Flotsam and Jetsam - Pardon Mania on the Wane?

Still a lot of it, but I feel it's mostly run it's course. Paul Bedard at WaEx reports Nation strongly rejects Biden’s pardon of son Hunter, and the Biden's just don't care what the nation thinks. NewsMax, Biden's Hunter Pardon Proves He's for Himself, Not the Nation, as ever. Pop Times claims Biden Considered Pardoning Hunter in June but Directed Aides To Lie that he Wouldn’t. The Great Victor Davis Hanson@VDHanson "The Lies of Joe Biden and his Lying Enablers. Joe Biden promised, emphatically, at least six times—all pre-election—that he would not pardon his son Hunter Biden. His media lapdogs loudly resonated those boasts. They claimed at the time Biden was a historic, Sir Thomas More-like protector of jurisprudence, morality, and our Constitution—sacrificing even his son on the altar of the “the rule of law”. All again shameful lies. . . . " Vicky Taft at PJM wonders, Was Hunter Biden a Tool of the CIA? This topic was covered in a Joe Rogan podcast I linked the other day. The answer is yes, sort of, but it's buried in 3 hrs of interesting conversation. Hat Hair's John Sexton thinks Liberal Pundits Made Fools of Themselves Defending the Hunter Biden Pardon, but they already were. Ace, Oh No, Joe Biden Loses Ultimate Democrat Fangirl Chuck Todd, oh well. Beege Welborn at Hat Hair, POTATUS Pardon-Palooza: Rubin Doesn't Want to Be 'Jenny From the CELL Block'. She thinks she's that important. Scott Jennings @ScottJenningsKY, "Of all the defenses of the Biden pardon I’ve heard, “because Trump firing squads” might be the most creative." Jarvis@jarvis_best, "I could not imagine a scenario in which a new admin would go after a previous admin. That is not who we are." Fortunately you don't have to imagine it, Biden did it. Althouse notices "Those who could face exposure include such members of Congress’ Jan. 6 Committee as Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming." "Trump has previously said Cheney 'should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee!' Also mentioned by Biden’s aides for a pardon is Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who became a lightning rod for criticism from the right during the Covid-19 pandemic.... The president himself, who was intensely focused on his son’s pardon, has not been brought into the broader pardon discussions yet . . . From "Biden White House Is Discussing Preemptive Pardons for Those in Trump’s Crosshairs/The nomination of Kash Patel, who has vowed to pursue Trump’s critics, as FBI director has heightened concerns within the president’s inner circle" (Politico)." Sundance at CTH examines The Talk of “Preemptive Pardons” "What we see in this “preemptive pardon” narrative, is a repeat of the victim narrative.  This time the White House discussion boils down to ‘Lawfare agents must be protected from any retaliation for their action’.  Pardons presumably provide the mechanism to protect the victims.  In the big picture of ideology, this is a continuation of the same mindset." Catturd ™@catturd2, "So, they're all guilty. Got it." Quote, Patrick Webb@RealPatrickWebb, "BREAKING: The Biden White House is considering preemptive pardons for those in Trump’s crosshairs, including Adam Schiff, Liz Cheney, and Anthony Fauci, POLITICO reports." OTP, DOJ Probing Trump Special Counsel Smith On Misconduct Claims, "The Department of Justice recently briefed the House Judiciary Committee about an internal investigation it had opened into special counsel Jack Smith’s office, according to committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH)." At Breitbart, Fetterman: Trump Should Be Pardoned, NYC Case Was ‘Politically Motivated’. First, it's a state case, and Biden can't pardon it (but Gov. Hochul could). Second, he needs to take it to appeal to prove how bogus it was. Bob Spencer at PJM, Fetterman Offers an Unlikely Plan to Bind Up the Nation's Wounds.

At the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.05.24, EBL, BIDEN IS GOING TO ISSUE LOTS AND LOTS OF PARDONS, American Thinker: The Hunter Biden Who Could Have Been, Mark Steyn, A Pardon From the Big Guy. "One of the biggest stories of the week, of course, was the number of seemingly intelligent persons who were shocked and/or surprised by Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter for a very wide variety of unsavoury acts, which Hunter may or may not have committed during a very, very, very wide expanse of time."

There's only 45 days left in the Biden/Harris regime. How's it going? 

Mrgunsngear@Mrgunsngear, "We've finally gotten an answer from FEMA as to why only 37 RVs have been delivered so far. It's because "there are a lot of mountains" according to this #FEMA rep." It's probably hard to deliver RVs when you're working remotely from home. From PM, Biden blocks new coal mining leases where 40% of nation’s coal is produced, "Simply put, this rule will destroy coal jobs and defund public education in Montana. It's a disaster." Just another rule for Trump to repeal on Day 1. At the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.05.24, American Greatness, Biden Regime Quietly Revokes Veterans Hiring Preference For Civil Service Jobs, The Lid,  Sneaky Biden Enacts New Protections for Leech Government Workers to Sabotage Trump.  At Slay, Iowa Sues Biden Admin over 2,000 Registered Voters Believed to Be Non-Citizens "The Biden admin is refusing to provide access to the citizenship status information of more than 2,000 registered voters." 'Bonchie' at RedState reports National Christmas Tree Lighting Interrupted by Joe Biden Being a Complete Weirdo. OTP, Kamala Harris Makes Rare Public Appearance After Election Shellacking. Don't go away mad; just go away. From the College Fix, Black male students more likely to say no to female president: poll.

Dave Strom at Hat Hair, Did You Know They Are Still Counting Votes? Pop Times, Shocking: Kamala Harris Won Votes Counted After Election Day by 20 Points, " Interesting how that works, isn’t it?" Kyle Becker@kylenabecker "If you took 28 days to count 210K votes — YOU CHEATED." quote Mario Nawfal@MarioNawfal, "BREAKING: CALIFORNIA DEM FLIPS HOUSE SEAT IN FINAL RACE Adam Gray, a former state lawmaker, defeated incumbent Republican John Duarte in California’s 13th District, flipping the seat after trailing by 3,000 votes on election night." The Guardian, Twenty Minnesota ballots went missing in key race that hinges on 14 votes. Cutie Pavlich at TownHall, Comer: The Census Is Overcounting. Guess Who Benefits?

I nominate Pete Hegseth as this week's reincarnation of Immanuel Goldstein.  From WaEx, Pete Hegseth says he’s a victim of the ‘art of the smear’ designed to tank defense secretary nomination. WaPoo, Hegseth’s history with alcohol shadows Pentagon selection, "Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick as secretary of defense, would lead a military that has severe penalties for being intoxicated on duty." USA Today, Pete Hegseth vows he won't drink 'a drop of alcohol' if confirmed as defense secretary. Insty, PATTON SAID THAT SOLDIERS WHO WON’T F*CK WON’T FIGHT. I DON’T KNOW WHAT HE WOULD HAVE SAID ABOUT SOLDIERS WHO WON’T DRINK BEER. "BREAKING NEWS: Infantryman Drank Beer. “Pete Hegseth is being Kavanaughed. And the only people dumb enough to fall for it are Republican senators. To be fair, some of them are pretty dumb.”"At the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.05.24,  Louder With Crowder, Pete Hegseth stands defiant in Megyn Kelly interview, refuses to let himself be “Kavanaugh’d”.   Dave Strom says Hypocrisy, Thy Name Is CNN   Stephen L. Miller @redsteeze, "Has CNN watched CNN's New Year's Eve coverage?" Quote Curtis Houck@CurtisHouck "CNN really had a two-minute discussion of The Washington Post story expressing horror at @PeteHegseth for having consumed beer during a Fox & Friends segment *about St. Patrick's Day*" At Twitchy, *EYE ROLL* Decoding Fox News' BIG GOTCHA on Pete Hegseth Drinking Whiskey at Work Goes HILARIOUSLY Wrong

Some anonymous sources at Fox News claimed Pete Hegseth sometimes drinks alcohol while working. He openly drank Tennessee whiskey while filming a "The War on Warriors" for Fox Nation - I provide receipts. pic.twitter.com/CP8uGhKfPC

— Decoding Fox News (@DecodingFoxNews) December 5, 2024

Sundance hosts Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth Talks to Media Following a Day of Senate Meetings. RCP, Pete Hegseth: "Can't Wait For An FBI Investigation," "How Soon Can They Start?" Matt Vespa at TownHall, A Very Disappointing Development Regarding Joni Ernst. "She also supports the transgender nonsense to continue in the military, something that Mr. Hegseth is dead set on eliminating from the Pentagon." I do too. Put a regiment of transgender soldiers together, and send them to Ukraine to fight Russians. We'll find out how much value they add. At the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.05.24, at Da Fed,  Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst Endorsed Transgender Military Service Hat Hair, Joni Ernst - Who Voted for Lloyd Austin -Says Hegseth 'Didn't Persuade Her'. Beege Welborn adds "If her constituents don't burn her inbox up and phone lines down with furious traffic, I hope they primary the crap out of her." Scott Pinsker at PJM says Warning: Trump Needs to Reboot His PR Strategy ASAP

WaT, Patel knows FBI’s dirty secrets. "Whistleblower who exposed the bureau returns triumphant." And it scares the crap out of them.

NewsMax reports Elon Musk's DOGE Plans 6 Cuts to Federal Govt. Dave Strom, Outrageous: 94% of Feds Work From Home. Luke Rosiak@lukerosiak "94% of feds are still working from home--the EPA had poisonous water *in its own headquarters* because it was sitting in the pipes stagnant from disuse. USDA inspectors claim they inspect food facilities for safety issues *from home*. "As if it's March 2020," @SenJoniErnst said" Da Signal, Nice Work If You Can Get It? What a New Report Reveals About Federal Employees, “If you exclude security guards & maintenance personnel, the number of government workers who show up in person and do 40 hours of work a week is closer to 1%!”

Hat Hair reports Trump Names Monica Crowley as Ambassador, Assistant Secretary of State, Chief of Protocol for the United States. Sundance notes President Trump Announces David Sacks as AI and Crypto Czar "…. And just like that, another piece of the puzzle falls neatly into place." At the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.05.24, The Great Victor Davis Hanson at Am Great, What the Trump nominees Have Not Done—And Will Not Do.

Chronicles argues The 2024 Election Was a Triumph of Leadership Over Consensus. Tom Knighton at TAW, Why 'America First' resonates, because 'America Last' sucks, and that's generally Democratic policy. At Tablet, Rebel Yell, "Part II: How Reagan-Bush Republicans awakened the Balrogs of economic, immigration, and identity politics that Donald Trump used to crush them." At Da Caller, Trump Reportedly Has Ace Up His Sleeve For Countries That Refuse To Take Back Their Illegal Migrants. Air mail?

At Slay, Vaccine Scientist Issues Ominous Warning: New Pandemics Will ‘Come Crashing Down’ on Trump ‘On January 21.’ End Wokeness@EndWokeness "Vax promoter Peter Hotez: Pandemics will crash down on Trump on January 21st" Sounds like a threat to me. Insty, I’M BEGINNING TO LOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE “PUBLIC HEALTH” COMMUNITY: Brian Cates - Political Columnist & Pundit@drawandstrike, "I believe I can successfully translate this garbled message from Hotez: "You may have won the presidency, and Biden has to go and you get to move in... ...just remember who controls all those "biological threat reduction facilities" around the world, Trump! Like that one in Wuhan China that the COVID-19 virus escaped from! You better think twice before messing with us!""

Stacy McCain, Antifa Assassin? Health Insurance CEO Gunned Down on Manhattan Street. Matt Vespa, The Lib Reaction to the Murder of a Healthcare CEO Was Appalling. Dave Strom, The Left Cheers An Assassination. At Ace's, Leftwingers Praise Murder of CEO, Call for Assassination of Elon Musk; The "Defending Democracy" Media Has No Comment, Sees No Reason to Condemn. Beege Welborn, You and I Knew Taylor Lorenz Acts Like a Soulless Psychopath - When Does She Find Out?

Ryan King at NYPo, Trump assassination attempt hearing goes off the rails as shouting match erupts between acting Secret Service director, GOP rep. Sundance, Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Has His “Code Red” Moment When Questioned by Representative Pat Fallon. Althouse hears Awful yelling in Congress today. Ace, Acting Secret Service Director Ron Rowe -- The Man Responsible for the Near-Assassination of Donald Trump -- Explodes With Feigned Self-Righteous Rage When He's Asked Why He Displaced the Actual Head of Biden's Security Detail to Stand Next to Him at a Pu. I think Rowe is probably right, but he was awfully defensive. 

John Solomon and Steve Richards at JTN, Democrats pressed Capitol Police to show favoritism to officer who killed J6 protestor, memos show. "The committee’s investigation uncovered evidence that the Capitol Police went to extraordinary lengths to promote Byrd and provide him financial support not received by other officers on duty on Jan. 6."

Althouse catches the WaPoo, "Extremism researchers say they expect one immediate effect of Trump’s return to be a repeal of the culture shift Biden tried to bring about with his 2021 domestic terrorism strategy..." "... which pledged more training and personnel to monitor violent far-right networks.... Academic researchers and community groups were awarded federal grants to study and prevent radicalization. That work, however, is not in line with the MAGA agenda. Trump-aligned Republicans have portrayed the stepped-up fight against domestic terrorism as a thought-police exercise that could infringe on First Amendment rights. Some Democrats and civil liberties groups also have expressed wariness of federal overreach...." "From "Trump could hobble renewed fight against domestic terrorism, analysts warn/Based on his first-term record, researchers expect the next Trump administration to shift the government’s focus from white supremacists and other far-right militants" (WaPo)." Victory Girls, WH Press Corps Doing Its Best Chicken Little Imitation. John Sexton, LA Times Owner Plans to Add 'Bias Meter' to Every Article. Glenn Greenwald @ggreenwald "There is no genuine credential called "disinformation expert" -- as if someone is a floating arbiter of truth and falsity. It was invented in 2017 to disguise the new industry of online political censorship as apolitical science. Anyone calling themselves this is a fraud:" From Fox Business, Trump adviser on Mark Zuckerberg seeking 'active role' in tech policies: President-elect has a 'long memory'. "Senior adviser Jason Miller cited President-elect Trump's long history of working with his former critics." Ace, Catherine Herridge: I Had the Support of CBS's Owner, Shari Redstone, To Pursue the Hunter Biden Laptop/Corruption Story. But Liberal Executives at CBS Told Me They "Weren't Interested" in the Story. "We are Real News, Mr. President." At Breitbart, Bill Maher Suggests Ending His HBO Show over Return of Trump: ‘I’m Sh**ting My Pants’. 

Riley Gaines

A tough choice, Matt Margolis asks Ketanji Brown Jackson Vs. Sonia Sotomayor: Who’s Dumber? A Larry video at TownHall, Clarence Thomas Beast-Mode: Gender Ideology Goes Down in Flames! RVM, Transgender Model Alex Consani Wins 2024 Fashion Awards’ Model of the Year [WATCH]  and  Lesbians take a stand, LPGA Draws The Line, Makes Major Change To It’s Transgender Policy "The updated policy will prohibit transgender athletes who have gone through male puberty from competing in LPGA tournaments and eight USGA championships for women." HC@banbadmen, "275 female golfers sign letter demanding removal of transgender player Hailey Davidson Davidson has remained unapologetic and has continued to lash out at her critics: “I will never understand athletes who blame a transgender competitor on their own athletic failures,” Davidson wrote on Instagram. “If you don’t take accountability for your failures then you will never actually be good enough to make it.”" Breitbart, Transgender Powerlifter Takes Discrimination Lawsuit to Minnesota Supreme Court and Riley Gaines Holds Rally for Girls Volleyball Team that Refused to Play Trans Opponent. Fox, Riley Gaines holds ceremony for girls volleyball players who refused to play trans opponent. "Gaines shared her own experience of competing against Lia Thomas."

Linked at 357 Magnum in Saturday Roundup of Link Roundups - 7 December. The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: A Girl & Her Jeep and FMJRA 2.0: Finally, It’s Draft Day up on time and underbudget at The Other McCain.

Fish Pic Friday - Morgan Bentley

morgiepb@Morgan Bentley, Sports & recreation Key West, Conch 🐚Abaco, Bahamas📍

I make fish prints

Linked at The Right Way in the weekly Rule 5 Saturday LinkOrama. The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: A Girl & Her Jeep up on time and underbudget at The Other McCain.

Flotsam and Jetsam - Well Excuse Me

The debate around Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter for any Federal crimes committed from Jan. 1 2014 to Dec. 1, 2024 (the date of the pardon) has largely made it to the beating a dead horse, snark and parody stage. The Free Bacon has The Biden Guide to Loving Your Boy, "9 helpful tips for elderly fathers of adult criminals" "2) Consequences are for other people's kids." Jim Geraghty@jimgeraghty, "A line I wish I had written, from reader @JSheridan522: “The Bidens are the only crime family where everyone is Fredo.” At PJM Vicky Taft can't bring herself to finish Hunter Skipped Out on Rent, But Offered to Pay His Landlord With Art Made From ... shit, and VodkaPundit sees Judge Scarsi Just Gave Hunter Biden the Spanking Joe Should Have. John Sexton at Hat Hair, Judge Who Presided Over Hunter Biden Case Says President Biden is Rewriting History. "The President signed the pardon on December 1, 2024. (Id.) Because the period of pardoned conduct extends “through” the date of execution, the warrant may be read to apply prospectively to conduct that had not yet occurred at the time of its execution, exceeding the scope of the pardon power. Under the canon of constitutional avoidance, the Court declines to interpret the warrant in that manner and instead understands the warrant to pardon conduct through the time of execution on December 1." From Fox, Esquire deletes false George Bush pardon story after liberal columnist makes major error, "Esquire writer told people to 'shut the f--- up' about Hunter Biden pardon by comparing to non-existent Bush pardon of his son Neil." Bob Hoge at RedState, Gargantuan Fail: Liberal Outlet Rages About GOP Pardon That Never Was, Forced to Retract Story. Andy Kaczynski@KFILE, "Esquire wrote an entire piece saying that people should “ shut the fuck up” about Hunter Biden’s pardon claiming that George H.W. Bush pardoned his son Neil. The entire story has now been corrected to note this is not a thing that happened. “ Esquire regrets the error.” Nick Gillespie @nickgillespie, "A legacy media tragicomedy in 3 acts, by @CharlesPPierce and @esquire. HT @KFILE.

From the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.04.24 (Afternoon Edition), EBL wonders What will Hunter Biden do next? also, Why The Broad Hunter Biden Pardon?, Don Surber: Dems are saying FJB. At his In The Mailbox: 12.04.24 (Evening Edition), American Thinker: Addressing the Hunter Pardon, Chicago Boyz, The Hunter Biden Pardon, Power Line: Judge Scarsi to Joe Biden, and Shot In The Dark, This Didn’t Age Well ans Hunter, "So the President has pardoned his son for crimes… …that we were reliably informed, by NPR no less, were all nothing but Russian hoaxes."

Nick Arama at RedState, Here's the Discussion Reportedly Going on About More Biden Pardons - and the Big Names Being Mentioned "Those who could face exposure include such members of Congress’ Jan. 6 Committee as Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. Trump has previously said Cheney “should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee!” Also mentioned by Biden’s aides for a pardon is Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who became a lightning rod for criticism from the right during the Covid-19 pandemic." At Hat Hair, John Sexton wonders Who Will Joe Biden Pardon Next? "the White House is said to be very concerned that even fighting allegations would be a burden for some Democrats who could face steep legal bills. Yes, the same people who cheered a $450 million verdict against Trump for a paperwork crime in which no one was harmed are worried about financial fairness." Althouse cites Politico, "Those who could face exposure include such members of Congress’ Jan. 6 Committee as Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming." Rusty Weiss at RedState, Jamaal Bowman Sets Off Alarm Bells by Suggesting President Biden Should Now Pardon Everybody on Death Row. But remember, Biden can only pardon federal crimes, most murders are state crimes. Fox, Former Gov. Cuomo knocks Biden for 'sad,' 'hypocritical' pardon: 'People are fed up'.

Fox, Former Gov. Cuomo knocks Biden for 'sad,' 'hypocritical' pardon: 'People are fed up'. Eddie Scarry at Da Fed says The Media Lied To Create Biden’s ‘Decency’ Illusion. Biden Himself Exposed It. Debra Saunders at NewsMax opines Biden's Flip-Flop on Hunter Should Be No Surprise. RVM notices Jimmy Kimmel Defends Hunter Pardon: Joe ‘Probably Doesn’t Remember He Said He Wouldn’t’. 

 Byron York at WaEx, The damage Biden has done "THE DAMAGE BIDEN HAS DONE. Joe Biden will be president for the next 4746 days. That’s enough to make anyone nervous. VodkaPundit, Biden Going out with Another $15 Billion on Your Tab for These Two Failures. Drew Holden @DrewHolden360, "A media interested in journalism might ask why the guy with the nuclear codes can’t stay awake for a high-level meeting, and what Biden’s capacity means for how the White House is currently operating."

Beege Welborn at Hat Hair, Dems Check Navels, Find Fuzz: 'If We'd Had a Primary...' Ward Clark at RedState, Democrats Have an Arrogance Problem

There's no arguing this man's point. pic.twitter.com/ElyFbAING1

— The Disrespected Trucker (@DisrespectedThe) December 3, 2024

At Hat Hair, Dave Strom discusses The Pete Hegseth Hit Job and a Larry video, The Real Reason They're Trying to Destroy Pete Hegseth! Stephen Kruiser at PJM, Attack Dems and Squish Republicans Have Knives Out for Hegseth. Sarah at Insty, THE NY SLIMES ONLY VIOLATES SOME PRIVATE EMAIL: Pete Hegseth’s Mother Sets the Record Straight After ‘Despicable’ NYT Published Private Email. Libs of TikTok@libsoftiktok, "Pete Hegseth’s mother: “He’s got a big heart, he’s very smart. He’s the most faithful patriot of this country… he has fought and almost died for his country. He's a good dad, he's an amazing son and father- that's the Pete I want people to know."" ZitoSalena @ZitoSalena, "This is very true. You cannot manufacture that kind of deep loyalty: Pete has clearly earned it" Quote, "Bethany S. Mandel@bethanyshondark, "The vigor you see in the defense of @PeteHegseth is real. You can’t pay people to go to bat like his friends have been. It’s because he’s a legitimately good guy." ZeroHedge, "100% Bulls**t": Hegseth Hit Piece Debunked By Over A Dozen Current And Former Fox Employees. Sundance at CTH, Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth Vows to Stay on Mission as Senate Navigates Tear Down against Will of The People. Matt Vespa at TownHall, Trump Called Pete Hegseth. Here's What He Told Him, “keep going” and “keep fighting.” Dave Strom also deals with The Establishment War on Kash Patel. The Babylon Bee@TheBabylonBee, "Patel, Ramaswamy To Celebrate Inauguration With Traditional Bollywood Ceremony." The Peacock crows  House Democrat to force floor vote this week to release Matt Gaetz ethics report. "Rep. Sean Casten introduced a privileged resolution that would require the House Ethics Committee to make its investigative report into the former Florida congressman public."  Oilfield Rando@Oilfield_Rando, "Super weird how our enemies keep trying to take out the people who are also hated by our intelligence community". Quote, Breaking911 @Breaking911, "JUST IN: Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead FBI, has been targeted in an Iranian hack & the actors have accessed at least some of his communications - CNN" Steve Richards at JTN, FBI Director Wray presided over several scandals that could define his future. "Though Trump originally selected Wray to lead the bureau, the president-elect has announced intentions to replace the FBI director with Kash Patel."

A. Pettit@PettitFrontier, "President-elect Trump has nominated Shift4 founder and SpaceX astronaut Jared Isaacman (@rookisaacman) as the next NASA Administrator." At SpaceNews, Trump selects Isaacman to be NASA administrator and Trump’s unfinished business: An independent Space Force. From Behind the Black, Trump picks billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman to run NASA.

Sundance, President Trump Announces Peter Navarro as Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, President Trump Switches Out White House Counsel Position – Announces David A. Warrington to Lead White House Counsel Office and President Trump Gives Sea Island an Ironic Bone – Nominates Kelly Loeffler for Small Business Administration. Reagan Reese at Da Caller, Trump Says Peter Navarro Will Join His Second Administration. 

The I&I ed board says The Winning Has Already Begun "The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index jumped 13.4% in November to 53.2, the highest in more than three years. Anything over 50 indicates a positive for optimism, and this is the first time the index has been positive since September 2021." Da Fetched, Stephen Miller on Trump’s First Day in Office: “Everything in the World is Going to Change”. Everyman Commentary has some advice for Trump, Untie the Loop, "Trump campaigned on getting the economy going again. To do that, he can eliminate outdated transportation regulations, like the Jones Act, that keep the cost of shipping goods high." Dave Strom, Trump's Notre Dame Appearance Means More Than You Think, but, It's True! Trump Lost Childless Cat Ladies! But dog people went for Trump. 

Vicky Taft sees Seattle Is Ordered to Stop Blocking Illegal Alien Deportations in the Most Hilarious Court Decision Ever. Leslie Eastman at LI hears Gov. Gavin Newsom Wants $25 Million from CA Taxpayers to Engage in Lawfare against Trump, "There are already many Newsom-created failures and controversies, and targeting Trump in an expensive #Resistance campaign will add to an expansive list." Adam Turner at RedState notes Yup, the Never-Trump Crowd Is Insufferable.

Althouse finds "The Democratic Party needs to figure out better ways to counter disinformation, including the disinformation that it is elitist." "Writes Patrice La Belle, M.D., in the comments section of the Michelle Goldberg column in the NYT, "If Anyone Can Save the Democrats, It’s Ben Wikler.""

The NYT whines Supreme Court Appears Inclined to Uphold Tennessee Law on Transgender Care. John Sexton has Highlights from the Supreme Court's Oral Arguments Over Ban on Gender Affirming Care. Althouse, "You mentioned fertility and regret, and I'd like to take both of those concerns head-on.", Said the Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, arguing against state law that restricts access to puberty blockers and hormones as a treatment for gender dysphoria. Full transcript here. Audio here." Also, "Four years ago, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion in the Supreme Court’s first case on transgender rights..." ""... ruling that a federal civil rights law protects gay and transgender workers from employment discrimination. But he was silent on Wednesday, the only member of the court to ask no questions." Matt Margolis at PJM thinks Justice Ketanji Jackson Makes a Fool of Herself During Oral Arguments, by comparing a ban on sex reassignments in minor to a ban on black/white marriages. BeeGe Welborn, There Are Times I Can't EVEN With KBJ. KBJ can be counted on to raise the stupidest progressive arguments. Twitchy, Justice Clarence Thomas Argues That 'Gender-Affirming Care' Is Sex Discrimination. 

Stacy McCain points to Death of a Freak "October is celebrated as “LGBTQ+ Liberation Month” on the campus of the University of Rhode Island [URI], and as part of that celebration in 2023, URI’s Gender and Sexuality Center hosted an “OnlyFans Entrepreneur Panel” featuring Apollo Moon. Let us pause here to ask an important question: “WTF? A state university is sponsoring panel discussions to encourage students to be ‘entrepreneurs’ on OnlyFans?” What next? “How to Support Your Meth Addiction as a Hooker”?" Pop Times has Mother of Trans Double Rapist Originally Sent to Women’s Prison: No Wigs, Dresses or Make-up Makes You Female. At the Midwesterner, Michigan Democrat lawmakers look to allocate $10 million for tampons — in boys school bathrooms! Don't worry, most of the money will go to supporters.

Joanna Jacobs, The Trump 'reckoning' for higher ed: No more easy money. "While President Biden did his best to write off billions of dollars in student loans, President Trump will be less eager to subsidize borrowers and pump money to colleges, Vedder writes. He suggests privatizing student loans, "encouraging private investors to finance the education of promising students via income-share agreements," or, at the least, requiring colleges to cosign student loans, so they have "skin in the game" in case of default." Campus Reform reports UCLA student files petition against Cultural Affairs Commissioner who allegedly warned against hiring 'zionists'.

I left a lot on the table at the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.04.24 (Evening Edition).

The Wombat has FMJRA 2.0: Finally, It’s Draft Day up on time and underbudget at The Other McCain.

A Thursday Tune - Premature Rejection

Lalalista, Meet Pacifica, the Argentine Duo Making Waves on YouTube

It’s long past the point of novelty; famously, musicians such as Alessia Cara and Justin Bieber got their start after posting their material on YouTube. What’s a little more unusual is the odd confluence of events that led to Inés Adam and Martina Nintzel playing sold-out club shows in New York City within months of knowing each other, after videos of the pair playing cover versions of New York early-2000s indie-revival powerhouses The Strokes became widely shared on social media.

Featuring an undeniable spark and youthful enthusiasm, the duo’s stripped-down versions of millennial anthems have an irresistible charm that makes them compelling and utterly shareable. And though they exhibit the musical and personal chemistry of a pair of friends who have known each other since childhood, they first met in January of 2021 after a mutual follower suggested they play a song together. The YouTube platform recommendation feature favored their homespun cover, and soon they officially adopted the moniker Pacifica.

Ines is the ginger guitar player and Martina is the raven haired bass player. 

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: A Girl & Her Jeep up on time and underbudget at The Other McCain.

A Sea Wall for Norfolk?

Chesapeake Bay Mag, Norfolk Plans 16-Ft.-High Floodwall, Stirring Controversy

We are getting our first look at the city of Norfolk’s flood protection plan—a plan that includes a 16.5-foot-high wall along the waterfront at a cost of a couple of billion dollars.

Norfolk officials released updated designs for the first section of the city’s Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. The project aims to protect Norfolk from major flooding events such as hurricanes. The new designs shows how a combination of walls and levees and floodgates will protect areas around Harbor Park and Waterside from high water. The entire project is expected to cost $2.6 billion.

Wow. That's a lot of money. 

Norfolk was established along the Elizabeth River for its commerce routes. But being so close to the river put the city in the path of floods, too. According to Norfolk leaders, a hurricane in 1749 pushed waters up to 15 or 16 feet above normal. This storm, and another in 1806, created Willoughby Spit. Two hurricanes in 1933 provided enough flooding for children to swim in the downtown streets. (We don’t recommend swimming in floodwaters!) Hurricane Isabel, in 2003, brought a storm surge of about 5 feet, which was still high enough to flood large parts of the city.

Norfolk has taken the lead in preparing for coastal flooding, especially compared to other large East Coast cities like New York and Charleston, South Carolina. But designing flood protection is complicated. In addition to the engineering and cost challenges, there is the character of the waterfront itself. Businesses and people inhabit the shorelines for access to the water or to enjoy its views. Flood barriers can cut the city off from the very river that gives it life.

The new plan offers a variety of components to address the flooding while maintaining access and views as much as possible. It shows structures such as T-walls, Bin-walls, gates, and pump stations, along with natural components such as living shorelines and oyster restoration projects. The system is designed to be 16.5 feet tall, which designers believe will protect Norfolk from a 70-year storm surge in the year 2076.

It works in New Orleans. But then, they don't have a lot of choice, some of the nearby city lying lower than the Mississippi River.

The Elizabeth River Trail, which follows Norfolk’s shoreline downtown, will be elevated to the top of the wall in some areas, so trail visitors will still be able to enjoy the views and breezes. However, in some areas raising the trail is not practical, and there will be sections where hikers will walk along a wall that restricts their views. While some residents have complained, there may not be much choice.This illustration shows how parts of the wall would block the city from views or access to the river it is built along.Another illustration shows how the floodwall would protect from high water, but still allow some visibility along parts of the waterfront from an elevated Elizabeth River Trail.

According to Norfolk’s Lori Couch, “During the feasibility study that was completed in 2019, we evaluated various alternatives for the project and the floodwall for this part of the city scored the highest Benefit/Cost Ratio. For example, we evaluated a do-nothing option, a non-structural option, and a combination of both for all the watersheds in the city.”

 

Sounds Good to Me

At Inside Climate News, Aspiring Applicants Worry EPA Environmental Justice Grant Funding Will Be Rescinded Before It’s Awarded. "President-elect Donald Trump and his allies plan to cut money in the Inflation Reduction Act allocated for climate efforts. Hundreds of millions of dollars have yet to reach EJ organizations."

Around the country, nonprofits and other community organizations like Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light were hoping these sorts of projects would receive funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has $3 billion to spend on environmental justice community grants through Sept. 30, 2026. But the Biden administration has only been able to award about half the money so far, and experts say the unspent 50 percent can most likely be clawed back by President-elect Donald Trump—a blow to communities of color and poor rural communities that had long waited for help like this.

Among the threatened initiatives is the EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, which dedicated $600 million in block grants for projects aimed at tackling climate and environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities. The money has been hailed by advocates as one of the most important federal investments ever made in closing the nation’s long-standing socioeconomic and racial gaps.

The Biden administration has so far awarded nearly $266 million, according to an EPA database, leaving more than half—or just over $334 million—vulnerable to reversal efforts from Trump officials or Republican lawmakers. “EPA continues to work through its rigorous process to obligate the funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, including the Thriving Communities Grantmakers program,” said Nick Conger, the EPA’s communications director.

Last week, the EPA opened up the first round of applications for the Thriving Communities program, giving hopeful applicants like Nerbonne less than two months to navigate the complicated federal grantmaking process before Trump is sworn in. In fact, several EPA regions have yet to open their application processes, leaving some groups worried they won’t be able to complete their applications on time.

“It just seems like an incredibly missed opportunity. I’d feel disappointed about that,” Nerbonne said, when asked how she would feel if the program’s funding was rescinded under Trump. “Congregations aren’t talking about politics. They’re ready to get to work serving their community and they’re tired of politics, especially after this election.”

Keep them from getting funded, and rescind them if they manage to get them out the door before Jan. 20.  Environmental Justice is neither environmental nor justice.

Flotsam and Jetsam - I Beg Your Pardon

But, yep, three days later, we're still obsessed with the unconditional pardon of Hunter Biden for any federal crimes from period Jan. 1 2014 to Dec. 1 2024. Anybody have eyes on Hunter now? Stacy McCain has words For the Benefit of Nate Silver (and Anyone Else Who Has Just Now Discovered How Selfish and Dishonest Joe Biden Really Is), the story of the crash that killed his first wife and daughter and put Beau and Hunter in the hospital. "What’s your point here, Nate? As if the White House hasn’t been lying about everything, from the day Biden became president?" At PJM, Matt Margolis, Seriously? The Liberal Media Is Actually Denying Biden Lied About Hunter's Pardon and Kevin Downey, Libs Are Shocked That Biden Is a Liar. Wait Until They See His Encore. Guy Benson at TownHall, The Biggest Lie of All? We Need to Talk About the Hunter Biden Pardon. Tyler Austin Harper@Tyler_A_Harper, "Turns out Biden and friends had an open conversation where they were like: “So the plan is to lie and promise that the president would never pardon Hunter even though he definitely might pardon Hunter. Everyone cool with that?” Much honor. Much Democracy. Very anti-fascist." The Divine Ms. Devine at NYPo says We always knew Joe Biden would pardon troubled son Hunter — fitting the president would break another promise to the American people.

Duane Patterson at Hat Hair hears Democrats Fear Worst POTUS Ever Tarnishes His Legacy with Hunter Pardon. At the Free Bacon, WATCH: Biden Humiliates Aides and Media Allies With Hunter Pardon. Catturd ™@catturd2, "Anyone defending Hunter, after seeing his laptop, is a scumbag just like he is." Misty Severi at JTN hears the White House blames Republicans for president's sudden pardon of Hunter Biden and House Democrat suggests making it illegal for presidents to pardon family members. At RedState, Bob Hoge hears Hurt Obama Bros Whine About Biden's Pardon of Hunter—'Now Everyone Looks Stupid'. Now? Leah Barkoukis at TownHall, House Republicans Respond to Biden Pardoning Hunter. Steve Scalise @SteveScalise, "You’ve been lied to every step of the way by this Administration and the corrupt Biden family. This is just the latest in their long coverup scheme. They never play by the same rules they force on everyone else. Disgraceful." Quote Joe Biden@JoeBiden, "No one is above the law." At Da Wire, Thune Signals Senate Will Continue To Probe Biden Corruption After Pardon. From NewsMax, Sen. Manchin Calls on Biden to Pardon Trump. Breitbart, Democrats, Media Elite Urge Biden to Pardon Trump’s Alleged ‘Enemies List.’ Liz Stauffer at LI say The Pardon May Not Be Quite the Magic Bullet It Seems, “You can’t bring criminal charges against Hunter Biden, but there’s nothing that prevents the Trump Justice Department from filing a fraud case and seeking civil remedy.” Hat Hair's Dave Strom notes They Can't Take the Fifth If They Were Pardoned. JD Davidson at Da Fed thinks Hunter Biden’s Pardon Is All About Protecting Joe Biden, Not His Son, but will he pardon himself on his way out? Nick Ballasy at JTN reports Federal judge ends Hunter Biden gun case after presidential pardon, moot. At TownHall, Tom Knighton thinks Joe Biden Is a Genius "Of course, that all assumes there's enough of Biden left to actually be that calculating. I can't rule out that his handlers are resentful of being ousted with the old goat, so it might be them working through Biden, but that feels a little too tin-foil hat for me. Then again, the difference between "established fact" and "conspiracy theory" seems to be about six weeks, so anything's possible."

Ace sees The Hunter Biden Pardon Has Stripped Bare the Democrats' Years-Long Preening About How They're the Party That "Respects the Rule of Law". At RVN, Dems Get Checked: Charlamagne Destroys Their ‘Moral High Ground’ Act. And it is an act. Dave Strom hears a CNN Guest: Hunter Needed Pardon to Avoid Trump Firing Squad, Leigh McGowan. At Mediaite, CNN Anchor Confronts Trump Spox Point-Blank: ‘Direct Question — Would Trump Consider Pardoning Himself?’  and The View’s Ana Navarro Cites Completely Fake Pardon of ‘Hunter deButts’ In Defense of the Hunter Biden Pardon. At OTP, Of Course CNN’s Kasie Hunt Steers Away From Hunter To Trump Pardoning Himself. From NYPo, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins calls Hunter Biden pardon a ‘political timebomb’ that left Dems in ‘the blast radius’. Matt Vespa thinks CNN's Elie Honig Had the Perfect Line for Hunter Biden's Pardon, "This Hunter pardon is a “historic act of nepotism.”" Also, Watch CNN's Scott Jennings' Facial Expression When a Lib Said This About Hunter Biden's Pardon. VodkaPundit at Insty, thinks THAT IS NOT THE SLAM ON TRUMP THEY THINK IT IS: MSNBC Analyst Wants Biden to Preemptively Pardon Jack Smith, DOJ Lawyers. At Breitbart, Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Star Mark Hamill Uses Joe Biden Pardoning Hunter Biden to Trash Trump. You may think of yourself as a galactic hero, but here on Earth, you're just another Hollywood know-nothing. At RedState, Sister Toldja, sees Pardon Fallout: A Visibly Shaken Chuck Todd Turns on Joe and Jill Biden in Must-Watch Moment and Nick Arama enjoys himself as Jon Stewart Hilariously Decimates the Democrats Over the Hunter Biden Pardon.

Even Jon Stewart admits that Hunter's pardon stretching back 11 years is quite fishy:
Jon Stewart: "Faith in the rule of law: Finally, Democrats have a moral perch for which they can judge without shame hypocrisy or nuance."
Jessica Dean: "Breaking news, President Biden has… pic.twitter.com/NHwKEL7dLr

— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) December 3, 2024

At ET, Democrats Ask Biden to Try to Limit Trump’s Proposed Use of Military on US Soil, "Two senators ask Biden administration to clarify the conditions under which the Insurrection Act can be invoked."  OTP interprets the NYT: Biden Fast Becoming Irrelevant, ‘Largely Ceded The Stage To Mr. Trump’. Mary Chastain at LI, Biden Promises $1 Billion to Help Africans Displaced by Natural Disasters, "How about those suffering from Hurricane Helene and Milton?" Well, they probably don't have Trump signs. Ace, Whistleblower Claims That FEMA Skipped Entire Neighborhoods If They Sported Three or More Trump Signs; House Republicans Demand Inspector General Investigate. Update: Biden Decrees $1 Billion in Aid for Storm Victims -- For Africa "Another conspiracy theory turns out to be 100% true." At WokeSpy, Footage Shows Moment Liberal Refuses To Help Hurricane Helene Victim Over Donald Trump Signs. My guess is from an NGO supported by the feds. The Center Square, ICE: Nearly 180,000 noncitizens deliberately not detained, roaming free in US cities

John Sexton cites Nate Cohn: It Wasn't Turnout that Doomed Democrats. It was the working class going to Trump. End Wokeness,@EndWokeness, "Kamala Harris is the 1st candidate since Herbert Hoover 1932 who did not flip a *SINGLE* county." Stephen Kruiser at PJM sees Kamala Harris Fatigue Is Finally Breaking Through Some Dems' Denial. 

From the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.02.24. EBL:Crap Weasel Andrew McCabe does not like Kash Patel running the FBI, Kamala Harris still panhandling for donations and JOE BIDEN PARDONS HUNDER BIDEN, Twitchy, DNC Finance Committee Member Calls For Audit Of Kamala’s Campaign, and New Damning Stat Comes Out About Kamala’s Election Results, Dana Loesch: President Biden Pardons His Son, and STUMP: Election Post-Post Mortem.

Dave Strom reports on ActBlue in Trouble? "Wisconsin Judge Brad Schimel has approved a subpoena against ActBlue, saying, "Something is NOT right" after hearing evidence that ActBlue is using the names of unsuspecting people to launder dark money to Democrat campaigns. “There may be an element of fraud, or maybe… pic.twitter.com/X9xxf6UurA— George (@BehizyTweets) December 2, 2024"

Sundance at CTH, WSJ Reporting President Trump Considering Replacing Hegseth with DeSantis. Althouse picks it up, "Trump Talks to DeSantis About Replacing Hegseth/And about appointing Lara Trump to the Senate.". "A pithy headline at The Bulwark. This is too tit-for-tatty." I was looking forward to Hegseth kicking ass and taking names at the Pentagon, so I hope this isn't true. Besides, let DeSantis run Florida, and then run for the Preznitzy in '28.  From WokeSpy, The View Co-Host Sunny Hostin Forced to Read Another Embarrassing Legal Correction, about Hegseth. At Twitchy, CNN's Brian Stelter Upset Fox News Viewers Don't Know About Pete Hegseth Scandals. Atop Da Hill, 5 things to know about Kash Patel. Stop, I already like him! John Solomon at JTN finds an Influential retired FBI leader who says agents back Kash Patel as next director: ‘He's the right fix’. JD Vance@JDVance, "John Bolton has been wrong about everything so I guess Kash must be pretty awesome.", Quote Margaret Brennan@margbrennan, "Former National Security Advisor John Bolton compares Kash Patel, President-elect Trump's pick to head the FBI, to one of Stalin's feared secret police chiefs: "Trump has nominated Kash Patel to be his Lavrenty Beria. Fortunately, the FBI is not the NKVD. The Senate should Show more." Beege Welborn at Hat Hair says No, Trump Shouldn't Run His Nominees Through an FBI Gantlet, but too late, at Da Mail, Trump team makes a deal to clear the way for FBI background checks on cabinet picks. AP reports, Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the DEA, withdraws name from consideration "In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus." Jordan Schachtel at the Dossier, Unrepentant covid tyrant withdraws from DEA nomination. Sundance, DEA Nominee Chad Chronister Withdraws from Nomination "For President Trump this withdrawal is a slight hiccup, and he will likely not be happy with the person who recommended the nomination."

At the Center Square, Canada pledges to improve border security after meeting with Trump official. Twitchy, Conquered Canada: New Names Suggested for America’s 51st State. It will always be Canukistan to me. 'Becca Downs at TownHall, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal Hands Trump Some Good News. Beege Welborn, Ninth Circuit Says President Trump May Deport Whatever Illegals He So Chooses. Ace, The Ninth Circuit (Circus) Rules That Local Politicians Do Not Have the Right to Block Presidents From Deporting Illegals. "Obviously. The bad news: the Ninth Circuit just got round to ruling on this 2019 case." The Great Victor Davis Hanson, Yes, Mexico Knows Exactly What It Is Doing. At WaEx, California begins special session to secure funding to fight Trump in court. Jason Piccolo at TownHall, Trump's Border Security Push Needs 10,000 Agents: The Answer Is Right in Front of Us, retired military. 

Beege Welborn gives you Three Guesses Who Said, 'All Hell to Pay' Unless Hostages Released by Inauguration. Joel Kotkin, awaits The Return of Realpolitik, "Some leaders in Europe may resist a new alliance with Trump’s America, but in a world dominated by bullies, sharp elbows and unpredictability may be what the times demand." Hat Hair retitles YaHoo!, Sacre Bleu! Trump to Attend Notre Dame Reopening. The Peacock whines, Trump repeats vow to ‘block’ Nippon Steel’s bid for U.S. Steel, "adding that he will make U.S. Steel “Strong and Great Again” through the use of tax incentives and tariffs."

Kurt Schlichter at TownHall, says The Trump Vibe Is Growing and the Left Is Big Mad. Sister Toldja, Boom: 'Village People' Singer Takes Aim at the MSM, Minces No Words on Trump's Continued Use of 'YMCA'. NewsMax opines Transgender Movement Helped Elect Trump. I agree. 

Fox, Single House race stands between Republicans and 1-seat majority, "Just 1 out of 435 House races remains uncertain.  In California, of course. "In California’s 13th Congressional District, Rep. John Duarte, R-Calif., is fighting for his political life against Democrat Adam Gray. As of Monday afternoon, Gray leads Duarte by a few hundred votes – a margin of roughly 0.1%. California state law mandates that counties certify their election results by Dec. 5." At OTP, President-Elect Tells GOP Senators To Get Ready For A 5-Day Work Week. The horror!

America is headed for de facto bankruptcy very fast https://t.co/gKYDnimg2V

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 3, 2024

At Da Fetched, NGO That Sparked Trump’s Impeachment Received Massive Taxpayer Subsidy. GA Star, Fani Willis Dealt Twin Losses as Judge Defaults D.A. in Judicial Watch Case, Jury Lets YSL Defendants Walk.

Paul Bedard at WaEx, Most back case-by-case Jan. 6 pardons, even 68% of Democrats. Matt Taibbi has a Note on the FBI "Kash Patel will be the focus of scrutiny now, but the Bureau needs to look in the mirror. How J. Edgar Hoover's legacy was revived in the Trump years. . . . I have no idea if Kash Patel will do a good job or if he’ll even make it to office, but answering the question of why he was chosen as FBI Director isn’t hard: ironically, it’s the FBI that now needs to be disrupted, urgently, and he’s at least shown a willingness to do it. I doubt they’ll go quietly."  Carl Paulus @CarlPaulus "Calling parents terrorists, arresting activists with SWAT Teams, and spying on churches will do that." Quote (((Harry Enten)))@ForecasterEnten, ""Jeez Louise": Views of the FBI have really soured in the last decade. The FBI's approval has gone from 59% to its century low mark at 41%. The drop with the GOP is even greater from 62% to 26%." Althouse, catches the NYT worrying, "Currently, the Justice Department and the F.B.I. are barred from using compulsory legal processes, like subpoenas and search warrants, to go after reporters’ information..." "... including by asking third parties, like phone and email companies, to turn over their data, or to force them to testify about their sources. But that limit is in a rule issued by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. Should Mr. Trump’s attorney general rescind that regulation, the F.B.I. would be freed to go after reporters’ information. . . From "Kash Patel Has Plan to Remake the F.B.I. Into a Tool of Trump/President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the F.B.I. has called for firing the agency’s top officials, shutting down its Washington headquarters and prosecuting journalists" (NYT). Sundance, Joe Rogan Interviews Mike Benz "Mike Benz is one of the key voices who explains the U.S. industrial censorship complex, and the Intelligence Community interfaces therein.  Benz background knowledge of how the foreign and domestic censorship system was put into place is exceptional."

The Wombat has FMJRA 2.0: Finally, It’s Draft Day up on time and underbudget at The Other McCain.

The Wednesday Wetness

Penn State Extension Service, Why Are You Thankful for Water?

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: A Girl & Her Jeep up on time and underbudget at The Other McCain.

Gov. Moore Proposes to Let Marylander Freeze in the Dark

Balmer Sun, Amid Piedmont power line fight, a search energy alternatives

As the fight over the proposed 70-mile Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project intensifies, community and state leaders continue to push for alternatives.

“Unless there’s adjustments, I don’t see a plan moving forward,” Gov. Wes Moore said. “I don’t understand how the study area was pulled together without the level of both state and community involvement that was necessary.”

PJM, the regional transmission organization that coordinates electricity between 13 states, said the proposed transmission line, which would run through Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties, is critical to ensure a reliable grid. With power plants retiring, more data centers are projected to be built, and electrification growing, officials said there is the potential for rolling blackouts and brownouts if this transmission line isn’t built.

Maryland is a net importer of electricity, which means the state uses more power than it generates.

However, the project has received fierce opposition from residents and state leaders, who are concerned about how the line could impact property values, livelihoods, and protected farmland, among other concerns. Residents have expressed outrage over the proposed project at public meetings, especially since much of the project load growth is related to data centers.

If approved by the state, Public Service Enterprise Group, the transmission line developer, could have the right to obtain property rights through eminent domain.

“I’m still not certain what the benefit is to Marylanders and I’m going to stand with the people on this,” said Moore, a Democrat.

During a town hall hosted by political commentator and Baltimore Sun co-owner Armstrong Williams Monday, Joanne Frederick, the President of the Board of Directors for Stop MPRP, along with Mark Aitken, the president of One Media Technologies and senior vice president of advanced technology at Sinclair Broadcast Group, pointed to other energy alternatives.

We live within a mile (maybe less) of a power line and its right-of-way that carries all the power from a 3.8 gigawatt nuclear power plant up north towards Baltimore, and it almost never impacts my living. It crosses hills and wetlands, and, in fact, can be a pleasant place to walk. If you don't want electricity brought in, don't use it. 

ASMFC Looking at Stricter Striper Regs

Bay Journal, Fisheries commission to consider more striped bass restrictions

More striped bass fishing restrictions loom as East Coast fishery managers weigh whether to ratchet down already tightened catch limits for the struggling finfish known in the Chesapeake Bay region as rockfish.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which oversees near-shore fishing for East Coast migratory fish species, plans to meet on Dec. 16 in Arlington, VA, to consider ordering new recreational and commercial catch restrictions in 2025.

The commission voted on Oct. 23 at its annual meeting in Annapolis to schedule a special December session after hearing that poor striped bass reproduction in the Bay and an expected spike in the catch of the last good crop — spawned six years ago — threatens to undermine efforts to rebuild the coastwide population.

I don't think this one's quite legal

 Fortunately, there is some sign the Redfish are stepping into to take the role of the most sought after game fish in the bay.

Fishery managers called the December special meeting after hearing an update on the status of the striped bass population, which remains overfished. While catch restrictions ordered in recent years had appeared to be helping, the commission’s technical experts warned at the October meeting that fishing mortality likely would increase next year because the cohort of fish spawned in 2018 would reach the size where they could be legally caught along the Atlantic coast. That, plus the below-average spawning of striped bass in the Bay, lowers the probability of rebuilding their numbers by 2029 to less than 50%.

One of the most sought-after commercial and sport fish in the Bay and along the coast, striped bass range the Atlantic from Canada to the Carolinas. The Chesapeake, though, is the primary spawning and nursery ground for 70% to 90% of the entire Atlantic Coast stock. Annual seine surveys for juvenile fish have found evidence of poor reproduction for six straight years in Maryland and two years in Virginia waters.

Under rules that took effect May 1, all recreational anglers in the Bay and its tributaries – including charter customers - were limited to landing just one fish per day between 19 inches and 24 inches long. Ocean anglers also can keep just one fish a day, but with a narrower legal-size window of 28 to 31 inches. The annual harvest quota for commercial fishers was reduced by 7% from the 2023 level.

Those catch limits have been controversial, especially in Maryland. Charter fishing customers in the state had been allowed to keep two fish per trip until this year while individual anglers could keep just one. Charter captains say their business has plummeted by 50% or more since the change, threatening their livelihood. Others, though, have said without further catch reductions, the chance to rebuild the striped bass population before the end of the decade could be lost.

At the upcoming meeting, barring some unexpected good news about the status of the population, commission members plan to consider requiring temporary closures of the fishery or new size limits on legally catchable fish – or both. They’ll also weigh reducing the commercial catch quota. Their overall aim will be to reduce the loss of striped bass to fishing or natural mortality by 15% from 2024 levels.

Personally, I believe a moratorium in nigh upon inevitable unless commercial fishing in the bay take a big hit in the near future. It's been largely spared in recent years, but they can't reduce that too much more with out endangering the health of the recreational fishing industry. 

We need a good great recruitment year, and at least three years for the fish to grow before we can even consider loosening the regulations.  This is not good news either, VIMS, Study suggests decline in striped bass nursery habitat in the Chesapeake Bay. An interesting study, but remember the old adage, "all models are wrong; some models are useful" 

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: A Girl & Her Jeep up on time and underbudget at The Other McCain.