It is getting real folks (N. Korea I mean)

Three articles here that address the same issue of Sec of State Tillerson rejecting talks with N. Korea and adopting a new tactic. WaPo Tillerson says all options are on the table , BBC News US Speaks of N. Korea military option, and NYT Rex Tillerson Rejects Talks . What does this mean? He** if I know. On one hand, Tillerson could be using tough talk to drive China into a more aggressive action against N. Korea. The issue there is that China has not done enough to control the Kims, probably to maintain a sphere of influence and keep Japan in check. In addition, we have been "talking" to N. Korea for 20+ years with no sustained cooperation and Kim has simply increased their nuclear capabilities. On the other hand, is Tillerson venturing into a delicate diplomatic situation with Trumpian and Exxon bravado that will pull us to the verge, or into war in Asia? (And let us remember the history of fighting in Asia.....WWII, Korea, Vietnam..... our last big success was Commodore Perry's sailing into Yedo Bay and then the Teddy Roosevelt Great White Fleet.) You decide.

Congress Balks at Trump Budget and What is next for the Budget

Brookings nicely outlined Four Key Points regarding Trump's budget and the struggle is explained in WaPo Explaining how Republicans and Congress are not on board . And in case you forgot who is really hurt by the Trump Budget, read WaPo's analysis on the impact for the poor . I also saw on Twitter where the White House budget guy Mulvaney explained that Meals on Wheels and after school programs are not producing results and should be cut. It is sickening in my opinion. Immoral.

The Wiretap lie

Politifact reviewed Trump's claim with Carlson Tucker that the NYT initially reported the wiretap of Trump Tower and found it false (see previous post about Trump's truth rating). HuffPo reported that the Senate Intelligence Committee found no evidence although apparently Spicer and the White House doubled down on the lie. Can we impeach him yet? I am not crazy about Pence but Trump is nuts and surrounds himself with nuts.

Texas Public Utilities Commission isn't so concerned about the public

DMN Watchdog reports that the PUC ignored public requests to make it clearer when shopping for electricity providers . Are we really surprised? Texas has been a corporate bedfellow while claiming small government for some time. Be wary when shopping for electricity - there is no truth in advertising.

Texas Senate and Anti Abortion Bills

DMN reports that the Texas Senate approved two anti abortion bills . My issue is that it is politicians interfering between a woman and her doctor. I don't like abortion but this is a violation of privacy.

Congress is getting unhappy over Trump claims

NYT reports that members of Congress are stridently rejecting the wiretapping claims  and WaPo reports that they are demanding more cooperation on the Trump Russian connection . It is about time.

Easing Fuel Restrictions - Tin Foil Hat Warning

NYT Times reported that Trump plans to ease fuel emission restrictions to encourage auto jobs . Ready for the tin foil? Trump is friendly with the Saudis who are trying to improve their economy following increasing American oil independence, and the Saudis (despite their terror connections) just had a meeting with Trump. The budget allows for destroying the EPA, opening up reserves for exploitation. I get the feeling this is a plan to increase our dependence on oil for the Saudis and to turn the United States into a for real oligarchy along the lines of Saudi Arabia. I think I am starting to get paranoid.

As Trumpcare advances through the House, Brookings released a stinging rebuke

So WaPo reported that the House Budget Committee advanced Trumpcare to the House Floor even though the Freedom Caucus (Tea Partiers) voted against it. Brookings published a story from Fortune on the Pure Fantasy of Trumpcare by Henry Aaron, economist. What this tells us is that we as a country must have a real conversation about our expectations for health care.

More on the Trump Budget Implications

There are several relevant stories here.  If you are short on time go straight to the graphic. The first several come from WaPo: The Trump Budget will cut the arts, science, and assistance to the poor , and the Graphic Illustrates the Budget  . Basically the money will go to the military and homeland security (and part of that is the wall that Mexico is supposed to pay for) with some increases for Veterans Affairs (the only part of this I like), while pretty much every other department is cut. WaPo compares this Trump "Blueprint" to Reagan's re-organization and has two stories the analyze the impact to the arts and the impact to science and research. DMN addresses the Wall Price Tag in the Budget and the NYT echoes the concerns of WaPo on Trump Budget that will hurt his supporters (although there is more marginally more money to treat opiod addiction) and Elminating the National Endowment for the Humanities and Growing the Pentagon at the expense of the EPA .

I don't know about you, but this turns the country back 100 years in my opinion. He is creating a budget for himself and what he and his rich friends want. Gone will be national parks, historical sites, art programs, money for education. It is blowing up government as we know it.

The Federal System will prevent tyranny

WaPo reported that a Federal Judge froze the new travel & immigration ban on behalf of the state of Hawaii , and the NYT reported the challenge by 2 judges and this is a great lesson in the role of the branches of government and states. The irony is that the Repubs want to push everything back to the states but here is a state pushing back against the federal government's action. On one hand, it is good to see the federal system at work. On the other, I have real concerns about the confederation concept that appears to be emerging. It will frustrate the administration to be sure. And the travel ban will not solve terrorism and of course doesn't affect countries where Trump does business, like Saudi Arabia.