Trump’s EPA Is Bound and Gagged: How Much Is Too Much?
Yesterday, President Trump issued a gag order on the Environmental Protection Agency, forbidding any communication from the EPA to the public, in the form of public appearances, press releases, social media, and any other mode by which information may be disseminated.
If we wondered how exactly the incoming administration was going to destroy the EPA, we just received the first indication: it’s been silenced.
Now, lots of people from all political persuasions are asking: “Is it fair that the federal government should make it illegal for taxpayers to have access to the very scientific research and other assets that they themselves funded?” And it’s not just the taxpayer-owned flow of information that’s been strangled; the ban extends to a freeze on all grants and contracts, i.e., the way the EPA goes about its work in protecting U.S. citizens from environmental threats: water contamination, hazmat spills, and all other types of toxicity.
It’s no wonder that even these folks, regardless of their familiarity with the U.S. Constitution, are starting to realize that we’ve reached a point, only four days into the new regime, that our government has begun to look and act like an autocracy. But with each successive assault against the principles on which the Unites States was founded, comes both public outcry as well as another quantum diminution in Trump’s approval rating among his own followers, who are starting to ask themselves: “How much suppression is too much? Where does democracy stop and fascism begin?”
One thing is clear: This is in the peoples’ hands now. The government has made it clear that it is declaring war on the things that most Americans hold sacred, but it’s clear that the Trump administration isn’t going to reverse its course on any of these matters–until it’s forced to by people like you and me, that is.
We can only hope that the volume of outrage will continue its crescendo, and soon leave Trump standing, a pathetic figure, the thoroughgoing sociopath that most of us recognized him to be when he first entered the political arena. As I’ve written earlier, there is a significant probability that our 45th president will be (legally and peacefully) removed from office long before his four-year term is completed–and that bet looks more attractive with each passing day.
Craig,
The Blowback to the Extreme Policies and attempts at over reaching Authoritarianism is only just Beginning.
Most informed and balanced folks are not surprised at all with the first series of negative orders emanating from the new President and his collection of right wing idiots, corporate hacks, flunkies, extremists and puppets of the Wall St crews that like to Rig things and then go to DAVOS and ask each other where or where is the increased demand for our products and services going to come from ???
Not surprised at all – and the only suprise will be how long will it take for the mindless and confused Minions and anti hillarites to begin to have buyer ‘s remorse.
But since we are now in an Official New Federal order coming from the White House that We now Have Alternative Facts . Alternative FActs are what s Coming down the Pipeline.
so dont be surprised .
The real suprise for the Oppressors is the rising up of a Large Resistance Movement – this past weekend the Trumperites and their ilk got a view of the Resistance Movement and it has them intimidated and looking for new ways to spin lies as that is all they have is Lies.
The cult like Morons were Shaken by the Turnouts within so called Red Bastion states like Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana , Alaska ( where o where was Sarah P???to stop them) , the back side of Colorado and most of Az, parts of Ala and Louisiana , Indiana and more….
The voracity and large diversity among st the first Resistance Movements marchers parallels what happened in the US in the late 1960’s.
The lesson learned is that the Resistance won then in the 1960’s and if the negative policy gets too out of order or contains too much Alternative Facts who knows where this leads to. The new administration is shaken just as are his circle of Pharisee’s as the number of Trumpets railing against the Trumpet surpassed all expectations the number floating around is over 4 million to 5 million protesters Nationwide. That is alot of anti trumpet TRUMPETS with Real Reality Facts!
We shall see where all this goes. Interesting times.
keep drinking good Red wines and take notes…History HAS A WAY OF REPEATING ITSELF….THE HUMAN CONDITION.
I dont thing they can gag freedom of information requests. I guess they will have to release indirectly via “friendly press” FOI requests!
You’re right about the FOIA. I know you’re kidding about this, but to make it clear to people who don’t get the joke, the public shouldn’t be forced to take legal action to gain access to the scientific truths that its government has uncovered on the public’s own dime.
I don’t see any reason why objective, scientific data should need an approval process before being presented to the American people. Are scientists going to need to start anonymously disclosing their findings (à la Wikileaks?) in order to release basic information — simply because it doesn’t fit the political agenda of the reigning party?
Disturbing stuff.
Absolutely right. “Disturbing” is the very best thing you can say about it.
Devin Morrissey,
There is no censorship of scientists. There is not even any suggestion of censorship.
Scientists are free to publish whatever the wish, and do so all the time.
These so called “gag orders” are the normal practice of new administrations during the period while there is no official head of the Agency.
Essentially, they are designed to prevent agency employees making unauthorized statements, which might be misconstrued as official policy decisions which are the sole prerogative of elected official or appointments.
This is standard practice in most Western democracies, often called “caretaker provisions”.
Craig,
Why do you feel the need to exaggerate ?
The Trump administration has simply ordered all government agencies not to send out news releases, create social media posts, blog entries or official website content without consulting senior officials, nor speaking to the news media except through official spokespersons.
This action is deigned to limit agencies from diverse external communications during the period prior to the confirmation process of new political appointees taking office.
The purpose is to prevent improper political comments on policy by government employees.
The ‘gag’ orders are copies of the orders used by the Obama administration as it took over from departing George W. Bush administration.
These sort of orders are fairly standard practice for new administrations.
Government employees are civil servants. Civil servants can’t involve themselves in partisan political debates, or indulge in guerrilla warfare with administrations they dislike.
Civil Servants can’t create policy, only elected officials and those appointed by the Executive and confirmed by Congress.
If in issuing these directions Donald Trump is a “thoroughgoing sociopath” and “fascist ” then so was Obama, and every other President who took over from a previous administration.
All this alarmist ranting, will just prove counter-productive. Like the boy who called “wolf” too many times. It would be more effective to wait for a serious issue to arise.
Oh, I think this is pretty @#$%ing serious. Wait till you see where it goes from here. With literally each passing day, it becomes more obvious, even to his supporters, that he’s criminally insane. Did you hear what he wants to do with torture? It’s a clear violation of both U.S. AND international law.
Craig,
Hmmm,… but how is this instance any different from Obama? I mean this is fairly standard practice for every new administration. In other democracies they’re called “caretaker clauses”.
I think that taking issue over such mundane procedures, lacks credibility.
However, your point about the use of torture, is valid.
While not making Trump “criminally insane” (or that would make 70% of the US population criminally insane :)), it’s not good.
The only degree of comfort I can see, is he was not so much advocating the use of torture but answering the question “does torture work ?”. He replied he believed it worked, and endorsed it’s use “within the bounds of what you’re allowed to do legally” . (whatever that means !).
Let me state I absolutely agree with you that “torture” is not only abhorrent, but ultimately ineffective.
It’s a bit like the death penalty.
Is Trump alone in his belief? Just look at popular Hollywood movies which romanticize and endorse all kinds of “ends justify the means” methods.
I greatly admire and respect Senator John McCain, and his principled stand against such practices, but I wonder if the vast majority of the US public wouldn’t excuse torture, if the question was asked the right way ?
That’s the problem with populists, everyone cheers for them at the time of the lynching, but later deveolp mixed feeling of shame, followed by a resentment toward the victim for making them feel bad.
Hopefully, Trumps sister, for whom he has deep regard, will dissuade him from such folly.
The “authorized” use of torture by US forces was very harmful to the US cause. I know all the arguments for it’s limited use, but it’s still just plain wrong !
@ Marco
As usual you side with the Dark Side mate …your positions are not defensible and are actually Insulting to the over all goals of this website. Intellectually below the Bar. Defending and over Rationalizing clear cases of censorship.
Maybe you subscribe to Alternative Facts School or Political forces.
As others have clearly said concerning the censorship of data and scientific facts , they don’t see the need or the justification for such Fascist like tactics . Many other Voices seeing growing danger in much of this….
Trumperian State of Affairs in play now:
Perhaps the Mani-cal Emperor and his Cabal of Greed seekers and other are only just beginning their long stated goals of taking over control of the state – for their benefit.
There are strong names for this type of hyper political activity but will keep the powder dry until more facts reveal them selves as they will.
Their minion supporters will also be collateral damage which will be much warranted poetic justice.
What has begun is only just the beginning definite Pattern developing
Marco what do the trumpers Fear about scientific information paid for by the public being released into the publishing mainstream etc. -This obsession with controlling minor things seems to reek of Paranoia that perhaps the Real truth will shine and expose this Cabal for what they are – Losers with no real substance etc etc
Could perhaps it be like the movie the wizard of OZ that the man in the White House truly has no clothes and no real power or good ideas he is just a front man for Darker forces taking over ??
Are they afraid the truth when it sees the Light of Day will cause their Lie to the Minions to evaporate ???
The forces of the resistance are just forming but the trumpers are acting like hitler in the bunker after only 6 days.??? What a farce!
The challenge to those from the Saner Side of things – is that we are trying to respond to Illogical positions from a point of Logic… quite challenging at times …perhaps more sterner responses are in Order and they may be Forthcoming Marco stay tuned.
Silent,
Calm down. All this ranting about trivialities, obscures the more serious issues.
On the one hand you can’t claim Trump cares nothing about anything but his versions of events (which he doesn’t and also claim he keeps secrets.
The danger of exaggerating ordinary procedures out of proportion, is as I explained to Craig, no one will listen when you raise serious issues.
We can’t help whatever the administration claims or asserts, but we must be very rigorous in ensuring the veracity of our own claims. You and I are responsible for our own credibility.
Craig raised a serious issue of concern that should be clarified by not only the media, and GOP members of Congress, but the American people. The issue of authorizing “torture” should be a matter for the legislature, not simply the executive.
Save your outrage and indignation for such important issues. Wasting time huffing and puffing over something ever other incoming administration has done, is a waste of time and credibility.
Civil servants are always subject to censorship. It’s a condition of employment. This is true in almost any nation. These people can’t comment or proclaim policy, that’s prerogative is reserved for elected representatives, or accredited appointees.
Trust me, the future will hold many far more serious issues on which President Trump must be held to account or explain.
Save your outrage for genuine grievances, this just is just too nebulous.
@ Marco
Agree with your position re the futility of torture and you said the Truth how it back fired on us in Iraq, Afgan and probably guantanamo too…
Sane position you explained .
It is tragic that other wise decent people can be ginned up into a mindless emotional ball of fire and vote or approve of things that are just as Evil in their collective over reaction to what has happened.
cooler heads need to prevail as you said.
The censorship issue , EPA and gagging of certain Agencies, trying to keep global warming technical info covered up ; well that’s a long long discussion….all I will say is we can easily see the Strong Powerful influence the Dark Arms of the Fossil fuel Industry and profit seekers trying to get a strangle hood over things for their benefit. Its their Blow back time.
This Blowback is manifesting itself in Wyoming as:
Extremists GOP legislators , Gomers in Wyoming are circulating proposals among st other Plains States Gomers to have the Feds place a tax as punishment on utilities that dont burn coal and choose Renewable energy over coal.
They claim any state that uses more Renewable energy is costing all rate payers more money etc etc. They need to be coerced into burning more coal and a Tax penalty would do it.
Well in their Folly they claim this.
Question that needs to be answered : Is this type of legislation consistent with Freedom and States rights and Choice ??? the mantra of so called American Values we hear all the time the endless schill and shrill slogans that bombard our tv and radio airwaves every time one of these mindless morons starts their sloganeering on tv or radio ????
Or is that just more idle empty rhetoric! gomer talk !
BTW Wyoming in its ongoing stuck in the past lunacy – is facing a
$ 350 million dollar shortfall in state tax revenues due to the reduction of coal shipments across America due to the closing of over 50,000 megs of coal plants the past 10 years. Plus exports are trending downward also. Another 40 to 50 thousand more megs are slated for closing by utilties etc. So Wyoming see’s their revenues drying up !!!!
Lesson learned : it is folly to allow one self or your state to become a 1 Trick pony economy. as you become overly dependent on 1 thing. Like putting all ones Eggs in 1 basket -!!!
so much for GOP fiscal prudence !! LOL They deserve F’ S
Talk about Gomer Follies!
at least our newspapers still are allowed the latest outrageous positions being staked out in the Alternative Facts Trumperian ERA
Its only just the Beginning – increasing my wine supply before prices go Up !
Consternation building within the Gomer ranks in Texas as they make some good money exporting products to mexico and the surplus Texas has is at Risk they are talking billions $$ here so its not trivia at all . Texas exports more than it Imports so the Wall issue is a real Hob son choice for the Faithful to deal with !
US senators contradicting their Governor and his hacks but their underlings and their Chamber buddies are on different sides of
the Wall issue.
Marco get some Dallas or Houston or Austin newspaper subscriptions you might find them most entertaining and quite contradictory .
Its interesting times for sure ….
this is great Gomer Follies ! and they are only in the first month.
Silent,
The authorization of torture in certain circumstances does have appeal. Like the death penalty, it’s a very emotive issue and one much exploited, even glamorized,by Hollywood.
The victims of torture are always depicted as repulsive, evil creatures, completely de-humanized. The perpetrators are depicted as heroic saviours, driven to extreme by the need to correct the wickedness of the victim, and acting for the greater good.
This may even be true in certain instances, but in reality the authorization of torture inevitably has more negative consequences to the perpetrators than the value gained.
On a different issue, analyzing the cost of conventional power v renewable is complex. Forming cheer squads for any technology, isn’t helpful, nor is trying to adjust the math to suit political or ideological aspirations.
The problem is compounded because the various vested interests can’t agree on a common set of measurements to assess the costings.
Inevitably in such confusion, each industry and it’s supporters can freely make claim and counter-claim in the absence of a method to empirically measure and compare different technologies.
Nowhere is this problem more obvious than in Europe and the US, where the complexity and proliferation of regulatory regimes make regional analysis very difficult.
Well said Marco concerning your description of Torture and its baggage.
There are more productive ways to gain information that the authorities may be seeking.
When its done for retribution to get back at others for their bad actions , well I think it demeans and lowers the moral position of those who utilize it. They become what they think they hate. Evil begets more Evil.
The real military and intelligence professionals have often stated it is counter productive ….but that emotional appeal or reactionary appeal…..fleeting though it is …seems to captivate some.
Hopefully none of the besieged EPA scientists or staffers will be subjected to any sort of torture or mal treatment for their past work on subjects that certain people don’t seem to value or appreciate.
Hi Silent,
I appreciate your comment.
I suppose on the other hand it’s difficult not to sympathize with people in the circumstance where information may save a kidnapped child’s life, or the lives of your comrades.
It must be heartrendingly frustrating knowing you must play by the rules while your grinning captive takes advantage of those rules to continue harming the innocent.
But, as you say, that’s what makes us different from them.
I think it’s these factors which motivates George W Bush to authorize certain forms of torture in extreme circumstances.
He was wrong, but in his defense, I don’t think he thought through how it would be misused.
Mid Night Greetings to you Mate Marco ,
Yeah you are showing some deep level of understanding in regards to Bush the Lessor ( Breath’s Timeless Tag name) .
When one does step back and take in the multitude of variables that are involved in the decision process regarding combating evil and trying to protect good – well it does allow for some level of deeper understanding for those who have made decisions that we might not like , think are right and think we would never do our selves.
Perhaps that is why the Great leaders of History and people who made decisive and complex decisions did not become captives of their own EGO or Fear of losing control – by being able to seek Wise Counsel from seasoned advisers who may even present differing points of view.
I can see how being able to detach from the heat of the moment would allow a leader the benefit of others input and that may help them from resorting to torture as a quick fix solution when most evidence on the subject says it torture is counter productive to good goals.
I only speak to the actions of the leader who is on the good side of things.
As for dictators and despots well they use torture like they abuse everything else that gets in their way so I can’t speak to that type of sick lower level actor.
Which brings us to Torture and the Trumpet – do you think his verbal ism of acceptance of torture is a sign of maniacal deposition ?
Like perhaps he may be pre disposed to that type of rash or impulsive reactive behavior so that he feels more in control of a situation?
Marco I circle back to Trumpet not to be attacking him but to pose the question as his personal style seems to fit a very Insecure person who constantly maneuvers to project some sort of Above it All strong personality who is omnipotent , etc. etc. !! in all matters and then some.
Your reflective comments in the prior Post sparked a different angle on the matter –
Just posing questions
Time for more wine and soon dreams! going to a Home and Garden Event and see what new building concepts are on display and check out these new Mini homes around 300 to 600 sq ft free standing lil homes. May be interesting .
Keep the Great White One at Bay – Down Under
Craig,
Hmmm.., it looks as if your outrage is beginning to lose support even with media outlets, normally opposed to Trump.
Here’s an excerpt from Vox;
“Initial media furor around these stories has been a bit overblown. It’s really not that unusual for a new president to come in and put agency actions on hold temporarily while political appointees get a feel for their departments — and figure out how to align agency actions and messaging with the administration’s policy priorities. There’s a totally benign interpretation of many of these moves.
Indeed, Trump’s spokespeople have clarified that many of these EPA “blackouts” are likely to be short-lived — both the freeze on grants and the political review of outgoing scientific press releases are expected to be lifted by Friday, January 27.
Some of the disarray here may stem from the fact that Trump’s transition team got a later start and moved more slowly than Bush’s or Obama’s did. In previous transitions, for instance, an incoming administration would’ve reviewed EPA grants and contracts before the inauguration — so there wasn’t a need to suddenly freeze new grants on week one, explains Scott Fulton, who was the EPA’s general counsel during the Obama administration and is now president of the Environmental Law Institute.”
Another ‘storm in a teacup’ anyone ?