Bernie Sanders Pitches Biden, Norfolk Southern Paying Politicians, TN Drag Ban, Elon's Twitter Has WORSE Transparency, Pete Buttigieg Apologia
Plus, Jews being targeted on Shabbat, Buttigieg and East Palestine, Harvey Weinstein gets 16 more years in prison
Important News Round-Up
Sen. Bernie Sanders pitched Biden directly on his plan to increase seniors’ benefits, aiming for sharper contrast with GOP
Norfolk Southern, the company behind the #EastPalestine disaster, extensively lobbied and “plied” Ohio Politicians — including Governor Mike DeWine — with thousands in cash. A month before the train derailment, @nscorp gave $10,000 (max allowed) for @GovMikeDeWine’s inauguration. Over time, they have given him $29k. In the last six years, they have given $98k to Ohio politicians. The company’s website states, “all political spending reflects (the railroad’s) interests.”
A man killed a woman in Orange County, FL., and later returned and killed a child and a TV news reporter who had been covering the original homicide. #GunControlNow
The first drag ban has passed in Tennessee and now goes to the governor’s desk. Activist Erin Reed says, “It could easily ban pride. It bans public drag. It bans transgender people performing, who are just living their lives.”
Twitter’s transparency on government requests has gotten worse, not better, under Elon Musk. Transparency reports that were published twice a year before Musk took over are no longer being published. A former staffer says, “It’s really a problem that there’s no transparency data from 2022 anywhere.” Part of the issue seems to be that Elon fired the staff that could produce them.
Politico out with a piece of @PeteButtigieg apologia, which contains quotes about how “frustrated” those in his camp are at any criticism lodged his way for lack of #EastPalestine response. And noting at the jump that it’s only “partially” under his purview and that his “usual Eagle Scout patience” is being tested. “Pete Buttigieg has taken a lot of bullets for the president on this,” said an anonymous high level Dem source. People in Buttigieg world declare that media simply did not ask him about it so that’s why he didn’t talk about it! Those asking about it are mean!
Attacks on Jews: Queens Shmira Public Safety Update says, “We have been notified that this coming Shabbat, Saturday, February 25th, a group of violent extremists are planning to come out and protest against Jewish communities across the country.”
CW: Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced today to 16 years for sex crimes in LA. He already has a 23-year sentence in NY, which will be served before the LA sentence. He was found guilty of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual penetration by a foreign object. Jurors could not decide on accusations made by Jennifer Newsom, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife and two other women. Weinstein was able to file an appeal in the NY case, making the LA sentence even more significant. Victim Jane Doe gave a statement in court, saying in part, “Inside I have fallen apart…he had broken me into a million pieces.”
BOOK CLUB! “It’s Okay To Be Angry About Capitalism” by Bernie Sanders
I’ve started a lil’ book club! Bernie is out with a brand new book this week titled, It’s Okay to Be Angry About Capitalism.
I’m breaking it down and posting excerpts to Twitter – so far, I’m through the Intro and Chapter 1. Along the way, I’m sharing my thoughts, and I’d love to learn yours! Here’s the thread where you can keep up (if you have ideas for a better format for this, lmk!)
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