Michael Novakhov – My Bullet Points:
- Stop this hysteria, and stop scapegoating Peter Strzok.
The political attitudes, and expressing them, on the part of the FBI agent, might or might not be ethical, depending on the circumstances (office email to a colleague and lover probably is not), but it is not a crime. Mr. Mueller’s move to remove Strzok was correct and timely, but do not read in this move more than it contains. The issue that is much more serious, and in demand of the serious and deep investigation, is:
What was the state of the U.S. Counterintelligence Service during the Obama Administration, and specifically around the Elections time? Mr. Strzok, as reported, was in the position of the Deputy Chief of the FBI Counterintelligence for the Russian Affairs, he was the main nerve center through whom the information, concepts, strategy, and tactics were flowing. Was the situation around that time assessed correctly? This is the question of the adequate competence, which is very different from all the other possibly related or unrelated issues. All these issues have to be examined and assessed, the mistakes have to be determined, studied and analyzed, to minimize their chances to be repeated again.
Stop your vicious attacks on Mrs. Clinton. My impression is (and I wrote about this in my blogs earlier, and I think, other people did mention this too) that
- Hillary Clinton “hacked emails affair” was a diversion,
designed and implemented by the same actors who engaged in the “Trump election affair”, with the purposes of diverting the focus of attention, human and other resources, etc., etc., from Trump affair. If we consider and accept this possibility (which might be a signature style of the hostile intelligence service), then many other aspects appear to fall in their places in this big picture.
The matters, issues, and the questions about Peter Strzok and his activities (or lack of them, or their misdirection) are not his choice of words describing Mrs. Clinton’s attitude, which he recommended to Mr. Comey (“extreme carelessness” instead of “gross negligence”), but his ability to be on the top of the situation, with the adequate understanding and reading of the players involved, their motivations, their rules of the game, their ultimate goals, etc., etc..
- That is why the calls for the full and urgent FBI and their services investigations on the part of the Congress are completely justified. We have to understand what went wrong in order to do it right in the future.
Politicization is a double-edged sword. It has to be recognized and avoided equally on both sides: conservative and liberal, republican and democratic. The institutions, traditions, culture are the cornerstones of stability in the face of the ongoing political onslaught of populism and the relative extremes of the “far right” or the “far left”, for the lack of the better terms. The FBI and the other institutions have to avoid these political extremes and to stay centered, as their new Director, Mr. Wray, suggested in his letter to the FBI employees. This organization has deep, severe, and the long-standing problems. In order to be corrected, the nature of these problems has to be understood and diagnosed correctly.
- Another aspect is the connection between the current “Trump affair” and 9/11,
not just as an issue of inability to see and prevent them, but as the possible single causal chain, perpetuated by the same or the simular kind of actors. The follow-up on 9/11 investigation, or the review, conducted by the FBI, cannot be considered adequate, despite the many good and valid points, dispersed in the text of this report, on which I wrote about earlier also.
Mr. Mueller, Mr. Comey, Mr. Wray, and the other relevant persons involved: Do not protect the FBI needlessly. It is counterproductive. The FBI has to be investigated to the utmost depth, to the bone, to the raw, painful, and ugly truth, and all of it. And the facts and conjectures have to be shared with the public. The FBI is deteriorating and degenerating in front of our eyes, and the signs of it abound. The in-depth reassessment is needed, if we want this organization to survive and to revitalize. It is not the exaggeration to add that this is the matter of survival of America herself, as we know it.
- Investigate the investigators! Save America! Reform the FBI now!
Michael Novakhov – My Bullet Points
| 5:44 AM 12/7/2017 – Peter Strzok – News Review: On Strzok, Let’s Wait for the Evidence – National Review | A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now.
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On Strzok, Let’s Wait for the Evidence
Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks
Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks | ||||
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Peter Strzok – Google Search | ||||
On Strzok, Let’s Wait for the EvidenceNational Review–12 hours ago
I’m taking a “wait and see” attitude on FBI agent Peter Strzok, who is now enmeshed in a political storm involving both the Clinton and the Trump investigations. You know why? Well . . . it’s because I can’t stand the Clintons. What difference does that make? Well, because I didn’t like them any better in 2001.
Gutfeld: The Real Collusion Between the FBI and Clinton CampaignFox News Insider–Dec 5, 2017
Greg Gutfeld discussed the FBI official who was reassigned from the Mueller investigation after sending politically-charged texts to his mistress. Gutfeld said Peter Strzok showed evidence of “bias and stupidity” when it was revealed he sent the messages critical of President Trump and supportive of Hillary …
FBI agent Peter Strzok’s anti-Trump texts demanded by SenateWashington Times–13 hours ago
Charles Grassley wrote to FBI Director Chris Wray on Wednesday to ask that the bureau address a series of questions about counterintelligence investigator Peter Strzok. The deputy assistant director in the FBI’s counterterrorism division was removed both from that position and the Mueller team over the …
FBI agent dismissed from Mueller probe changed Comey’s …CNN–Dec 4, 2017
Electronic records show Peter Strzok, who led the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s private email server as the No. 2 official in the counterintelligence division, changed Comey’s earlier draft language describing Clinton’s actions as “grossly negligent” to “extremely careless,” the sources said. The drafting …
Why Mueller removed a top FBI agent from the Russia inquiry
Opinion–The San Diego Union-Tribune–Dec 4, 2017 Top FBI official assigned to Mueller’s Russia probe said to have …
In-Depth–Washington Post–Dec 2, 2017 Trump Says FBI Credibility Is in “Tatters,” Denies Telling Comey to …
Blog–Slate Magazine (blog)–Dec 4, 2017 |
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Five Things to Know About Anti-Trump FBI Agent Peter Strzok | ||||
Here’s what you need to know about Strzok:
Strzok Was Demoted Over the Texts Strzok, who the New York Times reported is “considered one of the most experienced and trusted F.B.I. counterintelligence investigators” and was a top investigator in Mueller’s Russia probe, was demoted to a human resources position after the discovery of the texts — which were sent to an FBI lawyer with whom he was having an extramarital affair. Strzok Was Involved in Softening Comey’s Language on Clinton’s Email Use CNN reported that Strzok was involved in changing the language FBI Director James Comey used in his July 2016 statement to describe Hillary Clinton’s handling of classified information. The language was reportedly changed from “grossly negligent” to “extremely careless.” The subsequent language is softer and therefore was less damaging to Clinton — who was at that time locked in a bruising presidential campaign with then-candidate Donald Trump. CNN noted that federal law carries penalties for gross negligence in the handling of classified material. Strzok Interviewed Michael Flynn, Top Clinton Aides Strzok was reportedly involved in the interviews of Michael Flynn in January for the probe into Russian interference, as well as Clinton aides Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills concerning the Clinton email scandal. Those interviews are now being scrutinized as Flynn was charged for lying during that interview about his contacts with Russian officials, but Abedin and Mills were not charged for saying they did not know about Clinton’s private email server until 2013 — when there were emails from earlier suggesting they do. Strzok’s roles in both interviews have stoked concerns about bias and double standards in the FBI’s probes. Strzok Is Not the Only One Strzok is not the only agent accused of having a left-leaning bias. Documents obtained by Judicial Watch show that the prosecutor now serving as Mueller’s top deputy sent an email in January gushing over then-Acting Attorney General Sally Yates’ refusal to enforce President Trump’s travel ban. “I am so proud. And in awe. Thank you so much. All my deepest respects,” said Andrew Weissman in the email, one of a number of supportive emails Yates received from DOJ colleagues. Congress Wants Answers Strzok’s potential bias has caught the attention of Republicans in Congress. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) toldthe New York Post Tuesday that he and fellow members of the House Intelligence Committee want to review Strzok’s “text messages, e-mails and contacts.” They also want to know his impact on the findings of the investigation into Clinton’s email use and why he was questioning Michael Flynn. He also said the FBI and Justice Department have been “stonewalling” them. “I think we should definitely question him. In fact, he’s one of the people we’ve been trying to get information on for the last several months,” King said. Adam Shaw is a Breitbart News politics reporter based in New York. Follow Adam on Twitter: @AdamShawNY. |
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Mueller Removed Top Agent in Russia Inquiry Over Possible Anti-Trump Texts | ||||
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Trump, Russia And Beyond: 3 Tough Questions As FBI Director Heads To Congress – NPR | ||||
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Government Documents Show FBI Cleared Filmmaker Laura Poitras After Six-Year Fishing Expedition – EFF | ||||
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Republicans hammer Mueller, FBI as Russia investigation intensifies – Washington Post | ||||
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Whistleblower: Flynn Signaled End to Russia Sanctions Minutes Into Trump Presidency – Voice of America | ||||
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Whistleblower: Michael Flynn told business colleague on inauguration day that Russia sanctions would be ‘ripped up’ – Business Insider | ||||
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Trump’s Attacks Put New FBI Director in Tough Spot – U.S. News & World Report | ||||
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It is time for Trump to vacate the presidency – National Catholic Reporter | ||||
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Investigators are finally using the word treason in the Trump-Russia scandal | ||||
As Donald Trump’s Russia scandal has turned into arguably the most complex criminal conspiracy in history, one of the key questions has been how to classify the series of unprecedented crimes that have been committed. Four of Trump’s people have already been arrested on various crimes including the ominous sounding “conspiracy against the United States.” But now, for the first time, those investigating the scandal are finally using the word “treason” in relation to the scandal. |
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White evangelical Christians overwhelmingly support Trump. They also overwhelmingly believe God gave Israel to the Jews. |
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Trumps Potential Justice Obstructions | ||||
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House conservatives to press FBI on ‘bias’ against Trump | ||||
CLOSE
The news of the agent’s reassignment was first reported in August, but details were unclear. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Christopher Wray, Trump’s nominee for FBI director.(Photo: Andrew Harnik, AP)
WASHINGTON — House conservatives plan to press FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday about revelations that a top agent was demoted for anti-Trump text messages — an incident the lawmakers charge proves bias against the president in the Russia investigation.
House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes, standing with Reps. Peter King and Ron DeSantis, listens to a reporter’s question as he speaks on Capitol Hill on Oct. 24, 2017. (Photo: Susan Walsh, AP)
The Department of Justice has denied that and said officials are cooperating with the committee’s investigation and will continue to do so.
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Read or Share this story: <a href=”https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/12/06/house-conservatives-ramp-up-accusations-bias-against-trump-russia-probe/926619001/” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/12/06/house-conservatives-ramp-up-accusations-bias-against-trump-russia-probe/926619001/</a> |
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FBI and DOJ have Been Under Investigation Since January American Lens | ||||
FBI and DOJ. These two agencies are making the rounds today on social media like wildfire is a press release that went largely unnoticed in January.
Who or what is being investigated? According to the release, “the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will initiate a review of allegations regarding certain actions by the Department of Justice (Department) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in advance of the 2016 election.” Stronger together? Here’s the press release from January: Now that you’ve read that document, consider these recent tweets, one from Eric ‘Contempt of Congress’ Holder, responding to President Trump’s remarks about the “FBI being in tatters.” How well will these age? Also under review – How Mueller’s secret firing of Peter Strzok, who is apparently very anti-Trump and had involvement in both the Clinton email scandal and the Fusion GPS dossier. Yesterday, a bombshell dropped about Strzok – he interviewed Flynn:
But there was more. Now the interview itself is being called into question due to Strzok’s involvement:
The hits keep coming with Strzok as the Daily Caller reported: Embattled FBI supervisor Peter Strzok also conducted the interviews with Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills, in which they falsely claimed they didn’t know about Hillary’s email server when she was Secretary of State. Like this:Like Loading… |
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Peter Strzok Photo: See First Image of the FBI Agent | ||||
Fox NewsThe photo of Peter Strzok obtained by Fox News.
A photo of Peter Strzok, the top FBI agent who was removed from the Robert Mueller investigation, has finally been revealed. For days, the lack of any images or pictures of Strzok, 47, led to rampant speculation online. You can read more about Melissa Hodgman, Peter Strzok’s wife, here: |
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fbi criticism – Google Search | ||||
FactChecking Trump’s Criticism of the FBI<a href=”http://FactCheck.org” rel=”nofollow”>FactCheck.org</a>–Dec 4, 2017
President Donald Trump claimed that Hillary Clinton “lied many times to the FBI and nothing happened to her.” In fact, the FBI director told Congress that there was “no basis to conclude she lied to the FBI.” Trump also left the false impression that the FBI deviated from its standard practice by not putting …
Trump’s tweets lash out at FBI and Russia investigators
In-Depth–Christian Science Monitor–Dec 4, 2017 |
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How Nonpartisan and Independent Was the FBI’s Leadership in 2016? | ||||
Yes, President Trump doesn’t help himself when he Tweets, “After years of Comey, with the phony and dishonest Clinton investigation (and more), running the FBI, its reputation is in Tatters – worst in History!”
But criticism of a particular FBI decision, or a series of decisions by the bureau’s leadership, does not mean one is attacking the entire institution as a whole. (Otherwise, every critic of J. Edgar Hoover is “attacking the FBI.”) But while the FBI’s reputation might be overall in good shape, the public faith in the decision-making of former director James Comey during the 2016 campaign isn’t in good shape. Many Hillary Clinton fans thought the investigation into her e-mails was a witch hunt; many Republicans thought Comey’s press conference lamenting her “extremely careless” handling of classified information amounted to a slap on the wrist. Hillary herself blames Comey for her defeat; that’s obviously overwrought, but there’s no getting around the fact that the FBI ended up making enormously consequential decisions that no doubt helped shape the outcome of the presidential election. And now there’s some evidence that some voices at the top of the FBI weren’t so nonpartisan and independent after all:
Is Peter Strzok a partisan hack? His friends and colleagues will probably say “no,” and the Trump administration will say “yes.” But the fact that he was sending around ”politically charged texts disparaging President Trump and supporting Hillary Clinton” is not encouraging. By doing that, he’s given Trump and his defenders all the ammunition they need to argue that Clinton’s non-criminal consequences amounted to a whitewash, and that the Bureau’s continuing investigation into the administration is, at least in part, driven by a partisan vendetta. |
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DANA MILBANK: Latest fallback: Who cares if Trump colluded with Russia? – Meridian Star | ||||
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Yesterday The Supreme Court Jolted LGBTQ People With A Frightening Reality | ||||
Many thought the 2015 marriage ruling brought full equally. But everything could quickly slide back. |
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Today’s Headlines and Commentary | ||||
President Donald Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israels capital and pledged to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the New York Times reported. In televised remarks from the White House, Trump reversed nearly seven decades of U.S. policy. He also promised to eventually move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, but signed a waiver under the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act that allows the State Department to avoid penalties for keeping the mission in Tel Aviv. The European Unions top diplomat, Chinas foreign ministry, Pope Francis and other world leaders condemned the move. ICYMI: Yesterday on Lawfare Jesse Lempel explained how Tier III terrorist designations work and the dispute between the courts and the administration on the designations proper scope. |
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FBI and DOJ have Been Under Investigation Since January – American Lens | ||||
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Subpoena For Deutsche Bank May Put Mueller On Collision Course With Trump – NPR | ||||
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Gingrich: The swamp is more corrupt than we thought it was – Fox News | ||||
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The quest for collusion is over as the desperate shriek for impeachment begins – Washington Post | ||||
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