Understand, as well, this is not another Cold War that we’re entering into. After all, unlike the Soviet Union, Russia leads no bloc of nations, no global ideology. The United States and NATO do not seek any conflict with Russia. In fact, for more than 60 years, we have come together in NATO -- not to claim other lands, but to keep nations free. What we will do -- always -- is uphold our solemn obligation, our Article 5 duty to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our allies. And in that promise we will never waver; NATO nations never stand alone.

ABINGTON - Pennsylvania state prosecutors won a first round Wednesday in their corruption case against state Sen. Leanna Washington, securing a judge's ruling that they have enough evidence for a trial on charges that she ordered taxpayer-paid employees to organize an annual "birthday party" political fundraiser.

For eight years, Washington pressured her Senate staff to devote weeks to drawing up guest lists that included city and state officials, making invitations and taking money from invitees that ultimately went to her campaign account, prosecutors said.

Staffers also allegedly used taxpayer-paid computers, copiers and office supplies.

District Judge John Kessler ruled that testimony from one of Washington's former employees, Jamila Hall, was strong enough to allow the case to go to trial. In a grand jury presentment issued with the charges March 12, prosecutors listed seven current or former employees or interns, including Hall, who said they witnessed or carried out tasks to organize the fundraisers.

Washington, 68, declined comment after the two-hour hearing at Kessler's Montgomery County office. Washington, a Democrat who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, is running for a third full term this year.

jerseyhoya wrote:Obama's speech in Belgium today was pretty fantastic

CalvinBall wrote:

jerseyhoya wrote:Obama's speech in Belgium today was pretty fantastic

you just keep sticking to the message...


wait what

Phan In Phlorida wrote:My mom was raised by a single parent. Well, technically a widow since her dad died in the coal mines 2 months before she was born. They lived in what was called a "company house", essentially a 2 room shack with no indoor plumbing or furnace. Her only toys were what her uncle brought home from "work"... he was what was known as a "rag man", after being injured in the mines, he earned money by going around the neighboorhood collecting old clothes to sell as rags, junk to fix and sell, etc. Back then (1940s-50s), there were no welfare or assistance programs, so she dropped out of school after 8th grade to get a job with her mom doing "piece work" in the clothes factory at 1 cent per.

I guess I don't really have a point as she does have fond childhood memories, like the chickens they raised for food, etc.

Phan In Phlorida wrote:Jerz just jizzed his jeans

jerseyhoya wrote:UN General Assembly voted 100-11 with 58 abstentions calling the referendum in Crimea illegitimate. I love a good UN General Assembly issue dealing with a crappy country doing crappy things so you can see the who's who of crappy countries line up together - Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, and Sudan. Hey Russia, your friends (with one or two exceptions) are really awful.

jerseyhoya wrote:

drsmooth wrote:

jerseyhoya wrote:
A Brief History of Obamacare Delays - IT'S. THE. LAW.

I'm chary of bruising any delicate sensibilities unintentionally, but you do understand a foundational aspect of the law is to get people covered, and that imposing penalties is not one of the fundamental goals of the statute?

what's with reactionaries forever imagining that laws are mostly about penalties, and punishment?

When Republicans were looking to get a year's delay in the individual mandate as a part of the budget deal, the response was NO! IT'S THE LAW!

But it's no big deal for the administration to be like *shrugs shoulders* on whatever part they don't feel like enforcing. Because...

drsmooth wrote:

jerseyhoya wrote:

drsmooth wrote:

jerseyhoya wrote:
A Brief History of Obamacare Delays - IT'S. THE. LAW.

I'm chary of bruising any delicate sensibilities unintentionally, but you do understand a foundational aspect of the law is to get people covered, and that imposing penalties is not one of the fundamental goals of the statute?

what's with reactionaries forever imagining that laws are mostly about penalties, and punishment?

When Republicans were looking to get a year's delay in the individual mandate as a part of the budget deal, the response was NO! IT'S THE LAW!

But it's no big deal for the administration to be like *shrugs shoulders* on whatever part they don't feel like enforcing. Because...

it's the law they (Reps) contributed nothing but obstruction to - maybe come up with a better budget bargaining offer

jerseyhoya wrote:Am looking forward to your support of the next Republican president unilaterally dismembering Obamacare because Democrats wouldn't do anything but obstruct attempts to do so legislatively.