Thursday, May 21, 2026

I have on good authority that MN6 DFL House candidate Doug Chaplin will within days conduct a Twin Cities north metro Town Hall.

 It should be informative. I'd hope he may have a few words on crypto and CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency). It has been a while since I looked at such stuff, some legislation passed, and there is much online where I need updating to comment competently. I do have the link to the Emmer - SBF hearing SNAFU - Emmer showing trust where mistrust may have been more warranted.

I may read to speed, and post something later, relevant to things where Emmer loves crypto and thinks that a Fed CBDC would be a hazard to the economic health of the nation based on his privacy speculations. But again that's another topic for another day.

Chapin appears to have a fine chance of unseating Emmer, even with it being a big rock to have to push uphill. With Emmer tight with Trump and seeming willing to go down with the sinking ship, it is worth reader time to learn of Chapin - who he is and what his backround is, as well as what he's running on, policywise. These links give the gist of the man's current candidacy. 

 https://www.chapinforcongress.com/ 

https://www.chapinforcongress.com/about 

https://www.chapinforcongress.com/issues 

https://ballotpedia.org/Doug_Chapin#Campaign_themes 

https://www.electionlawprogram.org/people/professor-doug-chapin 

He's already become the DFL's endorsed candidate (by 90% of the party vote). 

Brighter than Emmer (but that's not saying much). And from the linked items, crypto and CBDC are not Chapin top issues. It is more a case of what Emmer's been doing and focused upon, while the nation remains mired in war, pump prices are soaring, and the Strait of Hormuz had been open, but Trump and Netanyahu managed to get it closed by Iran. Since Emmer is Trump's rubber stamp House majority whip, we know where he stands on those inconveniences. With Trump and JD and Bibi.


Puke-worthy corrupt collusive litigation - you guessed it, involving Trump - and how a foraging pig can cause great damage beyond the separate issue of ballroom mischief.

 

Why are these men laughing?

  You have to be kidding - but you're not - Todd Blanche has topped his Ghislaine Maxwell interview BS - and DOJ memorializes the accomplishment - https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-anti-weaponization-fund -- (The entire press release as an image is presented below, so readers can either toggle to the original or use the image.)

 

click image to enlarge and read

 You may say to yourself, "That's Bad," but -- incredibly, this additional DOJ document piles it on -

click the image to enlarge and read

 =============================================================

COMMENTARY AND REPORTING, SOME JUDGMENTAL 

Heather Cox Richardson 

 Amy Goodman

EmptyWheel

In determining whether a settlement is reasonable, black letter law is online in cases, e.g., here

In determining whether the proposed settlement is fair and reasonable, a court should consider the totality of circumstances, including but not limited to the following factors: (1) the plaintiffs range of possible recovery; (2) the extent to which "the settlement will enable the parties to avoid anticipated burdens and expenses in establishing their respective claims and defenses"; (3) the seriousness of the litigation risks faced by the parties; (4) whether "the settlement agreement is the product of arm's-length bargaining between experienced counsel"; and (5) the possibility of fraud or collusion. [citations omitted]

 

Something readers may try -- Do: search = trump irs collusive litigation

That gets into the online reporting and analysis of numerous news outlets. Representative of some coverage: 

Trump Sued His Own Government, then Settled for Nearly $2B and a 'Forever' Ban on Auditing His Family or Businesses

The president's IRS settlement created a fund worth $1.776 billion that could support Jan. 6 rioters, and other Trump allies

President Donald Trump made a shocking political move this week, as he agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in exchange for his Department of Justice creating a nearly $2 billion "anti-weaponization fund."

The $1.776 billion fund will be used to "compensate President Donald Trump’s allies who claim they were unfairly targeted by the previous administration," CNN reported on Monday, May 18, with Trump later confirming that it could include Jan. 6 Capitol rioters.

"This is reimbursing people that were horribly treated... They've been weaponized. They've been, in some cases, imprisoned wrongly. They've paid legal fees that they didn't have, they've gone bankrupt," Trump said when asked by reporters why taxpayer money should go to rioters. "Their lives have been destroyed, and they turned out to be right."

As part of their settlement with the DOJ, Trump, his eldest sons Don Jr. and Eric, and the Trump organization are barred from receiving funds related to the IRS, as well as a lawsuit involving the 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago estate and the 2016 Russia collusion investigation. However, sources told ABC News that "entities associated with Trump are not explicitly barred from filing additional claims."

When asked if he or his family will seek compensation from the fund, Trump dodged the question, saying, "It'll all be dependent on a committee. A committee is being set up of very talented people, very highly respected people... I do believe there has to be compensation for people that were destroyed."

[...] 

On Tuesday, May 19, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche shared updated terms of the settlement that included even more shocking perks for Trump and his family. The agreement essentially prohibits the IRS from investigating Trump's taxes and extends the umbrella of protection to his family members and companies.

According to the settlement, the government agency is "hereby FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED" from pursuing "examinations" of Trump or "related or affiliated individuals...or parties including trusts, parent, sister, or related companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries."

Blanche's waiver specifically includes "tax returns filed before the effective date" of the settlement.

 

A very talented committee? The Crabgrass view of things is, imagine a ten foot tall pile of horseshit, wide enough so that if Trump, Blanche, and the very talented committee members all where standing behind it you could not see anyone from the other side. Opinions will differ.

The opening of the post, in an Epstein Files context, linked to Blanche on youtube in what arguably was a "doth protest too much" moment; you judge it. His demeanor. The cut of his jib. The man is an example of something. 

Wholly unrelated, the word "shyster" has grown into use to fit certain situations, to the point there is Wiki speculation:

 Various etymologies have suggested an antisemitic origin, possibly associated with the character of Shylock from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, but there is no clear evidence for this.[4] One source asserts that the term originated in Philadelphia in 1843 from a disreputable attorney named "Schuster."[5]

Not that anyone would apply that word to Acting Attorney General Balnche, nor to his predecestor. They are honorable lawyers. Both. And don't look at their boss. He of course is wholly honorable himself. And offspring, all honorable. 

Just, how do you define honorable?

 

 

Friday, May 15, 2026

The Conservative Democrats exist, and have a voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzAg7hXkz_w 

 

A Public Service Announcement

 An email:

Run for House District 31A!

Inbox
Summarize this email

Joe Shepherd joe@dflhouse.com

Thu, May 14, 11:42 AM (20 hours ago)


to Joe, Chantal, bcc: me

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out today because House District 31A needs a candidate. It is the ONLY one in all of Minnesota without a DFL option. 

This seat is currently represented by Harry Niska, who is the House Floor Leader of the GOP. He is the one leading the charge to block common sense gun reform and keeping ICE out of our public schools.

We can do better. But we can only do that if someone steps forward. All it takes is someone going to either the Anoka County courthouse or the Secretary of State's office and paying $100 between Tuesday 5/19 and Tuesday 6/2. If cost is a concern, that can be resolved.

Even if you’re not sure about running a full campaign, putting your name on the ballot matters. It gives 42,000 of your neighbors a choice and at a time like this, democracy needs that.

I would love to talk with anyone who’s even considering it.

If you’re interested or just curious please reach out. I am more than happy to answer any questions you have.

We need someone to step up. I hope it might be you or someone you know.

Best,
--
Joe Shepherd
Rural Campaigns Director
Minnesota House DFL


Harry needs someone to run against him who is passionate about protecting the integrity of the public school system, (as written into Minnesota's Constitution as an unquestioned public good), from voucher mischief, where Harry's kids go (or went, there may have been graduation) to a private Jesus school. 

Wife is School Board Chair of that Jesus school, https://www.lcamn.org/about-us/guiding-principles/  

Tight with Emmer: e.g. https://www.linkedin.com/company/emmer-for-congress

There is SISU Counsel - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jenniferniska_sisu-counsel-activity-7428594411971887104-pfW1

and https://www.sisucounsel.com/ 

That SISU thing might look like lobbying, and while Harry as a public official need not register as a lobbyist if lobbying, some might not like the idea of it as possible. I asked duckduckgo.ai whether SISU was lobbying, and got this return:

Sisu Counsel does not specifically mention lobbying services; it primarily offers legal counsel for growing businesses. However, the founder, Harry Niska, has experience in political advisory roles, which may include aspects of lobbying.

sisucounsel.comgo

Sisu Counsel's Services

Sisu Counsel primarily provides legal counsel for growing businesses. The firm focuses on offering strategic legal partnerships rather than direct lobbying services.

Founder’s Background

Harry Niska, the founder of Sisu Counsel, has a background in political advisory roles, which may involve aspects of lobbying. His experience includes:

  • Serving as general counsel for various organizations
  • Advising political candidates and party units on election law and campaign finance compliance
  • Holding a position as the House Majority Leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives

Lobbying Services

While Sisu Counsel does not explicitly state that it offers lobbying services, Harry Niska's political experience may allow him to provide insights or guidance related to lobbying as part of his broader legal counsel. However, the firm's main focus remains on legal advice for businesses rather than direct lobbying activities.

BOTTOM LINE - To me, Hary is a capable attorney, and bottom line ethical. But partisan. If he gave up that voucher crap which to me undermines public education, I'd be one whole hell of a lot happier.

He can push vouchers, he can pick whatever school the spouses thing best for offspring, but if he wants the public to pay the dime for his kids non-public schooling, he's an enemy. 

Talking fairness -- Childless people pay taxes to keep the public schools healthy, people whose children are adult after public schooling continue to pay taxes to keep public schools healthy, and then the Niskas want a free ride at a private school from public money. Undermining public schooling by siphoning off money to private pockets and private adventures. No. That's not right. Opinions clearly differ. So - I hope somebody runs against Niska for the benefit of continued public schooling funding being un-vouchered.

 I would not run on that belief because I could never get my heart into how the legislature operates, with all the fucking around all session than putting out as with this term, a massive bonding bill at the last fucking minute. 

Harry should oppose that mode of operating. It's bullshit, but how it has been done, is done, and will be done unless the accepting Harry types are replaced with people who'd operate differently.

So, vouchers and reform would be where I think Niska is weak, and he does not want women to have control over their own bodies. That's cruel, and don't blame Jesus for it. He never touched the issue as I understand the Gospels. It's a new GOP cooked up divide and conquer deal. Invented as a creepy thing to gin up votes not otherwise there for loser Republicans.

______________UPDATE______________

Partisan to a fault.  To be able to remind people what the present GOP is, I did  

search = paul wyrich Heritage foundation founder snake

That search returned:

Paul Weyrich - "I don't want everybody to vote" (Goo Goo) a youtube video 

and

https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/religious-right-real-origins-107133/

https://www.salon.com/2021/12/18/history-of-abortion/

https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/they-were-always-planning-this

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/12/19/paul-weyrich-1942-2008/

https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-weyrich19-2008dec19-story.html  

That's the heritage of Niska's grounding, unless he can show something better. The top of his ticket, not running this time, is racist to a fault, has fucked the world economy, and is a grifting blowhard to boot.

Harry, not THAT bad, but the legislature will have a new solid majority, and Harry will be sidetracked.

PLUS Anybody taking up the challenge of that Dem email, if I read between the lines correctly, will this time get some central party funding instead of being hung out to fend alone for herself/himself. The central DFL money has not been put into HOUSE 31A in the past, and it shows. 

Fund things and perhaps they prosper. I think there will be a candidate. And a good one. I do not believe any person has yet declared a candidacy. But Niska can be beaten. His voucher voice has been loud, to his detriment, he's crypto king Emmer's godchild or seems to be, and he's got that new business he should focus on fulltime.

 

The web brings the world to my laptop.

Last night, before supper, reading this. (UPDATE: In truth, watching the embedded video)

Over morning first cup of coffee, checking AJ these -

Iran war: Why the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in India matters

and -

Who are the US CEOs in China with Trump, and what’s in it for them?

Wow, Musk in a suit. And -

Trump, Xi discuss Strait of Hormuz as Chinese vessels transit key waterway

The White House says the two leaders agree that the strait ‘must remain open to support the free flow of energy’.

Well, wanting it posted for readers before even reading, just guessing, BRICS - Russia has oil with others at risk; Trump accompanied by the usual suspects; and words are words but from leadership people of the world's two biggest economies, the item is a must read - taking all statements at face value of course. 

Posting that exhausted the first cup of coffee, but before tapping the second, go to EmptyWheel, and see that Wheeler, who lives in the Irish time zone, has already posted:

Gatekeeper to Narcissistic Meltdown

A detailed post, presumably from its length - again get the link to readers promptly - and already a commentary thread there.

A holdover AJ item from yesterday, yet to be read by Crabgrass:

Trump, Xi discuss Strait of Hormuz as Chinese vessels transit key waterway

The White House says the two leaders agree that the strait ‘must remain open to support the free flow of energy’.

Such a positive sign, they did not spend the first day only exchanging gifts and photo ops, but there likely was that (AJ did post a photo).

Second cup, and begin reading. Strait seems a key topic. 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

How confident should we be that Trump really wants a quick Iran deal, and will get one? [UPDATED]

 Who knows, first, the mind reading part, between those ears is a morass.

Second, getting a deal? Kalshi as my barometer

Not a blind fucking guess, but a Prediction Market hedge situation in real time. Yeah, sure. Bet on it. 

 ____________________UPDATE________________

Allegedly, a tight Trump pre-war series of stuff was "leaked." Emptywheel explores this, so see there, and links in the post, for detail. 

Multiple outlets get leaked to? About war planning? Strange, indeed. Try a scenario -

You as president of USA have oil cronies. They funded a great amount toward your election.

Before any war with Iran, you seize a stake in Venezuelan oil, to go with fracked fossil fuel being churned out in record amounts in the USA. 

Then you promise 4 weeks, and start the Iran war.

Your oil cronies prosper from the Strait being impacted, it was clearly foreseeable it would be, and the longer it is impacted the more money the cronies make.

You threaten Iran's oil, Iran says you attack it, Kharg Island, then the Iranians say do that and we'll destroy Persian Gulf regional USA oil assets,  all we can reach with our drones and missiles.

You want to bomb, your cronies will suffer, conveniently, you have a TACO reputation, and you decline followup on your threat.

Threat after threat, looking tough, each with a backoff event conveniently happening. 

Things drag on. Cronies prosper as things drag on.

You want to look different than you plan. You deliberately and selectively leak, a story, one you like, then atop a pile of stories of the reporting of "planning," as leaked - whatever truth may be, a sticky atop that pile with TREASON written on it with  your sharpie, and you give that pile to your pliant interim AG to "investigate." You look seriously concerned that way, and it locks everybody into the story as you want it seen. Because no insider steps up to say boo after things that way are set up.

The pliant interim AG, your former personal lawyer, after time indicates an inability to pin things down about who leaked what to which outlet, at least three outlets got stories, and they assert privilege as to sources.

Not that anybody would do that, it would be vile and sneaky, but it is only a hypothetical. Not real. Not suggested any such scenario is anything but a hypothetical. In anything there are risks. People would say anybody having a war drag on as an unintended thing looks brash in planning, with no offramp, and they will question your age and mental vigor. That might be a risk, especially if old and loosing some shaprness is an actual fact. You'd possibly suffer a declined opinion among those who'd voted for you. Not that it would impact the balance of your second term. (In the hypothetical we would presume a second term. And age as a factor.)