Congress Proposes New Airline Regulations, the French President Requests More Counter-Terrorism Powers, and New Information Is Revealed About the Grenfell Tower Fire: A.M. Links

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  World Economic Forum/Flickr

  Embattled House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi defends her position after her party's election loss in Georgia's 6th District, telling reporters that she is "worth the trouble."

• In response to the forcible removal of a passenger from a United Airlines flight, lawmakers in both houses of Congress have unveiled new airline regulations. The bills would prevent passengers from being taken off flights after they had already boarded. Check out Reason's coverage on why new regulations for air travellers are unnecessary.

• Newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed making some the counter-terrorism powers he holds thanks to a state of emergency permanent. The French leader wants to maintain the ability to temporarily shut down places of worship and conduct searches with fewer restrictions. Civil liberties advocates are understandably concerned.

• London police reveal that the deadly Grenfell Tower fire that killed at least 79 people last week was sparked by a freezer fridge catching fire. Their investigation also unveiled that the exterior cladding which allowed the fire to spread so quickly failed fire safety tests. You can read Reason's coverage of the fire, and why that dangerous cladding was installed, here.

Comments

[Bee Tagger]

In response to the forcible removal of a passenger from a United Airlines flight, lawmakers in both houses of Congress have unveiled new airline regulations.

The regulations are that Congressmen aren't allowed to be removed from planes.

[Rufus The Monocled]

Hello.

"telling reporters that she is "worth the trouble.""

Funny, I hear she told her future husband that when they were dating.

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

Ew, Rufus. I guess I am not eating breakfast today.

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

They're Wrong About Everything

The fact is that almost the entirety of what one reads in the paper or on the web is speculation. The writer isn't telling you what happened, he is offering an interpretation of what happened, or offering a projection of the future. The best scenario is that these theories are novel, compelling, informed, and based on reporting and research. But that is rarely the case. More often the interpretations of current events, and prophesies of future ones, are merely the products of groupthink or dogma or emotions or wish-casting, memos to friends written by 27-year-olds who, in the words of Ben Rhodes, "literally know nothing." There was a time when newspapers printed astrology columns. They no longer need to. The pseudoscience is on the front page.

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

Time to resurrect the Know-Nothing Party.

[Citizen X - #6]

+1 President Jon Snow

[Jerryskids]

This is why I watch CNN - virtually their entire broadcast is not news but news analysis, i.e. what it means and what you're supposed to think about it. They're almost totally fact-free, it's all opinion. Currently, they're peeing their pants over the smoking gun proving that Putin personally ordered the DNC hack to sway the election toward Trump. The smoking gun is WaPo reporting that anonymous sources have told them this is true. The WaPo reporter breaking the story is saying that the evidence for this is an eyes-only super-duper top secret intel memo only a handful of people have seen and he can't really share all the details for fear of compromising national security. And yet he - and CNN - seems to be strangely incurious as to why he's being given this information, especially in light of the fact that there's an ongoing investigation into precisely this matter, whether or not such leaks might be an unethical if not illegal attempt to influence the investigation, an obstruction of justice if you will.

[DJF]

Hey, hey, hey, the priest has read the entrails in secret and we now know who the guilty party is. Get out of the way or we will sacrifice you too!!!!!

[damikesc]

Embattled House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi defends her position after her party's election loss in Georgia's 6th District, telling reporters that she is "worth the trouble."

Every. Single. Republican. Candidate. Nationally. Agrees.

The gift that will never stop giving.

?London police reveal that the deadly Grenfell Tower fire that killed at least 79 people last week was sparked by a freezer fridge catching fire. Their investigation also unveiled that the exterior cladding which allowed the fire to spread so quickly failed fire safety tests. You can read Reason's coverage of the fire, and why that dangerous cladding was installed here.

So, environmentalism has managed to fuck up even MORE things? They've made US toilets shitty, fucked up the efficacy of soap and are now turning residences into fire traps. Thanks Greens.

[Libertarian]

But the flammable cladding is sustainable! Sustainable, I tell you!

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

That fire is almost as tragic as someone that bolds whole paragraphs.

[Citizen X - #6]

Bully!

[damikesc]

That fire is almost as tragic as someone that bolds whole paragraphs.

I shall not be bullied. I shall, IN FACT, overcome the oppressive tactics of the formatting gestapo here.

This is when I should start to type "ATTICA" in all caps. But that reference is really old.

[Red Rocks Baiting n Inciting]

she is "worth the trouble."

"IF YOU CAN'T ACCEPT ME AT MY WORST, YOU DON'T DESERVE ME AT MY BEST!!"

[Citizen X - #6]

My response to that was always "I guess not. Bye!"

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

This Baker Makes Internet Trolls Eat Their Words ? Literally

The process is simple. First, customers go to the Troll Cakes site to submit the comment and address of the troll in question. Thek will then bake a cake, write the comment on it using frosting or fondant letters, wrap it up in festive confetti, and send it to the perpetrator.

Who wants to chip in for a cuckaschmuck gay boy cupcake?

[Citizen X - #6]

I don't know how we'd get it to Mikey, since "the bus stop outside the VFW hall" isn't technically an address.

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

A comment so savage that it could chronicle the coming-of-age events and everyday life-lessons of Cory Matthews.

[$park? leftist poser]

On top of being shitty-looking cakes, why would anyone want to pay money to send baked goods to a troll? If they secretly mixed dog shit into the cake batter then it might be worth it.

[Meh.]

I'm glad someone said something about that, I've seen better-looking cakes made by five-year-olds with Easy Bake ovens. They were really trying to make it sound like it was a genius way to get back at Trump for his tweets, but I don't think anyone is stupid enough to eat food from someone who clearly dislikes them.

[Citizen X - #6]

I don't think anyone is stupid enough to eat food from someone who clearly dislikes them.

Fast food sales receipts disagree.

[Jerryskids]

Newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed making some the counter-terrorism powers he holds thanks to a state of emergency permanent. The French leader wants to maintain the ability to temporarily shut down places of worship and conduct searches with fewer restrictions. Civil liberties advocates are understandably concerned.

Only American presidents should have such sweeping anti-terrorism powers. Legitimate presidents, I mean. Ones with a (D) after their names.

[damikesc]

Thank God they dodged the bullet of Le Pen, who might have expanded surveillance in the pursuit of counter-terrorism. Viva La France!!!

[Libertarian]

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

[Tom Bombadil]

"has proposed making some the counter-terrorism powers he holds thanks to a state of emergency permanent. "

Dear Reason,
Since the Kochs won't spring for a proofreader:

... has proposed making permanent some of the counter-terrorism powers he now holds due to a state of emergency.

[Conchfritters]

English motherfucker

[Dillinger]

>>>"has proposed making some the counter-terrorism powers he holds thanks to a state of emergency permanent."

wtf. that's not even yoda.

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

NASA Calls Bullshit on Goop's $120 'Bio-Frequency Healing' Sticker Packs [Updated]

The stickers?which run as high as $120 for a pack of 24?promise to assuage various ailments, including anxiety and pain, using something called "Bio Energy Synthesis Technology." This is not a scientific concept, but rather an invention of AlphaBioCentrix, a Nevada-based biotech company that sells "Quantum Energy Bracelets" and "Health Pendants." AlphaBioCentrix's founder, Richard Eaton, was apparently inspired to help create Body Vibes after meeting some "engineers" in a dark alleyway several years ago. Or maybe at Gwyneth's pied-?-terre in the Hamptons. Who can say.

"Without going into a long explanation about the research and development of this technology, it comes down to this; I found a way to tap into the human body's bio-frequency, which the body is receptive to outside energy signatures," Eaton told Gizmodo. He added that, conveniently, "Most of the research that has been collected is confidential and is held as company private information."

Mark Shelhamer, former chief scientist at NASA's human research division, wasn't wooed by Body Vibes or its secret research.

"Wow," he told Gizmodo. "What a load of BS this is."

[Citizen X - #6]

I found a way to tap into the human body's bio-frequency

Come on, man. You don't have to feel bad about separating rich idiots from their money.

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

I am starting to think Infowars and Goop readers have a lot in common.

[$park? leftist poser]

using something called "Bio Energy Synthesis Technology"

This is just the BEST! I'm sure they can sell a shit-load to the Breathairians.

[damikesc]

Something involving Goop is full of shit.

GET THE FUCK OUTTA TOWN!

If you cannot trust Paltrow with your health and well-being...well, then America just ain't great.

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

A freezer caught fire? Not cool.

[Libertarian]

I'm starting to believe that the global warming folks aren't as hysterical as I thought.

[damikesc]

In their defense, the manufacturer does warn about putting meats next to ice cream in the unit. What the fuck did they think would happen? If they had ALSO had frozen waffles, London would've been leveled.

Serves 'em right.

[pan fried wylie]

*cautiously rechecks ice-maker operation diagram*

[Citizen X - #6]

telling reporters that she is "worth the trouble."

Talk about your Fake News.

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

Canadian tennis ace Eugenie Bouchard shows off her athletic frame in a daring swimsuit featuring a bold waistline cut-out after her defeat at the Majorca Open

Hats off to you, creepshot photographer and Daily Mail.

[Citizen X - #6]

That does not look comfortable.

[Libertarian]

I've never seen such a revealing suit as unflattering as this.

[Citizen X - #6]

Not since the '80s, anyway.

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

Who knew Mr. Blackwell and Anna Wintour were Reason commenters?

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

They call it The Melvin.

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

That's a front wedgie, y'all. Urban dictionary has really gone downhill. If that isn't an indictment of the decline of our society, I don't know what is.

[DJF]

It looks like something Borat would wear

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

Big surprise, white men know nothing about women's fashion trends.

"Because this cut is lengthening, it works well on most shapes," she says. "You can see a lot of different body types embracing this cut, which is exciting!" And while Solarium's vintage-inspired cheek-revealing suits, tied together with the most negligible of strings, flatter any number of sizes, what are the faint of heart to do? "I don't see it as risqu?," she adds. "I see it more as a naturally empowering cut that is more aware of the female body."

It's no surprise a beautiful woman in a bathing suit threatens your fragile, male privilege.

[pan fried wylie]

Gross. I assume, noscript blocked the pics.

[Meh.]

True, high-waisted swimsuit bottoms lengthen your legs more than other cuts, but most people aren't comfortable with their whole butt hanging out at the beach or pool. And if you get the high-waisted ones with more coverage, they flatten your butt and look like literal diapers when wet. So I think this is kinda debatable.

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

but most people aren't comfortable with their whole butt hanging out at the beach or pool

Sad.

they flatten your butt and look like literal diapers when wet

I think that's hella sexy.

[Dillinger]

she never looks comfortable...too much crazy in that one

[Palin's Buttplug]

She is gorgeous - and does not have inky skidmarks all over her body.

[Tom Bombadil]

She's a bit mannish.

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

And now every female Reason commenter* is going to go out and immediately tattoo their sweet, feminine bods.

*Yes, yes, I know there are no female Reason commenters because there are no libertarian-minded females, because I know all women share the exact same mindset**, and which is that they need the government to provide them with birth control because they are a weak gender who lack the capacity to provide for themselves.

**They all hate the word "moist."

[lap83]

oh, tattoos...that makes sense.

I was picturing (against my will) PB's fetish involving sex with fresh copies of the NYT print edition.

[pan fried wylie]

new meaning to "hot off the presses" *barf*

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

He slathers his body with baby oil writhes all over the editorial page.

[$park? leftist poser]

I think it's about time for Sports Illustrated to do a hot female athletes in stupid looking swimsuits issue.

[that.is.not.who.i am]

A Canadian friend of mine claims that French Canadian girls are very naughty.

[that.is.not.who.i am]

and, um, would

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

Hamas Bans Dog Walking in the Gaza Strip

Hamas says the decision was intended to protect local people, "especially women and children, who are frightened and panicked by the dogs," police spokesman Ayman al-Batniji said. "We noticed a great state of fear among the citizens when the dogs were being walked with their owners in the streets and along the beaches."

[Citizen X - #6]

Terrorism is okay, but dog-walking? Over the line!

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

However, they still allow cat walking, so your vacation plans are safe.

[Citizen X - #6]

You know who doesn't allow cat-walking? Most cats.

Also Hitler, because Hitler hated cats.

[pan fried wylie]

with any respect for logical consistancy, Hitler would have walked the cats to death.

[Jerryskids]

I thought dogs were unclean to Muslims, how are these people even allowed to have dogs?

[Tom Bombadil]

That is not a universal muslim belief. Plenty of muslims have dog pets or are otherwise not bothered by being around dogs.

[Citizen X - #6]

All Muslims everywhere are equally devout and do everything in a hivemind lockstep. It is known. Just ask any of our less-thoughtful regulars.

[$park? leftist poser]

But dogs are dynamite!

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

U.S. Park Police Handcuff Kids Selling Water on Mall

Don't wanna be a thug, DON'T BREAK THE LAW.

[Domestic Dissident]

Looks like the increasingly retarded Washington Post is going all-in on the fake war between Block Insane Yomomma and Vladimir Putin. It's basically like James Clapper and John Brennan now own the paper.

[Chipper Morning, Now #1]

Still trying to make that a thing? The only thing worse than an ex-President trying to stay relevant and in the news is someone obsessed with an ex-President trying to stay relevant and in the news. Sad!

[$park? leftist poser]

Double Dummy is just incapable of coming up with a retardnym for Trump. Plus he loves Trump like all real libertarians do.

[Unlabelable MJGreen]

He did call him Trumo the other day. I wonder if he had to self-flagellate in penance for the typo.

[This Machine Chips Fascists]

Trumpaluffagus

[Curt]

Buying elections!!!!!

Ossoff won 24 votes fewer than the 2016 Democrat candidate (Rodney Stooksbury) for GA-6 who spent $0. I'm sure there are numerous caveats (presidential election year, $0; my ass, and all that), but still.

*** I suck and don't know how to make the link work. I guess you can try this site http://www.google.com

[Curt]

Or, I guess I could use one of my favorite websites.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=ossoff+fewer+votes

[Crusty Juggler - Alpha]

Emmanuel Macron has proposed making some the counter-terrorism powers he holds thanks to a state of emergency permanent.

BUT THE HANDSHAKE!

[Palin's Buttplug]

Layoffs announced at Boeing plant Trump visited
BY ELLEN MITCHELL - 06/22/17 06:21 PM EDT

Boeing Co. said Thursday it will lay off fewer than 200 workers at its 787 Dreamliner campus in North Charleston, S.C., a plant that President Trump visited earlier this year where he promoted his "Buy America" pledge.

The Post and Courier reported that the job cuts are part of a company-wide effort to reduce costs in Boeing's commercial airplane division to compete with its French rival Airbus.

The Trump Touch of Shit - vs the Midas Touch.

[Citizen X - #6]

As the Shit Midas of Hit'n'Run, you would know. Now pay your bet.

[Curt]

Obama describes the health care bill as a massive transfer of wealth. No, he didn't suddenly become self-aware regarding the realities of Obamacare. Instead, he is criticizing the republican version as a massive transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich.

Yep, democrats shit themselves when you describe things like obamacare as a transfer of wealth. But, when republicans act (at least in theory) to reduce that transfer; suddenly the democrats see the reduced flow of wealth from rich to poor as an actual flow of wealth from poor to rich.

No fucking souls on these people.

[Domestic Dissident]

Not giving is taking and not taking is giving.

[Palin's Buttplug]

If the GOP had any balls they would repeal Medicare too - the largest transfer of wealth of all.

[Domestic Dissident]

You fully support the expansion of Medicare and Medicaid as much as possible, you lying scumbag Weigel.

[Palin's Buttplug]

Fuck you, you lying piece of shit.

[$park? leftist poser]

RETARD FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

[Citizen X - #6]

Stand back! They're windmilling!

[Mock-star]

They both want cake!

[Jerryskids]

The idea that the Senate pig lip-sticking is going to cause a bunch of people to lose their coverage is pure bullshit - I've read the proposed bill and right there on page 114 it clearly says "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan."

[Rufus The Monocled]

Seriously.

[Curt]

Tom Price says on Hannity that Obamacare repeal and replace "has to be done".

Okay then.... FUCKING DO IT!!!! Drop this weak-ass approach of slightly weakening it into Obamacare-lite just so you can declare legislative victory. Instead, repeal the damn thing.

[Fist of Etiquette]

Check out Reason's coverage on why new regulations for air travellers are unnecessary.

First, Reason was against the travel ban. Now, they're for it. MAKE UP YOUR MIND.

[$park? leftist poser]

"Everybody wants leaders," she said in an interview in her office at the Capitol, during which she was often as dismissive of critics in her own party as she was of the Republican opposition. "Not a lot of people want to be led."

What can one do when even a facepalm just isn't enough?

[Citizen X - #6]

Do you think Pelosi was born that stupid, or did something happen to her? Either way, it's kind of tragic. For us, mind you, because she doesn't seem to realize anything's wrong with her.

[Unlabelable MJGreen]

She's been the legislative leader of the party for a decade now. The power of the gavel... it changes you.

[that.is.not.who.i am]

"It would be a very, very sad day for Republicans if she steps down. I would be very disappointed if she did," Trump said.

He is inciting violence!