syria launched by the United States and its allies as an 'act of aggression' that will exacerbate humanitarian catastrophe in Syria.
In a statement issued by the Kremlin, the Russian leader says Moscow is calling an emergency meeting of the United Nations' Security Council over the strike launched by the U.S., Britain and France.
Putin added that the strike had a 'destructive influence on the entire system of international relations.'

He reaffirmed Russia's view that a purported chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma that prompted the strike was a fake.
Putin added that Russian military experts who inspected Douma found no trace of the attack. 
He criticized the U.S. and its allies for launching the strike without waiting for inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog to visit the area.
A senior Russian military officer has said Russia may consider supplying S-300 missile systems to.
Putin's comments came as Russia's Ambassador to the United States warned the White House on Friday that military strikes against its ally 'will not be left without consequences' after President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of a multiple targets in Syria.
'The worst apprehensions have come true. Our warnings have been left unheard.A pre-designed scenario is being implemented,' Russian envoy Anatoly Antonov said in a statement. 
'Again, we are being threatened. We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences. All responsibility for them rests with Washington, London and Paris.' 
'Insulting the President of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible,' the ambassador continued. 'The U.S. – the possessor of the biggest arsenal of chemical weapons – has no moral right to blame other countries,' he added. 
The statement from Antonov was issued just minutes after the President directed a portion of his remarks towards Russian President Vladimir Putin as he delivered an address to the American people announcing the military action against Damascus. 


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Meanwhile, a highly placed Russian politician likened Trump to Adolf Hitler after the launch of airstrikes against multiple targets in the Middle East country


+6


Trump issued the statement while speaking to the American people from the White House on Friday







'In 2013 President Putin and his government promised the world they would guarantee the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons,' Trump said in a televised address from the White House. 
'Assad's recent attack and today's response are the direct result of Russia's failure to keep that promise. Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace,' the President continued.
'These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,' Trump added, referring to the Syrian regime leader and his role in the chemical weapons attacks.
Meanwhile, a highly placed Russian politician likened Trump to Adolf Hitler after the launch of airstrikes against its ally in Syria, and says he regards the action as a move against the Kremlin.



'These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,' Trump said referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (L) and his role in recent chemical weapons attacks (Pictured right: Russian President Vladimir Putin)


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President Donald Trump had said earlier that the campaign against the regime of Bashar Assad could be 'sustained'


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Trump's comments marks the strongest rhetoric against the Russian leader since taking office last January
Alexander Sherin, deputy head of the State Duma's defense committee, said Trump 'can be called Adolf Hitler No. 2 of our time - because, you see, he even chose the time that Hitler attacked the Soviet Union,' according to state news agency RIA-Novosti. 
'The Nazi forces' opening attack against the USSR in 1941 was launched around 4am,' the lawmaker added.  
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a statement on Facebook, said the US struck Syria when the country finally had a chance at peace. 
'One must be really exceptional to strike Syria's capital when the country finally got a chance for a peaceful future,' she wrote. 
Zakharova accused the White House of relying on media reports to make its decision on whether to strike Syria. 



'The White House said that the confidence in the Damascus standing behind the chemical attack is based on 'the media, reports of symptoms, videos and photos, as well as on credible information',' she wrote.
 '15 years ago [before invading Iraq], the White House used a test tube and its State Department, now instead of a test tube Washington has used the media.' 
Defense Secretary James Mattis says the U.S. and its allies have taken 'decisive action' against Syrian chemical weapons infrastructure.
Briefing reporters at the Pentagon Friday an hour after Trump announced the strike, Mattis said that strikes have 'sent a clear message' to Assad and his 'murderous lieutenants,' adding 'right now this is a one-time shot' but is not ruling out further attacks. 
President Donald Trump had said earlier that the campaign against the regime of Bashar Assad could be 'sustained.' 


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Following the President's speech, US officials said attacks could continue beyond tonight, with a senior administration figure saying 'this isn't over' (Pictured: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis)
Mattis emphasized that he is 'absolutely confident' that Assad is behind the alleged chemical attack on his people that the U.S. and allies retaliated against Friday night.
Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov said on Saturday that Russia was likely to call for a meeting of the United Nations security council to discuss U.S., British and French air strikes on Syria, RIA news agency cited him as saying.
'The situation is being analysed right now. Russia will demand a meeting of the U.N. security council, I am sure,' Dzhabarov, who is the deputy head of Russia's foreign affairs committee, was quoted by RIA as saying. 
Following the President's speech, US officials said attacks could continue beyond tonight, with a senior administration figure saying 'this isn't over.'


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Part of the calculation this week has also been gaming out how Russia will respond either in the region or around the world
'What you've seen tonight is not the end of the US response,' the senior administration official said.  
'They have built a lot of flexibility into the plan to allow for further strikes based on what they've hit tonight.' 
Another US official said a big concern is how much more sophisticated Russia's capabilities are now compared to last year.
The source says they are 'significantly enhanced' in terms of anti-strike and anti-aircraft capabilities.
Part of the calculation this week has also been gaming out how Russia will respond either in the region or around the world. 
'We are watching what Russians do in the next 24 hours,' the official said.
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday strongly condemned the U.S.-led attacks on Syria and said Washington and its allies would bear the responsibility of the raids' consequences in the region and beyond, Iranian state media reported.
'Undoubtedly, the United States and its allies, which took military action against Syria despite the absence of any proven evidence ... will assume the responsibility for the regional and trans-regional consequences of this adventurism,' Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by state media.

'Insulting the President of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible': Russian ambassador warns White House there will be 'consequences' after Syria strikes while Moscow politician compares Trump to 'Hitler' 

Not taking up for Trump , but what  exactly is Putin.

“We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents,” he said.

'But we're perfectly ok for the government to annihilate its own people using regular weapons'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5616049/Two-Louisiana-school-teachers-fired-mocking-12-year-old-student-severe-autism.html

[size=34]'That's why you can't sit with everyone!' Two teachers are fired for 'mocking a 12-year-old boy with severe autism' and saying he 'wouldn't make it' in public school[/size]

• Two teachers were fired after supposedly making fun of an autistic student
  
  
• Their nasty and inappropriate comments were caught on an audio device
  
  
•  A teacher and the teacher's assistant could be heard taunting the young boy
  
  
• One of the adults said 'Let's see what they do with him in f***ing public school' 
  
  

By MICHELLE GANNEY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 12:55 EDT, 14 April 2018 | UPDATED: 14:11 EDT, 14 April 2018

    


Two teachers from Hope Academy in Louisiana have been fired after supposedly making fun of autistic student Camden Davis, 12
Two teachers from Hope Academy in Louisiana have been fired after supposedly making fun of an autistic student.
An audio recording allegedly captured them mocking and saying inappropriate things about Camden Davis, 12.
The boy's mother, Milissa Davis, sent her son to school with a recording device in his backpack after he became aggressive at home and wet the bed, WBRZ reported.

A teacher and the teacher's assistant could be heard taunting the young boy. 'You're just writing the word. What is hard about it?' an adult can be heard saying as the boy grunted in response. The adult then imitated the noise. 
The teacher then said: 'Camden, why don't you have anything written down? That's why you can't sit with everyone. Tell your momma that.'


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The boy's mother, Milissa Davis (pictured here), sent her son to school with a recording device in his backpack after he became aggressive at home and wet the bed
An adult could also be heard saying, 'Let's see what they do with him in f***ing public school. He was going to go to Live Oak Middle. Uh ah, he wouldn't make it for a minute.'
Davis she was devastated by what she heard. 'I just wanted to cry, scream, and do everything I could because it was so bad.'

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'To think that I had sent my son there every day, and what had happened before, that I didn't know about.' 
Davis has hired attorney Charlotte McGehee because of the situation and plans to file complaints with the Department of Education.


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Principal Linda Stone (pictured here) said, 'This is incredibly unfortunate, and we sincerely apologize to the family. We continue to welcome a meeting with the family'
'If they're special needs, look at the situation as to why your child is acting that way, because no child deserves to go through what my child did,' she said.
Principal Linda Stone said, 'This is incredibly unfortunate, and we sincerely apologize to the family. We continue to welcome a meeting with the family.'
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of conditions related to brain development, including autism and Asperger's syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. 
People with autism may have difficulty picking up on social cues and perform repetitive behaviors, the organization says.


+5


Davis has hired attorney Charlotte McGehee because of the situation and plans to file complaints with the Department of Education


+5


Two teachers from Hope Academy in Louisiana have been fired after supposedly making fun of an autistic student


+5


Davis said she was devastated and outraged when she heard the audio recording

So sad

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5617155/Gun-rights-activists-protest-country-firearms-response-Parkland-survivors.html

[size=34]Gun rights activists openly carry firearms at protests across the country in response to massive demonstration by Parkland school shooting survivors[/size]

• Gun rights supporters gathered at state capitols throughout the US on Saturday
  
  
• They were responding, in part, to the massive demonstrations led by the Parkland school shooting survivors that happened late last month  
  
  
• Several attendees across the states openly carried their firearms at the rallies
  
  

By DAILYMAIL.COM REPORTER and ASSOCIATED PRESS
PUBLISHED: 22:59 EDT, 14 April 2018 | UPDATED: 06:54 EDT, 15 April 2018

    

Gun rights supporters - many carrying rifles and ammunition - gathered at state capitols across the US Saturday to push back against efforts to pass stricter gun-control laws.
From Delaware to Wyoming, hundreds gathered at peaceful protests to listen to speakers who warned that any restrictions on gun ownership or use eventually could lead to a ban on gun ownership, which is guaranteed under the Second Amendment.
'If you have a building and you take a brick out every so often, after a while you're not going to have a building,' said Westley Williams, who carried an AR-15 rifle as he joined about 100 people braving blustery weather in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for a pro-gun-rights rally in front of the state supreme court building.


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An armed Andrew Norris, of Monroe, Ga.,participates in a gun-rights rally at the state capitol, in Atlanta Saturday


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Brock Peterson of Cheyenne covers his heart, his custom AR-15 rifle across his chest during a pro-Second Amendment rally, Saturday, April 14, 2018, in front of the Wyoming Supreme Court in Cheyenne, Wyo. About 100 people took part including a handful openly carrying firearms


+8


Ellen Harmon attends the Connecticut Citizens Defense League's 'Rally for Our Rights' in support of gun rights at the Connecticut State Capitol Saturday


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Shaun Baby, of Cartersville, Ga., participates in a gun-rights rally at the state capitol Saturday. About 40 gun rights supporters have gathered for one of dozens of rallies planned at statehouses across the US


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A man holds a Come and Take It flag during a pro gun-rights rally at the state capitol, Saturday in Austin, Texas


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Mead Russell West poses with a copy of the U.S. Constitution at a gun rally Saturday in front of the Wyoming Supreme Court in Cheyenne, Wyo
Dave Gulya, one of the organizers of a rally in Augusta, Maine, said about 800 people showed up at the statehouse - a gun-free zone - to make the point that 'we are law-abiding.'

Saturday's protests were planned in dozens of state capitols less than three weeks after hundreds of thousands marched in Washington, New York and elsewhere to demand tougher gun laws after the February school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17. 
Organizers of those protests demanded a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and called for universal background checks on potential gun owners.

• hare
  
  

During a pro-gun-rights gathering in Atlanta on Saturday, more than a quarter of the estimated 160 rally-goers carried weapons, as well as flags and signs saying 'Don't Tread On Me' as they listened to speakers talk about the right to bear arms. 
A few people wearing 'Black Lives Matter' T-shirts showed up at the rally and made videos, but didn't interact with the rally-goers.
Protesters also showed up in Boston; Indianapolis; Montpelier, Vermont; Albany, New York; Austin, Texas, Des Moines, Iowa; and other cities.


+8


Gun rights activists with the National Constitutional Coalition of Patriotic Americans take part in a national rally in Albany, New York


+8


Jason Desmond, of Lehi, rests his Winchester rifle, given to him by his grandfather, on his shoulder while attending a pro-gun rally on the steps of the State Capitol on Saturday in Salt Lake City
The coalition behind the gun rights rallies describes itself as a collection of patriotic-based groups that 'come from all walks of life, including Three Percent groups and local militias.'
The Three Percent movement vows to resist any government that infringes on the U.S. Constitution. 
Its name refers to the belief that just 3 percent of colonists rose up to fight the British.
Such groups lack the following of more mainstream Second Amendment advocates such as the National Rifle Association.
A group called the National Constitutional Coalition of Patriotic Americans spread word of the rallies on social media.

Too bad they don't accept the part of the 2nd Amendment that grants the right to bear arms as a part of a "well regulated militia" - which we have. It's called the National Guard. If these people need guns to defend our country, they should join the Guard and do it the way it was meant to be done.

For me it's just shocking to see people carrying guns in public. I guess that's why so many are shot (or shoot themselves) accidently.
Do these protesters ever think what happens if a mentally ill and armed person sh**s a brick when he's on such a rally and shoots dozens ofoeople?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5618549/Former-lady-Barbara-Bush-seriously-ill-refusing-medical-treatment.html

[size=34]Former first lady Barbara Bush, 92, is seriously ill with lung disease and heart failure and has decided to leave hospital to be at home as she refuses more medical treatment[/size]

• Former first lady Barbara Bush is being cared for at her home in Houston, Texas
  
  
• The 92-year-old is in 'failing health' and no longer wants medical treatment
  
  
• Bush, who is married to former President George H. W. Bush, has been hospitalized several times recently, a family spokesman said
  
  
• She is now focusing on 'comfort care' as she is surrounded by her family 
  
  
• Barbara has been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, sources say
  
  

By EMILY CRANE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 14:09 EDT, 15 April 2018 | UPDATED: 16:10 EDT, 15 April 2018

    

Former first lady Barbara Bush is seriously ill and no longer wants to seek medical treatment.
The 92-year-old wife of President George H. W. Bush is being cared for at her home in Houston, Texas after deciding she does not want to remain in hospital.
Bush has been in and out of hospital recently and is now in 'failing health', according to a family spokesman.
'Following a recent series of hospitalizations, and after consulting her family and doctors, Mrs Bush, now age 92, has decided not to seek additional medical treatment and will instead focus on comfort care,' the statement said. 

Scroll down for video 


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Former first lady Barbara Bush, 92, is seriously ill and she is no longer seeking medical treatment

'It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself - thanks to her abiding faith - but for others.
'She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving.'
The former first lady has been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, a source close to the family told CNN.
She has been treated for decades for Graves' disease, which is a thyroid condition.
The Bushes have been married since 1945. They have been married longer than any presidential couple in American history.
Her husband, the 41st US president, is 93 years old. 
George H.W. is also struggling with an illness, vascular Parkinsonism, that has left him wheelchair bound and struggling to speak. 
He was hospitalized multiple times last year with bronchitis and pneumonia.
The Bushes were both hospitalized in January 2017 and were unable to make President Donald Trump's inauguration.  


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The 92-year-old wife of President George H. W. Bush is now being care for at her Houston, Texas home. They couple are pictured above in May last year


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Barbara, above in 1988 with her husband, has been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure


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Bush (above in 2013) has been in and out of hospital recently and is now in 'failing health', according to a family spokesman

BARBARA BUSH'S HEALTH CONDITIONS: 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Also called COPD, this condition is a group lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
Damage to the lungs from COPD can't be reversed and symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, or a chronic cough.
Congestive heart failure
Heart failure can occur when blood isn't being pumped around the heart as well as it should.
While treatment can help, the chronic condition can't be cured. 
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and rapid heartbeat. 



Barbara is the mother of former President George W. Bush and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. 
The couple also have four other children, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Bush is one of only two first ladies who was also the mother of a president. 
Eight years after she and her husband left the White House, Bush stood with her husband as their son George W. was sworn in as president.
During her life in the public eye, Barbara was always a fierce advocate of her husband and sons in the political arena.  
Barbara was second lady of the US when her husband was Vice President from 1981 to 1989. 
As first lady - between 1989 to 1993 - Barbara made her main focus literacy and became involved in a number of reading organizations. 


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Barbara and George H.W. Bush married in January 1945 at the First Prsbyterian Church in Rye, New York


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Bush has been in and out of hospital several times in the past year. The former first couple are pictured above during the Super Bowl on Houston last year
She eventually founded the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which is based in Florida, to help increase literacy levels nationwide. 
Well-wishers have been flowing in for Bush ever since news of her health deteriorating became known.
Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted: 'Prayers going up for a woman of great faith, great strength, and an unwavering love of country. Our country is better because of former First Lady Barbara Bush.'
Meghan McCain, the daughter of Senator John McCain, tweeted: 'I am sending all my love and prayers to the entire Bush family today - Barbara Bush is a woman of great strength, patriotism and an iconic first lady of our times who has touched and inspired countless lives.' 


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+11




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+11

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5619655/Comey-says-Trump-morally-unfit-president.html

[size=34]'He's morally unfit to be President': Comey annihilates Trump in TV interview saying he 'lies constantly', 'treats women like pieces of meat' and IS 'possibly compromised by Russia'[/size]

• Former FBI director spoke out in an interview with ABC News that aired Sunday
  
  
• Said he believes Trump is 'morally unfit' to hold the office of presidency
  
  
• Asked if Russians have compromising info on Trump, he replied 'it's possible'
  
  
• But Comey said he doesn't advocate impeachment, preferring voters act at poll
  
  
• Trump lashed out, calling Comey a 'slimeball' and 'WORST FBI Director in history'
  
  

By KEITH GRIFFITH FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 22:59 EDT, 15 April 2018 | UPDATED: 06:08 EDT, 16 April 2018

    

Former FBI Director James Comey has blasted President Donald Trump as unfit for the office.
'I think he's morally unfit to be president,' Comey told ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos in an interview that aired on Sunday night.  
'A person who sees moral equivalence in Charlottesville, who talks about and treats women like they're pieces of meat, who lies constantly about matters big and small and insists the American people believe it, that person's not fit to be president of the United States, on moral grounds,' Comey said. 
'And that's not a policy statement. Again, I don't care what your views are on guns or immigration or taxes.'


+3


Comey spoke out in an interview with ABC News that aired on Sunday night



'The cameras were on the left side of my face. And so the whole world saw him kiss me,' Comey said of this meeting. 'And he didn't kiss me, he said, 'I really look forward to working with you''



Comey stressed that he did not believe Trump was mentally unfit for the presidency, even complimenting Trump in a rare moment of praise. 
'He strikes me as a person of above average intelligence who's tracking conversations and knows what's going on,' said Comey. But he said Trump's moral qualifications were lacking.
'There's something more important than that that should unite all of us, and that is our president must embody respect and adhere to the values that are at the core of this country,' Comey said. 
'The most important being truth. This president is not able to do that. He is morally unfit to be president.'
Stephanopoulos asked if it was possible that the Russians 'have something on Donald Trump'.
'I think it's possible. I don't know. These are more words I never thought I'd utter about a president of the United States, but it's possible,' Comey replied.
'You can't say for certain that the president of the United States is not compromised by the Russians?' pressed Stephanopoulos.
'It is stunning and I wish I wasn't saying it, but it's just - it's the truth. I cannot say that,' Comey replied. 'It always struck me and still strikes me as unlikely, and I woulda' been able to say with high confidence about any other president I dealt with, but I can't. It's possible.'


Comey spoke out two days before the release of his memoir, A Higher Loyalty. 
Despite his misgivings, Comey said he would not be in favor of impeaching Trump.
'I hope not because I think impeaching and removing Donald Trump from office would let the American people off the hook and have something happen indirectly that I believe they're duty bound to do directly,' Comey said. 'People in this country need to stand up and go to the voting booth and vote their values.' 
Comey spoke in detail about his uncomfortable first meeting with Trump in Trump Tower in January 2017, in which he delicately informed the then President-elect of the allegations in Christopher Steele's dossier, which claimed that Trump met with prostitutes in a Moscow hotel in 2013. 
'I did not go into the business about-- people peeing on each other, I just thought it was a weird enough experience for me to be talking to the incoming president of the United States about prostitutes in a hotel in Moscow. And so I left that part out,' Comey said, referring to the most salacious pieces of the unverified allegations. 
According to Comey, Trump's immediate response was: ''Do I look like a guy who needs hookers?'
After the Steele dossier, which had been funded by Democrats during the campaign, was published by Buzzfeed days later, Comey spoke with Trump about the matter again by phone.


+3


Comey (left) told George Stephanopoulos (right) that it was 'possible' Russia has compromising information on Trump, though noting he felt it was 'unlikely'
Comey recalls Trump launching unprompted into an explanation 'that he'd never stayed overnight at the hotel, he'd just changed clothes there and went to the Miss Universe pageant.'
'I don't know whether any of this true, but this is what he said,' said Comey. 'And then he said, "Another reason you know it's not true is I'm a germaphobe. There's no way I'd let people pee on each other around me." And that me caught me so much by surprise I actually let out an audible laugh and-- 'cause it was just one of those-- I was startled by it.'
A a dinner in the White House residence on January 27, 2017, Trump again brought up the subject of the Moscow allegations unprompted, said Comey.
'And then he says-- something that distracted me. 'Cause he said, you know, "If there's even a 1 percent chance my wife thinks that's true, that's terrible",' Comey recalled.
'And I-- and I remember thinking, "How could your wife think there's a 1 percent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow?" I'm a flawed human being, but there is literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true. So what kind of marriage to what kind of man does your wife think there's only a 99 percent chance you didn't do that?' said Comey.
'When he started talking about it, "I may order you to investigate that", I said, "Sir, that's up to you. But you'd want to be careful about that, because it might create a narrative that we're investigating you personally. And second, it's very difficult to prove something didn't happen."'
Hours before the interview aired, Trump launched into a preemptive tirade on Twitter berating Trump.
'Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!' Trump said at one point. 
'I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty,' Trump said, disputing one of Comey's claims. 'I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His "memos" are self serving and FAKE!'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5619655/Comey-says-Trump-morally-unfit-president.html

The full transcript can be found here  it was too long to post.

I think he's right about impeachment - for the reasons he gives but also because we'd be stuck with Mike Pence for at least 2-3 years. Unless you're  ultra-conservative that's not a pretty prospect.

 Best wishes to Barbara and George Bush. Politics aside, they have always been an example to all of us of a decent, caring couple who represented our country with dignity and class. My prayers go out to them and their family.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5619933/Nearly-50-cent-Americans-James-Comey-believable-Trump.html

[size=34]Poll reveals nearly 50 per cent of the American public trust former FBI director James Comey more than President Trump[/size]

• Forty-eight per cent of Americans find former FBI director James Comey more believable than President Donald Trump 
  
  
• According to poll, 47%  of public disapproves of Trump's decision to fire Comey
  
  
• Poll was released two days before Comey's ABC interview that aired Sunday
  
  
• He said he believes Trump is 'morally unfit' to hold the office of presidency
  
  
• Asked if Russians have compromising info on Trump, he replied 'it's possible'
  
  
• But Comey said he doesn't advocate impeachment, preferring voters act at poll
  
  
• Trump lashed out, calling Comey a 'slimeball' and 'WORST FBI Director in history'
  
  

By DAILYMAIL.COM REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 01:55 EDT, 16 April 2018 | UPDATED: 03:05 EDT, 16 April 2018

    


A new poll has found nearly 50 per cent of Americans find former FBI Director James Comey more believable than President Donald Trump. 
The ABC News/Washington Post poll shows that 48 per cent of the public has more trust in Comey than Trump at 32 per cent.
The poll was released ahead of Comey's Sunday night interview with ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos. 
According to the poll, 47 per cent of the public disapproves of Trump's decision to fire Comey. 

The survey also found that Republicans find Trump more believable than Comey by 70-15 per cent, as do strong conservatives by 76-9 per cent and somewhat conservatives by 49-24 per cent. 
Scroll down for video 


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Nearly 50 per cent of Americans find former FBI Director James Comey more believable than President Donald Trump


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According to the poll, 47 per cent of the public disapproves (depicted left) of Trump's decision to fire Comey
Democrats and liberals overwhelmingly find Comey more believable; independents and moderates side with Comey as well, by 48-29 and 57-22 per cent, respectively.
Women believe Comey over Trump 54-25 per cent and nonwhites pick Comey over Trump 63-15 per cent.    
Comey blasted Trump as unfit for the office in the ABC interview. 'I think he's morally unfit to be president,' Comey told Stephanopoulos.
'A person who sees moral equivalence in Charlottesville, who talks about and treats women like they're pieces of meat, who lies constantly about matters big and small and insists the American people believe it, that person's not fit to be president of the United States, on moral grounds,' Comey said. 
'And that's not a policy statement. Again, I don't care what your views are on guns or immigration or taxes.'


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The poll was released two days before Comey's interview with ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos. Comey blasted Trump as unfit for the office in the interview that aired Sunday night


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'I think he's morally unfit to be president,' Comey (pictured with Trump in January 2017) told Stephanopoulos
Comey stressed that he did not believe Trump was mentally unfit for the presidency, even complimenting Trump in a rare moment of praise. 
'He strikes me as a person of above average intelligence who's tracking conversations and knows what's going on,' said Comey. But he said Trump's moral qualifications were lacking.
'There's something more important than that that should unite all of us, and that is our president must embody, respect and adhere to the values that are at the core of this country,' Comey said. 
'The most important being truth. This president is not able to do that. He is morally unfit to be president.'



Stephanopoulos asked if it was possible that the Russians 'have something on Donald Trump'.
'I think it's possible. I don't know. These are more words I never thought I'd utter about a president of the United States, but it's possible,' Comey replied.
'You can't say for certain that the president of the United States is not compromised by the Russians?' pressed Stephanopoulos.
'It is stunning and I wish I wasn't saying it, but it's just - it's the truth. I cannot say that,' Comey replied. 'It always struck me and still strikes me as unlikely, and I woulda' been able to say with high confidence about any other president I dealt with, but I can't. It's possible.'
Comey spoke out two days before the release of his memoir, A Higher Loyalty. 
Despite his misgivings, Comey said he would not be in favor of impeaching Trump.
'I hope not because I think impeaching and removing Donald Trump from office would let the American people off the hook and have something happen indirectly that I believe they're duty bound to do directly,' Comey said.
'People in this country need to stand up and go to the voting booth and vote their values.' 
Comey spoke in detail about his uncomfortable first meeting with Trump in Trump Tower in January 2017, in which he delicately informed the then president-elect of the allegations in Christopher Steele's dossier, which claimed that Trump met with prostitutes in a Moscow hotel in 2013. 


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Comey (left) told Stephanopoulos (right) that it was 'possible' Russia has compromising information on Trump, though noting he felt it was 'unlikely'
'I did not go into the business about-- people peeing on each other, I just thought it was a weird enough experience for me to be talking to the incoming president of the United States about prostitutes in a hotel in Moscow. And so I left that part out,' Comey said, referring to the most salacious pieces of the unverified allegations. 
According to Comey, Trump's immediate response was: ''Do I look like a guy who needs hookers?'
After the Steele dossier, which had been funded by Democrats during the campaign, was published by Buzzfeed days later, Comey spoke with Trump about the matter again by phone.
Comey recalls Trump launching unprompted into an explanation 'that he'd never stayed overnight at the hotel, he'd just changed clothes there and went to the Miss Universe pageant.'


'I don't know whether any of this true, but this is what he said,' said Comey. 'And then he said, "Another reason you know it's not true is I'm a germaphobe. There's no way I'd let people pee on each other around me." And that me caught me so much by surprise I actually let out an audible laugh and-- 'cause it was just one of those-- I was startled by it.'
Hours before the interview aired, Trump launched into a preemptive tirade on Twitter berating Trump.
'Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!' Trump said at one point. 
'I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty,' Trump said, disputing one of Comey's claims. 
'I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His "memos" are self serving and FAKE!'

A couple of really good tweets from Lysa Heslov's twitter page:

https://twitter.com/natehoIe/status/984998098480062464

and

https://twitter.com/BostonGlobe/status/985489764605448194

Well, we can only hope that more will come to their senses and accept the truth. He should not be President he is not mentally or morally capable to run our country.

I have mixed feelings over the Syria bombings.  I see the hypocrisy of accepting the genocide that Assad has leveled against his people over the past seven years and how we ‘accept’ that on a certain level yet we are outraged by the use of chemical weapons and that’s when we send a message.  It’s all horrible and unacceptable.  What also bothers me is the person who authorized the U.S. strikes and their motivation. Whereas I could maybe appreciate another President’s decision to strike Syria out of moral outrage I know too well Trump did this out of pure political motivation and pressure from his military commanders.  I don’t for a minute think that he truly feels any pain, outrage or heartbreak over what happened to the Syrian people.

Like to also say that so far this year only 11 Syrian refugees have been allowed to enter the U.S.  In 2016 under Obama approximately 15,400 relocated to the U.S.  In 2017 just over 3,000 we’re allowed in.  This is Trump’s humanity.

Donna,
I have exactly the same feelings as you. Combined with the knowledge that the 'Western' interference in the Middle East has never led toanything than more wars, conflicts and terror...

By the way:
Today, I met a Syrian family who lives in my hometown, my husband helps them with all the paperwork. The father had to escape in 2015 because he had worked as a journalist in Aleppo and had reported about Assad's toxic gas attacks. His wife and their three daughters - the youngest was just one year old - were hidden outside of Aleppo by others who resisted Assad.. When he was granted permanent residence status, he was allowed to have his family follow him to Germany in February. The father cleans up in a supermarket to earn some money, the two older daughters attended school since easter, and I talked to them today, their german is really good and i was able to have a real conversation with them (remember: they came to Germany two months ago and have been to school for two weeks!).
The youngest girl is just the cutest little thing you can imagine. She was so proud of her new 'Frozen' shirt somebody gave her that she doesn't allow her mom to wash it. The mother is the one with the least German so far, but sibce she had worked as an English teacher in aleppo, her English is absolutely perfect. 
I asked the kids about the differences between Aleppo and Germany, and they said that we have no bombings, no destroyed houses and no alarms, it's so peaceful here.
Made me quite humble...

That is deep , and very sad that the peacefulness is what they find so different

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5622441/California-rejects-border-duties-troops.html

[size=34]California BANS National Guard from following Trump's orders at the Mexican border telling troops not to fly drones or even fix Border Patrol vehicles[/size]

• California puts itself on a collision course with Donald Trump by saying its National Guard will not do work too closely tied to immigration enforcement 
  
  
• Trump has called up but not federalized the National Guard and deployed units to the Mexican border
  
  
• But now California government says it will tell troops not to report suspicious activity, deploy drones or even buy gas as ban on any 'mission support' 
  
  
• Trump had praised governor Jerry Brown for deploying the California National Guard; White House is yet to react to new move
  
  

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
PUBLISHED: 14:06 EDT, 16 April 2018 | UPDATED: 18:25 EDT, 16 April 2018

    

California has rejected the federal government's initial plans for National Guard troops to the border because the work is considered too closely tied to immigration enforcement, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press.
The state informed federal officials it will not allow its troops to fix and repair vehicles, operate remotely-controlled surveillance cameras to report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol, operate radios and provide 'mission support,' which can include clerical work, buying gas and handling payroll, according to officials with knowledge of the talks who spoke condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.
California Gov. Jerry Brown elicited rare and effusive praise from President Donald Trump last week after he pledged 400 troops to the Guard's third large-scale border mission since 2006.
The governor's commitment allowed Trump to boast support from all four border-state governors and helped put the president above the lower end of his threshold of marshaling 2,000 to 4,000 troops that he wants as a border security mission to fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking.


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Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard keep watch on the banks of the Rio Grande, where some of them will be armed where necessary (pictured Wednesday)


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A National Guard troop watches over Rio Grande River on the border in Roma, Texas on Wednesday. The deployment of National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border at President Donald Trump's request was underway Tuesday with a gradual ramp-up of troops under orders to help curb illegal immigration


But the Democratic Brown conditioned his support by insisting that California's troops have nothing to do with immigration enforcement. 
He was not specific about jobs his troops would or would not perform or how he would distinguish between immigration-related work and going after criminal gangs and drug and gun smugglers.
California National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan said Monday that the state was awaiting a formal response from the administration and had no additional details beyond the governor's proposed agreement released last week that includes a ban on immigration enforcement.
Evan Westrup, a spokesman for the governor, did not immediately answer detailed question about California's rejection of specific guard duties.
Talks between U.S. and California officials about the duties the California troops would perform soured Friday and over the weekend after state authorities told federal officials that they would not participate in vehicle maintenance and the other jobs outlined for an initial phase across the border in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, the U.S. officials said. 






New development: Trump had praised California's Democratic governor Jerry Brown - but now faces his orders being defied
The other border-state governors - all Republicans - have openly embraced Trump's plans.
The state's position infuriated some federal officials because the restrictions California officials wanted to impose on what the state's troops would not do were considered onerous, the officials said.
Brown last week characterized his decision to contribute troops as a welcome infusion of federally-funded support to fight transnational criminal gangs and drug and firearms smugglers. 
According to one U.S. official, the California Guard has suggested assigning about 40 troops to marijuana eradication across the state.