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Monday, December 6, 2021

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AOC: Smash and Grab Robberies Not Really Happening

From the story: New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was slammed by Republicans and business leaders following an interview where she cast doubt on whether rampant smash-and-grabs are actually occurring. “A lot of these allegations of organized retail theft are not actually panning out,” Ocasio-Cortez said in an interview with The Washington Times last week. “I believe it’s a Walgreens in California cited it, but the data didn’t back it up,” she added (Yahoo). Her comments were not appreciated by those suffering from the crimes (Washington Times).

CNN’s Chris Cuomo Faced Sexual Misconduct Allegations Days Before Firing

From the story: The New York Times reported that on Wednesday, Debra S. Katz, an attorney who is also representing a woman who has accused the former governor of misconduct, informed CNN of a different client with an allegation of sexual misconduct against Chris Cuomo. Katz told the Times the allegation, which has been made by a junior staffer at a news network that is not CNN, is “unrelated to the Gov. Andrew Cuomo matter.”

The Hill

Washington Post Article Blisters VP Kamala Harris

As more workers exit her office. From the story: Critics scattered over two decades point to an inconsistent and at times degrading principal who burns through seasoned staff members who have succeeded in other demanding, high-profile positions. People used to putting aside missteps, sacrificing sleep and enduring the occasional tirade from an irate boss say doing so under Harris can be particularly difficult, as she has struggled to make progress on her vice-presidential portfolio or measure up to the potential that has many pegging her as the future of the Democratic Party. “One of the things we’ve said in our little text groups among each other is what is the common denominator through all this and it’s her,” said Gil Duran, a former Democratic strategist and aide to Harris who quit after five months working for her in 2013. In a recent column, he said she’s repeating “the same old destructive patterns” (Washington Post). From John McCormack: It’s hard to tell what’s worse for Vice President Kamala Harris in this Washington Post story—the comments from anonymous former staffers trashing her management style or the on-the-record comment defending her management style by likening Harris to Donald Trump (National Review).

New York Times Writer Outraged that White People Appreciate Book Exchange, Too

The journalist put a library box on her front lawn to “invite neighbors and passers-by to take a book, or donate a book, or both.” Later comes this: …one morning, glancing out my front window, I saw a young white couple stopped at the library. Instantly, I was flooded with emotions — astonishment, and then resentment, and then astonishment at my resentment. It all converged into a silent scream in my head of, Get off my lawn! (NY Times). Imagine if the races were reversed in this story. From Karol Markowicz: The editor’s job here should have been to find this writer mental health help not publish this (Twitter).

Democrats Running Oregon Look to Make Indoor Mask Mandate Permanent

From the story: Dr. Paul Cieslak, the medical director for OHA’s communicable diseases and immunizations division, told KATU that “permanent means indefinite. It doesn’t necessarily mean permanent.” Cieslak might benefit from consulting a thesaurus. We can play word games all day — “permanent means perpetual, unending, enduring; it doesn’t necessarily mean permanent” — but again, the simple fact is that until the rule is repealed, a permanent mask mandate is . . . a permanent mask mandate.

National Review

San Francisco Suspends Marijuana Tax to Help Dispensaries Compete with Drug Dealers

Remember when they said we need to make pot legal so we can tax it?

KOMO

Women Upset as Man Breaks More Female Records in Swimming Over Weekend

This Washington Times article refers to Penn swimmer Lia Thomas as a “she” but the swimmer is, in fact, a “he.” The college sent out a press release bragging about him setting “a new program record” for women. But the story also notes there are many who are upset women records are being broken by a man.

Washington Times

Poll: Majority of Young Americans Say Democracy is “In Trouble” or “Failing”

Problem is, “in trouble” and “failing” are vastly different takes, even if they appear close. Only 13 percent said “failed.” “In trouble” can also be the take of conservatives who see it threatened by socialists in power.

Harvard

Bob Dole Dies at Age 98

From the story: Dole made his largest mark leading the Senate, in 1985-87 and 1995-1996, albeit with narrow majorities. His politics were conservative but above all he was a deal-maker who sought to legislate from the center. He believed in bipartisanship in support of U.S. purposes abroad, and he helped put starch in Mr. Clinton’s policy on Bosnia. As reporters who covered Congress knew, Dole was also one of the funniest men in politics. His wit was situational, and could singe, as when he joked that a photo with former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon should be captioned, “see no evil, hear no evil—and evil” (WSJ). From Franklin Graham: Senator Bob Dole has passed away. He was a great American, and he will be greatly missed. Not only did he represent the state of Kansas, but he represented the conservative voice across the country and stood for truth and integrity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Elizabeth and their family (Facebook). From Mollie Hemingway: unlike some politicians decades younger, he was sharp as a tack to the end (Twitter). From President Biden: To me, he was also a friend whom I could look to for trusted guidance, or a humorous line at just the right moment to settle frayed nerves. I will miss my friend (Axios). More kind words from both sides of the isle (Washington Times).

10.

Alec Baldwin Interview Could Come Back to Bite Him

From the story: …the decision to speak on national television during an active criminal investigation, and amid two civil lawsuits, was a highly risky tactic that could compound problems for Baldwin, according to several legal and public relations experts who spoke to The Times (LA Times). From actor Adam Baldwin (no relation): Criticize @GStephanopoulos all you like for missing some details, but he did walk Alec into his – albeit unwitting – confession, under New Mexico law, to criminal manslaughter on national television (Twitter).