DeSantis threatens looters with shooting, Trump overstated net worth by $2+ billion
The David Pakman Show - September 1, 2023
This installment of The David Pakman Show newsletter is free for everyone. I send these emails daily. If you would also like to receive it, join the newsletter today.
Note: This is totally separate from website Membership and does not affect your website Membership in any way.
Ron DeSantis to looters: "You loot, we shoot"
In the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a stern warning, declaring, "You loot, we shoot," underscoring the state's robust gun culture and the rights of property owners to protect themselves. However, this uncompromising stance raises significant concerns on several fronts. Firstly, it challenges the fundamental principle of proportionality in the use of force, potentially leading to disproportionate violence in response to minor offenses. This approach also neglects important ethical considerations, such as the risk of mistaken identity in the chaos following a natural disaster and the moral obligation to exercise caution when employing deadly force. Furthermore, the "you loot, we shoot" mentality embodies broader issues within America's contentious gun culture, and while DeSantis is firmly against looting and vandalism, his endorsement of vigilantism prompts questions regarding legality, ethics, and public safety, especially within a state known for its high prevalence of firearms. This approach may inadvertently exacerbate tensions and potential harm in what is already a time of crisis.
FRAUD: Trump overstated net worth by $2.2 billion
According to the New York attorney general, Donald Trump is alleged to have overstated his net worth by a staggering $2.2 billion, which raises significant legal implications. A recent CBS News report, cited by Yahoo! Finance, reveals that Trump inflated his net worth by as much as $2.2 billion annually between 2011 and 2021. These allegations stem from a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General Letitia James's office, accusing members of the Trump family and Trump's organization of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme related to property valuations and Trump's personal financial statements. The lawsuit seeks $250 million in damages and sanctions that could disrupt Trump's business operations in the state of New York, affecting not only him but also his sons, Eric Trump and Don Jr. The trial is scheduled for October, and James's office is pushing for a summary judgment on the fraud allegations before then. These accusations align with previous claims that Trump manipulates asset values for financial gain, affecting his net worth, taxes, loans, and even bankruptcy filings, potentially leading to serious legal consequences and adding to Trump's mounting legal troubles.
From yesterday’s show:
Mitch McConnell glitches again, suspected seizure on live TV
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has faced yet another alarming medical episode, prompting calls for his resignation. On two occasions in the past few weeks, McConnell has frozen during speeches, showing signs of a possible seizure or mini-stroke, yet both times he has downplayed the need for medical attention. This has raised concerns about his health and whether he’s effectively able to do his job as a US senator and the Republican Senate minority leader. From a medical perspective, experts stress the urgency of immediate evaluation, including CT scans, MRIs, and blood tests, as these episodes could signal a more serious condition. The situation also exposes political hypocrisy, with Republicans refraining from pushing for McConnell's resignation, while a similar incident involving a Democratic leader would likely result in investigations and demands for immediate departure. Despite concerns about being ageist, this situation underscores the need for discussions on term limits to prevent lawmakers from overstaying their effectiveness.
From yesterday’s show:
Ted Cruz won't let Biden limit him to only 2 beers
Republican Senator Ted Cruz has joined the fray in criticizing medical recommendations that suggest limiting alcohol consumption to two beers a week. These recommendations have sparked conspiracy theories and accusations from Republicans, likening it to the faux gas stoves and lightbulbs controversies. Cruz defiantly declared on Newsmax that if the Biden administration wants people to drink only two beers a week, they can "kiss my ass," while sharing a beer with a group of men. This focus on such trivial matters is seen as a reflection of the Republican Party's waning ability to focus on serious issues in favor of culture war nonsense. The truth is that the medical guidelines are not mandates but rather recommendations, so it’s absurd to frame them as authoritarian or legislative efforts. If Ted Cruz and the people who like him want to continue drinking more than two beers a week, they will still be well within their rights to do that.
More on the show:
-- Post-debate polls show that Donald Trump skipping out on the first Republican primary debate had essentially no impact on his chances
-- Caller asks why Donald Trump wanted to hold onto classified documents
-- Caller wonders if many Americans aren't smart because of our poor education system
-- Caller talks about the success of our critical thinking children's book "Think Like a Detective"
-- Caller discusses some of the issues facing Florida
-- Caller talks about improving Democrats' chance in red states
-- Caller suspects Joe Biden isn't doing enough to get re-elected
-- The Friday Feedback segment
-- On the Bonus Show: Proud Boys leaders sentenced in January 6th case, Rudy Giuliani liable for defaming Georgia election workers, Pope Francis criticizes American conservatives, and much more...
-- Become a Supporter: http://www.davidpakman.com/membership
-- Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/thedavidpakmanshow
-- Subscribe to Pakman Live: https://www.youtube.com/pakmanlive
Concerning Mitch McConnell's recent health episodes, it occurs to me that he might be stressed because of the fact that the Republican party is taking a nose-dive, and there is nothing he can do about it. He is watching it crash and burn.
I totally agree with everything the Pope has said but, unlike most Republicans, I firmly believe in a full separation of church and state. From that perspective, I don’t think it was appropriate for the Pope to comment on American politics.