Barr gets to declassify investigation documents

[VRAMdemon]

Clearly you didn’t read the report as he came up with a LOT of collusion. What he didn’t come up with was criminal charges beyond those he already charged.

No one has ever come up with a valid reason why Strzok would be suspect, other than the fact that he didn’t like Trump, which is no reason at all.

We have already seen how Barr will lie to America to protect Trump, I suspect he will selectively declassify information to do so again here.

The Attorney General should have staff that are familiar with handling classified information and are responsible for liaising with agencies such as the CIA. And William Barr was previously Deputy Attorney General, and before that, head of DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel. There’s no way he was able to do that job without some familiarity with handling classified material.

Score another round for Vlad the Impaler.

Create divisions of mistrust between the Five Eyes. Discourage, hound, and persecute America's intelligence community. Cripple NATO. Try to suck America into another stupid, disastrous war. Trump is the gift that keeps on giving to the Kremlin.

I wouldn't be surprised if this petulant and ignorant action by Barr has just assured that no other country's intelligence services will ever again SHARE INFORMATION with US Intelligence Services for fear of their sources and methods being exposed for Trump's Domestic Political Benefit.

Again, I'm sure that Putin is laughing his ass off right now, as is President Xi of China

EDIT: spelling

 

[VRAMdemon]

We'll have to see what Barr releases. Like I said, I'm curious as to what it might be.
Despite the general feeling around here, Barr isn't an idiot, though he is a team player. He must have something he thinks is worth going public with.

Actually, you should be appalled at this action...

By making an official investigation, they please their base. Any actual “investigation” will squarely put Barr and Trump into impeachable territory – even Republicans will have to face that and the anger of voters. John Mitchell, Nixon's attorney general, tried using the AG office for political purposes of pleasing his boss, and he spent 19 months in the big house. Not a precedent another AG would want to follow. Clearly the Trump Administration is doing a Erdogan and trying to turn the Mueller investigation into an excuse to silence and perhaps jail his critics.

The election in 2020 will expose America's true nature. Any U.S.. that keeps Trump and his whole cesspool of sycophants in office has no resemblance to what was envisioned in the Constitution, and what so many over the last centuries dies to preserve.

 

[VRAMdemon]

It's simple when you've reached a conclusion before having any information. I like having a bit more to go on.

So..You should be calling for the un-redacted Mueller report to be released in full, and as soon as possible to the American people.

You should also be interested in:

(1)Trump’s efforts to fire Mueller, despite being told by then-White House Counsel Don McGahn that he could face legal jeopardy for doing so, Trump directed McGahn on multiple occasions to fire Mueller or to gin up false conflicts of interest as a pretext to try and get rid of Mueller

(2) Trump’s order to falsify evidence about that effort.

(3) Trump’s efforts to limit the scope of Mueller’s investigation to exclude his conduct.

(4) Trump’s efforts to try and prevent witnesses from cooperating with investigators probing him and his campaign.

(5)Trump repeatedly pressuring then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reverse his decision to recuse himself from the investigation so that he could control it and ensure it did not ensnare Trump. When that failed, Trump directed then-White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus to fire Sessions and Priebus refused.

(6)Trump signaling to his former campaign chairman Manafort that a pardon was a more likely possibility if he continued not to cooperate with the government. Trump repeatedly suggested that a pardon for Manafort was possible but that he did not want Manafort to “flip” and cooperate. During Manafort’s jury trial, Trump also made repeated public statements attacking the prosecution as a “hoax” that had the potential to influence the jury. These are tactics that we have seen and charged successfully against mob bosses, drug kingpins, and gang leaders.

And so on and so on. Of course, these aren’t the only acts of lawbreaking and obstruction detailed and confirmed.

Obviously, right now the only thing standing between Trump and a federal courtroom is the office of the presidency..

 

[HomerJS]

First, collusion wasn't what Mueller was looking for, nor is collusion a law that can be broken. Second, former Michigan GOP Rep. Tom Coleman:



What do you call what he describes? Come on, let's hear it.

At a minimum it is cooporation with the Russians

 

[fskimospy]

Can you imagine what conservatives would do if Obama decided to selectively declassify intelligence information for his own domestic political benefit? They would literally want him shot for treason.

Again, I wish conservatives would take their own advice. Someday there will be a Democrat in the White House again. Do you really want him doing this sort of thing?

Please, just for a minute, put your country before your party. Conservatives are inflicting enormous damage on the country all to try and keep an obvious crook out of jail. Grow up.

 

[Greenman]

Someday there will be a Democrat in the White House again. Do you really want him doing this sort of thing?

That would depend on what "this sort of thing" is. If Barr releases information that shows the Trump campaign was targeted for investigation without due process, based on falsified information, or simply because someone didn't like Trump, then I have no issue with it. If he exposes agents and methods simply to muddy the trail then it's a major issue.
My guess is that this will be the same as every other Trump related issue, one side will say it's nothing and the other side will call it proof of a crime. Both will cherry pick information and gloss over or omit facts that don't fit the narrative.
What I do know is that we're in for many more months of this. It seems clear at this point that congress won't act until we get closer to the next election, or they come up with something so egregious that they're forced to act.

 

[fskimospy]

That would depend on what "this sort of thing" is. If Barr releases information that shows the Trump campaign was targeted for investigation without due process, based on falsified information, or simply because someone didn't like Trump, then I have no issue with it. If he exposes agents and methods simply to muddy the trail then it's a major issue.

We already know why the Trump campaign was investigated, it’s been public knowledge for a year and a half and it was a VERY good thing they investigated him.

Barr is not going to expose agents and methods, he is going to selectively declassify information without context. Remember when Republicans tried that with the Nunes memo? You’ll see the same thing again here.

My guess is that this will be the same as every other Trump related issue, one side will say it's nothing and the other side will call it proof of a crime. Both will cherry pick information and gloss over or omit facts that don't fit the narrative.
What I do know is that we're in for many more months of this. It seems clear at this point that congress won't act until we get closer to the next election, or they come up with something so egregious that they're forced to act.

Why are you trying to #bothsides this? You don’t see Democrats pushing to selectively declassify information to make Trump look bad, that’s only Republicans. As for proof of a crime, the Mueller report extensively documents criminal activity by Trump. Anyone who says it doesn’t is frankly delusional. That’s why more than 1,000 former federal prosecutors signed that letter stating that Trump would otherwise be indicted.

I mean you aren’t arguing that Trump didn’t commit crimes, are you?

 

[Jhhnn]

That would depend on what "this sort of thing" is. If Barr releases information that shows the Trump campaign was targeted for investigation without due process, based on falsified information, or simply because someone didn't like Trump, then I have no issue with it. If he exposes agents and methods simply to muddy the trail then it's a major issue.
My guess is that this will be the same as every other Trump related issue, one side will say it's nothing and the other side will call it proof of a crime. Both will cherry pick information and gloss over or omit facts that don't fit the narrative.
What I do know is that we're in for many more months of this. It seems clear at this point that congress won't act until we get closer to the next election, or they come up with something so egregious that they're forced to act.

Has it occurred to you how deeply wrong it is for the fucking AG to pimp out a conspiracy theory?

 

[ch33zw1z]

Lol, not sure if serious.

 

[darkswordsman17]

And the OP wonders why people think he's a fucking idiot. If the shit-filled diaper fits, although I'm not sure why the OP feels the need to wear it on his head, other than even he realizes he's just spewing shit.

 

[Greenman]

We already know why the Trump campaign was investigated, it’s been public knowledge for a year and a half and it was a VERY good thing they investigated him.

Barr is not going to expose agents and methods, he is going to selectively declassify information without context. Remember when Republicans tried that with the Nunes memo? You’ll see the same thing again here.



Why are you trying to #bothsides this? You don’t see Democrats pushing to selectively declassify information to make Trump look bad, that’s only Republicans. As for proof of a crime, the Mueller report extensively documents criminal activity by Trump. Anyone who says it doesn’t is frankly delusional. That’s why more than 1,000 former federal prosecutors signed that letter stating that Trump would otherwise be indicted.

I mean you aren’t arguing that Trump didn’t commit crimes, are you?

It is both sides. Congress is trying to get Trumps tax returns in the hope of finding a crime. Trump is going to torpedo the FBI to try and prove it's all political bullshit. I'm pretty sick of both of them. It isn't about governing a nation, it's a team sport where the real losers are the fans.

 

[UberNeuman]

It is both sides. Congress is trying to get Trumps tax returns in the hope of finding a crime. Trump is going to torpedo the FBI to try and prove it's all political bullshit. I'm pretty sick of both of them. It isn't about governing a nation, it's a team sport where the real losers are the fans.

yeah, no. You're just a dishonest person, a liar, and a moron. You are your own Three Stooges. lol.

 

[cytg111]

It is both sides. Congress is trying to get Trumps tax returns in the hope of finding a crime. Trump is going to torpedo the FBI to try and prove it's all political bullshit. I'm pretty sick of both of them. It isn't about governing a nation, it's a team sport where the real losers are the fans.

In the hope?
Surely noone hopes the POTUS is a criminal? Weird choice of words there.
If they have reason to suspect, you wouldnt want them to sit on their hands would you? What if there is evidence of Iranium one in there?
Hammering the FBI on the other hand over conspiracy theories ... that looks like, to me, that he has ordered his AG to go manifacture... tsk tsk.

 

[fskimospy]

It is both sides. Congress is trying to get Trumps tax returns in the hope of finding a crime. Trump is going to torpedo the FBI to try and prove it's all political bullshit. I'm pretty sick of both of them. It isn't about governing a nation, it's a team sport where the real losers are the fans.

Right, because people testified to Congress that Trump committed crimes and other research into his taxes showed criminal activity. On what sane planet is that political bullshit?

 

[Jhhnn]

It is both sides. Congress is trying to get Trumps tax returns in the hope of finding a crime. Trump is going to torpedo the FBI to try and prove it's all political bullshit. I'm pretty sick of both of them. It isn't about governing a nation, it's a team sport where the real losers are the fans.

Politically motivated witch hunt? That's exactly what Barr is doing with this whole "Spying!" song & dance routine. Investigate for a third time? Make a big publicity splash in doing so? It's pure propaganda.

The GOP sent in Barr to be Trump's fixer, not to defend & support the Constitution, as is his oath. He'll use every sleazy trick & lawyerly sleight of hand he can find in doing so. He's a disgrace.

 

[sandorski]

Dude's gone Bros. Only he can bring himself back.

 

[brycejones]

Dude's gone Bros. Only he can bring himself back.

Was Greenman ever really here?

 

[zinfamous]

I hope every single despicable thing Trump, Barr and McConnell are committing in order to keep the Trump Crime Clan in business will be recorded in infinite detail, entered into the Congressional Record and read in full at the beginning of every new Congress as a warning and lesson to those who think it's just fine and dandy/no big deal to trample the Constitution into the dirt, defile and defy the rule of law with impunity and usurp the checks and balance that the House is dutifully attempting to fulfill.

This can't happen again. If Trump somehow makes it through this he will consider it a mandate and justification to behave precisely the way he is carrying on right now and then he will as his one and only purpose do everything within his power to get revenge on his "treasonous enemies".

If you all think he is criminally insane now, just wait 'til he gets another chance for a "re-do".

The exit to the Trump Library is going to need a sticky pad for the feet, a Clidox shower, a negative pressure gap chamber, and then a UV pass under lamp to make sure the filth within can never escape.

The entrance will feature mandatory enemas.

 

[FirNaTine]

...

It should not need to be said explicitly, if AG Barr were acting in good faith and with a pure heart (I do not believe either of those things are true, but if), he would lack the underlying knowledge and expertise to know why, e.g., the CIA classified, and what damage might be done by declassifying. Because DOJ people, even the best DOJ person ever, has very limited familiarity with the equities of international intelligence gathering. That's not really what they do. This empowerment is absolutely indefensible by any metric. It is maliciously idiotic.

...

I do have to disagree with a bit of what you posted.

The FBI, well at least a portion of it, very much does operate internationally in an intelligence gathering role. It has maintained a diverse international presence since around WWII (predating the CIA actually), but refocused some of that from coordinating and training with foreign governments to a focus on intelligence as it relates to terrorism since September 11th. By it's very nature some of that will involve highly sensitive information that could compromise both sources and methods of intelligence gathering.

Now, whether or not the folks in DoJ most attuned to that will be involved in the decision making is a separate matter.

 

[DarthKyrie]

I do have to disagree with a bit of what you posted.

The FBI, well at least a portion of it, very much does operate internationally in an intelligence gathering role. It has maintained a diverse international presence since around WWII (predating the CIA actually), but refocused some of that from coordinating and training with foreign governments to a focus on intelligence as it relates to terrorism since September 11th. By it's very nature some of that will involve highly sensitive information that could compromise both sources and methods of intelligence gathering.

Now, whether or not the folks in DoJ most attuned to that will be involved in the decision making is a separate matter.

We can release any of that information, those assets should be fine it's not like they are betraying anyone.

/s

 

[FirNaTine]

We can release any of that information, those assets should be fine it's not like they are betraying anyone.

/s

Not at all suggesting we should. Just clarifying that the FBI, which is part of the DoJ *does* engage in the collection and handling of international intelligence. And their international locations are in US Consulate locations, so they should be quite familiar with international diplomatic sensitivity.

I do wholeheartedly agree that the originating agency should have say in it's release, as per the usual process, but only being suggested to be done under this new directive

 

[DarthKyrie]

Not at all suggesting we should. Just clarifying that the FBI, which is part of the DoJ *does* engage in the collection and handling of international intelligence. And their international locations are in US Consulate locations, so they should be quite familiar with international diplomatic sensitivity.

I do wholeheartedly agree that the originating agency should have say in it's release, as per the usual process, but only being suggested to be done under this new directive

I quoted you but my comment wasn't directed at you. My comment was made in jest of all the people out there that would actually think something like that.

 

[FirNaTine]

Cheers then.

 

[HomerJS]

It is both sides. Congress is trying to get Trumps tax returns in the hope of finding a crime. Trump is going to torpedo the FBI to try and prove it's all political bullshit. I'm pretty sick of both of them. It isn't about governing a nation, it's a team sport where the real losers are the fans.

Both sides my ass. You fucking well know if Obama had 1/10th the dirt as Trump he would already be impeached.

 

[trenchfoot]

Both sides my ass. You fucking well know if Obama had 1/10th the dirt as Trump he would already be impeached.

Obama would have been impeached if he had behaved anything like Trump did at Helsinki. Trump literally disgraced and insulted our Intel Community and America in front of the world by siding with Putin on the interference issue.

Obama would have been run out of office on a rail if he did what Trump did on this one single issue alone and here we have Trump committing numerous acts grossly unbefitting of the office he holds with many of them that are plainly impeachable offenses.