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

Read This, Skip That .... May 21, 2014 FOURTH TERM 1. Obama Admin. Channels Cheney, Claims Unlimited War Powers 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. Read it at The Daily Beast BUD OUT 2. Kentucky Tells Feds: Hands Off Our Hemp 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. Read it at The Daily Beast STEPPING UP 3. Obama 'Will Not Stand' for V.A. Abuse 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. Read it at Associated Press BACK OFF 4. Christie Sued for Raiding Pension Fund 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.  Read it at Star-Ledger DIRTY SIDE/TOXIC 5. Antibacterial Soap's Deadly Secret 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. Read it at The Daily Beast 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. Political Wire The Nixon Tapes Uncensored Rolling Stone Call to Arms: Demand Action on Climate Change Vulture Will Jessica Chastain be Headlining Next Season of True Detective? GET The Cheat Sheet A speedy, smart summary of news and must-reads from across the Web. You'll love the featured original stories on politics, entertainment, and more from The Daily Beast's diverse group of contributors. GET Culture Beast Weekly cultural recommendations from The Daily Beast. Viral Video of the Day: Charlie Day's Graduation Speech 'It's Always Sunny' actor gives hilarious, heartfelt address. More Videos Ryan Gosling's Bizarre Directorial Debut by Richard Porton HAIM: Don't Call Us a 'Girl' Band by Melissa Leon How Nutella Conquered America by Emily Shire

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