POLITICO's Cambridge Analytica Collection (March 27, 2018)

I’m told among the first rules of any contest are: know your opponent, followed by: don’t underestimate your opponent. The DNC and DCCC has repeatedly failed on both counts, as demonstrated by serial catastrophic failures: Gore’s loss; Obama/DNC failure to build/maintain an informed engaged grassroots infrastructure; Judge Merrick Garland capitulation; the 2016 campaign debacle.  Now we're entering another election season and it seems nothing has changed, ...          (to be continued after this index) 

POLITICO's Cambridge Analytica Collection

Cambridge Analytica helped ‘cheat’ Brexit vote and US election, claims whistleblower

           By MARK SCOTT | 3/27/18

Facebook data scandal opens new era in global privacy enforcement

           By MARK SCOTT AND LAURENS CERULUS | 3/26/18

US regulator confirms investigation of Facebook

           By NANCY SCOLA | 3/26/18

Justice and FEC asked to investigate Cambridge Analytica

           By LORRAINE WOELLERT 03/26/2018

Facebook’s digital empire hard to shake despite Cambridge Analytica scandal

           By MARK SCOTT  3/25/18

Activist suggests Vote Leave broke spending rules in Brexit campaign

           By CARMEN PAUN | 3/25/18

UK authorities raid Cambridge Analytica HQ

           By SARAH WHEATON | 3/24/18,

Cambridge Analytica boss went from ‘aromatics’ to psyops to Trump’s campaign

           By JOSH MEYER | 3/22/18,

British data protection agency takes center stage in investigating Cambridge Analytica’s use of Facebook data

           By ANNABELLE DICKSON AND MARK SCOTT | 3/22/18

Cambridge Analytica academic who mined Facebook data: I’m a ‘scapegoat’

           By ZACH SAYER | 3/21/18

Cambridge Analytica suspends CEO Alexander Nix

           By PAUL DALLISON | 3/20/18

Trump campaign sprints away from Cambridge Analytica

           By MATTHEW NUSSBAUM | 3/20/18

POLITICO London Playbook: Russia next steps — Getting into Cambridge — Brexit scoop

           By JACK BLANCHARD 3/20/18

Europe’s data protection authorities eye Facebook, Cambridge Analytica

           By LAURENS CERULUS | 3/19/18

Cambridge Analytica boasts of dirty tricks to swing elections

           By POLITICO | 3/19/18

Politicians worldwide raise questions about Cambridge Analytica’s use of Facebook data

           By MARK SCOTT | 3/18/18

Trump-linked firm exploited data on 50M Facebook users: report

           By STEVEN OVERLY | 3/17/18

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As Russia probes progress, one name is missing: Bannon’s

           By DARREN SAMUELSOHN | 12/11/17

Assange: Trump-tied firm sought WikiLeaks help before election

           By MATTHEW NUSSBAUM 10/25/17

Mega-donor urged Bannon not to resign

           By ELIANA JOHNSON, KENNETH P. VOGEL AND JOSH DAWSEY | 4/6/17

US billionaire who helped Trump campaign also helped Leave.eu

           By HELEN COLLIS | 2/26/17

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Trump team builds ‘psychological profile’ of Clinton for debate

           By KENNETH P. VOGEL, BEN SCHRECKINGER, ALEX ISENSTADT AND DARREN SAMUELSOHN | 9/26/16

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Recall Petitioners' Blissfully Unaware of Koch's Klan Connection

I was driving home a couple days ago, when I saw a pick up truck at a pull out with a "Gwen Lachelt Recall Petition" sign and an old gal with a clip board in hand.  Driving by I started thinking about why she was doing it, so I turned around and drove back to ask.  She had the basic boilerplate complaints. Gwen went to Washington D.C. to raise a stink about oil company Fracking and Methane leak regulations.   What's wrong with that, I ask?  She was fulfilling promises that helped get her elected by citizens like myself, there was nothing secret or inappropriate about it.  

There was no answer forthcoming, instead she continued to the next point of contention, the awful Draft Land Use Code.  Well, okay, but is that really a justification for starting a recall petition, which is normally reserved for extreme misconduct and dereliction of duty, not for differences of opinions.  Why is only one of three commissions who shared blame for the Draft Land Code disaster being attacked?  Incidentally, what about the reality that the Draft is being reworked and already much improved, thanks to the normal run of our democratic process.  Again, not much of a response, instead we moved on to her trump card.

(This time I get personal and finish this post with pictures of my current renovation project.

Yup, you guessed it, making excuses for my sporadic posting record.)

Weaponizing Data - Cambridge Analytica getting in your head.

Cambridge Analytica and the art of weaponizing data and the story of manipulating people's fears to win elections and control them.  The torrent of information related to CA that's been published over the past days is amazing and frightening, although it turns out this stories has a very long history.  Any liberal progressive type who wants to influence the upcoming election needs to learn about the details.

There's a lot at stake folks.  If you're fearful for America's future and opposed to the trump team and the Koch Klan of oligarchs with their plans for Our American government (That would be to reduce government to the size where they can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub. Their words, not mine, look it up.) Following this interesting video and some quotes from it, I share links to a number of articles from 2016 and 2017 that tell different aspect of this important story, more to follow as time allows:

Did Cambridge Analytica play a role in the EU referendum? BBC Newsnight - Jul 13, 2017 

The great British Brexit robbery: how our democracy was hijacked. Carole Cadwalladr | May 9, 2017

MI6 Chief Alex Younger full speech, December 8, 2016 | Vauxhall Cross

Major Trump donor Robert Mercer to sell stake in far-right news site Breitbart David Smith | Nov 2, 2017

Ukip whistleblowers raised fears about Breitbart influence on Brexit. Kirchgaessner Hopkins | Oct 30, 2017

Will Brexit Masterminds Work for Trump? SHANE HARRIS, GIDEON RESNICK | 07.03.16

WILL DONALD TRUMP’S DATA-ANALYTICS COMPANY ALLOW RUSSIA TO ACCESS RESEARCH ON U.S. CITIZENS?                      By Ann Marlowe | August 22, 2016 | Tablet Magazine

MEET ROBERT MERCER, THE MYSTERIOUS BILLIONAIRE BENEFACTOR OF BREITBART

BY MAX KUTNER ON 11/21/16 

What Does the Billionaire Family Backing Donald Trump Really Want? Rosie Gray  JAN 27, 2017

A Special Relationship & the Birth of Cambridge Analytica. TEXTIFIRE |  May 18, 2017

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Cambridge Analytica: 

Whistleblower reveals data grab of 50 million Facebook profiles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb6-xz-geH4

Channel 4 News | Published on Mar 17, 2018

The British data firm described as “pivotal” in Donald Trump’s presidential victory was behind a ‘data grab’ of more than 50 million Facebook profiles, a whistleblower has revealed to Channel 4 News. In an exclusive television interview, Chris Wylie, former Research Director at Cambridge Analytica tells all.

NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW—MUELLER FIRING RAPID RESPONSE, preparing for the ‘unimaginable’

Given the events this entire past couple years and particularly this weekend with its orchestrated attack on the legitimacy of Robert Mueller's investigation, by Trump and the Murdoch, alt-right media machine.  In an interesting interview Carl Bernstein pointed out, Trump and his backers have created a Cold Civil War and it's serious.  Now unless Americans are willing to support respect for truth and step up to support America's Rule of Law, the consequences will be brutal.  That's why I want to add this information to my collection.  Hope we never need to put this plan into action, but if we do, we had better make a good showing throughout the country, our future will depend on it.

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NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW—MUELLER FIRING RAPID RESPONSE 

preparing for the ‘unimaginable’

https://www.trumpisnotabovethelaw.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response/

NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW—MUELLER FIRING RAPID RESPONSE

Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, the person leading the Department of Justice investigation of possible illegal actions by Donald Trump and members of his presidential campaign, and the efforts to conceal those activities.

This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. It would demand an immediate and unequivocal response to show that we will not tolerate abuse of power from Donald Trump.

Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, and whether Congress—the only body with the constitutional power and obligation to rein Trump in from his rampage—will do anything to stand up to him.

That’s why we’re preparing to hold emergency “Nobody is Above the Law” rallies around the country in the event they are needed.

DurangoTelegraph, Peters, Hawkins, Cugini - Oh the irony indeed! 3/15/18

It's not often I see the Durango Telegraph the day it hits the newsstand, but I did today.  When I opened up to the Letters section I see "New Questions for Gwen Lachelt."  It turned out to be the same old "news release" the Durango Herald covered a few weeks back.  

This is an example of the type of malicious deception these extremist depend on to make their case.  Lachelt received some money from a Denver group, that receives some money from Tom Steyer.  Tom Steyer knows nothing of Lachelt and vis versa but it's the sort of sliver of truth the Koch Klan has learned to manipulate and morph into a bludgeon for beating their targets to death.  It's contemptible, amoral and unAmerican!

While the holier than thou Peters, Hawkins, Cugini scream foul play over a small donation that was duly recorded and reported and that brakes no rules, these men are benefactors of a multimillion dollar DarkMoney machine that is trying to steal our government away from We The People.  Allow me to explain.

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Durango Herald's February 22:  “O the irony!” said Dave Peters, another (Lachelt) recall organizer, in the news release. “It turns out the queen of outside dark money is actually Commissioner Lachelt herself.” Recall supporters created a website, Save La Plata County, which explains why they are seeking her removal from office.”  

Oh the irony indeed!

What about The Rest Of This Story? 

What about SaveLaPlataCo.com’s many ties to unabashedly oil loving, environmentalist hating outfits with their vast amounts of Koch DarkMoney ready to be lavished on any go-getters ready to join their fabricated war on rationality and raise hell in their communities?

A network that Ken Francis alluded to in his thoughtful November 17th, 2017 Durango Herald opinion piece,” “Big oil and gas behind county commissioner attacks.” https://durangoherald.com/articles/195280 (at the end of this I share his insightful final paragraphs.)

Where is SaveLaPlata.com getting their funding from?  No hint at their blog.  I’ve sent Mr Peters an email requesting that information, we’ll see if I get a response. I will keep you updated.

Here we look at the brain-trust three locals depended on to fabricate their malicious effort to do an end-run around the democratic voters' will. 

(click on images for clearer view)

To begin with, isn’t their summary title a bit hysterical? 

White House quietly issues OMB report vindicating Obama regulations

More facts to help expose the lie behind Libertarians Deregulation Siren’s Song.  Here's another example of Enlightened Self-Interest showing itself to be the more rational constructive way to approach our problems.  I’ll leave the rest of this story to someone who can explain it better than I can.  

These are the facts we need to learn about and share with others. 

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REGULATIONS

Contradicting Trump, OMB report highlights rule benefits

Maxine Joselow, E&E News reporter

Published: February 26, 2018 

https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2018/02/26/stories/1060074795

The White House Office of Management and Budget on Friday evening released its annual report on the costs and benefits of federal regulations, showing that the benefits of major Obama-era rules far exceeded the costs.

E&E News broke the story, but it’s only available to subscribers so I’ll relate David Roberts report from VOX.com:

________________________________________

Trump White House quietly issues report vindicating Obama regulations

It was easy to miss, but OMB demolishes the GOP’s deregulatory claims.

By David Roberts  |  david@vox.com  |  Mar 6, 2018, 9:30am EST

https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/3/6/17077330/trump-regulatory-agenda-omb

_________________________________________________________________

For a copy of the Report itself, this has been posted by E&E News.net

   

2017 Draft Report to Congress on the Benefits and Costs of Federal Regulations and Agency Compliance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

   

https://www.eenews.net/assets/2018/02/26/document_pm_01.pdf\

_________________________________________________________________

President Donald Trump’s administration has been on a deregulatory bender, particularly when it comes to environmental regulations. As of January, the New York Times counted 67 environmental rules on the chopping block under Trump.

Can I retract my signature from the Lachelt Recall Petition? YES.

I’ve heard that some individuals who’ve signed the “Save”LaPlata Recall petition, have had second thoughts after learning more about what a contrived and deceptive petition it actually is. 

SaveLaPlataCounty.com's lack of openness regarding their funding is also causing unease among many.  For more details peruse the posts in these pages. 

I wrote our County Clerk asking about retracting one’s signature and she responded with the following helpful information.

Basically if you want to retract your signature from the contrived Lachelt Recall Petition, you simply have to write up a short request and get it to our County Clerk

(I)  Any signer may request that his or her name be stricken from the petition at any time prior to when the petition is deemed sufficient and the time for protest has passed by filing with the designated election official* a written request that his or her signature be stricken and delivering a copy of the request to at least one member of the committee**

(** That would be SaveLaPlataCounty.com).

* La Plata County Clerk & Recorder

Tiffany Parker

98 Everett St, Suite C

Durango, CO 81303

970-382-6294

970-259-5413 – fax

www.laplatacountyclerk.org

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TITLE 1 ELECTIONS

GENERAL, PRIMARY, RECALL, AND CONGRESSIONAL VACANCY ELECTIONS

Colorado Revised Statute – 1-12-108 (9)(d)(I)

Kochs' 400 million dollar assault on our democracy - 2018

Koch and pals are investing 400 million dollars, hoping to dictate this election’s outcome?  Why?  Because they really and truly want to rob us of our American democratic birthright.  

    

Going forward demands recognizing what we are facing.  Allow the reality to scare the bejeezus out of you, because it really is that scary.  Don’t kid yourselves, these guys are playing for keeps.  But don’t allow the fear to paralyze you, inform yourselves, don’t trust, verify.  The more knowledge you acquire the better you will be able to see through their well constructed make-believe alter-reality, which will enable you to better explain the illusion to those around you.  We really do need to start thinking about getting people to think of the folly in their uncritical faith dictated world view.

   

If we don’t defend honesty, truth, constructive intellectual confrontation, the scientific method, along with respecting diverse communities of individuals, and America institutions who will?* 

   

John Lewis, one of our greatest civil rights heroes has a few words worth taking to heart:

John Lewis  |  CNN  |  Published March 4, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR9QhXxx4VI

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With references to the following articles:

Trump Picks DAPL Lobbyist to Oversee EPA Water Safety in Same Week He Rolls Back Water Safeguards

Billionaire Koch Brothers Have Extracted “Laundry List” of Victories from Trump Admin

Koch Brothers’ Demand for Obamacare Repeal & Lobbyists Flourishing Under Trump

Koch network identifies top 2018 targets and outlines plans for heavy early spending

Koch brothers try to navigate differences with Trump going into 2018 elections

The Koch brothers are “all in” for 2018 with plans to spend up to $400 million

Koch network to spend $400 million during 2018 midterm election cycle

Koch’s, “Efforts in Government: Advancing Principled *Public Policy”

The Koch Brothers Plan to Spend a Record-Setting $400 Million

TIME INC. BUYER HELPED KOCH BROTHERS AIRBRUSH THEIR IMAGE ACROSS THE INTERNET

KOCH DOCUMENT REVEALS LAUNDRY LIST OF POLICY VICTORIES EXTRACTED FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

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Koch network identifies top 2018 targets and outlines plans for heavy early spending

By James Hohmann January 29, 2018

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/01/29/koch-network-identifies-top-2018-targets-and-outlines-plans-for-heavy-early-spending/

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Top strategists for the Koch network briefed their donors Monday about how they’re planning to allocate more than $400 million this election cycle on politics and policy.

Kochs using their wealth to fabricate a facade - 2018

Here we look at how its all about fabricating facades in order to manipulate people’s feelings to fight for a preordained agenda, one that has nothing to do with The Peoples' well being.  Where do we go when honesty and truth mean nothing any more?

With references to the following articles:

PBS Killed Wisconsin Uprising Documentary "Citizen Koch" To Appease Koch Brothers

Dark Money': Koch Brothers' Donations Push Their Political Agenda

The Corporate Dictatorship of PBS and NPR

Did the Koch Brothers Buy NPR?

Rebranding Koch

~~~  bonus  ~~~

Documents: Koch Brother Orchestrated Grassroots effort to lower corporate taxes

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TIME INC. BUYER HELPED KOCH BROTHERS AIRBRUSH THEIR IMAGE ACROSS THE INTERNET

Lee Fang | December 1 2017

https://theintercept.com/2017/12/01/time-magazine-koch-brothers-meredith-corp/

On Monday, Koch …

The Koch brothers claim they provided $650 million to purchase Time Inc. — which has faced a consistent decline in revenue as advertising income has faltered, …

Koch’s partner in the Time buyout, however, has a history of involvement in exactly the type of media manipulation that critics fear most. In the coverage of the Meredith-Time deal, little has been made of the fact that Meredith has worked as a social media marketing firm for Koch Industries. …

In the early years of this decade, Meredith provided stealth marketing efforts to delete critical commentary about the Koch brothers and their political ventures. New Media Strategies, a subsidiary of Meredith, was retained by Koch Industries to airbrush Wikipedia articles relating to Koch Industries, David Koch, Charles Koch, the Tea Party, and Richard Fink, a strategist for the Koch brothers’ political operation. It’s not clear if such relationships continued after they were exposed.

An internal investigation by Wikipedia editors found that one account New Media Strategies employees working for Koch had also used a number of so-called sock puppet accounts to edit articles relating to the Kochs. In one instance,