Logic

http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/ According to Pulitzer Prize winning Politifact, which fact checks statements made by presidents...Donald Trump lies 50% of the time ("False" and "Pants on fire" statementst). If you throw in "mostly false" statements, Trump jumps to a whopping 70%. 70% of his statements are lies !!! For comparison's sake, Barack Obama lies 14% of the time, or 26% if you throw in "mostly false" statements. There's a stark difference there. So Tapper sounds just exactly correct: Trump requires a lot more fact checking, because he lies at a much greater rate than Obama. Not opinion, statistical fact.

Thank you for posting the article. I vehemently disagree with the statement you highlighted. from http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/3/7/14836238/trump-obama-tweet-wiretap-phone-illegal-watergate-fbi-accuse-comey : "Under US law, presidents cannot direct the FBI or other intelligence agencies to eavesdrop on the calls, or read the emails, of an American citizen without a warrant authorized by a specialized surveillance court. That request would come from the FBI, not the White House, and would only be granted if the court had reason to suspect possible wrongdoing. Obama no more could have ordered the FBI to tap Trump’s phones than he could have ordered the FBI to search Trump’s home or office." That's the real crux of the matter. The only way anyone was "involved in highly inappropriate surveillance" of Trump is if the court had reason to suspect possible wrongdoing. And as far as Nolte's quote "Team Trump behaving responsibly and appropriately in their dealings with Russian officials", he left off "and then lying about it again and again": http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/02/trump-teams-many-many-denials-contacts-russia/98625780/ If their conduct was so lawful and pure, I'm truly curious: Why the constant lies and changing of stories and responses?

Just wanted to say thank you for a reasoned and well stated counterpoint to my stance. As I said, I used to pop into the BBMB politics section and it was, well...less than civil, less than reasonable. I can see from scrolling through several of the threads in section that the debate here is far superior in terms of content and decorum. Not surprising, given that the main football board here is ALSO superior to BBMB in this regard. Anyway, I apologize again for any aggressive or dismissive tone that may have been evident in my initial few posts. I am passionate (and frightened) about this issue, but I came in too hot on this one. I admit that. Again, thanks for the quality discussion. I look forward to seeing what March 20th, and the comings weeks and month in general, bring to light about this topic. It is my hope that if collusion is eventually proven conclusively, conservatives will put aside their party affiliation and recognize the seriousness and illegality of the situation and will react accordingly and hold those involved accountable.

Fair enough, Rhino. The reason I feel confident in asserting Russian interference is simply the staggering amount of connections, meetings, etc, between Russia and so many Trump aides. Sessions, Flynn, Manafort, Page, Cohen, Tillerson...at some point, it became difficult for me to dismiss so many instances as "coincidence". The efforts the Trump administration themselves have gone through to divert attention from this issue and duck any real investigation is also quite concerning to me. If Trump has nothing to hide and is as clean as he says he is, why is he so adamantly against an independent investigative committee? Why won't he release his tax returns? I fully understand that this does not, in and of itself, constitute proof. But you have to admit that there is more and more smoke as the days turn to weeks, and that Trump and co are going to great lengths to avoid any real, independent investigation into their ties and activities. I understand also that the burden of proof is on the accuser. It is my belief that the "hard proof" necessary to back up the accusations so far leveled will be coming sooner than later. More and more info -- in the form of leaks, investigative journalism -- is coming out every day, like a steady drip. To hear Trump tell it, these are both "illegal leaks!!!" AND "Fake news". How this info can be BOTH, I have no idea. Anyway, the upcoming March 20th hearings will prove very interesting in this regard.

Much of the dossier HAS been corroborated as fact by various US media outlets. The Dossier, by the way, was compiled by Christopher Steele, a former british spy. Not, as claimed by another poster, a Buzzfeed reporter. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-russia-dossier-us-news-media-corroborate-christopher-steele-allegations-cia-a7617856.html

You're right. I shouldn't have used such dismissive language. That was poor form on my part. I apologize. I'm too used to life at the BBMB, which was much more combative. I will adjust my level of discourse going forward. I still suggest clicking and reading through the above linked Trump Dossier to get an idea of why I am so convinced of collusion. Buzzfeed re-posted the Trump Dossier, yes. It was not compiled by Buzzfeed, however. http://observer.com/2017/03/kremlingate-donald-trump-russia-white-house-bugged/ Above article written by: John Schindler, a security expert and former National Security Agency analyst and counterintelligence officer. A specialist in espionage and terrorism, he’s also been a Navy officer and a War College professor. He’s published four books and is on Twitter at @20committee.

Cool. Have you checked the link above, the Trump Dossier? Interesting reading.

I'd suggest starting with the Trump Dossier, much of which has since been corroborated. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3259984-Trump-Intelligence-Allegations.html

Irrelevant. Collusion with a foreign (and hostile) entity with the purpose of subverting democracy constitutes treason. The issue of whether or not it was "successful" doesn't matter, because treason.

Just wanted to pop in to say that anyone who honestly thinks Trump did not collude with Russians to sway the election is either not paying attention, is blinded by partisan politics, or is being willfully ignorant. There is smoke, and more smoke, and more smoke. Follow Louise Mensch, John Schindler, or Malcolm Nance on Twitter. All well connected and intelligent people with connections (and/or former employment) in the intelligence community. And before you say "They're liberals with an axe to grind!"...no they're not. Schindler and Mensch in particular are conservatives. They're just honest, patriotic conservatives, unlike the multitudes of spineless jellyfish that call themselves congressmen. Read the Trump Dossier, spend even 10 minutes really looking at all of the confirmed instances of Trump's people meeting and working with Russia, and you'll see that the issue is cut and dry. Page, Manafort, Flynn, Sessions, etc, etc...is anyone REALLY still saying there's nothing there? C'mon! The National Review? Wait, so you're telling me that conservative outlets like Fox News and the National Review are trying to push the idea that Trump is innocent? Get right out of town! Party before country. Shameful.

I get the feeling that -- with regard to Alexander's pass rushing success -- he was largely a beneficiary of the Rex Ryan system. What the Bills WILL be getting for their money is a stud special teams player and a steady locker room and community presence. If I'm not mistaken, the last time Alexander was in a 4-3 defense, he played OLB and not edge rusher. Will be interesting to see what he does in McDermott's D. My gut feeling is that I feel the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

The LA Rams have cut tight end Lance Kendricks. I'm not one to constantly start "Bills should sign..." threads, but... The Rams tight ends coach last year, Rob Borras, is now the Bills' tight ends coach. Kendricks is coming off a year in which he had nearly 500 yards receiving. Seeing as the Bills have already demonstrated -- via their reported interest in Martellus Bennett and Jared Cook -- that they are interested in signing a quality TE2, I would like to advocate that they forget Jared Cook and instead go after the cheaper and less volatile Lance Kendricks. It seems like an age, production, price, coach/player match. Let's see if my crystal ball is functioning properly and the Bills pursue this on Friday.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170118/sports/301189779 Versatile Micah Hyde Emerges as Packers Playoff Playmaker Micah Hyde, the Green Bay Packers' jack-of-all-trades in the secondary, is assuming another new role this season - playoff playmaker. He is listed as a safety on the Packers roster, but really plays more of a slot cornerback role, at least when he's not needed to fill in on the outside against receivers. Versatility has become an asset in Green Bay, in part because of injuries, but also as a way to help keep up with prolific passing attacks such as the one the Packers will face in Atlanta in the NFC title game on Sunday against the Falcons.Whatever Hyde is called upon to do, the fourth-year defensive back out of Iowa has found a way to make an impact. "Versatility for playmakers, definitely it's at a premium," coach Mike McCarthy said. "You look at just the way the league is, the spread wide-open offenses, you definitely want to have to same counter-balance to that defensively." The closest multipurpose player with similar impact for the Falcons might be Ben Garland, a backup offensive lineman who also plays defense. He had the biggest play of his career last week against Seattle, when he was credited with a safety in the second quarter of the 36-20 win in the divisional round. Switched recently to offense, Garland has more experience on defense, actually, in his career. It's what he played in college at Air Force, and during his first NFL stint with the Denver Broncos. It's what makes his big play in the Seahawks game so sweet. "It's a ton of work, a ton of film study, a ton of study in the playbooks," Garland said. "I love the opportunity. Shoot, I get the opportunity to play two-way in the NFL, or three-way with special teams too." But few players may be as valuable to their teams in multiple roles as Hyde. Against Dallas last week , Hyde had four tackles, a sack and an 18-yard interception after jumping in front of a short pass intended for receiver Dez Bryant in the slot. In the regular-season finale against Detroit, Hyde held up well after he was forced to play outside cornerback in the fourth quarter after injuries whittled depth. In Week 15 against Chicago with the Packers clinging to a six-point lead, Hyde broke up a pass at the goal line intended for Cameron Meredith on third-and-goal from the 4 to prevent a touchdown. "You look back at his rookie year, started out as corner, moved into the nickel, has played safety," McCarthy said on Wednesday. "So not only to make that adjustment in the flow of a game without reps is something he's been able to do, pretty much the last couple of years. I can't just say enough about the flexibility he gives us a staff." They can be flexible with other players on defense, too. Safety Morgan Burnett, who missed practice on Wednesday with a quadriceps injury, has played an inside linebacker-like role against some teams, allowing the Packers to keep a strong defender on the field against the run while keeping the flexibility to match up against the pass. The team's star pass rusher, outside linebacker Clay Matthews, can move to inside linebacker and call defensive plays when needed. Datone Jones has moved between the defensive line and outside linebacker. On offense, former receiver Ty Montgomery has embraced his return to running back, a position he played in high school, to help make up for the season-ending injury to starter Eddie Lacy in October. Montgomery is gradually picking up the nuances of the position, especially in pass protection, at NFL speed. But Montgomery has shown flashes of being a consistent playmaker, including two rushing touchdowns last week against the Cowboys . It's invaluable experience for a second-year player assuming a big postseason role for the first time in his career. "Any type of playoff experience that you can get, whether it's the NFC championship game or ... or any playoff, it's good to have that experience under your belt" said Hyde, who was with the Packers two seasons ago for the loss in the NFC title game to Seattle. "Because it is amped up in the playoffs, it really is, and you've got play mistake-free football."

I'm happy for him. Gets to go home to LA Coliseum. I'm also glad he went to an NFC team, so that I can safely root for him for the rest of his career. Class act, quality player. Best of luck, #10!

Wilcoam's just being Wilcoam. Those with eyes to see know that Hyde is a versatile and valuable defender. Those with limited viewpoint will say "he's not a very good corner" or "he's only a mediocre safety", completely ignoring the fact that a player versatile enough to play FS, SS, CB, and return punts is a great addition to a team. He can cover slot WRs, TEs, can come up into the box and stop the run, and will provide toughness and stability. He also didn't break the bank. He only got the contract we were going to give Aaron Williams. To me, Hyde is the definition of the RIGHT kind of free agent signing. Good player, just coming into his prime, at the right price. My favorite FA signing by the Bills so far. Alas, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and Wilcoam's gonna Wilcoam.

PHENOMENAL signing! Can play FS/SS/nickle/return man. Versatile, tough, talented, and just now entering his prime. Outstanding! And Jordan Poyer, too? Safety spot no longer looking like such a liability.

Wow. $5mil/year for a fullback?!?! Unless his name's Jim Brown, that's just ridiculous. Welcome to Buffalo, DiMarco!

Bills wanted to add a short yardage and pass catching option out of the backfield. After missing out on Ju...I'm not even gonna try to spell his name... This was the backup plan. Dimarco + Tolbert. As much as certain fans may hate it, look for another run-heavy attack in Buffalo and another top 5 rushing season. But hey, when Tyrod Taylor is your quarterback and you only have one NFL quality receiver currently on the roster, ground and pound is the way to go, from my perspective.

To me, that contract (combined with McDermott constantly talking about "at this time") screams "We're drafting a guy. Tyrod's a bridge".

I get that people wanted Juice because he's polish and catches the ball well... But let's not pretend that signing the best fullback in all of football last year is bad move. While he isn't as big a threat in the passing game, he is better than Juice at the main job of being a fullback: blocking. He will pave the way for another great rushing season and will provide quality pass blocking and special teams play to boot. Good signing (though admittedly a bit high of a price for a FB).

Yeah... This. All day long. I'm sure it won't stop the yahoos from ripping Whaley, but this was a hell of a move for Buffalo.

PFF had him rated as the best run-blocking FB in all of football last season. He was 1st team All-Pro in 2015 and has made the Pro Bowl two years in a row. He is not as big a threat in the passing game as Juice (though he CAN catch the ball unlike Felton), but he is a superior run blocker. My guess is the money in the Juice sweepstakes got too crazy for Buffalo's liking. Besides, do Bills fans really want to be chanting "Juuuuuiiiicceee" In Ralph Wilson Stadium again?

Two things determined the level at which they tendered him: 1) They are cash strapped this season. Witness the release of the freaking LONG SNAPPER to see how badly they need all the $$$ they can get. 2) Excellent year for running backs in the draft. They figure other teams would rather draft a 5th round RB than have to give up a 5th round pick for an older, more expensive guy. And if some other team DOES bite and give up a 5th round pick, Bills will be thrilled, as they only have six picks in a deep draft.

All the people griping that Gillislee wasn't tendered at the 2nd round level and blaming Whaley would DEFINITELY be complaining "Why offer so much to a back-up?" if he HAD been tendered at said level, and would still be blaming Whaley. Oh, and I suppose if no one bites on Gillislee and we wind up getting him for $1million cheaper than we would have had we tendered him higher, you'll all come back to this thread to eat crow and praise Whaley's sound decision making, right? Pfffft.

Fair enough. Only reason I have it the way I do is that this is said to be the deepest safety class in years. Maybe EVER. So my feeling is that the likelihood of getting a starting caliber safety in round 2 or 3 is pretty good, thus I'd rather get the elite WR prospect and roll the dice on the deep safety class.