Craig Holman: Trump Administration Gearing Up to Be “Most Scandal-Ridden in History”

Democracy Now!

Published on Jan 3, 2017
http://democracynow.org – On the campaign trail, Donald Trump refused to disclose his taxes, and now Public Citizen’s Craig Holman says the Trump administration is a scandal in waiting because of the vast number of conflicts of interest he brings. “If steps are not taken to manage these conflicts, the Trump administration is likely to become one of the most scandal-ridden in memory,” Holman argues.

Without Warning or Public Input, House Republicans Vote to Dismantle Ethics Oversight Office

Democracy Now!

Published on Jan 3, 2017
http://democracynow.org – A new Republican-led Congress meets today, and in one of their first moves, House Republicans have voted to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics, dismantling reforms adopted after a previous Republican ethics scandal. The measure will take away authority and independence from the investigative body and give more power to lawmakers over internal inquiries. We speak with Craig Holman, Public Citizen’s government affairs lobbyist on campaign finance and governmental ethics, who helped to set up the Office of Congressional Ethics after it was established in 2008, and says it “literally quadrupled” the number of ethics actions taken in the House but will now be “neutered.”

New Republican Congress reverses ethics move after outcry – BBC News

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38499284

Republicans have ditched a plan to gut the independent body that investigates political misconduct after a backlash.

The lawmakers’ surprise vote to strip the Office of Congressional Ethics of its independence prompted public uproar and a dressing down from Donald Trump.

“Focus on tax reform, healthcare and so many other things of far greater importance!” the president-elect said.

The secretive move, which overshadowed the first day of the 115th Congress, was reversed in an emergency meeting.

Upcoming Events | LANDSCAPE HEROES: CARBON, WATER, AND BIODIVERSITY | Ecological Landscape Alliance

http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/carbon-conference/

LANDSCAPE HEROES: CARBON, WATER, AND BIODIVERSITY
Buy Tickets
January 31 @ 8:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST
$79 – $99
Small Steps – Big Impacts
CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

Join us at UMass Amherst on Tuesday, January 31st for an in-depth, inspiring conversation on Carbon Sequestration and learn what practical steps you can take to ensure that your interactions with the landscape make positive impacts.

At this day-long program you will learn from many land care practitioners including land managers, farmers, researchers, and conservationists about what is possible for soil carbon and landscape restoration. From yards to farms to greenways to commons to gardens, how we treat our soils impacts the climate.

We know soil is alive. In fact, in one tablespoon of healthy soil there are more microorganisms than there are people on this planet. A highly functional, thriving soil has the capacity to store carbon, absorb water like a sponge, and support a thriving landscape. For years we have viewed soil through its physical and chemical properties, and we are beginning to realize the crucial role of biology in soil function and health. Now we are finding that from back yards to farms to greenways to commons to gardens, how we treat our soils has implications for the global climate.

phytoremediation-canal-cleaning-island-of-plantsJoin Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, the Ecological Landscape Alliance, the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA/Mass), and the Organic Land Care of NOFA/CT for a day-long program that offers practical tips and applications for how you, too, can be part of the climate solution. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast, farmer, conservation/restoration specialist, or landscape professional, there are positive changes that you can make. Whether you work to reduce compaction using biology, actively build soil carbon, increase soil biodiversity and resilience above and below ground, or heal degraded landscapes, you will walk away with practical tips to apply to your own setting. The synergy of many individuals taking small steps can result in big impacts!

…(read more).

LANDSCAPE HEROES: CARBON, WATER, AND BIODIVERSITY

Buy Tickets

January 31 @ 8:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST

$79 – $99

Small Steps – Big Impacts

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

Join us at UMass Amherst on Tuesday, January 31st for an in-depth, inspiring conversation on Carbon Sequestration and learn what practical steps you can take to ensure that your interactions with the landscape make positive impacts.

At this day-long program you will learn from many land care practitioners including land managers, farmers, researchers, and conservationists about what is possible for soil carbon and landscape restoration. From yards to farms to greenways to commons to gardens, how we treat our soils impacts the climate. Click for conference agenda.

We know soil is alive. In fact, in one tablespoon of healthy soil there are more microorganisms than there are people on this planet. A highly functional, thriving soil has the capacity to store carbon, absorb water like a sponge, and support a thriving landscape. For years we have viewed soil through its physical and chemical properties, and we are beginning to realize the crucial role of biology in soil function and health. Now we are finding that from back yards to farms to greenways to commons to gardens, how we treat our soils has implications for the global climate.

Join Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, the Ecological Landscape Alliance, the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA/Mass), and the Organic Land Care of NOFA/CT for a day-long program that offers practical tips and applications for how you, too, can be part of the climate solution. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast, farmer, conservation/restoration specialist, or landscape professional, there are positive changes that you can make. Whether you work to reduce compaction using biology, actively build soil carbon, increase soil biodiversity and resilience above and below ground, or heal degraded landscapes, you will walk away with practical tips to apply to your own setting. The synergy of many individuals taking small steps can result in big impacts!

– See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/carbon-conference/#sthash.HYglZ8Ck.dpuf

Trump assembles America’s ‘richest cabinet’ – BBC News

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38168382

US President-elect Donald Trump took a populist tone on the campaign trail, pledging to stand for a beleaguered working class abandoned by the elite.

Yet, as he selects his cabinet, observers are already pointing out that he is putting together the richest administration in US history.

So far, his choices include a billionaire investor, a woman who married into a retail dynasty and a multi-millionaire banker.

Democrats have been quick to the attack. “Donald Trump’s administration: of, by and for the millionaires and billionaires,” tweeted Bernie Sanders, a Vermont senator who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination.

…(read more).

Noam Chomsky – Obama’s Imperialist Policies

Rudy Dekker

Published on Jan 2, 2017

Looking for a little extra passive income during these rough times?

US Congress: Republicans vote to limit ethics body – BBC News

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38494455

Republicans in the US House of Representatives have voted to weaken the body that investigates claims of misconduct against members of Congress.

Under the change, the independent Office of Congressional Ethics would come under the control of the House Ethics Committee.

Republican leaders in the House had opposed the change. The newly elected Congress meets later and the full House will vote on the proposed new rules.

Democrats reacted angrily to the vote.

What does this change do?

The proposals, tabled in an amendment to House rules by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, would weaken the body’s oversight of matters such as conflicts of interests and financial impropriety.

If the new rules package is voted in – as is likely as the Republicans have a clear majority – the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) would be renamed the Office of Congressional Complaint Review.

Under the proposals the new body would no longer be able to receive anonymous tip-offs, nor have a spokesperson, and would be under the supervision of the House Ethics Committee. Accusations against lawmakers would not be made public, as they are currently.

Any referral to law enforcement agencies would have to be approved by members of the committee.

…(read more).