Did you know Facebook supports updated internet regulations? I know that. Boy, do I know it. I’m guessing everyone else who lives in the Washington, DC, area knows it too. For at least the past five weeks, Facebook has been deluging the region with ads declaring its support for regulation. I originally noticed when my morning ritual of watching basketball highlights on NBA.com started getting disrupted by the same 30-second message from Facebook every single time I wanted to watch a 3-minute video. Just let me see the slam dunks, please! Somehow, despite having seen the ad dozens of times, I still couldn’t quite tell you what regulations Facebook really has in mind. That’s probably because the ads are less about specific policy proposals than about trying to improve Facebook’s battered reputation in the eyes of DC decisionmakers. The regulation ads are part of an all-out blitz on the part of not just Facebook but also Google and Amazon. They, along with American Edge, a … [Read more...] about Big Tech Targets DC With a Digital Charm Offensive
Capitol hill washington dc
Doomsday Delayed…Again: What’s Behind Dems’ Scaremongering About QAnon & Right-Wing Extremism?
In the first week of March the US Capitol Police beefed up security at the congressional premises in Washington and informed US lawmakers that they had "obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday." "We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers," the police said in a statement, stressing that "due to the sensitive nature of this information," the police could not provide additional details. The worrying report prompted the House of Representatives to cancel its Thursday session as a precaution. How Spectre of Right-Wing Extremism Repeatedly Failed to Materialise Following the 6 January Capitol breach the US capital has been bracing for the uptick in right-wing violence for the last two months. On 10 January, an FBI bulletin warned that "armed protests are being … [Read more...] about Doomsday Delayed…Again: What’s Behind Dems’ Scaremongering About QAnon & Right-Wing Extremism?
Russel Honoré, Pelosi pick to lead review of Capitol security, ripped by Republicans as ‘extreme partisan’
close Video Sen. Josh Hawley responds to Lt. Gen. Russel Honore comments: ‘Disturbing, downright crazy’ Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., reacts to Lt. Gen. Russel Honore’s comments on ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight.’ Some GOP lawmakers are harshly criticizing Russel Honoré, the retired Army lieutenant general who House Speaker Nancy Pelosi chose to lead the investigation into the security of the U.S. Capitol after the Jan. 6 attack by a pro-Trump mob, for allegedly being too partisan for his post. Honoré is known for his role in the response to Hurricane Katrina and more recently has made appearances on cable news that are often very critical of Republicans. This, and some of his social media commentary, has led to criticism from high-profile Republicans that Honoré may not be the best person for the job he was picked for on Jan. 15. "General Honoré is an extreme partisan and should be the LAST person to head up an investigation of what happened at the … [Read more...] about Russel Honoré, Pelosi pick to lead review of Capitol security, ripped by Republicans as ‘extreme partisan’