Big If True

This is a partisan stem-winder but still - the author seems able to document his point that Mueller may have railroaded Gen. Flynn by concealing frelevant and potentially exculpatory evidence.

Does Mueller's behavior sound like the sort of thing that happens all the time but shouldn't? Or has he been way out of bounds here?

Comments

[Account Deleted]

boo ya

[Account Deleted]

Numero Uno twice in one month.

[daddy]

OAN reports that Jim Jordan does not think there will be a Govt shutdown.

[henry]

Std Proc in socialist environments. Which is what would have won except Muh Russians didn't want more socialists joining themselves in a global kleptocracy.

[henry]

Paul Sperry
‏ @paulsperry_

BREAKING: Sen. Warner aide Jim Wolfe, who cd get 2 yrs in prison Thurs, joked about what "big assholes" Trump advisers were w his harem of reporters he leaked negative intel to on C. Page--incl Marianna Sotomayor of NBC, Ellen Nakashima of WaPo, as well as Ali Watkins of BuzzFeed

https://twitter.com/paulsperry_/status/1074739501724037120?s=12

[jimmyk]

willowed (because it's on topic)

So tomorrow is the big day for the Flynn case? Since I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than profoundly disappointed, I'm going to suspect that the judge will either postpone again or affirm Flynn's conviction and give him a slap on the wrist, along the lines someone here (AB?) predicted yesterday.

If it turns out that Sullivan tosses the case and puts Comey, Strzok, Page et al in the spotlight, I will be pleasantly (and genuinely) surprised.

[Account Deleted]

"KK,

Remember what happened the last time your coach was named Coach of the Year?"

Yes. The worst of two possible outcomes in a championship game---- it's either competitive and close, or one team gets blown away and never recovers. Kinda like in 73.

I am looking forward to two big play offenses going at it. And two sock-you-in-the-mouth defenses going at it.

GO IRISH!

[GUS]

WHITE HAT MUELLER??? Say it isn't so.

[jimmyk]

daddy, re your comments about Althouse: Yes, she mixes in lots of insipid stuff in her posts, but I read her mainly because the commenters jump right on it, and also because she can sometimes be more substantive too, as in that Klobuchar piece, if you got past the clothing BS:

Klobuchar has a law degree (from the University of Chicago), but she spoke so unclearly about law. Brennan had just spoken about what might happen "with this ruling if it's upheld." Then Klobuchar said "It will be upheld" when she meant that Obamacare will be upheld. When you say that a ruling goes up on appeal, the word "upheld" should mean that the court below was affirmed. Not the opposite! I could see what she meant, but I was so disappointed by the garbling when she had every reason to be absolutely prepared to nail this interview.

The commenters give her a lot of well-earned abuse, and she seems to be a good sport about it.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

TK from the last thread;
--I am not comfortable with the reference to James Comey who has not posted here ever.
He is not here to defend himself.--

Sure he is.
Whose wingtips do you think those are poking out from under the curtains over there?

[Account Deleted]

Hey Pin! i also read that a flea can leap a mile as measured in "flea feet." LOL okie dokie. who figured that one out? -Kev

[GUS]

Jimmyk. Whatever happens will certainly prove 4-D

[Extraneus]

If it turns out that Sullivan tosses the case and puts Comey, Strzok, Page et al in the spotlight, I will be pleasantly (and genuinely) surprised.

Me, too, after today's indictment of Flynn's associates.

[Narciso79]

She intended that it would be obamacare, which is like the golden calf in her d ew.

[Captain Hate]

That RINO piece of shit, Richard Burr, recommended clemency for Wolfe.

We need a MAGA party ASAP.

[GUS]

Remember the good old days when JIMBO the WEASEL told POTUS DJT, he wasn't being investigated.

SPIED on, NOT INVESTIGATED. This shit is absurd and it does not bode well for America's future.

[Extraneus]

Btw, Sidney Powell, the author of the piece TM linked, should read Margot Cleveland's latest. She checked the dockets and believes that Mueller has provided certain items to the judge under seal, likely including the Pientka 302 that everyone says Mueller refused to provide.

http://thefederalist.com/2018/12/17/heres-whats-weird-robert-muellers-latest-michael-flynn-filing/

[Account Deleted]

so the original 302s weren't destroyed as previously reported-- the "draft 302s?"

[Narciso79]

Yes gus, I wasn't pointing out to get full absolution, you need to shoot a few people like whitey bulger

[henry]

Kev, no public reports one way or the other. Only clickbait leaps to various conclusions.

[Account Deleted]

Wolfe needs to spend the rest of his life in a very small cell with not much daylight.

[Tom R]

In a previous thread someone linked to a Federalist article by Margot Cleveland where she pointed out there are 5 items on the Flynn docket that are unidentified. She said it was possible that Mueller actually complied with Sullivan's order to turn over the original 302 forms and that they were placed under seal. I guess we will find out soon.

There isn't any evidence in the sentencing memo from Flynn's lawyers that Mueller provided them with the original 302s. Flynn's memo only cited the documents Mueller turned over on Friday. If Mueller never provided the original 302 forms to Flynn's lawyers AND those original 302s contain exculpatory evidence, wouldn't the Brady rule force Sullivan to throw out the case?

BTW assuming Mueller turned over the original 302s to Sullivan as directed but placed them under seal, can someone explain the reasons he would place those 302s under seal but not the 302s he released publicly last Friday? I'm wondering if the original 302s contain evidence of a crime by Strzok or someone else in the FBI and that Huber plans to use it as evidence in a future trial.

[daddy]

OAN reports that Rep Senator Lamar Alexander (Tenn) will not seek re-election in 2020, and OAN also reports that Rino Senator Bob Corker is advising the Damn's on what type of Candidate they should put up if they wish to win.

Anyone know the supposed reason that the Market tanked today?

[Account Deleted]

Fed jitters, ChiTown? (as per daddy's question)

[Account Deleted]

tx, henry! snowin today?

[Tom R]

Ext @ 3:24

You must have posted that as I was starting to write my 3:30.

Are you aware of public evidence that Flynn's legal team received the original 302 forms from Mueller?

[henry]

Re market, per Chitown: "¥ Carry Trades going home."

Kev, no snow today. warm out.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

Jim Treacher being properly hammered by yours truly and hundreds of others at PJM for an insipid article whining about Trump gloating over the final voyage and sinking of the Sea Cuck.

[daddy]

That RINO piece of shit, Richard Burr, recommended clemency for Wolfe.

The difference between the Left and the Right is that the Left wants to shoot Republican Senators and Congressman with High Powered rifles from long distance whereas the Right wants to meet those same Republican Senators and Congressman in a dark alley and personally beat the shit out of them.

[Tom R]

Virtue signaling meets the law of unintended consequences.

https://legalinsurrection.com/2018/12/starbucks-new-bathroom-policy-not-working-out-as-hoped/

[sbwaters]

Anyone know the supposed reason that the Market tanked today?

Yeah. It was time.

[clarice]

There could be no good excuse for wiping Strzok and Page's phones after they were fired for biased texting. No evidence the original 302 was turned in.

[clarice]

And in response to TM's question, it happens so often that Judge Sullivan has created a special prosecution Brady order which a number of judges have adopted. The route to the courts is too often from prosecutors' offices and judges too Leary of upsetting the schemes.

[MissMarple2]

Corey Lynn
🙏
🇺🇸
‏ @CoreysDigs
8s8 seconds ago

Comey is depicting himself as a truth-telling man of values, who is a courageous hero, coming forward, while calling on others to rise up. And states the FBI has conducted itself as agile, flexible and thoughtful.

Diagnosis: narcissistic pathological liar.
============================
No surprise here.

[daddy]

Jim Comey being interviewed now live on OAN wearing a dark Blue Blazer, a Light Blue Arrow shirt with the perfect amount of starch in the collar, and a beautifully tied Mauve Tie to complement the flush of his emerging jowls, just beneath his perfectly coiffed and combed brunette hair.

[Narciso79]

Ah you're following the althouse style guide

[Captain Hate]

Treacher is still the substance abusing tool that made a complete ass out of himself at AoS one drunken night. To hell with him.

[Extraneus]

Are you aware of public evidence that Flynn's legal team received the original 302 forms from Mueller?

No, and your statement that the Flynn sentencing memo doesn't reference it is interesting. (I didn't read the sentencing memo.)

Btw, in addition to the contemporaneous 302, they were supposed to receive all notes as well, and Strzok apparently claimed that Pientka was taking notes during the interview.

[Captain Hate]

In Treacher's defense, he's never been run over by a boat.

[Extraneus]

There could be no good excuse for wiping Strzok and Page's phones after they were fired for biased texting.

Good point, obviously.

I still have my fingers crossed for Mueller to go down in flames tomorrow.

[MissMarple2]

https://www.lifenews.com/2018/12/17/trumps-defunding-planned-parenthood-of-50-60-million-that-money-may-go-to-pregnancy-centers/

[Extraneus]

Dow, NASDAQ, S&P in free-fall.

[gulp]

[daddy]

Narciso,

If only Amy K had instead had that interview with the Russian gals from that Naked News Network, then she'd never have been unfairly compared in the eyes of Althouse and American women for wearing an unequal outfit.

[jimmyk]

The market is nervous that the Fed will indicate full steam ahead on rate increases. My guess is the Fed will increase its rate target on Wednesday, but soften their language about likely increases next year. Whether it's soft enough to make the markets happy is anyone's guess.Probably not.

[jimmyk]

judges too Leary of upsetting the schemes.

Does that mean they're high on LSD? :) Sorry.

[rse]

I just wanted to make sure everyone recognized that the co-author of this article, Jim Steyer, is Tom Steyer's brother.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/opinion/children-privacy-online.html

As henry and I have discussed repeatedly privacy is frequently the rationale for regulation or statutory responses that authorize all sorts of unexpected 'governance'.

[Pinandpuller]

Kev

How big is a flea foot?

[clarice]

Margo Cleveland's take-http://thefederalist.com/2018/12/17/heres-whats-weird-robert-muellers-latest-michael-flynn-filing/

[Extraneus]

LOL, daddy. I like the eyebrow raise.

[Tom R]

There could be no good excuse for wiping Strzok and Page's phones after they were fired for biased texting.

Fully agree that it looks very fishy given the circumstances.

With that said the text messages from their FBI-issued Samsung phones had plenty of incriminating evidence. Page worked on the Mueller SC from 28 May 2017 to 15 July 2017. Strzok was assigned to the Mueller SC in early June and was fired in late July 2017. That means there were roughly 6 weeks where they could have called/texted each other with their DOJ-issued Iphones. We know for a fact they were still using their Samsung phones during this 6 week timeframe because Page used her Samsung phone to send Strzok the text message to never text her again. IIRC that text message was sent on 20 July 2017, the same date Strzok was interviewed by the SC and FBI about the initial interview with Flynn. In other words, it sounds like Strzok and Page used their Samsung phones as their primary device to text one another and not their Iphone.

[Extraneus]

Slight recovery at the end. All indexes down over 2%.

[Pinandpuller]

Maybe Jim Treacher can go boating with Gloria Estefan.

[daddy]

Howie has on Governor Paul LaPage of Maine and he is trying to determine which of the 2 of them have been called a Racist more times.

[Account Deleted]

Pin: there's the Malaysian flea sizing table, the Taiwanese sizing table, the EU sizing table...... it's hard to say. :D Kev

[Account Deleted]

Let me jinx the entire Sullivan decision tomorrow by saying "It will shirley underwhelm." There.

[clarice]

But the time they were on Mueller's staff--short as it may have been was (a) a critical time period and (b) the phones once wiped were never reassigned and ©. they were fired for texting biased messages on the FBI phones.

[clarice]

Imagine the obstruction case Mueller would make under the same circumstances as the wiping of these phones.

[Account Deleted]

so where did authorization come from within the FBI to proceed as usual re wiping iPhones for re-issue?

do they follow their own custody protocols for evidence during an active investigation involving two witnesses?

is there any way for an IG to even know who'd authorize such an outrageous CRIMINAL act?

[Extraneus]

I think Strzok's was reassigned, but not Page's.

The FBI attempted to recover the text messages during the time that Strzok and Page were working on the Mueller probe, but the government-issued iPhones had been wiped clean. Strzok's device had been given to another agent after he was fired and Page's was recovered months later, but had been reset -- a process that wipes all data from the phone and returns it to its factory condition.

https://www.upi.com/IG-report-FBI-cant-recover-missing-texts-from-Strzok-Page/6801544719492/

[clarice]

The phones were erased in the SC's office, not the FBI

[Account Deleted]

tx, clarice.

trying to understand "the who was likely" a) to give the order; and, b) who was likely to have actually re-set the phone(s)?

Mueller and a tech.

oh never mind. he can do whatever he wants obviously.

[jimmyk]

The FBI attempted to recover the text messages during the time that Strzok and Page were working on the Mueller probe, but the government-issued iPhones had been wiped clean. Strzok's device had been given to another agent after he was fired and Page's was recovered months later, but had been reset

More passive voice coverup by the MSM. Who did the wiping? Was it "like, with a cloth"?

[Account Deleted]

"The FBI attempted to recover the text messages during the time that Strzok and Page were working on the Mueller probe, but the government-issued iPhones had been wiped clean."

on whose behalf was "the FBI" attempting to recover the text messages?

[Extraneus]

Clemson Prof in NYT: Human Extinction ‘Might Just Be a Good Thing,’ Because Global Warming

Under a headline reading, “Would Human Extinction Be a Tragedy?” Clemson professor Todd May (pictured) writes, “Human beings are destroying large parts of the inhabitable earth and causing unimaginable suffering to many of the animals that inhabit it.”

He continues:

"This is happening through at least three means. First, human contribution to climate change is devastating ecosystems, as the recent article on Yellowstone Park in The Times exemplifies. Second, increasing human population is encroaching on ecosystems that would otherwise be intact. Third, factory farming fosters the creation of millions upon millions of animals for whom it offers nothing but suffering and misery before slaughtering them in often barbaric ways. There is no reason to think that those practices are going to diminish any time soon. Quite the opposite. Humanity, then, is the source of devastation of the lives of conscious animals on a scale that is difficult to comprehend."

[clarice]

They said it was a routine destruction--You know like they broke Arthur Anderson for such a thing using a conveniently broad obstruction interpretation. SCOTUS disagreed but it was too late for the company.

[Account Deleted]

who re-issued the phone? where did "it" get the phone? who cleared the phone for re-issue.

these boneheads have procedure and paper up their wazoos. who digs through it. the IG?

[daddy]

I see that Cybill Shepherd says the reason her TV Show was canceled, was because Les Monves hit on her and she wouldn't put out for him: Cybill Shepherd: Les Moonves canceled my show after I refused his advances

I thought she meant "Moonlighting" the show with Bruce Willis wearing a hairpiece. That one rings a bell because a co-worker loved it and was way bummed when it got cancelled, but now I see it was for some show called "Cybill." Never heard of it.

Oh well, at least Elvis hit on her when the hitting was good.

And now if you'll excuse me I'm going to put on my Merrill brown imitation Italian leather boots, my Eddie Bauer insulated jeans, my Chinese knock off Greg Norman "Shark" sweatshirt purchased for pennies from the back alley sweatshots in Hong Kong, and my red synthetic flannel jacket I got from our Salvation Army store for 3 bucks, (the one with all the yellow dog hairs all over it), and I'm going to go dick around down town for awhile like J Peterman from Seinfeld.

[clarice]

The texts from the FBI phones were recovered, my understanding is that the messages and calls from the SC's phones never were.

[Jim Eagle]

Off Topic:

So, with Bandit limping, Lady in allergy mode, and Jazz doing his diagnosis by sniffing both of them, we headed to our Vet down here. He is a Dutchman, that we are friends with since it gives Mrs. JiB some time to remember her native language.

For $800+ we got special bath lotion for Lady, special skin mousse for her underbelly allergy, special spray-on for her paws, eye lotion for the red-eye. Combed out all the ticks on all 3 dogs, gave Lady 2 hypo shots of something, pain pills for Bandit, and heart worm med for all 3. I am seriously thinking of encouraging Frederick to take up DVM, since we spent more on the Dogs medical last year than ours [never reached our deductible] and we have the Lamborghini plan.

The Mayport Shrimpers are out about a mile or so offshore from me. Only see 3 but the sea is a whimper of itself. Watching the stucco crew on the clubhouse expansion. Same architect who did our house but not under our contract, we bought it from the 2nd owner. We are getting 9 different roof lines, a fittness center bigger than than the main dining room, and a stair tower to it to make Arnold proud. What a freaking waste of money while membership is status quo. As soon as one dies off, we pick up a new guy in line.

The course looks great since they did the Billy Better Bunkers. Need to go out when Momma and Frederick come down on Wednesday. For years I bought my books in hard cover. Haven't rented a book from a library in 40 years [shoot me, daddy]. Well those roosters have come home to roost.

Momma is cleaning out the clutter in Southampton. Calls me to go over what books Frederick should read and which ones go the used book den at the Library. Over 600 hard covers of mostly International or intercontinental plane reading. 450 pages in 4 hours.

Told her to give him Alan Furst, Martin Cruz Smith, Nelson DeMille, Lee Child and Stephen Coonts. The rest are trash but kept me awake on long plane rides. The reason I don't read like daddy on long trips is that when I read some intellectually stimulating book, I need to take notes, write up observations immediately, etc. Even if they are fictional like my main man Wodehouse, or Thackery, or Twain and Dickens.

Reading is more than exercise for the eyes and brain but also for the next time you meet some dickweed at a cocktail party who asked you: "What have you read lately". Boy can I set his hair on fire:)

[clarice]

Ext--who said the Cathers died off. In every generation there are those who think humans are so sinful they should just die off and there are certainly some global warmest nitwits who share that view.

[Account Deleted]

"Clemson professor Todd May (pictured) writes, “Human beings are destroying large parts of the inhabitable earth and causing unimaginable suffering to many of the animals that inhabit it.”

Here are comments on that imposter May's final exam essay in "Environmental Justice, Junior Seminar, Section B":

Mr. May: i am witholding your grade until you seek counseling for dissociative identity disorder.

[lurkersusie]

Check this out

Christopher Steele: Hillary Clinton was preparing to challenge 2016 election results - Washington Times

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/dec/12/christopher-steele-hillary-clinton-was-preparing-t/

[D]

I am not getting my hopes up about tomorrow.
If some 302’ s were put in under seal then Mueller May have covered his rear end.
TomR saying they could be used later for prosecuting Strzok in his own case makes sense to me.

[MissMarple2]

daddy,

Kudos on your fashion discussion and for the big finish with the J. Peterman character! Ha!

I actually own a coat from J. Peterman. It is a heavy wool navy parka with a plaid lining and like all J. Peterman stuff, it has a TITLE: "The Churchill."

My ex-husband bought it for me for Christmas one year, and it is my go-to coat when it is really cold outside. He was addicted to buying name brand and fancy stuff. We used to get their catalogues which were QUITE pretentious. LOL!

[Pinandpuller]

daddy

That show featured Alicia Witt who shares some features with Marilu Henner and I don't mean curtains and such.

[D]

Lurkersusie is responsible for the original Margot Cleveland posts.
I pay attention when Susie is posting because it is invariably good stuff.

[clarice]

JIB, when Mrs JIB is finished, if her clean up obsession is still on, send her to my house. I am able to make minimal progress with a husband and a son (who lives in pristine minimalist housing and stored all his old stuff here). My husband just is afraid to toss out any piece of paper though he finally pitched his VISA statements and cancelled checks form 1970. My son watched too many Antiques Roadshows and insists even his Jr high school underwear are collectors items.

[Account Deleted]

Oh Hillary.

[Pinandpuller]

The NSA has everybody's messages.

[Old Lurker]

Ext "Quite the opposite. Humanity, then, is the source of devastation of the lives of conscious animals on a scale that is difficult to comprehend."

And that is even before we count up the trillions upon trillions of blades of grass which get assaulted by steel blades week after week after week. Oh the humanity!

[Marlene]

Good afternoon! daddy @4:09...I expect the sun to shine brighter and the birds to be singing sweetly when we go over the Piscataqua River Bridge next spring returning to Maine. All because the Democrats will be in charge. *eyeroll*

[clarice]

Pin, as I read the report only the FBI phone stuff was recovered..Maybe no one tried to get the SC phone stuff, but the investigators do not seem to have it.

[lurkersusie]

More information from Margot

Margot Cleveland on Twitter: "THREAD: Here's latest order by Sullivan in the Flynn case. Two points: First, this filing is most likely merely FD0302 dated 8/22/17 & Memorandum dated 1/24/17, which Mueller filed redacted versions of in appendix. Rem...

https://twitter.com/ProfMJCleveland/status/1074766819548909568

[clarice]

BTW, I know hoe to keep NSA from getting your online correspondence. How smart are these 2 shmucks if they do not.

[MissMarple2]

Well, Maryrose, if you had looked at my postings (which I am sure you ignore) you would have seen that I posted the Margot Cleveland post early this morning.

I don't mind that it got re-posted, since not everyone is up as early as I am.

I do mind that you make a big deal out of lurkersusie's post and ignored mine. I go to a lot of trouble to post things early so that there are things for everyone to read.
Obviously, this is lost on you. Perhaps you have me on killfile, which is ok. I realize that for some reason I irritate you, as you do me. That's all I have to say.

[Extraneus]

there are certainly some global warmest nitwits who share that view.

Shouldn't they go first, at least to impress the rest of us with their sincerity?

[Extraneus]

Talk is cheap, nitwits.

[clarice]

Gosh, daddy, I never imagined what a fashion plate you are.

[Extraneus]

So based on lurkersusie's link, Perkins Coie was perfectly justified in paying Fusion GPS as a legal expense...

[Catsmeat]

This was on the last thread, but I think due credit has not yet been paid, so again, all hail GUS who got me FRAZIER despite great trial and expense. Will report on the taste later--thank you, GUS! You are a kind soul.

[MissMarple2]

The Resistance is now selling Robert Mueller Christmas ornaments pic.twitter.com/5PVOirWNyP

— Jack Posobiec ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@JackPosobiec) December 17, 2018

Photo evidence at the link.

[clarice]

Listen, we have so many threads and my travel pc is so iffy I've explained that I may be posting stuff already posted so forgive me.Who cares who posted first on another thread when over the past day or so there are more posts than anyone could be expected to remember all of them or the posters? Sheesh.

[Account Deleted]

J. Peterman had one product i loved: the 100% cotton "Otavalo Mountain Shirt." have 3 in black and 3 in black. they're 27 years old and super comfortable. no collar. wide sleeves. been accused of looking like Seinfeld's "poofy shirt"--- but they's just jealous.

[clarice]

catsmeat,as a recipient of Gus' Frazier bounty, I promise you it's the best venison you ever tasted.

[Old Lurker]

Clarice, I was thinking of renting each of my daughters a storage unit near where they live. I would prepay twelve months rent on each, but only 12. Then I would ship all of the boxes and boxes of their stuff they keep in my house. And send them each the key, directions, and contract.

[Catsmeat]

Good very definitely to know, Clarice, thanks!

Also very glad the silly beagles have returned to store (with their beds not slept in, yes, Jack?)--

[MissMarple2]

https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/12/17/saudis-denounce-u-s-senate-khashoggi-resolution/

[Account Deleted]

i hear you, clarice. i think it was Saturday. i'm up early and posted 9 links. 3 were pretty significant. all were reposted later in the day. that to me means there's shared value. cool by me.

i'll take up for MM in my next post, because that is not going to be directed towards you. :D

[Old Lurker]

I could tell them there are 20 gold coins somewhere inside the boxes...but then only hide 19 of them.

[MissMarple2]

clarice,

I accept your criticism. For some reason I let Maryrose set me off, and I should have bit my tongue.