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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Cheat Sheet - Team Obama Channels Cheney, Claiming Unlimited War Powers

Read This, Skip That ....

May 21, 2014
FOURTH TERM
On Wednesday, Obama administration lawyers testified before Congress that the president can kill, capture, and detain whichever terrorists he wants—even if Congress repeals the post-9/11 law that gave President Bush sweeping powers. Obama's lawyers argue that Article II of the Constitution grants the president all the authority he needs to continue counterterrorism operations as he sees fit, Eli Lake reports. It's the same theory Dick Cheney's legal minds cooked up.
BUD OUT
Once the top grower of hemp in the U.S., Kentucky is looking to win back the right for its farmers to grow marijuana's cousin for commercial and research purposes and, ultimately, fix the state's broken financial system. But Abby Haglage reports that the Drug Enforcement Administration doesn't like this idea, and confiscated 250 pounds of hemp seed flown into the state. Now, with the backing of Mitch McConnell and a slew of other politicians, Kentucky is taking the DEA to court.
STEPPING UP

On Wednesday, President Obama left open the possibility that Veterans Administration Secretary Eric Shinseki could be fired over allegations that V.A. hospitals left waiting patients to die. Obama addressed the press after meeting with Shinseki. "I will not stand for it," he said. "If these allegations prove to be true, it is dishonorable, it is disgraceful." Obama said those responsible will be held accountable. He also asked for patience, saying "we have to let investigators do their job." The president also defended himself, saying the problems of veteran care go back decades, and that "we have been working really hard to address them." The president expects to receive a report from Shinseki next week that reviews V.A. facilities across the country, and a report from Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Nabors next month about the broader review of how veterans and their families should be served.

BACK OFF

Unions in New Jersey want Chris Christie's paws off their pensions. The Communications Workers of America said Wednesday it will sue to stop the governor from using $2.43 billion meant for pensions to balance the state budget. (The state's education union is also going to court.) The plan to divert money meant for pensions "means he is walking away from a major pension overhaul he signed in his first term to restore the pension system's financial health over approximately 30 years," according to New Jersey's Star-Ledger. Christie said he won't raise taxes or take money from schools and health care to make up the budget shortfall. 

DIRTY SIDE/TOXIC
On Tuesday, Minnesota decided to ban one of the key ingredients in antibacterial soaps due to its effect on the environment, animals, and, yes, humans. Triclosan is considered a hormone disruptor with the potential to seriously interfere with the endocrine systems, including the adrenals, ovaries, and testes, writes Kent Sepkowitz. That puts that key anitbacterial ingredient under the same umbrella as dioxin, a crucial element of Agent Orange. Maybe just stay with good old soap and water.

DISGUSTING
At Least 71 Charged in Child Porn Bust
Including a police officer, a rabbi, and a Boy Scout leader.
KA-CHING
Hillary Earned $5M Since Leaving Office
Speaking to corporate America.
WHOPPER
China, Russia Sign $400B Gas Deal
Putin shifts focus east.
HIGH TIMES
FBI Relaxing Pot Policy for Recruits
Can't find sober techies.
THE RETURN
James O'Keefe Strikes Again
Claims to catch Hollywood environmental hypocrisy.

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