drbrumley
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:up:
Trump: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
- Thread starter WizardofOz
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drbrumley
Well-known member
The family of the Democratic National Committee staffer who was gunned down on July 10 on a Washington, D.C., blasted reports that he was a source of thousands of emails leaked to WikiLeaks.
Rod Wheeler, a retired Washington homicide detective and Fox News contributor investigating the case on behalf of the Rich family, made the WikiLeaks claim, which was corroborated by a federal investigator who spoke to Fox News.
But a spokesman for Rich's family on Tuesday said Wheeler was not authorized to speak for the family and called assertions Seth Rich sent emails to WikiLeaks "unsubstantiated." Brad Bauman said even if purported emails were to surface, it would not necessarily mean Rich had helped WikiLeaks.
"Even if tomorrow, an email was found, it is not a high enough bar of evidence to prove any interactions as emails can be altered and we've seen that those interested in pushing conspiracies will stop at nothing to do so," Bauman said. "We are a family who is committed to facts, not fake evidence that surfaces every few months to fill the void and distract law enforcement and the general public from finding Seth's murderers."
Although Bauman Wheeler was paid by a third party, the family is named as clients of Wheeler's Capitol Investigations on a contract signed by Rich's father, Joel Rich.
The family has been sensitive to speculation that Rich could have leaked emails damaging to the DNC since he was murdered during the height of the presidential campaign in a case that remains unsolved. Wheeler and the federal investigator insist that there is evidence to back their claims.
An FBI forensic report of Rich's computer --*generated within 96 hours after Rich's murder -- showed he made contact with WikiLeaks through Gavin MacFadyen, a now-deceased American investigative reporter, documentary filmmaker, and director of WikiLeaks who was living in London at the time, the federal source told Fox News.
“I have seen and read the emails between Seth Rich and WikiLeaks,” the federal investigator told Fox News, confirming the MacFadyen connection. He said the emails are in possession of the FBI, while the stalled case is in the hands of the Washington Police Department.
The revelation is consistent with the findings of Wheeler, whose private investigation firm was hired by a third party on behalf of Rich’s family to probe the case.
“My investigation up to this point shows there was some degree of email exchange between Seth Rich and WikiLeaks,” Wheeler said. “I do believe that the answers to who murdered Seth Rich sits on his computer on a shelf at the DC police or FBI headquarters.”
The federal investigator, who requested anonymity, said 44,053 emails and 17,761 attachments between Democratic National Committee leaders, spanning from January 2015 through late May 2016, were transferred from Rich to MacFadyen before May 21.
On July 22, just 12 days after Rich was killed, WikiLeaks published internal DNC emails that appeared to show top party officials conspired to stop Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont from becoming the party’s presidential nominee. That controversy resulted in Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigning as DNC chairperson.
WikiLeaks leader Julian Assange has stopped short of identifying Rich as the source of the emails, but has taken a keen interest in the case, and has not denied working with Rich.
“WikiLeaks has decided to issue a US$20k reward for information leading to conviction for the murder of DNC staffer Seth Rich,” the organization announced.
Assange has not returned a series of recent emails from Fox News about Rich. MacFadyen, who was considered a mentor by Assange, died of lung cancer on Oct. 22 at age 76.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department has no suspects and no substantial leads as to who the killer or killers may be, sources close to the investigation said. Metropolitan Police, including the police chief, have refused to discuss the case, despite requests from Fox News dating back 10 months.
The department released a statement on the case saying it remains an active investigation and that detectives are working with Rich's family.
"If there are any individuals who feel they have information, we urge them to call us at (202) 727-9099 or text us at 50411," read the statement. "The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information on this case that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible."
The FBI’s national office declined to comment, but sources said the bureau provided cyber expertise to examine Rich’s computer.
D.C. police have announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of Rich’s killer. Republican lobbyist Jack Burkman has offered a separate $130,000 reward.
annabenedetti
like marbles on glass
Alex Campbell Verified account
[MENTION=5376]alex[/MENTION]campbell
Seth Rich family spokesperson: "no evidence," "no emails" suggesting Wikileaks links. Comes day after story claiming family PI found links
[MENTION=5376]alex[/MENTION]campbell
Seth Rich family spokesperson: "no evidence," "no emails" suggesting Wikileaks links. Comes day after story claiming family PI found links
drbrumley
Well-known member
Alex Campbell Verified account
[MENTION=5376]alex[/MENTION]campbell
Seth Rich family spokesperson: "no evidence," "no emails" suggesting Wikileaks links. Comes day after story claiming family PI found links
I can understand the family not wanting to say anything contrary.
And I really don't blame em either.
WizardofOz
New member
Good if he is using this as a ploy to increase the tax base. Bad if he wants churches to be more involved in supporting political parties or candidates and ugly if a case involving a repeal of the Johnson Amendment ends up in the hands of the Supreme Court
Trump: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Apparently former Director Comey kept detailed notes about every meeting/phone call he had with the President and dispersed copies to his colleagues.
Trump cleared the room, including Sessions and Pence, at the White House so there would be no witnesses when he asked Comey to stop investigating Michael Flynn over his Russian connections.
The only reason House and Senate Republicans have tolerated the 3 ring circus at the White House was the hope that they could enact their conservative agenda - the remainder of Trump's term will be spent circling the wagons" around the White House, not enacting their agenda!
Without the support of the Republicans in Congress, Trump's days are numbered!
Apparently former Director Comey kept detailed notes about every meeting/phone call he had with the President and dispersed copies to his colleagues.
Trump cleared the room, including Sessions and Pence, at the White House so there would be no witnesses when he asked Comey to stop investigating Michael Flynn over his Russian connections.
The only reason House and Senate Republicans have tolerated the 3 ring circus at the White House was the hope that they could enact their conservative agenda - the remainder of Trump's term will be spent circling the wagons" around the White House, not enacting their agenda!
Without the support of the Republicans in Congress, Trump's days are numbered!
DavidK
New member
I haven't had a chance to read about it in detail. The article I've read so far left me confused. It quoted the executive order as telling the IRS to back down from non-profit churches that speak from a place of religious grounds about political issues but do not support a specific candidate. As far as I understood, that's what the Johnson Amendment already does. Non-profit churches under the amendment aren't forbidden from talking issues, just supporting individual candidates.
So either I don't understand the Johnson Amendment, don't understand the executive order, or it's just for show to appeal to the evangelical supporters without actually changing much. Need to read up on it more.
My congregation is committed to speaking what we feel the Lord is saying, and we're willing to give up tax exempt status if necessary. It was one of the specific choices we agreed on when we formed it. It's nice to be tax exempt, but I don't expect or count on any favors from Babylon. Seems a little silly to throw a fit if it wants to take away tax exemption.
Poor little rich boy. :baby:
:chuckle:Good if he is using this as a ploy to increase the tax base. Bad if he wants churches to be more involved in supporting political parties or candidates and ugly if a case involving a repeal of the Johnson Amendment ends up in the hands of the Supreme Court
I have mixed feelings too. On the one hand, it seems like pastors are able to say so much related to politics but they aren't able to go that one extra step and verbalize what everyone knows they want to support anyway. On the other hand, I appreciate churches not being able to fully get involved.
One interesting viewpoint I heard on this issue is that the Johnson rule actually should be seen as protection for pastors, not a restriction. A protection because if they can't endorse someone then they can't be politically pressured. They are insulated from political battles.
Maybe another benefit to the removal of this rule is that we can see which pastors want to use their pulpit for political power and influence.
What's your view on churches being tax-exempt?
My understanding is that he directed the IRS to use great discretion in targeting churches that endorse candidates. I agree that if it was what you read would be confusing.
drbrumley
Well-known member
Well, being everyone should be tax exempt, doesn't bother me...just don't like the strings attached to it though from a secular government
Well yeah, you'd get rid of all taxes :chuckle: but I meant given our system what is your view of it.
drbrumley
Well-known member
just don't like the strings attached to it though from a secular government
WizardofOz
New member
Roger Stone: Saudi Arabia Should 'Pay for 9/11,' and Trump's Award 'Makes Me Want to Puke'
Story
Was Trump right when he criticized Saudi Arabia for their 9/11 ties or is he right now to embrace them? :think:
| President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia has left one person deeply unimpressed—his former campaign adviser Roger Stone. As the president spoke of a successful visit to the kingdom, describing his first day there as "tremendous,” Stone took to social media to lash out at the fist stop on Trump’s first foreign trip since taking office. In a tweet on Saturday Stone said: “Instead of meeting with the Saudis @realDonaldTrump should be demanding they pay for the attack on America on 9/11 which they financed.” He also shared a picture of Trump bowing his head as King Salman bin Abdulaziz awarded him the Order of Abdulaziz, writing: “Candidly this makes me want to puke #JaredsIdea.” |
Story
Was Trump right when he criticized Saudi Arabia for their 9/11 ties or is he right now to embrace them? :think:
drbrumley
Well-known member
I am actually disgusted by it.
WizardofOz
New member
By him now embracing them?
Was Trump's speech today good, bad, ugly? From what I've seen it was actually pretty good.
The one irony/double-standard I can see is that Trump and Saudi Arabia are talking about Iran being a global exporter of terrorism and I've seen quite a bit about how extremism is being propagated by Saudi Arabia. It's just Sunni instead of Shiite.
| http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-saudi-idUSKCN18H00U President Donald Trump urged Arab and Islamic leaders on Sunday to unite and do their share to defeat Islamist extremists, making an impassioned plea to "drive out" terrorists while toning down his own harsh rhetoric about Muslims. Trump singled out Iran as a key source of funding and support for militant groups. His words aligned with the views of his Saudi Arabian hosts and sent a tough message to Tehran the day after Hassan Rouhani won a second term as Iran's president. The U.S. president did not use his signature term "radical Islamic terrorism" in the speech, a signal that he heeded advice to employ a more moderate tone in the region after using the phrase repeatedly as a presidential candidate. "Terrorism has spread all across the world. But the path to peace begins right here, on this ancient soil, in this sacred land," Trump told leaders from about 50 Muslim-majority countries representing more than a billion people. "A better future is only possible if your nations drive out the terrorists and drive out the extremists. Drive them out! Drive them out of your places of worship, drive them out of your communities, drive them out of your holy land and drive them out of this earth." The president's first speech abroad provided an opportunity to show his strength and resolve, in contrast to his struggle to contain a mushrooming scandal at home after his firing of former FBI Director James Comey nearly two weeks ago. He portrayed the conflict as one between good and evil, not between civilizations, and made clear in a forceful tone that Washington would partner with the Middle East but expected more action in return. "There is still much work to be done. That means honestly confronting the crisis of Islamic extremism, and the Islamists, and Islamic terror of all kinds," he said in his speech. The advance excerpts of the speech had him saying "Islamist extremism." A White House official blamed Trump's fatigue for the switch. "Just an exhausted guy," she told reporters. The term "Islamist extremism" refers to Islamism as a political movement rather than Islam as a religion, a distinction that the Republican president had frequently criticized the administration of his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, for making. |
The one irony/double-standard I can see is that Trump and Saudi Arabia are talking about Iran being a global exporter of terrorism and I've seen quite a bit about how extremism is being propagated by Saudi Arabia. It's just Sunni instead of Shiite.
WizardofOz
New member
If he went to Saudi Arabia and somewhat called them out on harboring terrorist factions, I'd call that a good thing. :up:
I look forward to listening to the speech in its entirety.
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