Beltway Insider: Trump Fails America; Charlottesville; Swedish Journo Murdered; Glen Campbell

President Donald J. Trump known for his twitter rants has once again used the micro messaging platform to send out veiled disapproval of the recent violence acts in Charlottesville, Virginia, that resulted in three deaths and 19 injuries.

According to Gallup, President Trump's job approval, over the past week, decreased two percentage points to 36% of those polled who approve of his effectiveness as President and those who disapprove of his effectiveness as President increased three percentage points to 59%. 

White Supremacists Expect No Condemnation from Commander in Chief

While the rest of the nation, Democrats, Republicans, and elected officials, denounced the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia,  President Donald J. Trump who swept the South, elected by the arm chair womanizers and misogynists, stood with his constituents.

His wimpy protestations sounding more like rebukes to wayward children drew swift condemnation from a long list of GOP party stalwarts from Florida Senator Marco Rubio, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Colorado Governor Cory Gardner to name a few.

White House Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bosset, finally did denounce the violence and spoke the names of the groups on a CNN Sunday morning with Jake Tapper in response to Tapper question of are you ready to denounce these groups to which he replied, "Absolutely I am."

Vice President Mike Pence, however, delivered a "no tolerance" message during brief comments Sunday in Cartagena, Colombia. "We have no tolerance for hate and violence from white supremacists, neo-Nazis or the KKK," said Pence, calling them "dangerous fringe groups," as reported from CNN.

Charlottesville Saturday

This deadly protest in Charlottesville, was the culmination of a summer of repeated protests, where both groups, protesters and counter-protesters, have descended on this small Virginian city to demonstrate against the moving of the General Robert E. Lee statue and renaming of the Park.

After successive demonstrations beginning in June, the presence of the Klu Klux Klan increased with counter-protestors also increasing. In July fifty Klansmen were met by 1000 counter-protestors denouncing hate and the KKK hate message.

 

"We are again confronted with a moral issue as we see the rise of

White Supremacy, fascism, Neo-Nazi and extremists groups who

find a breeding ground under the current administration

who refuses to denounce his constituency

for violent acts of aggression."

 

On Saturday as counter-protestors took to the streets of Charlottesville, no official permit had been issued and the anti-hate protestors were walking on the streets, stopping traffic, when suddenly and out of nowhere and known white supremacist from Ohio, James Alex Fields, 20, who had earlier been photographed standing with the Neo-Nazi groups, rammed his vehicle into two other that were slowed to allow anti-hate protestors to walk by, creating a chain reaction accident that killed Heather D. Heyer, 32, a peaceful protester. He slammed his car into reverse and left the scene.

Two of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe's State Trooper detail on duty performing fly over's to gauge the violence and response were killed when their helicopter crashed seven miles from the demonstrations.

Governor Terry McAuliffe Issues Statement on State Troopers and Heather D. Heyer

Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe released the following statement on the deaths of Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, both of the Virginia State Police:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jay and Berke, both of whom were our close friends and trusted members of our team. Jay has flown us across the commonwealth for more than three and a half years. Berke was devoted to our entire family as part of our Executive Protective Unit team for the past three years.

"This is a devastating loss for their families, the Virginia State Police, and the entire commonwealth. Our hearts go out to their wives and children, and we stand by to support them during this difficult time. These heroes were a part of our family and we are simply heartbroken."

From Twitter he said, "My heart goes out to Heather Heyer's family. She died standing up against hate & bigotry. Her bravery should inspire all to co me together." @GovernorVA.

Charlottesville Prime Example of State Government in Control

With failed leadership from the White House, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe's statements and handling of this deadly act of domestic terror are consistent with the autonomy that many challenge when states' rights directly oppose federal mandates.

On Saturday, August 12, 2017, a gathering of Neo-Nazi's, White Supremacists, KKK and other Unite The Right Groups led by Richard Spencer, gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia as protestors against the removal of a 93 year-old stature of Confederate General Robert E. Lee counter-protestors also gathered marching through the streets declaring the hate.

General Robert E. Lee led the Confederate army in its fight for southern succession during the Civil War. Modern confederates see only the issue of slavery, the separation of the races, and themselves as the rightful heir to a pure nation.

The Emancipation Proclamation delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in January 1, 1863 freed all slaves from the insidious cruelty they had been subjected. Further, nearly 100 years later John F. Kennedy, also took on the issue of White Supremacy and Civil Rights, on June 11, 1963 delivered his now famous Civil Rights Speech, "We are confronted primarily with a moral issue."

Today, August 13, 2017, 54 years later, we are again confronted with a moral issue as we see the rise of White Supremacy, fascism, Neo-Nazi and extremists groups who find a breeding ground under the current administration who refuses to denounce his constituency for violent acts of aggression which blatantly are called out as terrorism to those whom he seeks to build international partnerships.

The violence in Charlottesville, is nothing short of Domestic Terrorism, the car-ram attack, similar to how many recent Islamic state terror attacks even as recently as New York City. The Timothy McVeigh's of the movement and world are waiting for the opportunity to have a breeding ground to voice their violence and hate.

The Republican Party, to their credit, have come out with strong statements against the violence and demanding their elected President use stronger language.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe issued a seven page Declaration of A State o Emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia Due to Civil Unrest. Below are excerpts. The full Executive Order can be read here.

"On this date, August 12, 2017, I am declaring a state of emergency to exist for the Commonwealth of Virginia due to civil unrest leading up to, resulting from, and subsequent to the Unite the Right rally and counter-protests in the City of Charlottesville.

The actions of the event participants have caused numerous injuries, damage to local infrastructure, and severe damage to public and private property. The health and general welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth require that state action be taken to help alleviate the conditions caused by this situation. The effects of this incident constitute a disaster wherein human life and public and private property are imperiled, as described in § 44-146.16 of the Code of Virginia.

This Executive Order shall be effective August 12, 2017, and shall remain in full force and effect until August 17, 2017, unless sooner amended or rescinded by further executive order. Termination of the Executive Order is not intended to terminate any federal-type benefits granted or to be granted due to injury or death as a result of service under this Executive Order."


Beltway Insider: Trump/Putin Vaca; Muller’s Grand Jury; North Korea; Minnesota Extremism; Solar Eclipse; Sam Shepard


Swedish Journalist Murdered

Kim Wall, the Columbia University educated reporter, has been declared dead by Danish Police allegedly murdered by aerospace Engineer, Peter Madsen, who arranged for the journalist to ride along on his newest sea vessel, Nautilus.

Nautilus,  a self-built submarine constructed after a successful crowdfunding campaign that secured the necessary monies, $200,000.00 (USD) to build and launch the submarine.  A self-taught aerospace engineer, Madsen also founded the Rocket Madsen Space Lab with the goal of building manned space craft.

Kim Wall Disappearance

Wall, an internationally recognized journalist with bylines in The New York Times, The Guardian, and many other reputable dailies around the world, boarded the ill-fated submarine with Madsen and appeared in good spirits as she was photographed by a passing vessel standing in the tower.

The random photo, which shows her sans life preserver or any other water safety equipment, apparently was not in fear or concerned for her safety and enjoying the view.

Wall's disappearance has sparked investigation from the same newspapers which published her work, which have reported the 30 year old had embarked on a test voyage with Madsen, on Thursday, August, 10, as she was engaged in writing a profile on Danish inventor. Outside of the random photo she has not been seen since.

Recent developments have the submarine running nearly two hours without lights as reported in Newser.com and had nearly collided with another vessel at 2:30am Friday, August 12.

This was two hours after Madsen initially reported dropping Wall off in Cophenagen Harbor. He has since retracted his initial statements to police and his second statement has not been released to the media.

Wall's partner reported the submarine had not returned two hours after she was expected.

The submarine which sank has been raised and her body was not in the wreckage.

Madsen Charged  

"Prosecutor Louise Pedersen told a packed courtroom today Madsen faces the preliminary charges "for having killed in an unknown way and in an unknown place Kim Isabell Frerika Wall of Sweden sometime after Thursday 5 p.m.," as reported in The Sun.

Theories

The scenario which hasn't been stated, as only Madsen and Wall were alone aboard, the vessel which allegedly had ballast trouble, which to hear Madsen described escalated from minor to major and life threatening within seconds.

He alone of course escaped and has lived to tell his harrowing tale of rescue at sea while Ms. Wall is nowhere to be found. The truth, Madsen expects, will remain buried in the deep, even as he has been arrested for involuntary manslaughter.

The scenario which prosecutors will undoubtedly present will include an alleged sexual assault, rape at 22 feet below sea level, in which, if evidence of sexual assault, blood or other DNA is present as the submarine has been raised, anywhere on the vessel, after allegedly raping the journalist, he hit her in the head with a pipe, or slammed her head against the piping and when she was dead, threw her body overboard, weighted down. Faked the accident as evidence does point to the intentional sinking.

His story, of course, has her safety paramount as he dropped her off on some deserted Island near Copenhagen Denmark at about 10:30pm. She has not been found and her body is not aboard the Nautilus. 

Worldwide Journalist Murders

Kim Wall marks the 41st Journalist to be murdered in the line of duty, researching, reporting or engaging with subjects, worldwide.

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reports 122 Journalists and media staff killed in 2016. Granted the numbers look small, 41 journalists and media staff killed so far in 2017 with the usual hotspots, Mexico, Iran and Afghanistan, making up nearly half of that total.

Risk is definitely part of the job when one chooses front lines reporting anytime an exit is sealed and all escape passages blocked risk becomes greater, Wall, obviously didn't expect danger nor do most journalists who report on major or minor stories.

Glen Campbell, Country Music Giant, Dies at 81

Glen Campbell, one of Country Music greatest singers, songwriters,  and musicians died this week from complications from Alzheimer's which he bravely announced and fought over the last six years.

Campbell's fifty year career began as a studio musician, where he was a favorite as he picked up the music quickly and was reliable. Partnering with Jimmy Webb, a Los Angeles songwriter, was probably a defining moment in Campbell's early career and produced a string of memorable hits that are celebrated decades later and have stood the test of time.

With  smooth, enchanting, vocals, Campbell sang with feeling, reached out from the airwaves to cities and towns across America and the world. He was a consummate entertainer. Whether recording or live, he gave of himself and those who supported him where never disappointed.

With sandy blonde hair, a handsome face, a voice that could melt butter, he was meant for stardom and the big screen. Campbell's good looks translated as  well as his voice and soon he was transitioned to the television with The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour and weekly he showed up in living rooms across America.  He starred in the original True Grit with John Wayne. Campbell also performed the original song and received both an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination.

Campbell was honored by the 10th Annual Country Music Association  Awards, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, and Jimmy Webb on piano with a tribute of his biggest hits By the Time I Get to Phoenix, The Wichita Lineman and Galveston.

Nominated for the highest music honors for fifty years beginning in 1967. Campbell won four Grammy Awards and another in 1968, including Album of the Year. Nominated for ten additional Grammy's from 1968 through 1987. In 2000, 2004 and 2008 he received Grammy Hall of Fame Awards In 2012 he received a Grammy Lifetime of Achievement Award. Not quite finished in 2014 he won his last Grammy award for I'm Not Going to Miss You which he shared with co-writer Julian Raymond.

The Academy of Country Music also honored the former studio-session musician who made it big with ten ACM awards over 43 years of nominations.

Upon his death Alice Cooper, the hard rocker, paid tribute to Campbell calling him "one of the greatest guitar players of all times."

Glen Campbell passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

To donate to the London Community Foundation: https://artistsforgrenfell.com/

For more information on President Donald Trump: www.whitehouse.gov

Sources: Whitehouse.gov, Wikipedia.com, The Sun

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