Category U. S. Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy

Apr 20 2022

Judge Rules CDC Mask Mandate Unconstitutional


Armstrong Economics Blog/Disease Re-Posted Apr 20, 2022 by Martin Armstrong

US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has determined that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) violated the law by forcing travelers to wear masks — there is no longer a mask mandate for US travel. The ruling first went into effect in February 2021, and despite declining cases, the health agency and Biden Administration refused to lift the mandate. And the CDC continually pushed back its deadline without providing a clear reason. The judge determined “the mandate exceeded the CDC’s statutory authority, improperly invoked the food cause exception to notice and comment rulemaking, and failed to adequately explain decisions.”

Furthermore, the CDC overstepped bounds by placing a mandate on personal behavior rather than “cleaning measure,” which is under their authority. It was not until this pandemic that the CDC was granted dictatorship powers over our lives. Mizelle also pointed out that although the CDC requires masks for travel, they do not have a mandate in place for anywhere else in America. The “science” does not add up.

Since the ruling, nearly all airlines have dropped mask requirements. Amtrack said that masks are no longer required on trains. Uber, Lyft, and rideshare programs have dropped the mandate. The TSA is no longer enforcing mask mandates at airports – a touch of normalcy is in the air.

However, Biden could still fight the ruling. With his bottom-of-the-barrel approval rating, it would be political suicide. Secretary Psaki last said she is “disappointed” with the ruling (i.e., loss of control) and that the Biden Administration is still urging everyone to normalize covering their faces with fabric for no valid reason.

Apr 20 2022

Easter Bunny Comforts POTUS


Armstrong Economics Blog/North America Re-Posted Apr 20, 2022 by Martin Armstrong

The President of the United States needed the Easter Bunny to prevent him from putting his foot in his mouth. You read that correctly. Biden began rambling about Pakistan and Afghanistan when the EASTER BUNNY strategically whisked him away. “Ooh, Mr. President — the Easter Bunny!” a bystander shouted at one of the most powerful men in the world.

This video is not humorous. You can see in the second half of the video that the large rabbit had to physically wave its hands in front of the president to redirect his attention. That rabbit would be better at running the nation than Biden, whose declining mental state is a threat to US national security.

Perhaps Psaki or another handler should wear the Easter Bunny outfit to all of Biden’s public engagements. This man almost started a war between the US and Russia weeks ago when he said Putin needed to be removed from office. His handlers can only control him for so long before his last lingering supporters finally understand that he is not capable of representing the American people and his own party turns on him.

Apr 20 2022

Tucker Carlson Outlines the Washington Post Intimidation Campaign Against Social Media Account, Libs of TikTok


Posted originally on the conservative tree house on April 20, 2022 | sundance 

On his evening broadcast, Fox News host Tucker Carlson outlined the left-wing collective effort to target and intimidate the social media account LibsofTikTok.   WATCH:

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SIDEBAR – A few weeks ago I accidentally ended one Sunday morning at a fascinating Glenn Greenwald article giving a deep dive around the Washington Post “reporter” Taylor Lorenz, who is at the center of this story.  READ IT HERE  As an outcome of that Greenwald article, I traveled though the internets to find a fascinating YouTube expose’ on the same Taylor Lorenz.  WATCH IT HERE

You’ll never get the time in your life back that it takes to see the fulsome picture of how 49-year-old Taylor Lorenz operates.  However, the background of her insane ideological effort is quite remarkable.   If you are ever bored, or perhaps laid up with a broken leg and looking for something to take your mind off the situation, check out the Greenwald article and complimentary video.  This Taylor Lorenz character is seriously disturbed.

Libs of TikTok creator discusses how WaPo reporter Taylor Lorenz published her identity and how it has impacted her and her family’s lives on ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight.”

Apr 20 2022

Biden Distributing Another $800 Million to Ukraine, Still Nothing for U.S. Border Crisis


Posted originally on the conservative tree house on April 19, 2022 | sundance 

According to multiple media outlets [CNN here – Reuters here] Joe Biden is sending another $800 million in weapons to Ukraine.  This is the third delivery of U.S. military hardware bringing the total weapons deliveries to $3.4 billion since late February.  Congress has allocated $14 billion for the laundry operation, which *may* include authorization for much of this current distribution.

In the last several days the Russian military have been posting on their ground reports, about the capture of many millions in U.S. weapons as the Russian army moves more forcefully and methodically to secure the Eastern Ukraine Donbas region.

While western media talks about an ongoing battle for the Russia-Ukraine city of Mariupol, the reality is the remaining Ukraine regiment in the city is now located in a steel factory where they took civilians to provide cover.  The Russians have given them a deadline to surrender.

At this point Mariupol is a western media talking point, a created Alamo narrative, about to disappear.

(VIA CNN) – The US is prepping another $800 million military assistance package for Ukraine, according to three senior administration officials and two sources familiar with the planning.

Details of the latest package are still being privately discussed and could change, but earlier Tuesday, President Joe Biden said the US plans to send more artillery to Ukraine.

Upon arrival in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Biden was asked by reporters on the tarmac if he plans to send more artillery to Ukraine. Biden told reporters, “Yes,” before boarding his motorcade. (read more)

The logistic problem for the NATO alliance (mostly being run by covert – not so covert – U.S. forces on the ground in Ukraine) is how to get heavy weapons from Western Ukraine to the battleground in Eastern Ukraine, without having them intercepted or destroyed by Russian air forces en route.

The Russians are essentially playing whac-a-mole with U.S. weapons convoys along the route.

Apr 20 2022

DOJ Says It Will Appeal Court Decision to Overturn the Federal Transportation Mask Mandate, if the CDC Asks Them to


Posted originally on the conservative tree house on April 19, 2022 | sundance 

On one hand, Joe Biden needs to appease the base of his Covidians who identify themselves through the prism of COVID. On the other hand, the overwhelming majority of Americans are done with the COVID fear mongering.  What to do, what to do?

Trying to split the baby, Biden’s DOJ announces [SEE HERE] it will appeal the federal court ruling that overturned the federal Transporation covid mask mandate, but only if the CDC tells them to.

DOJ PRESS RELEASE – […] “The Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disagree with the district court’s decision and will appeal, subject to CDC’s conclusion that the order remains necessary for public health.”

“If CDC concludes that a mandatory order remains necessary for the public’s health after that assessment, the Department of Justice will appeal the district court’s decision.” (link)

Keep in mind, the federal court ruling specifically centered around the arbitrary nature of the original mandate, which exceeded the scope of CDC legal authority, compounded by the CDC breaking its own rules for public feedback in the implementation.

The mandate created by Joe Biden did not have legal structure.  It was a dictatorial fiat that exceeded the capacity of the executive branch to create.

Congress could easily write a law authorizing mechanisms for the CDC and TSA to use in enforcement of a federal Transportation mask mandate; but they won’t – because the public would never support it.  So now, a political DOJ has to wait for a political CDC to determine whether they still have any currency of influence amid the politics of COVID.

I doubt the CDC will attempt to go through the process to legally reinstitute the mask mandate.  The political science just doesn’t support it.

However, as with all things leftist, narcissistic and Covidian, the moonbat tribe evaluate their worth through the prism of how much they can force others to endure.  So, there’s a possibility the religious leaders within the CDC Church of Big Pharma, may just decide to inflict more social damage.

Apr 20 2022

DeSantis Announces Special Legislative Session Will Debate Removal of Disney World Special Districting Status in Florida


Posted originally on the conservative tree house on April 19, 2022 | sundance

Jumpin’ ju-ju bones, Governor Ron DeSantis detonated a thermonuclear political bomb on the Disney Corporation today.

A special legislative session has been called to approve the new congressional districting map.  However, in an unexpected announcement, the Florida governor said that, in addition to a new congressional map they’re voting on, lawmakers “will be considering termination of all special districts that were enacted in Florida prior to 1968, and that includes the Reedy Creek Improvement District.”

As NBC notes, “The Reedy Creek Improvement District in the Orlando area shields Disney from local government regulations and from local property taxes, which could be worth as much as $200 million per year, by one lawmaker’s estimate.  Legislators in both chambers predicted the legislation — which could end the 55-year-old taxing district next summer — would pass by Friday.”  WATCH:

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DeSantis knows he has a sky-high approval rating in the state, and he is moving fast while the public still has the cultural antagonism and political weaponization by the Disney Corporation in the headlines.

The Disney Corporation previously announced they were going to fund political attacks against the Florida Legislature for creating laws that protect children from sex predators in schools.  Disney openly announced they support grooming efforts by teachers in K-3 education to sexualize children and discuss gender identity issues for children under 9-years-old without parental consent.

Ron DeSantis and the Florida Republican Legislature are about to deliver big revenge against Disney for that decision.  In the political, cultural and all things corporate business world inside Florida, the removal of Disney’s special district status is huge.

(NBC , FLORIDA) – […] The prospect of the Legislature taking such a direct shot at Disney, the state’s largest private employer and traditionally one of the most powerful political players in the Florida capital, was unthinkable until the DeSantis era.

“This is a governor who is willing to buck your traditional elite establishment and corporate America,” Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls said. “And maybe that’s a difference in politics over the last 20 years, but I think that we’re starting to live in this really unique time.”

DeSantis is in a uniquely powerful position as governor. His favorability ratings are so high in the GOP that they rival those of former President Donald Trump’s in Florida, according to polls. If Trump doesn’t run for president in 2024, polls suggest, DeSantis is well positioned to be his heir apparent in two years as an early front-runner for the Republican Party’s nomination.

In a sign of his political clout, DeSantis had already forced legislators back to Tallahassee this week for a special session to rubber-stamp a proposed congressional map he drew after vetoing maps drawn by the Legislature — both unprecedented acts for a Florida governor. (read more)

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Apr 20 2022

Biden Administration Unsure if They Will Challenge Court Ruling Overturning Federal Mask Mandate


Posted originally on the conservative tree house on April 19, 2022 | sundance

Obviously, the office of White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain is urgently contacting pollsters to measure how the base of the party would feel if the administration did not challenge the federal court ruling that overturned the federal mask mandate for transportation.

The far-left is on its heels after a Tampa judge overturned the CDC’s legal framework for the mask mandate rule, and the TSA changed their guidance.  Most of the Biden support base, the Covidians, define themselves through the virtue signaling of wearing a mask. However, all of the airlines quickly abandoned rules for masks during travel, and the overwhelming majority of Americans cheered.

Now, the Biden DOJ finds themselves in a hot political place.  Biden is stuck between the mentally and emotionally unstable Covidians (10%) and the normal Americans (90%).  If the DOJ doesn’t challenge the ruling, the Covidians will be even more mad. [Psaki Transcript Here]

(WASHINGTON DC) – […]  White House press secretary Jen Psaki, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Hampshire, said the Justice Department was still reviewing the ruling and noted that these reviews typically take a few days. She pointed out that the CDC had said previously it needed 15 days to evaluate public health data related to the mask mandate.

“Public health decisions shouldn’t be made by the courts. They should be made by public health experts,” Ms. Psaki said.

Republicans and some Democrats praised Monday’s ruling by the judge, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, a Republican. “It’s about time,” said Rep. Sam Graves, the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This hypocritical and overreaching mandate was never about health or science.” (read more)

Arriving in New Hampshire today, Biden was asked what should travelers do about wearing masks?   Biden said, “It’s up to them”.

Apr 20 2022

Fannie Mae More Than Triples Negative Forecast for Housing Sales


Posted Originally on the conservative tree house on April 19, 2022 | sundance

Lots of people talk about an inflation driven recession.  Essentially, that’s a total economic contraction in the value of goods and services produced, sold and purchased, due to rising prices.   However, as CTH has been pointing out for more than six months, if you subtract the federal COVID infusion money from the overall economy, we have been in a contracting demand economy for almost nine months.

A negative GDP outcome is quite possible, perhaps likely, when the first quarter GDP figures are released on the last Friday of this month.  The most recent sales and economic data shows that U.S. consumers are prioritizing spending and high priced durable good sales are negative.

Now, Fannie Mae is delivering a rather stunning shift in their economic forecast.  In addition to projecting a recession for 2023, these revised home purchase figures are remarkable:

...”We have downgraded our total home sales forecast for 2022 to a decline of 7.4 percent (previously a 4.1 percent decline) followed by a decrease of 9.7 percent in 2023 (previously a 2.7 percent decline).” (link)

That is a very significant change in home sales forecast to the negative position.

We already have serious energy inflation to contend with and low wage growth.  We already know a third inflation wave on highly consumable goods is coming this summer, likely around 30% or more in food prices at the grocery store.

The professional forecasts are always tilted toward the positive for this administration, so this new statement by Fannie Mae should be considered accordingly.  Remember, Boy Scouts motto.

Apr 20 2022

Too Dangerous to Allow Elon Musk Control Over So Much Data Says Washington Post


Posted originally on the conservative tree house on April 19, 2022 | sundance

The latest developments in the effort to purchase the unsustainable magic coffee shop are quite revealing.

According to the New York Post, “Musk himself is willing to invest between $10 billion and $15 billion of his own cash to take Twitter private, two sources close to the situation said. That’s up from the current 9.1% stake in the company he revealed on April 4, which is worth about $3.4 billion.”

However, more revealing about the overall issue are the comments from the PR firm of the U.S. Intelligence Community, The Washington Post:

(WaPo) […] “Putting so much power in the hands of one company is bad enough, but putting it in the hands of one person, as is largely the case with Facebook shareholder Mark Zuckerberg and would be the case if Twitter were owned by Musk, would be incompatible with democracy.” 

“There are simply no checks and balances from any internal or external force,” … “It would leave Musk, like Zuckerberg, with an amount of assembled data about people and the ability to use it to manipulate them “that cannot be compared to anything that has ever existed, and allows intervention into the integrity of individual behavior and also the integrity of collective behavior.” (read more)

People are starting to catch on to the reality that costs for data processing on many social media platforms (the free coffee), exceeds the ability of the platform to generate revenue.  People are starting to understand that behind the scenes of the Big Tech consortium, there is something else, some other operational construct and mechanism, that subsidizes & facilitates their existence.

It is very revealing how the intelligence apparatus of the United States had no issue with Twitter data and influence, until the potential for private ownership, perhaps uncontrolled private ownership, surfaced.  Do not be naïve in pretending not to know how The Washington Post represents the interests of the intelligence apparatus.

In the long arc of history, I truly believe we will discover the inflection moment for the merge of U.S. Deep State (intel community) and U.S. Social Media, will be identified in the early moments of the Arab Spring of 2010/2011.  That was when Facebook and Twitter became tools for the State Dept operation in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Bahrain and beyond.  That was the beta-test of synergy.

“Arab Social Media Report by the Dubai School of Government give empirical heft to the conventional wisdom that Facebook and Twitter abetted if not enabled the historic region-wide uprisings of early 2011.” (LINK)

It was from that original, albeit misguided and manipulative partnership, when the actual details about how to create the social surveillance state was first tested.   Everything after those events more than a decade ago, has been this rapidly evolving blend of social media technology and the capacity of the U.S. intelligence apparatus to create and fund the underlying structures.

Daily, we see numerous examples of the ideological control that surfaces as a direct result of this public-private partnership, the closed-conversations between deep government interests (the Fourth Branch) and social media companies which are dependent on the subsidized technology for them to exist.

Perhaps 2022 represents the first time the commonsense of the American electorate begins to recognize the fallacy of the ‘free coffee’ business model.  Personally, I am very optimistic people will soon recognize what many have suspected for a long time.

Ultimately the question becomes, how far will the U.S. Fourth Branch of Government go to stop people from understanding?

Marc Andreessen believes Govt and Big Tech will double, triple and quadruple down to keep their public-private partnership, the backbone of the Free Coffee Shop, hidden.  I cannot say I disagree, because ultimately it is still only the minority of people who understand the stakes.  However, on the upside, the number of people who are starting to understand it, is growing almost exponentially thanks to Elon Musk.

(Source Link)

This is one of those situations where we should all welcome being called ‘conspiracy theorists’, because no matter how big the crowd is that refuses to believe it, ultimately the impossible business model of Jack’s Magic Coffee Shop will reveal everything.

That’s why the public-private partnership must stop Elon Musk.  As the Washington Post noted, this level of revelation “cannot be compared to anything that has ever existed.”

“Very shadowy” indeed.

Apr 20 2022

CNN New Subscription Based Service Likely to Collapse, Spent $300 Million Only Gained 150k Subscribers


Posted originally on the conservative tree house on April 19, 2022 | sundance

Put this in the tracking file for ratios and such.  Axios is reporting that CNN+ is likely to collapse as Warner Bros has suspended all external marketing and product development and fired the Chief Financial Officer.  The network has spent $300 million, and only generated 150,000 subscribers.  A major fail by any measure.

(Via Axios) Warner Bros. Discovery has suspended all external marketing spend for CNN+ and has laid off CNN’s longtime chief financial officer as it weighs what to do with the subscription streaming service moving forward, five sources tell Axios.

• Why it matters: Inside CNN, executives think the launch has been successful. Discovery executives disagree.

• CNN+ has roughly 150,000 subscribers so far.

• Warner Bros. Discovery wants to eventually build one giant service around HBO Max.

• New leadership has replaced CNN CFO Brad Ferrer with Neil Chugani, Discovery’s current CFO for streaming and international, as part of a broader finance team restructuring.

• Other high-level positions at WarnerMedia across different business functions are likely to be eliminated to cut costs and streamline leadership in coming weeks.

What to watch: Sources say a plan is being considered to replace Chris Cuomo’s 9:00pm EST primetime slot with a live newscast, instead of personality-driven perspective programming. (read more)