Happy New Year!

Colorado lawmakers will again seek to ban the sale of certain types of semiautomatic firearms in the coming legislative session, embracing a new approach after more sweeping assault weapons bans died in the state Capitol in recent years. The new bill spearheaded by Democrats is aimed at building upon existing gun laws by prohibiting the sale, manufacture or purchase of semiautomatic weapons that use detachable magazines.

If you're like me, you often wonder how someone as corrupt and venal as Susan Collins has remained in the U. S. Senate for so long. Surely, they can elect someone who serves Maine's interests more than just the Republican Party? Well, having a compliant and complicit local press helps a lot, and that's just what the Bangor Daily News has been doing for years.

First Draft Jimmy and Ronald, and a farewell to a decent man. Balloon Juice: There ain't much to country living. Balkinization: Thinking way outside the box on constitutional design. ProPublica: The American oil industry’s playbook, illustrated. This Modern World: Age of anxiety. This installment by Batocchio. E-mail tips to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com. read more

Donald Trump's picked a myriad of of the most awful people alive, those who've committed every offense, violated every social norm--just absolutely despicable "humans" for his cabinet. It's almost like he's going out of his way to pick people who were unacceptable in politics just a decade ago, and still aren't wanted in most parts of our society. I discuss this topic w John Fugelsang, noting who will & won't make it, some of their worst qualities the press has ignored and who was picked just as shiny objects to distract attention from the worst of them, i.e.

Still trying to blow it all up for Trump on his way out.

It is pathetic when people posing as journalists advocate for pay raises for spoiled politicians who have caused so much damage to ordinary Americans.