Dear Editor:
Please consider this short but potent guest commentary from political scientist Mel Gurtov on the recent meltdown in the Department of Justice over Attorney General Bill Barr interfering in the sentencing phase of a convicted felon (7 felony convictions) at the behest of Trump's tweets--as the rule of law seemingly vanishes along with co-equal branches of government. For PeaceVoice, thank you,
Tom Hastings
~~~~~~~~~
Poor Bill Barr
by Mel Gurtov
302 words
Attorney General William Barr’s interview the other day in which he said Trump’s constant tweeting had made his job “impossible” has gotten mixed responses in the media. Some think the comment exposed a genuine rift between Barr and Trump, while others saw it as farce. I’m in the latter camp: I think the whole episode has been choreographed with specific aims in mind.
First, I think Barr, besieged by criticism of his department’s handling of Roger Stone’s sentencing, wanted to promote the pretense of his independence from Trump’s influence. I won’t be “bullied,” Barr proclaimed. Of course this is nonsense: Barr has been Trump’s most faithful follower, doing his bidding on the Mueller Report and much else besides. Barr needs no bullying, just a phone call. No sooner did Trump declare Stone’s sentencing “unfair” and a travesty than Barr jumped, intervening to order a re-do and prompting four of his prosecutors to resign in protest. (Barr’s insistence that he overruled the prosecutors prior to Trump’s outburst is not credible.)
Second, Barr was trying to let Trump know—but really to let outside opinion believe—that he, Barr, had the situation in hand and didn’t need presidential interference. “I’m doing exactly what you want, Mr. President,” Barr was saying; no need to keep tweeting, which is ruining my performance. (Trump got the message; his parrot, “press secretary” Stephanie Grisham, said Trump was entirely satisfied with Barr’s interview comments.)
Third, Barr made clear in the interview that there are grounds for a president to interfere in ongoing investigations—exactly as Trump has now declared, saying he has the “legal right” to intervene in criminal cases. Trump has compiled quite a history of doing just that—obstructing justice—and Barr has been entirely on board with such behavior. Some in the media made it seem as though Trump was taking issue with Barr on this issue. Not at all; Barr has consistently defended Trump’s interventions and obstructionism.
What about a president’s attempt to use the justice department to get dirt on a political opponent? No, that's seeking personal gain and isn't appropriate, said Barr. Yet if Lev Parnas is to be believed, Barr was in on Giuliani’s Ukraine mission, and was aware that Trump’s withholding of aid to Ukraine was linked to Ukraine’s promise to investigate the Bidens. Where was Barr then? And we know where Barr was on Russian interference in US elections—traveling around Europe in search of evidence to support the spurious alternative thesis that the FBI had wrongly investigated the Trump campaign in 2016. Not a personal mission to absolve Trump?
Lastly, there’s the “poor Bill” angle. Barr has been taking an awful lot of criticism since assuming his office. His image as a straight shooter has been badly tarnished. And now he’s the victim of Trump’s bad judgment, a sympathetic figure who needs support from an understanding public and Congress. Oh, my.
So the real problem here is what it has always been under Trump: defiance of democratic norms and the rule of law, central to which is the justice department’s subservience to an autocratic president. If Bill Barr had an ounce of integrity, he would follow his prosecutors out the door.
—————————-end--
Mel Gurtov, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University and blogs at In the Human Interest
=====================
Consciously pausing gives your child's brain more time to process the question and, on another level, tells her that you’re open to hearing anything she has to say. Learn how to foster positivity with intentional "wait time" →
Hormones, High School, and ADHD: A Parent’s Guide
Work with your teen to balance freedom and responsibility with these ground rules for adolescents.
Keep reading →
"Sometimes It Doesn't Stick in Our Brains..."
"I don't want my son to think ADHD is an excuse for all negative behavior, but I want him to understand why it’s harder to remember things."
A mom on having the (ADD) talk →
ADVERTISEMENT
"My Son, the Superhero"
"As my boy crosses the threshold to adulthood, I still look at him and see our complex relationship. But the world is beginning to recognize the amazing man he will become."
Keep reading →
"I Got a Second Chance."
"When ADHD makes you feel different, drinking and drugs can be a common ground with other teens." Hear from this young man, his parents, and ADHD coach about how he turned his life around →
FEBRUARY CONTEST
Win a Revibe Connect!
Tell us: What would you write to your child, your loved one, or yourself in a Valentine that celebrates their greatest ADHD attributes? and you could win this watch, which uses discrete vibrations to remind and redirect. Enter now »
FREE WEBINAR ON FEBRUARY 26
Marijuana & the ADHD Brain
Cannabis is one of the most widely abused substances among people with ADHD, as many falsely assume it is safe.
FREE WEBINAR ON MARCH 3
Become an EF Detective
Learn how to pinpoint your child's biggest executive function shortfalls, and problem-solve solutions. Register »
High-quality career and technical education programs deliver what students and parents want! To learn more about CTE and how can it serve students in your state, visit ExcelinEd.org/CTE.
USDA Invests $3.4 Million in Broadband for Rural Illinois Communities
CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Feb. 14, 2020 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Illinois State Director Douglas Wilson announced USDA is investing $3.4 million to create or improve rural e-Connectivity for 603 rural households, 12 farms and a business in Hamilton County. This high-speed broadband infrastructure project is one of many funding announcements in the first round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program investments.
“High-speed broadband is critical for the prosperous future of rural communities,” Wilson said. “It is essential for economic development and improved access to health care and educational resources. President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue have made the deployment of this much-needed service a priority. I congratulate Hamilton County Telephone Cooperative on this award and look forward to seeing more communities get access to this vital infrastructure.”
Hamilton County Telephone Cooperative Corporation Inc. will replace copper wire with fiber-optic cable wire. The upgrade will benefit 146 customers in the area. The company provides broadband internet access, entertainment video and voice services to 1,600 customers over approximately 467 square miles.
Background:
In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called “ReConnect,” including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31, 2019, and July 12, 2019, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks.
These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload.
In December 2019, Agriculture Secretary Perdue announced USDA will be making available an additional $550 million in ReConnect funding in 2020. USDA has available up to $200 million for grants, up to $200 million for 50/50 grant/loan combinations, and up to $200 million for low-interest loans. The application window for this round of funding opened on Jan. 31, 2020. Applications for all funding products will be accepted in the same application window, which will close on March 16, 2020.
A full description of 2020 ReConnect Pilot Program funding is available on page 67913 of the Dec. 12, 2019, Federal Register (PDF, 336 KB). To learn more about eligibility, technical assistance and recent announcements, visit www.usda.gov/reconnect.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
===================
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Tony Young
Media Relations Manager
tonyyoung@utah.gov | 801-538-8722
GOED To Host Utah Rural Day on the Hill
What
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) will host Rural Day on the Hill, an event highlighting economic challenges, successes and opportunities in rural Utah. The meeting will include an overview of the Utah rural economy, “Friend of Rural Utah” and the Small Business Development Center awards. Later in the afternoon, the group will convene in the Capitol rotunda to network with legislators and discuss issues affecting rural Utah.
Where
Utah State Capitol
State Office Building Auditorium and Rotunda
350 State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Rural Day On The Hill will be held in the State office building auditorium from 1 to 3:15 p.m. with the presentation of awards, legislative updates and remarks.
A reception with legislators will be held from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in the Capitol rotunda.
When
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020
Interview Opportunities
Media Availability: 3:15 to 3:30 p.m.
Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox
Representatives from Utah’s 25 rural counties
Agenda
11 to Noon Governor’s Rural Partnership Board meeting in Capitol Building, Presentation Room
1 p.m. Rural Day on the Hill meeting, State Office Building, Auditorium
Welcome by Ryan Starks
Office of Outdoor Recreation remarks
A view of the economy in rural Utah by Natalie Gochnour, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Governor’s Rural Partnership Board awards; “Friend of Rural Utah” presented by Steve Styler, co-chair GRPB
2020 Friend of Rural Utah — Rep. Carl Albrecht, Shirlee Silversmith
Next Generation Leader — 2020, Paul Hill
GOED presentation of bills impacting rural Utah — Kori Ann Edwards
Small Business Development Center awards: Small Business Clients of the Year — Mike Finnerty
Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox remarks and question and answer session
3:15 p.m. Adjourn to Capitol Rotunda
3:30 p.m. Reception with legislators in Capitol Rotunda
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Under the direction of Gov. Gary Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and helps drive increased tourism, film production and outdoor recreation in the state. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.
======================
(2/14/2020) Salt Lake City, UT — Scammers love to take advantage of our fears, and the spread of a new disease like coronavirus is downright scary. As you strive to keep yourself and loved ones healthy, be sure to watch out for counterfeit face masks and other scams.
How the Scam Works:
You want to buy a face mask to help protect yourself—or family—from coronavirus. But so many other people have the same idea! Masks are sold out in your local stores and even from top Amazon sellers. So instead, you turn to purchasing masks from an online shop you don’t know.
Unfortunately, phony online stores abound—especially when an item is in high demand. Some sites may take your money and send you low-quality or counterfeit masks. Others may never deliver anything all. In the worst cases, these sites are actually a way to steal your personal and credit card information, opening you up to identity theft.
Face masks may be the first phony product to crop up in the coronavirus outbreak, but it’s likely not the last. During the Ebola outbreak, the promotion of unapproved and fraudulent remedies was so prevalent that the US government advised consumers to steer clear of these drugs. It’s likely that scammers will use the coronavirus as another chance to market products falsely claiming to cure the disease.
Watch out for Coronavirus Cons:
Keep the following tips in mind when looking for face masks or other ways to protect yourself from the coronavirus.
Be savvy about product claims. While wearing a face mask may seem like an easy way to stop coronavirus from spreading, the Centers for Disease Control does not actually recommend it for the general public. Be sure to evaluate claims of any medical product before buying. Especially watch out for products claiming to offer a “miracle cure” for a range of ailments.
Only buy from reputable stores and websites.The best way to avoid getting scammed is to buy them directly from a seller you know and trust. Check BBB.org to see what other consumers’ experiences have been.
Be sure the online store has working contact info: If a company seems legitimate but you aren’t familiar with it, be extra careful with your personal information. Before offering up your name, address, and credit card information, make sure the company is legitimate. A real street address, a working customer service number, a positive BBB Business Profile… these are just a few of the things to be looking out for to determine if a company is legitimate.
Check with your doctor before buying: If you’re tempted to buy an unproven health product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.
For more information:
The FDA offers these tips to recognize fraudulent health products, and CDC has this FAQ about coronavirus. See BBB.org/ShoppingOnline for more online shopping tips.
If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.
—
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2018, people turned to BBB more than 173 million times for BBB Business Profiles on nearly 5.4 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. Today, BBB serving Northern Nevada and Utah is supported by just over 4,300 Accredited Businesses that have voluntarily committed to adhere to BBB’s Standards of Trust.
Representative Eliason asked that we send this on his behalf:
For Immediate Release
February 14, 2020
Contact:
Jon Thaller | Utah House of Representatives
385-479-5038 | jthaller@le.utah.gov
Representative Steve Eliason to Announce New State Park
What:
Representative Steve Eliason will be holding a press conference to discuss H.B. 322. This bill will create Utahraptor State Park, located in the Dalton Wells area near Moab, Utah.
Who:
Representative Steve Eliason
Jeff Rasmussen - Director, State Parks
Mike Mower - Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office
Brian Steed - Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources
When:
Friday, February 14, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Where:
Presentation Room
Utah State Capitol
350 State St. Salt Lake City, UT
=====================
Governor Herbert appoints Teresa Wilhelmsen as the new state water engineer
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 13, 2020) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has appointed Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E., as state engineer and director of the Utah Division of Water Rights.
Wilhelmsen has worked for the division for the past 23 years and currently serves as assistant state engineer. Prior to that, she served as regional engineer at the Utah Lake and Jordan River Regional Office, and as the division’s adjudication program manager. Before joining the division, Wilhelmsen worked for the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. She is a professional engineer and graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
“Utah faces a number of difficult challenges surrounding water. It’s one of the most pressing issues facing the state,” said Gov. Herbert. “Teresa’s experience, background and tenacity uniquely qualify her as we work toward addressing these complex policy decisions.”
Upon Senate confirmation, Wilhelmsen will replace former State Engineer Kent Jones who retired last November. Boyd Clayton has been serving as interim state engineer since Jones’s retirement. Clayton previously served as division deputy director and will retire this spring.
# # #
Treasurer Damschen announces $56.4 million new lost property now online for claim
$29.3 million paid out in FY2019
Visit mycash.utah.gov or call 801-715-3300 to claim property
SALT LAKE CITY – February 13, 2020 – Utah State Treasurer David Damschen today announced that the Utah Unclaimed Property Division received $56.4 million in lost property at the end of 2019. This property comes from sources like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, safe deposit box contents and unpaid insurance benefits.
“We encourage Utahns to check mycash.utah.gov every year as they file their taxes to see if they have lost property to claim,” Treasurer Damschen said. “We receive tens of millions of dollars in new unclaimed property each year, so the odds are good that you, a relative, or friend have unclaimed property, even if you haven’t in the past.”
When a business owes money to an individual it cannot find, it remits those funds to the state’s Unclaimed Property Division after three years of non-contact with the owner. Property holders remitted 380,221 new properties to the Unclaimed Property Division of the Office of State Treasurer by the November 1 annual reporting deadline, along with the names and last-known addresses of owners. The division currently safeguards more than $544.6 million in unclaimed property.
“There are many ways to lose track of property. People might move and forget they had a deposit with the utility company, or they might be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy they didn’t know existed. Checking to see if you or your friends and relatives have lost property is simple, easy and something everyone should do at least once every year,” Unclaimed Property Division Administrator Dennis Johnston said.
Unclaimed property is usually money, but the Unclaimed Property Division also regularly receives items from abandoned safe deposit boxes that can be claimed. The Division has a vault containing interesting items like coins, baseball cards, art and photographs. These items are periodically sold via auction, and the proceeds remain available to be claimed by the rightful owner.
Individuals may submit a claim for properties of deceased relatives if they can prove they are the rightful heir. In any case where there is more than one heir, they can claim their portion of the property.
For more information and to search property, visit mycash.utah.gov or call 801-715-3300.
