“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert.” –J. Robert Oppenheimer
This Merry Warrior Monday Open Thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KMAG/KAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).
Yes, it’s Monday…again.
But it’s okay! We’ll get through it.
Free Speech is practiced here at the Q Tree. But please keep it civil.
Discussion of Q is not only allowed but encouraged. Imagine that! We can talk about Q here and not get banned.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
With the Storm upon us…please remember to Pray for our President.
Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Since we are “watching a movie”…I will continue to offer some background music. For your listening enjoyment, I offer these from Infraction:
Isaiah 35 The Future Glory of Zion 1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, nd the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; 2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. 7 The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of jackals, where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes. 8 A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Psalm 146:5-10 The Happiness of Those Whose Help Is the Lord 5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, 7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. 8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. 9 The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He makes crooked. 10 The Lord shall reign forever—Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!
Luke 1:46-55 The Song of Mary 46 And Mary said: “My soul declares the greatness of the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”
James 5:7-10 Be Patient and Persevering 7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
Matthew 11:2-11 John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus 2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ 11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
This homily is prepared by Reverend Monsignor Russell G. Terra, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Redding, CA. http://www.stjosephredding.org/parish-homilies.html
3rd Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019 “Facing the Future”
Is 35:1-10 Jas 5:7-10 Mt 11:2-11
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –
Everywhere on our planet there seems to be problems. There seems to be no nation, state, or locale that is not experiencing problems on some level. Armed conflict; acts of terrorism; political unrest; drought, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, warmed oceans; oppressed, disenfranchised, and persecuted people – and millions of displaced refugees – all these attest to the sad state of our world today!
Unfortunately, for all of this, there seems to be no answer. Any change seems to be beyond what our leaders are willing to undertake. Furthermore, if we add to this, homelessness, growing income disparity, a housing shortage – as well as the struggles that every person and family face – then we might begin to wonder how we can face what the future will bring!
700 years before the time of Jesus, Isaiah spoke to a nation that had been divided politically and had split into two separate kingdoms: Israel on the north – and Judah on the south. Their leadership had become corrupt – and most of the people had become unfaithful to God as well. Because Israel had chosen to fight Assyria, they were conquered and led into exile. Judah, for its part, sought an alliance with Assyria, but then had to live under its oppressive rule.
Nevertheless, Isaiah spoke words of hope. Isaiah wished to give the faithful few, a remnant really, a reason to hope and to remain faithful in trust. Consequently, he spoke in beautiful words of a future that seemed impossible – The desert would be changed into a garden land – The plains, forested with the cedars of Lebanon and the pines of Carmel and Sharon.
Moreover, people would be delivered from every ailment and affliction – from blindness, deafness, speechlessness, lameness, and any other disability – And the song of joy would be in every heart!
Of course, Isaiah spoke of a future beyond when they lived – a future which began with the birth of God’s Son among us.
The Gospel of Matthew reveals that Jesus began that future which continues to unfold only gradually. Jesus came to inaugurate the Kingdom of God, the Reign of God, in our world. Certainly, it can begin for us now, at least in our hearts.
However, Matthew’s Gospel also tells us that there was doubt and uncertainty about Jesus and his role. Did the Baptist really doubt – or was he trying to help his own disciples move beyond their hopes for a political Messiah to a liberator of our souls and spirits? For, clearly, Jesus was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about a promised future that would come to pass.
And, yet, Jesus only began God’s Reign for us to experience. He, himself, would have to suffer and die before his human nature could enter into the fullness of eternal life with God.
We are, indeed, blessed beyond belief to live in the time of God’s Reign as brought to us by Jesus. We are blessed, because as Jesus said, we are born into the Kingdom of God, which is already there in the hearts and souls of true disciples! However, we must remain faithful. The Reign of God co-exists with all the sin, evil, and hardship in our world today. This is the reason St. James urges us to be patient. We must be patient and our hearts must remain steadfast despite a bankrupt culture and a broken world.
God continues to come to us in every moment. Even the hardships we experience on so many levels are opportunities to grow in God’s life of love. But we must face every suffering as Jesus did, as part of the cross we must carry.
Brothers and Sisters, Christmas is only 10 days away. Our pagan culture continues to take Christ out of Christmas in every way that it can. Therefore, it’s no wonder that people feel let down afterwards – when they face the world on the next day!
So, let us pray – that we never forget that Jesus is God’s Son born to us – That Jesus inaugurated the Reign of God in our hearts and lives – and that we can gain all that he has promised if we remain patient and faithful, despite living in our broken world!
This 3rd Sanctuary Sunday of Advent Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers.
Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack where all legal free speech is allowed.
But NOT HERE in The Q Tree. Personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
With the Storm upon us…please remember to Pray for our President.
AND WHAT TIME IS IT? TIME TO….DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!
Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People. ~ Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
3rd Sunday of Advent ~ Joy
Joy should be a characteristic that permeates through all facets of a Christian’s life: every day, in troubles and trials, in hope, in giving, in prayer, in praise, in worship, in thanksgiving . . . in everything . . . for the joy of the Lord is our strength.
During this Advent season, we look to the past to recognize and celebrate the effects of Christ’s 1st coming, and we look to the future in anticipation and a peaceful assurance of what Christ’s 2nd coming will bring.
The 3rd Sunday of Advent . . . Gaudete Sunday . . . Joyful Sunday. The Christmas season is well upon us. Christmas trees, lights, carols, and soon will come presents, friends, family, food . . . the most wonderful time of the year!
As we should do during Advent, on this Joyful Sunday, we look back: Joy . . . should be an easy topic with all the joy surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Mary rejoiced in God her Savior. An angel of the Lord brought good tidings of great joy to the shepherds and to all people. All those who heard, marveled at what the shepherds told them. The shepherds joyfully returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen. Simeon got to see the Messiah. The promised Messiah had come to Israel.
But there is some joy, looking back, that is more difficult, if not impossible, for us to truly grasp. Jesus wasn’t born just so He could walk around the countryside healing people and telling people they needed to get right with God. He came to die, to be the perfect sacrifice to reconcile our inherent sin nature and our sins with the righteousness of God.
And not just to die. He knew He would be flogged beyond recognition, nearly to the point of death, before they pounded the metal spikes into Him. His bones would be out of joint. He knew He would die by the most painful and torturous method of execution ever devised. He knew He would become sin.
The night before, Jesus’ anguish was so great that the blood capillaries surrounding His sweat glands ruptured and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
We have now gone far from our topic of joy. But what would make Jesus go through this for us?
The answer to that is His love for us, agape love . . . love that puts our best interests ahead of His own welfare. Love? Not joy? Well, here it is. “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame”.
And what was the joy that was given Him? God gave Jesus authority, that He shall give eternal life to as many as God has given Him. Jesus’ joy, greater than the physical agony of crucifixion and being forsaken by God, since Jesus had become sin, was the joy that came from being the means through which believing mankind would be reconciled to God and given eternal life to know God, the only true God, and Jesus, our Messiah.
Most of the time we fail at discovering joy in some difficult present circumstances. And that’s because we’re looking at what we consider troubles and trials from our earthly perspective, and we overlook how these troubles and trials can and do result in changes to our Christian life . . . which is God’s perspective.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
As part of Advent, we look forward to find joy. And again, we find joy, but, again, a joy that we can’t entirely fathom. For “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
Although we don’t know the details of the things that God has prepared for us, we do know they will be wonderful, undoubtedly beyond our present capacity to comprehend, but will bring us to levels of peace and joy that we have never experienced or imagined.
Philippians 4:1 Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice!
Psalms 47:1-2 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
O happy day, that fixed my choice On Thee, my Savior and my God! Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its raptures all abroad. Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away! He taught me how to watch and pray, And live rejoicing every day: Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away! ~ Philip Dodderidge, published 1755
. . . that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name.” And again he says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles Laud Him, all you peoples!” And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This Sanctuary Saturday Open Thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KMAG/KAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).
Free Speech is practiced here at the Q Tree. But please keep it civil.
Discussion of Q is not only allowed but encouraged. Imagine that! We can talk about Q here and not get banned.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
With the Storm upon us…please remember to Pray for our President.
Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
For your listening enjoyment, I offer this composition from Infraction, titled simply ‘Epic Cinematic Background’:
Visual Descriptions for our dear Zoe, and for anyone else who may find them helpful: Header Image: A young lady warrior is standing in a field of tall grasses, looking over her shoulder at us. Behind her in the distance, an enormous Tree dominates the landscape. Her long white hair and the tall grasses, are blowing in the wind. Her dark green velvet embroidered tunic has a band of metal armor at the hips, which comes to a V in the front and back. She has metal armor on her shoulders and forearm, and the wind is blowing the long dark green cape that is attached at her shoulders. She is holding a sword in her right hand and in her left hand is a round metal object that appears to be giving off a soft blue glow.
The enormous Tree is in the valley below her and there are gigantic arched structures built into the side of it’s trunk. White birds are flying out from the Tree, towards us. A few small structures dot the landscape around the base of the Tree, along with a forest of smaller trees. Beyond the valley, there are rays of the sun casting light on the Tree and the warrior, as the sun emerges from a distant mountain range. There are white clouds moving through a blue sky. Second Image: A stone pathway leads up to tall double doors, built into the side of an enormous tree trunk. The doors are arched and covered in ornate carvings. There are a few small points of light in the doors, giving off a slight blue glow. Rays of sunlight illuminate the path in front of the doors. Third Image: Is an interior room with a high ceiling and a large stone fireplace. There is an open sided sleigh couch with throw pillows and a fuzzy throw. There are stuffed chairs nearby and a coffee table. A staircase made of logs and large branches is on one side of the room. Fourth Image: Is President Trump, with a solemn look on his face, looking intently at someone or something.
………………………………………………………………
Congratulations to our British cousins on their Brexit Vote! There is hope for the UK after all.
Still hoping that the Storm knocks out some of the Enemedia crapweasels!
Welcome to the OPEN THREAD! Ouch, it is Friday the 13th, but that’s okay. As we continue through Justice is Coming December, with the Decorations UP, Presents Wrapped, This weekend is Party TIME. Gents, it time to polish up your shoes and find the festive tie. Ladies, drag out the sequins and your Cinderella slippers. (Special tribute for ARMY at the bottom)
Last night was the Congressional Christmas Ball at the White House. Guess Nadler’s invitation was lost in the mail. Melania stole the show and looked like a Snow Queen. President was full of vim and vigor.
This Justice Is Coming December open thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA / KAG! / KMAG world.
Please feel free to comment. We have a new policy, starting 20191110. Keep it SOMEWHAT civil. Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways. Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here in the January 1st open thread. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
We have a new board – actually a new SITE – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation. NOT HERE. This board will remain a REFUGE for those who need civility, either some or all of the time.
Please keep the President, his family and team in your thoughts and prayers. If you run into the President, SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY. “I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!“
Time to —– DRAIN THE SWAMP
DRAIN THE SWAMP
Our movement
Is about replacing
A failed
And CORRUPT
Political establishment
With a new government controlled
By you, the American People.
Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
Get your jingle going. It’s time to play. Be happy. It’s Christmas! You can’t sit still to this song. Let’s dance around the tree!
Have to share this story: Twitter Girlfriend’s daughter enlisted in the ARMY. Overprotective Mom has been a nervous wreck throughout basic training. Finally, graduation day arrived. She and husband went to “Family Day”, hoping her “baby” survived. Mom even packed a little first aid kit to doctor bumps and scrapes, and brought with her the daughter’s favorite snacks…… the ones she used to pack in her lunch for school. Everyone was situated in the grandstands when the ceremony began………
Well…….You HAVE to see the video ——– make grown men puff up their chest and cry at the same time. ARMY laid down smoke on the whole Parade Ground. From out of the smoke…….. came FIVE BATTALIONS………
Dear Lord, I’m crying like a baby while writing, heart bursting with pride!!!!!! They’re not babies anymore. Go ARMY!!!!!!! Pride of the USA!
By 2:00am in New York, The UK will be waking up to the first national election during December since 1923. Voting starts at 7:00am in UK or 2:00am Eastern time in the USA. Polls don’t close until 10:00pm, which is 5:00pm Eastern time. It’s a big day and the world will be watching. This election is a full two years ahead of schedule, but this election is for all the chips. All 600+ seats are up for grabs and even the liberal icon “The Guardian” claims the Conservatives lead Labour by 3-14 points.
Today is the day to vote!
Our cousins in England and north Ireland are tired of messing around with Brussels.
Brexit, deal or no deal concept. United Kingdom and European Union flags on dice, black background. 3d illustration
As Americans, even though we are veterans of our great political wars, we don’t pay too much attention to what happens in The UK. Well, maybe we should start listening. The Brexit vote was the great crack in the control of Globalists. That vote bolstered President Trump’s election in 2016, and the populists, or real resistance to globalist control, has spread from Iran to Chile, from Myanmar to Romania. Ask Hong Kongers, they know.
Yet the citizens of the UK were ignored by their leaders and still have not left the EU. The controversy led to the resignation of PM Theresa May and the rise of Boris Johnson.
The LAST POLLING allowed, taken only a few minutes before midnight in London showed the following:
The final poll of the day gives the Tories an 11 point lead over Labour.
Released in the final seconds before midnight, the Survation study has the Conservatives on 44.5 per cent, Labour on 33.7 per cent and the Lib Dems on 9.3 per cent.
The Tories figure remains the same from the last Survation poll with Labour gaining 3 points. But that seems to be at the expense of the Lib Dems, who slip down two. That’s it for polls and the real thing gets underway at 7am tomorrow.
The polls will close at 10:00pm in The UK, which is 5:00pm Eastern Time in the USA. The pubs from London to small towns in Scotland are stocked and ready. It’s going to be one heck of a day………
Still think one man can’t make a difference? Talk to this man.
Confession — UK politics is NOT my wheelhouse. Asking for help from the group from anyone who has tidbits to share. Our UK and EU friends are most welcome and should be writing this post. Please contribute and help to make us all a little bit smarter.
This Night before Daughn Thursday 20191212 Open Thread is Open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA / KAG! / KMAG world (KMAG being a bit of both MAGA and KAG! You can say what you want, comment on what other people said, and so on.
Free Speech is practiced here. ENJOY IT. Use it or lose it.
However, we have a new policy. Starting 20191110. Keep it SOMEWHAT civil. We have a new board – actually a new SITE – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation. NOT HERE. This board will remain a REFUGE for those who need civility, either some or all of the time.
They tried to FORCE fake Orwellian civility on us. In response, we CHOOSE true civility to defend our precious FREEDOM from THEM. Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, and one might say that we have RESTORED THE OLD REPUBLIC – the early high-interaction model of the Treehouse – except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways. Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here in the January 1st open thread. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY TO OUR PRESIDENT! “I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!“
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules: •1.No food fights. •2.No running with scissors. •3.If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone
As I sit here writing this post still feeling the afterglow of last nights Rally in Hershey, Pa. The Stupid and Ill Advised IMPEACHMENTSHAM WILL FAIL!
IMPEACH THIS!
After years of rebuilding OTHER NATIONS, we are finally rebuilding OUR NATION. In everything we do, we are putting AMERICA FIRST! #KAG2020pic.twitter.com/sS0Y01MJYd
Are you ready? No rest for the weary! MOAR coffee after a knockout MAGA Rally in PA last night (thank you to all who contributed). Make sure to take your Winnimins this morning. We still have more testimony in the House today and BREXIT votes tomorrow!!!!!!!! How does Flep keep up?
Today is the day Horowitz testifies in the Senate Judiciary Committee with Lindsey Graham presiding. This will be a great chance for us at QTree, and the public in general, to compare and contrast Nadler in the House, with how Senator Graham runs a Judiciary Committee.
Let’s take a look at who is on the Judiciary Committee to get an idea of what to expect.
Republicans
Lindsey Graham – Ranking Chair
Chuck Grassley – Pro Tempore member of the Senate- Papa is VERY angry with James Comey.
John Cornyn-Texas (Beto is NOT running against him)
Mike Lee-Utah (brilliant, but recent love affair with tech companies)
Ted Cruz – Texas (can’t wait – he overperforms in this setting)
Ben Sasse – Nebraska (meh)
Josh Hawley- Missouri (rising star)
Thom Tillis – North Carolina (recently had his “Come to Jesus moment”)
Joni Ernst – Iowa (fickle, concubine for the US Chamber of Commerce)
Mike Crapo – Idaho (also Chair of Foreign Affairs Comm – watch him)
John Kennedy (The Oxford Scholar with the razor wit)
Marsha Blackburn (perennial favorite)
The Democrats
Diane Feinstein – Minority Chair (too old but guided by powerful staff)
Patrick Leahy – Vermont (Fed Judge Beryl Howell, the one who wore Mao uniforms to Congress, was his staffer who helped write the Patriot Act – she was the one who ruled Trump Admin to turn over the Grand Jury testimony to Nadler, immediately overruled)
Dick Durbin, Illinois
Sheldon Whitehouse, CT, (TDS is strong with this one, expect fireworks)
Amy Klobuchar, MN (running for President and lagging in polls)
Chris Koons, Delaware (loves Biden, misses Jeff Flake)
Dick Blumenthal, CT (deeply involved in Ukraine fiasco, taken money, watch him for cues)
Maizo Hirono, Hawaii (hasn’t been in press lately, misses the spotlight)
Cory Booker, NJ (running for Senator and needs to fundraise, expect drama unrelated to subject matter but for effect)
Kamala Harris (running for VEEP stakes)
It would be foolish for us to ignore the Bill Barr interviews from yesterday, in the context of Horowitz Testimony today. Seems as though Bill Barr put his thumb on the scale and gave the Republicans a magical blueprint for testimony today. Let’s see if they take heed.
Note how Barr talks specifically about the timeline, and how the investigations continued into the Presidency of Trump under a false premise. Barr explicitly states these investigations should have never gone forward, and probably should have never started (flimsy, a suggestion of a suggestion from a 28yr old campaign volunteer in a bar – when everyone in the WORLD was talking about who had Hillary’s emails). Barr eviscerates Brennan and Comey. He defends the President and leaves his interviewers ……………. shocked and blubbering.
While Barr and Durham, plot and plan the rollout, grooming their proverbial “staches”……
Welcome the Deck the Halls open thread. For those NOT following any sort of Liturgical Calendar, you might be done. Well, the rest of us will be doing it this week. How about some inspirational tunes.
Yes, given the solar minimum we are experiencing, a sable under the tree would be nice. Although, I’d like my convertible to be a candy apple red 1961 Corvette with a white swoosh.
But I digress, we need tunes.
My favorite…..
https://youtu.be/739xhwKMmVI
Okay, so here’s the deal. This is the open thread. This is where we all come to get the news that other Q tree inhabitants think is worth knowing and sharing. Please, post links to any “news” stories quoted, and ask for help if you are stumped as to how to do that. We’re a friendly lot. Someone will be with you shortly, and there is no reason to have to press one for English.
Free speech, and the open exchange and hashing out of ideas is not only allowed, but encouraged. If we all don’t use it, we’re going to lose it. There are, however, limits to civility, and those limits are strictly observed here. We are all on the same team. No personal threats, baiting, name calling and other behavior your mother and grandmother told you not to do while calling you by your full name is allowed. Otherwise, we’d end up looking like the other side.
There is absolutely no reason for infighting to result in burning down the tree, house up in the branches and all. Yes, it can be rough to temper speech. However, those who would like to slog it out from the comfort of the seat behind your keyboard, Wolf has provided a venue known as the UTree. Please, take it there.
And now for some house keeping:
There are a few rules here in the branches of the Q Tree. Our host, Wolfm00n, outlined them in a post on New Years Day. Please, review these rules from time to time, maybe while waiting in line with the kids to see Santa. After all, the line does go all the way to Terre Haute.
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics of civility in political discourse:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
Steve suggests – to be accurate – no shooting at the nuclear weapons, but to be safe about it, don’t event point firearms toward them. I, Deplorable Patriot, bossy chick that I am, request no teasing the animals, pets and wildlife alike. FG&C asks that you wash your hands and take some vitamin C. Daughn suggests you whip the sugar with the shortning (butter) before adding the flour.
Teasing and trolling the lefties and their bastions, on the other hand is a moral imperative. This Christmas list is from last year, but deserves a second look.
To whom can you liken me as an equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these things: He leads out their army and numbers them, calling them all by name. By his great might and the strength of his power not one of them is missing! Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
And today’s Gospel reflects the piece I memorized for a music jury once:
As always, prayers for the fight against that which seeks to enslave us are welcome.
Hi, folks. You guys are terrific. We’ve been hunting for a “whole interview” video all afternoon. Thank you for pitching in to help! Here’s the whole thing.
And here is the interview with WSJ (YUGE hat tip to FLEP for finding it!)
Watch to the point where he flashes a big grin…. he’s talking about putting people in jail, and… it takes a little time.
You’re going to hear a LOT about these BILL BARR interviews with MSNBC and WSJ. I got a heads up on the MSNBC one, and it only finished about 5 minutes ago. Watched the portion of WSJ interview run by FOX. All I have NOW are my notes, posted below. We will post the full clip and transcript when it becomes available. MSNBC will not release the full video and they’re playing games on the interview – yeah, it was that bad —- for them. We’re piecing the interview together as best as we can. Please pardon typos on my pseudo transcript, I was going as quickly as I could.
Rest assured, Barr just slapped the media, the FBI, the Dems, the Russians, everyone, and completely defended the President. It was epic.
Whole thing started…. how?
Flimsy
A suggestion of a suggestion from a 28yr old campaign worker, that Russians MAY have Hillary’s emails. Well, look what was going on in May of 2016, many reports that Russian hacked her server in 2014. Press accounts were all over the place…….. and they jumped right into a full scale investigation, very intrusive technics, because of a suggestion of a suggestion IN A BAR. Inexplicable that they talked to the RUSSIANS and not to the campaign. Excoriates Brennan who confronted the head of Russian secret service, and OBama talked to Putin, said cut it out.
BUT they never talked to the campaign. Why not?
Talking about the “non-bias” and how it’s really not investigated by the OIG. You have to wait for the full investigation by Durham. He can compel people to testify. Horowitz just asked them if they were biased and if he did not find contradictory testimony, then he was done. Premature to make any judgement now. Question — they opened an investigation but no one was really harmed.
From Barr: We’re going to put people in there and wire them up and then we’ll get the truth. Not ONE piece of incriminatory evidence that came in, in fact it was exculpatory. FBI ignored it withholds it from the court all while it gets more warrants. clear cut evidence that the Dossier was a complete sham from more evidence collected
After January the whole case collapsed. All speculation Zero information to support it What did they do? They kept on investigating the President Not only did they NOT tell the Court, they added OTHER stuff , made up stuff, to bolster their dossier proof.
Opens the possibility to infer BAD FAITH To early to tell (wink), but Durham is working on it.
Question – all kinds of bias, political, institutional, Barr – I don’t want to say. Horowitz focuses on the FBI, but there was a lot going on around the FBI
Question: Do you still maintain….. Was the campaign spied upon From barr: Oh, clearly they were spied upon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FISA allow to go BACK, emails, months and even years, that’s why they went for a FISA for retroactive accumulating of material
Actually preceded July.
Some things done during the investigating, which Horwitz did not cover. Durham is also exploring what Happened AFTER january, withholding info from court. He’s the President of the USA, what was their motivation? (why did they continue)
Why did you go to three countries with Durham. Answer from Barr: Press reporting on this has been silly. a US Atty does not just show up on the doorstep of a government, have to introduce, ambassadors involved, establish ground rules, perfectly appropriate.
Question: was it appropriate for Durham to issue a statement yesterday Barr: Absolutely, didn’t want the public to think the predication of the FBI investigation was cleared. Durham needed to make it clear. (slams media again)
Are you confident Wray can fix the FBI? In light of Trump’s tweet. practically speaking, i think Wray has worked hard to correct the problems of the past, new team, old tean is not there. Cannot ignore the abuses of the past. Have to focus on getting it right So you have confidence in Wray? Yes
People will think and say you’re just defending Trump I think our nation was turned on it’s head for three years, in large part by an irresponsible press FISA abuses. Protect against the abuse of the FBI That’s my responsibility
Were you ever asked to talk to anyone in Ukraine about a Server? No I haven’t gotten into the Ukraine yet I don’t know I haven’t even looked into it frankly
DOJ Criminal Division career employees said Whistle Blower complaint about campaign finance was looked t and determined to not hold merit
Was it a terrorist act in Pensacola? Not discussing details of investigation….. We are satisfied with cooperation we are getting
Comment on police address – if people don’t support their police, they might find themselves without the protection needed. We’re in a full employment economy.. Every police dept is understaffed. high suicide rate, unless we change we’re not going to have enough police. But you’re not saying people shouldn’t criticize the police when they do something wrong? No.
Talking about patience and the need for answers NOW…… I know, I know, but we cannot cut corners on collection of evidence. You know that. I see us reaching a Reaching a watershed, in lte spring or early summer…….. DURHAMMMMMMMMMM
Daughn’s notes, not perfect transcription but as close as possible
Barr is NOW doing another interview with the WSJ. We will post both interview when available.
From the WSJ interview, tone was much more friendly and Barr was not as cutting and sarcastic. They went over the same topics and similar answers.
One exception: In the WSJ interview, Barr said Brennan (himself) called the head of the FSB in Russia on August 4th, and again later in August (2016). Obama called (himself) in September of 2016 and told Putin, “we know what you’re doing, stop it”
