Saturday News: Donald Trump Foments, Condones Violence at His Rallies; VA General Assembly Wraps Up for 2016

by Lowell

Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Saturday, March 12. Also, check out President Obama speaking at South by Southwest about “civic engagement in the 21st century.”

• Obama is said to winnow choices for Supreme Court vacancy (Sri Srinivasan of Arlington, Virginia is one of the final three.)
• Blowing the Biggest Political Story of the Last Fifty Years (“The shocking story isn’t the rise of Donald Trump but how the GOP slowly morphed into a party of hate and obstruction.” Agreed, and the lazy, cowardly, brain-dead corporate media keeps treating it as normal and even uninteresting. Why do we even HAVE a media if all they’re going to do is report the freak show, “if it bleeds it leads,” etc? Answer: they’re there simply as a business, to get more “eyeballs” and make more money.)
• The GOP’s uncivil debate was full of ignorant stereotyping (“Mr. Trump’s rhetoric on Muslims remains abhorrent.” And on many other things.)
• All the times Trump has called for violence at his rallies
• Trump Clarifies, and It’s Worse (“That’s it. He’s going all the way. Running for president on an anti-Muslim platform. Good God.”)
• Breitbart reporter files police report against Trump campaign manager
• Donald Trump’s thuggery is inexcusable (“He never recognizes the role his own rhetoric might play in egging on violence at his rallies.” More likely, he recognizes it and approves of the violence, because he’s basically a fascist.)
• This Is What It Looks Like to Get Beat Up at a Trump Rally (“Here are 10 really ugly incidents.”)
• Donald Trump Says It’s ‘Very Appropriate’ For His Supporters To Beat Protesters At Rallies (That alone should be a disqualifier for public office in America.)
• Are you starting to soften on Donald Trump? Don’t. (“The Donald is a misogynistic, volatile, race-baiting candidate who is not fit for the presidency.”)
• Republicans’ mindless obstruction has helped create something far worse
• Skirmishes erupt after Trump cancels Chicago rally over security concerns (Shocking this would happen at a fascist rally.)
• Hillary Clinton Lauds Reagans on AIDS. A Backlash Erupts. (Clinton later apologized: “While the Reagans were strong advocates for stem cell research and finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, I misspoke about their record on H.I.V. and AIDS. For that, I’m sorry.”)
• On drugs, Nancy Reagan just said ‘no.’ On AIDS, she said nothing.
• Nancy Reagan funeral draws political heavyweights, stars from bygone era
• Republicans rebuff McAuliffe on bill granting concealed carry rights to abuse victims
• Two GOP senators call McAuliffe offer on coal tax bill corrupt, threatening (The people who just completely subverted process and the Virginia constitution criticize Gov. McAuliffe for…anything? Whatever.)
• State senator says McAuliffe offered to trade coal tax credit to save Va. Supreme Court pick
• Airbnb loses Virginia legislative battle as it seeks statewide recognition across U.S.
• Virginia legislative session ends with agreements and bickering (Other than the budget, which is tolerable, that session was a disgrace.)
• Virginia legislature approves electric chair bill
• Our view: The three big things out of Richmond (“The General Assembly that adjourns today did three things that will have a major impact on the economy in this part of the state:”)
• Editorial: General Assembly shows worst, best (Mostly “worst,” with almost every positive bill killed and many bad bills passed. #GOPFAIL)
• $2.1 billion bond bill ties new capital spending to completing Capitol Square project
• After Supreme Court drama, Henrico County judge elected to appeals court
• Upcoming Virginia Tech guest lecturer draws criticism for views on race
• Kaine, Warner want swift response to pollutants found in wells near Fentress
• Portsmouth officials: Mayoral candidate John Rowe may have improperly received retirement checks
• More seasonable today through early week as clouds and showers take over