President Donald J. Trump

[Yorkshire pud]

FBI doesn't make law.
Name the US law that forbids an incoming administration from talking to other countries.

I know the FBI doesn't make law (Neither does Trump, although he thinks he does), but the FBI should be told they shouldn't be investigating Flynn (and others) if they're not following a statute. Call Langley, they'll appreciate it. 

[TigerLily]

From the same group that broke the Flynn "fake news":

WASHINGTON â€" President Trump plans to assign a New York billionaire to lead a broad review of American intelligence agencies, according to administration officials, an effort that members of the intelligence community fear could curtail their independence and reduce the flow of information that contradicts the president’s worldview. - NYTimes

[Yorkshire pud]

Oh I hope this is true.

[Yorkshire pud]

He's just said mockingly 'We're going to attack Mosul' The bloke is out of his fucking mind.

[TigerLily]

Women worldwide will go on strike March 8

I plan to spend the day hyped up on caffeine and posting in the Bellgab Politics threads 

[21st Century Man]

An incoming admin can talk to them, but cannot have a civilian acting as ambassador to a foreign power. Logan Act isn't it?  That is what Flynn did. Quite apart from him being guest to Putin last year at a dinner that he was paid to attend (also against the law in his capacity as a former general).

Glad you brought it up.  The Logan Act prevents unauthorized persons from acting as diplomats.  That is true.   Here is why it was put in place.  From Wiki

The Logan Act was basically a response to an effort by a Philadelphia Quaker named George Logan to try to negotiate directly with the French government. This was a big scandal at the time in foreign affairs because Loganâ€"a Democratic-Republicanâ€"was trying to thwart the policy of the Federalists, who controlled both houses of Congress and the White House.

â€" Steve Vladeck of the University of Texas School of Law[4]
Kevin Kearney, writing in the Emory Law Journal, described Dr. Logan's activities in France:

Upon his arrival in Paris, he met with various French officials, including Talleyrand. During these meetings, he identified himself as a private citizen, discussed matters of general interest to the French, and told his audience that anti-French sentiment was prevalent in the United States. Logan's conversation with Merlin de Douai, who occupied the highest political office in the French republic, was typical. Logan stated that he did not intend to explain the American government's position, nor to criticize that of France. Instead, he suggested ways in which France could improve relations with the United States, to the benefit of both countries. He also told Merlin that pro-British propagandists in the United States were portraying the French as corrupt and anxious for war, and were stating that any friend of French principles necessarily was an enemy of the United States. Within days of Logan's last meeting, the French took steps to relieve the tensions between the two nations; they lifted the trade embargo then in place, and released American seamen held captive in French jails. Even so, it seems that Logan's actions were not the primary cause of the Directory's actions; instead, Logan had merely provided convenient timing for the implementation of a decision that had already been made.

Flynn was part of the transition team of the President-elect and arguably had the right to speak to the Russians.  This is quite different than a rogue citizen negotiating against a current administration which is what the Act was all about.

[Yorkshire pud]

Glad you brought it up.  The Logan Act prevents unauthorized persons from acting as diplomats.  That is true.   Here is why it was put in place.  From Wiki

The Logan Act was basically a response to an effort by a Philadelphia Quaker named George Logan to try to negotiate directly with the French government. This was a big scandal at the time in foreign affairs because Loganâ€"a Democratic-Republicanâ€"was trying to thwart the policy of the Federalists, who controlled both houses of Congress and the White House.

â€" Steve Vladeck of the University of Texas School of Law[4]
Kevin Kearney, writing in the Emory Law Journal, described Dr. Logan's activities in France:

Upon his arrival in Paris, he met with various French officials, including Talleyrand. During these meetings, he identified himself as a private citizen, discussed matters of general interest to the French, and told his audience that anti-French sentiment was prevalent in the United States. Logan's conversation with Merlin de Douai, who occupied the highest political office in the French republic, was typical. Logan stated that he did not intend to explain the American government's position, nor to criticize that of France. Instead, he suggested ways in which France could improve relations with the United States, to the benefit of both countries. He also told Merlin that pro-British propagandists in the United States were portraying the French as corrupt and anxious for war, and were stating that any friend of French principles necessarily was an enemy of the United States. Within days of Logan's last meeting, the French took steps to relieve the tensions between the two nations; they lifted the trade embargo then in place, and released American seamen held captive in French jails. Even so, it seems that Logan's actions were not the primary cause of the Directory's actions; instead, Logan had merely provided convenient timing for the implementation of a decision that had already been made.

Flynn was part of the transition team of the President'-elect and arguably had the right to speak to the Russians.  This is quite different than a rogue citizen negotiating against a current administration which is what the Act was all about.

Ermmmm, No. He was a civilian. No argument. No ifs or buts.

[Yorkshire pud]

Women worldwide will go on strike March 8

I plan to spend the day hyped up on caffeine and posting in the Bellgab Politics threads 

You bad girl,

[21st Century Man]

Ermmmm, No. He was a civilian. No argument. No ifs or buts.

Anything to fit your narrative, eh?  Real fake news indeed.  LOL.  I see you changed your name again.

[21st Century Man]

Women worldwide will go on strike March 8

I plan to spend the day hyped up on caffeine and posting in the Bellgab Politics threads 

What do you normally do during the day, you naughty girl?

[GravitySucks]

Women worldwide will go on strike March 8

I plan to spend the day hyped up on caffeine and posting in the Bellgab Politics threads 

You rebel, you

[Luka Megurine]

Women worldwide will go on strike March 8

>[current year]
>women being needed
pick one

[21st Century Man]

Trump is a nasty Putin lover.  Trump is Putin's bitch.  Evil commies.  Russia must be stopped at all costs.  The fate of the world hangs in the balance and my country, the puny little island that it is, cannot do nothing to stop it.  Obama would have known how to deal with commies.

[Kidnostad3]

I considered giving a one word snarky but valid response; Clinton- but you deserve better.

I'm an American 1st, long haired hippie second, and Chicano somewhere downstream from that. Socially liberal to say the least, but fiscally conservative, and a fan of the U.S. Constitution. Was raised on the picket lines with the well known, iconic founder of the United Farm Workers as my "uncle". Guess what? We picketed on the southern border protesting illegal immigration for the union busting, human rights issue that it was and is. I formerly managed large greenhouse facilities in AZ with crews of 20+ illegals and every week when I paid them I knew I was doing a disservice to everyone but the business owner. I may be the only person on this board who has actually been deported from Mexico on an expired visa and I never felt like I was being treated unfairly. I knew what the deal was. I broke the rules. Asking them to ignore their immigration laws would have been like asking my neighbors to ignore me sleeping on their couch. Believe me, I know President Trump is an egotistical wumpity wump who don't talk so good. Yeah, so is my sheriff (who I did not vote for), but I still respect his authority and have met with him when there are local issues I feel he needs to take responsibility for. It is not a perfect world. We do not vote for Pope. We simply elect a representative chief executive to oversee and limit the actions of the assholes in congress. I regret that my reply could not be funny but then neither was your question.

Your the man Aldous!  You should write a book.  It's not about xenophobia or racism.  It's about preserving the physical integrity of our country and controlling who comes and who stays.   Nothing more than that.  Trump was the alternative to open borders and a continued decline of America into a characterless socialist chess pool.  Look at what Obama is still trying to do to fundamentally change America into a knockoff of the Netherlands or France with their open frontiers and hostile immigrants.

Every day that passes makes me more grateful that America has come to its senses.  Trump may be impulsive and inarticulate but he has the right instincts and most importantly he does what he says he will. 

[21st Century Man]

Russia must be stopped or the world is doomed. Nuclear annihilation is certain.

[Meister_000]

For the eleventh time there is no record of anyone doing anything illegal. Whether what they did was unethical is subjective.  They were fired by Trump in any case.  No one has asserted that Trump or anyone else in the campaign gave them leave to accept calls from Russians. The FBI investigated the campaign staffers contacts with Russians and found no wrongdoing.  You have built a reputation for being obtuse and insanely parochial.  I'm not going anywhere and you can bet I will continue to confront your absurd blathering.

Yes, thank God no-one is dependant upon your investigative prowess and inquiring mind. You could not know "what is being asserted" if you refuse to look for those answers. It's really that simple. You know nothing and you refuse to inform yourself even where handed the keys to same on a silver plater.

I will now (continuing to do your work for you) post for you (and others) your "non-existant *Federal Regulation*" (i.e. your mere "protocol?") regarding DOJ/AG  Recusal obligations. Then, separately I will post some info regarding your "mystery" and mistification re "what possible Ethics Violations" could there be re Sessions ongoing.

[21st Century Man]

Trump is fucking crazy.  He needs to be impeached.  He's making the press look terrible especially the BBC bloke.  I cannot handle it anymore.

[Jackstar]

Russia must be stopped or the world is doomed. Nuclear annihilation is certain.

dismissive hand-wanking gestures

[Yorkshire pud]

Your the man Aldous!  You should write a book.  It's not about xenophobia or racism.  It's about preserving the physical integrity of our country and controlling who comes and who stays.   Nothing more than that.  Trump was the alternative to open borders and a continued decline of America into a characterless socialist chess pool.  Look at what Obama is still trying to do to fundamentally change America into a knockoff of the Netherlands or France with their open frontiers and hostile immigrants.

Every day that passes makes me more grateful that America has come to its senses.  Trump may be impulsive and inarticulate but he has the right instincts and most importantly he does what he says he will.

You missed out abject paranoia; You need that otherwise the rest can't be satisfied. Trump could tell you the Atlantic was about to evaporate and you'd believe him because he'd tell you news to the contrary was fake.

[21st Century Man]

dismissive hand-wanking gestures

Satire, my boy, satire. 

[Dr. MD MD]

Actually no it wasn't. Its against the law for a civilian to act as a diplomat to a foreign power. Especially when the former POTUS is still the present POTUS.  :

Care to cite that law, being the legal expert you are? 

[Dr. MD MD]

An incoming admin can talk to them, but cannot have a civilian acting as ambassador to a foreign power. Logan Act isn't it?  That is what Flynn did. Quite apart from him being guest to Putin last year at a dinner that he was paid to attend (also against the law in his capacity as a former general).

Civilian?! WTF are you even talking about?! Do you even know?!  :

Also, name me one case about The Logan Act, if you could, professor? 

[GravitySucks]

Russia must be stopped or the world is doomed. Nuclear annihilation is certain.

They said the same thing about disco.

[21st Century Man]

They said the same thing about disco.

ROTF

[Kidnostad3]

Trump is a nasty Putin lover.  Trump is Putin's bitch.  Evil commies.  Russia must be stopped at all costs.  The fate of the world hangs in the balance and my country, the puny little island that it is, cannot do nothing to stop it.  Obama would have known how to deal with commies.

If Trump had some kind of connection to Putin, why would Putin be pressuring him by placing an intelligence gathering ship (and no doubt submarines) close in and buzzing our warships.  Does that make any sense at all to you.  No shit Pud, you should really stop and think about things more analytically and loose the knee jerk responses.  You're so hard over on everything having to do Trump that you've lost any semblance of objectivity.  You're missing detail that once you would have readily  picked up on.  I really don't give a rats ass what you think about Trump but you are becoming a less and less worthy opponent.  I really hate to see that.

[Yorkshire pud]

Civilian?! WTF are you even talking about?! Do you even know?!  :

Also, name me one case about The Logan Act, if you could, professor? 

Flynn is a civilian. Idiot. He was in the campaign too. Idiot.

[Meister_000]

Department of Justice Regulations *require* Recusal by a United States Attorney whenever “a personal interest or professional relationship with any of the parties [creates] an appearance of a conflict of interest or a loss of impartiality.

Regs @ DOJ:
U.S. Attorneys' Manual
https://www.justice.gov/usam/usam-3-2000-united-states-attorneys-ausas-special-assistants-and-agac#3-2.170

3-2.170 - Recusals

When United States Attorneys, or their offices, become aware of an issue that could require a recusal in a criminal or civil matter or case as a result of a personal interest or professional relationship with parties involved in the matter, they must contact General Counsel's Office (GCO), EOUSA. The requirement of recusal does not arise in every instance, but only where a conflict of interest exists or there is an appearance of a conflict of interest or loss of impartiality.

A United States Attorney who becomes aware of circumstances that might necessitate his or her recusal or that of the entire office, should promptly notify GCO, EOUSA, at (202) 252-1600 to discuss whether a recusal is required. If recusal is appropriate, the USAO will submit a written recusal request memorandum to GCO. GCO will then coordinate the recusal action, obtain necessary approvals for the recusal, and assist the office in arranging for a transfer of responsibility to another office, including any designations of attorneys as a Special Attorney or Special Assistant to the Attorney General (see USAM 3-2.300) pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec. 515. See USAP 3-2.170.001 (M).

[updated August 2016] [cited in USAM 3-1.200; 3-2.220]

[Dr. MD MD]

Ermmmm, No. He was a civilian. No argument. No ifs or buts.

So, you just pull this stuff out of your ass, eh? 

[Yorkshire pud]

If Trump had some kind of connection to Putin, why would Putin be pressuring him by placing an intelligence gathering ship (and no doubt submarines) close in and buzzing our warships.  Does that make any sense at all to you.  No shit Pud, you should really stop and think about things more analytically and loose the knee jerk responses.  You're so hard over on everything having to do Trump that you've lost any semblance of objectivity.  You're missing detail that once you would have readily  picked up on.  I really don't give a rats ass what you think about Trump but you are becoming a less and less worthy opponent.  I really hate to see that.

Oh you do crack me up. Intel ships are always going to be there. We track theirs, they track ours. Been like that since 1945. The objectivity thing is amusing though...Your lesson in critical thinking? 

[21st Century Man]

If Trump had some kind of connection to Putin, why would Putin be pressuring him by placing an intelligence gathering ship (and no doubt submarines) close in and buzzing our warships.  Does that make any sense at all to you.  No shit Pud, you should really stop and think about things more analytically and loose the knee jerk responses.  You're so hard over on everything having to do Trump that you've lost any semblance of objectivity.  You're missing detail that once you would have readily  picked up on.  I really don't give a rats ass what you think about Trump but you are becoming a less and less worthy opponent.  I really hate to see that.

Just the response I was hoping for.