Clinton Refuses To Debate Sanders: The Audacity Of "Nope"

This article is reblogged in its entirety from the Morning Nightcap

Are you fucking kidding me? Joel Benenson, Hillary Clinton’s chief campaign strategist, just told CNN that there won’t be a debate in April, right before the New York primary, unless Bernie Sanders “changes his tone” towards his opponent. That’s right. Hillary Clinton is totally, super-duper ready to lead the country, but she can’t debate Bernie Sanders if he won’t stop being a Meany McMeanerson to her.

The Clinton Machine has pulled every trick in Karl Rove’s political playbook. Red-baiting, attacking the Senator through surrogates like John Lewis and Delores Huerta to question his record on Civil Rights, voter suppression, electioneering, mailers with false information regarding everything from Sanders’s voting record to the location of a polling place. Bernie is slammed in the corporate media, if they deign to mention him at all, or faces a complete blackout altogether. David Brock and the Washington Post write hit piece after hit piece, up to 16 times a fucking day, and now Queen Hill won’t even engage in a gawddamn debate?

This kind of refusal to debate is something we expect from Donald Drumpf. But a former Secretary of State, who has held a senate seat and has ran a previously failed Presidential campaign with its own boatload of dirty tricks and dogwhistles to play this insidious game with voters who want to see an informed debate is just fucking ridiculous. And it reeks of fear, flop sweat, and panic. This is what an imploding campaign looks like.

I’m writing this with the hearing regarding the voting debacle in Arizona is playing in the background. Maricopa County is pissed. And they should be. Election fraud is a serious charge and a very big fucking deal. The shitty thing here is that it reeks of Katherine Harris and Karl Rove. And Team Clinton has been running a Rovian campaign since Iowa. I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy wingnut, so I’ll just stop there. Arizona’s situation is unprecedented.

Back to Hillary trying to weasel out of the debate. How can anyone take a candidate for president seriously if they’re refusing to participate in a debate but claiming simultaneously that they’re ready to lead the country? The 74 year old Brooklyn Jewish guy is too scary for you, but you’re ready for ISIS? Or Putin? Or a GOP-led congress? Not only is this something that should, in the court of pubic opinion at least, disqualify her in the minds of voters for being capable to run the country, but it highlights one more character flaw in this candidate. It’s a pattern of behavior that has presented itself for 25 years.

No, I’m not ready for Hillary. I’m ready to elect a president that will not run from a fight. And that man is Bernie Sanders.

Read more: http://www.morningnightcap.com/clinton-refuses-debate-sanders-audacity-n...

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Lenzabi's picture

She is afraid

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So long, and thanks for all the fish

Raggedy Ann's picture

She knows he's cleaning her clock. That's all I have to say about it.

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

longtalldrink's picture

She is so friggin transparent. You know we can see you doncha' Hill? Transparent with everything but those "damn" emails.

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Well done is better than well said-Ben Franklin

I just watch the wheels spinning in her mind......
What shall I say to this group to get their vote?
The exact opposite from what I said earlier today?

The words are drowned out by the clicking and clacking of those spinning wheels. Makes my teeth hurt!

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The Visible Man and The Visible Woman?

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******************************

Muerte al fascismo. Muerte a la tiranía. colapso total de los que promueven tampoco. A la pared con el unico porciento%

Tommymac's picture

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FEEL THE BERN: "But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
"Here I Stand, I can do no other." - Attributed to Martin Luther, 1521

Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal's picture

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWyCCJ6B2WE]

I always identified with Toto.

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"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha

"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver

joe shikspack's picture

to suppress media coverage of opponents to the anointed one. this is a two-fer, she says no, so bernie doesn't get any free media, and her statement feeds the narrative about how mean bernie sanders is. (and shortly there will be pearl-clutching about what some berniebro said on twitter or something like that.)

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Lady Libertine's picture

also her familiar signal of the "Meh". Dismissed! She can't be bothered by that Birdie Dude, she has pivoted to the IMPORTANT fight for general now, i.e. Trump. She's got this, doncha know.

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vtcc73's picture

is a terrible time to clinch and hold every time your opponent gets close. It's a sign of extreme weakness where your only hope is to somehow hold on. She's been hoping the referee will save her so far but it isn't working either. I don't think the crowd is going to be kind either. They've caught on. Bernie needs to stay with his jab and I hope he has a great upper cut to deliver at just the right time. I really don't want this to go to the judges, I want a clear, undeniable knock out.

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"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."

detroitmechworks's picture

With Ironically, Hillary playing the part of Bernie, and the media and the party playing the two guys pretending there's no corpse here...

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCTgcZ6ImsQ]

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

taken to speaking in a hushed voice, while looking deathly serious? she's great at melodramatic imagery, if nothing else.

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She tried shouting and shaking her fist, droning on and on with no coherent thought, barking like a dog, changing positions to fit the audience, serious is good...

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Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal's picture

this is really bad. If she were my candidate/client, I'd be tearing my hair out. In fact, I might resign.

It's my belief she's actually running an anti-campaign: trying to get Americans to dislike her more, crazy as it sounds. (I'll be writing about this later this week). But if she IS running a traditional campaign, trying to get people's support, this is disastrous--or as close to disastrous as someone as entrenched, wealthy and powerful as Hillary Clinton is can get.

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"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha

"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver

detroitmechworks's picture

there's really nothing to discuss.

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Remember when GHWBush didn't want to debate, and the Clinton Dirty Tricks ( now called opposition research) had someone dress up in a Chicken Costume, and go to GHWBush events & squawk & call him chicken!

Calling Chicken George, come out, come out where ever you are!

Really like the "or else" tone of this comment too - as in, change your tone or else - what the F else could the Clinton's & their surrogates DO to Bernie Sanders they haven't already done or tired to do. None of it is working, either!!
Go Bernie!

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NonnyO's picture

That Hillary is afraid to debate Bernie I have figured out. A while back Bernie won the debate according to EVERY single poll or focus group that was taken or tested.

If Hillary is so friggin' good at debates (according to "some" in media), she wouldn't have to be asking for pity by saying 'well, maybe you've noticed I'm not as good at campaigning as my husband.' Really, she is already getting pity votes because she lost to Obama eight years ago, so why add fuel to the fire for more pity votes?

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I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute ..., where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference. — President John F. Kennedy, Houston, TX, 12 September 1960

Are employed by weak minds. What they're dog whistling is the race is over, play nice. And unless you accept that we won't play.

I think his tone should increase. "I'm sorry, it doesn't go any louder!"

Offer to pay her Goldman Sachs speaking fee to attend. That ought to set the tone properly.

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Miep's picture

Unless Sanders agrees not to really debate. Got it.

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Stay on track. Stay in lane. Don't throw rocks.

Raggedy Ann's picture

Those hummer birds are some of my favorites!

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Miep's picture

From Jardine's Naturalist's Library. I like antiques.

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Stay on track. Stay in lane. Don't throw rocks.

For a debate on TYT before April 19.

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Beware the bullshit factories.

Lady Libertine's picture

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riverlover's picture

would be a joyous surprise to most of the country who have never seen a good, not-fawning interviewer. I'll bet he would keep drilling for responses to the question.

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Hey! my dear friends or soon-to-be's, JtC could use the donations to keep this site functioning for those of us who can still see the life preserver or flotsam in the water.

BrutallyHonest's picture

I would love it if TYT hosted a Democratic debate and if Hillary didn't show, leave a podium open for her while still posing questions to her that Bernie could then answer. Maybe Bernie could also throw in a joke about how he didn't realize he was scarier than ISIS.

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Ever.

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"Without the right to offend, freedom of speech does not exist." Taslima Nasrin

Martha Pearce-Smith's picture

Enjoy everyone... feel free to share...
too scary.jpg

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Dark Knight's picture

Is brilliant. Shared. Share this!

too scary_1.jpg

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detroitmechworks's picture

which is like Hillary Kryptonite.

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

rezolution's picture

TooScaryToDebate.jpg

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Martha Pearce-Smith's picture

Thanks!

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Miep's picture

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Stay on track. Stay in lane. Don't throw rocks.

Flyswatterbanjo's picture

That's how she got Bernie to debate her before New Hampshire.
Shocked, shocked that she's not good for her word.
I guess that's why she has a trust problem.

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lunachickie's picture

Is it just wishful thinking about the venue, though? I hope not, that would be too delicious Smile

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Flyswatterbanjo's picture

They did for May: California

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lunachickie's picture

Yeah, and you know she's gotta have some time to get a bit of mud thrown at him between now and then, so she can come into it with him on "defense".

He ought to clean her clock with this chickenshit refusal. This is just unbelievable.

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No2wingnuts's picture

Does anyone actually think she'll go through with the one in May? This Bernie Bro-ette thinks not.

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"Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy." --Albus Dumbledore

Raggedy Ann's picture

I thought they agreed on April in Philly because she refused to debate in NY. How's that?

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

snoopydawg's picture

There is a diary tonight at top that states that Hillary is trustworthy.
The diarist takes issue with another person who has called out Hillary's trustworthiness.
And of course any one that brings up all of the lies she has told is being blamed for repeating right wing talking points.

And her supporters keep writing that Bernie hasn't been hit yet by the GOP. WTF does that have anything to with his electability?
Are they saying that since Hillary has for her entire career that she would be able to stand up to them but Bernie wouldn't?
Good Dog! First we saw that POS diary by Kos where he lied and now the diary about how trustworthy Hillary is.

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“When out of fear you twist the lesser evil into the lie that it is something good, you eventually rob people of the capacity to distinguish between good and evil.”
~ Hannah Arendt

Raggedy Ann's picture

They're only trying to convince themselves and each other that she's trustworthy. How can Bernie be the truth-teller and HRC the liar???? Must switch that meme!!!

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Ravensword's picture

Someone's been hitting the Hillarade way too hard.

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Hunter S. Thompson's first retrospective volume of published works, The Great Shark Hunt, was "dedicated to Richard Milhous Nixon, who never let me down."

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The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.

Good post.

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Stephen Carll's picture

I've been a fan of your work for quite a while now. Over at DKos, I was Relevant Rhino. It's been weeks since I've been back there, so this place is certainly feeling like home for me.

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“I'll show you politics in America. Here it is, right here. 'I think the puppet on the right shares my beliefs.' 'I think the puppet on the left is more to my liking.' 'Hey, wait a minute, there's one guy holding out both puppets!'”- Bill Hicks

Miep's picture

I remember you!

Sorry, it all just gets so exciting at times.

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Stay on track. Stay in lane. Don't throw rocks.

Ray Pensador's picture

than a continuation of the media blackout strategy against Bernie Sanders. Not only that, Bernie's points during the debates are so transparently honest that anybody can see the contrast.

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www.RayPensador.com
When you boil it all down, the number one step you can take to get out from under the fascist boot of the oligarchy is to stop subjecting yourself to the the U.S. corporate news media. It is a powerful psyops weapon.

lunachickie's picture

Most of her partisans have their eyes and ears covered and they're singing their la-la-las in unison.

(waves at Ray) yay, you made it over here Smile

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ppnortney's picture

Especially liked Meany McMeanerson.

Whoever is doing those great gifs with Bernie jumping out at Trump needs to do one with Hillary. Would go nicely with Martha's great one above.

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The smaller the mind the greater the conceit. --Aesop

thanatokephaloides's picture

you know, the Holy Prophets known colloquially as Monty Python's Flying Circus:

[video:https://youtu.be/cFdgjYoBMIg?t=2m25s width:560 height:315]

Note: My attempt to start the video in the appropriate place failed. It's at 2:25 (2 minutes 25 seconds after the start).

Smile

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"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar

"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides

detroitmechworks's picture

in OUR society feel that pointing out that she is running away is in fact sexist and racist.

And also mean spirited poopyheadedness. Watch your tone.

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Martha Pearce-Smith's picture

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boriscleto's picture

They were forced to eat Robin's minstrels. and there was much rejoicing.

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" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "

WaterLily's picture

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Bisbonian's picture

away.

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"I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” —Malcolm X

Just saw this over on Reddit. The money quote:

"You should be willing to campaign for every vote. You should be willing to debate anytime, anywhere."

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Deja's picture

#WhichHillary?

She's evolved since then, doncha know?

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Beware the bullshit factories.

detroitmechworks's picture

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jadvt7CbH1o]

And the eighties provides the example once again...

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

yes Hillary, now you pointed that out, it really is isn't it.

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With their hearts they turned to each others heart for refuge
In troubled years that came before the deluge
*Jackson Browne, 1974, Before the Deluge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SX-HFcSIoU

Lady Libertine's picture

#ToneDownForWhat on twitter

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detroitmechworks's picture

But only at the most superficial of levels. The ones where you can talk for hours but not actually go beyond the surface contents.

All other Questions to be gleaned from Supermarket Checkout Rack headlines.

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Shahryar's picture

she gets to answer every question, including (and especially) the ones directed at Bernie.

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detroitmechworks's picture

become the joint property of all participants in the debate.

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

To #StealTheBern

BTW, I'm loving some of tweets I'm reading about this issue.

OK. I'll stop now.

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I haven't signed up or used twitter, or bought a computer/internet phone thingy.
LOOK WHAT I'VE BEEN MISSING!

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

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With their hearts they turned to each others heart for refuge
In troubled years that came before the deluge
*Jackson Browne, 1974, Before the Deluge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SX-HFcSIoU

Deja's picture

But if he tries to take back HIS FUCKING TURN to talk, he's sexist.

Ugh! He's such an old school gentleman, I was shocked he actually tried to be "allowed" to finish what he was saying.

She had the same 'how dare you' look on her face when he did that as when confronted back stage by BLM protesters. Yet, so many people have drunk the koolaid, she's now a goddess.

Both times she turned herself being a rude @#$% into making herself a better candidate except to those of us who aren't drunken by her evil glory.

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what a load of manure.

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mouselander's picture

Let every opponent know, whether he wishes us well or ill, that we shall tell any lie, spread any falsehood, advance any vile rumor, prey on the weak, and succor the strong to assure the survival and success of my campaign.

This much I pledge--and more.

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inactive account

lunachickie's picture

for giving me the best laugh I've had all day, ha ha!

I'm just sorry, I honestly expected her to agree to this. What was I thinking? So I'm laughing at myself too, you understand.

But wow, that was an out-loud guffaw, even. Hillaryous! Until his tone changes?!? OMG...

And thank you, Stephen Smile

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WaterLily's picture

"Oh, so tone policing is okay when Hillary does it."
This shit makes me see red.

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Because Rs will be VERY mean to her if she can skeeze past Sanders.

She really could find a way to lose to Trump. C'mon Bernie!

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lunachickie's picture

If Donald Trump is really serious, he'll make fun of Hillary chickening out.

Because why the hell wouldn't he, this is a GIFT to him and his campaign.

Stay tuned to that angle, won't you? I'll bet it's a story worth waiting out...

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featheredsprite's picture

Hi. I'm a refugee from Balloon Juice, although I also commented on Daily Kos from time to time so I know what you guys are talking about.

No debate: Any candidate has the right to not participate in a debate but refusal to participate until your opponent changes his "tone" is snotty.

On campaign styles I don't have the direct quote but "Bernie will campaign like a Brooklynite while Hillary campaigns like a Senator" can only be uttered by a class-based snob. It means that Bernie will act like a member of the great unwashed while Hillary will comport herself like a born-to-the-manner lady.

Personally, I think Bernie should take that insult and run with it.

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Life is strong. I'm weak, but Life is strong.

dissembler who employs disingenuous courtesy on the assumption that the audience knows what she really means, and approves of the disingenuousness.

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The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.