Kremlin Detains Dissident

Reports out of Russia indicate that the regime of thug Vladimir Putin has detained anti-Putin dissident Alexei Navalny on unspecified charges, a sign that the regime may fear new protests by pro-democracy forces. Navalny has been repeatedly jailed and harassed by the Kremlin in order to stifle dissent. He was barred from running in Russia's rigged elections last spring (after which Putin puppet Donald "Rump" Trump called Putin to "congratulate" him). Navalny organized protests in 90 Russian cities last spring against Putin's autocratic rule.

Meanwhile, the details of Rump's private meeting with Putin in Helsinki in July have yet to be disclosed. Some Senate Dems are continuing to press for a complete accounting of what Rump discussed or promised during the 2-hour meeting with Putin. His subsequent press conference with Putin showed Rump's subservience to Putin, and was widely seen as undercutting U.S. intelligence's consensus that Russia meddled in the 2016 elections, and as a treasonous display in front of an international audience.

In a better time, a President would be blasting Putin, and supporting Navalny. Instead, we have someone compromised by the Kremlin and who owes them allegiance for a reason we will know eventually.

What Was Discussed In Those Two Hours?

Monday's private, two-hour tête-à-tête between Russian thug and autocrat Vladimir Putin and his American asset, submissive sociopath Donald "Rump" Trump has raised serious national security questions about what exactly Rump promised to Putin in private. From an interview with Russian state TV shortly after the meeting, Putin claimed that he and Rump had discussed "a very interesting offer" concerning Ukraine, where Russian forces occupy the eastern region of Donbass, and ways of getting around the impact of sanctions imposed on Russia after its illegal annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine. There was also a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry that military agreements were reached "in the sphere of international security." Rump has yet to reveal in detail what they discussed in private for two hours, significantly letting Putin control the message. We can only dread what promises Rump made and what he is giving up in exchange. Putin knows.

Dem Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is calling for the American translator present at the meeting to testify before the Senate as to what was discussed. Although that's a step in the right direction, translators are so "in the moment" translating that the specifics of what was discussed may get lost in the effort. No doubt also the White House will claim executive privilege to prevent her from revealing any information. We can, however, be sure that the Russians have a recording of Rump's treasonous dialogue, which they may reveal at a time and place of their choosing.

Reactions To Trump's Treasonous Performance In Helsinki

Twitter is lighting up about Putin puppet Donald "Rump" Trump's treasonous performance at the news conference following his performance review with Russian thug Vladimir Putin (a.k.a., #treasonsummit). These are a few:

Trump's "We're all to blame" says it all. Attacking his own administration and flattering Putin. America First? A sick joke. Where are Trump's supporters right now? Where are you? You fools and enablers selling out your country and the world for this traitor?

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) July 16, 2018

I'm ready to call this the darkest hour in the history of the American presidency. Let me know if you can think of any competition.

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) July 16, 2018

Everyone is numb and in shock. We can’t believe what we just witnessed, but for me it’s this simple: The President of the United States openly colluded with Putin to undermine our democracy.

— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) July 16, 2018

From a national security expert who has supported President Trump: “Played like a fiddle.  Unmitigated disaster. Embarrassing.”

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) July 16, 2018

Trump: Kneeling athletes disrespect our flag.

Trump also: Commits treason on live tv as he comforts our enemy and rebukes our intelligence community while standing in front of the flag (which is next to the Russian flag).#HelsinkiTreasonSummit

— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) July 16, 2018

Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of “high crimes & misdemeanors.” It was nothing short of treasonous. Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???

— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) July 16, 2018

Many of us have said so for years and we will do so again: Trump is dangerously unfit for his office. He is not a loyal American and he should be relieved of his duties expeditiously.

— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) July 16, 2018

If you needed any other evidence that this President is completely owned, you just got it.

— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) July 16, 2018

I missed the Trump presser in Russia. I gather he defected?

— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) July 16, 2018

And finally,

Today's #TreasonSummit was so upsetting to Paul Ryan, he is going to have no choice but to propose cutting Social Security, Medicare, welfare, the top tax rate, support for healthcare and funding for Planned Parenthood.

— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) July 16, 2018