U.S. expels 35 Russian diplomats, closes two compounds: official

[DonViejo]

Thu Dec 29, 2016 | 2:05pm EST

The United States on Thursday expelled 35 Russian diplomats and closed two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland in response to a campaign of harassment by Russia against American diplomats in Moscow, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday.

The U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the Russian diplomats would be given 72 hours to leave the United States. Access to the two compounds will be denied to all Russian officials as of noon on Friday, the official added.

"These actions were taken to respond to Russian harassment of American diplomats and actions by the diplomats that we have assessed to be not consistent with diplomatic practice," the official told Reuters.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-cyber-idUSKBN14I1TY

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President Obama imposed sanctions on Russia, the strongest U.S. response to foreign hacking. The move could box in Donald Trump.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028411321

[Coventina]

1. Good. n/t

[Phoenix61]

2. YES!!!

[liberal N proud]

3. Make it difficult for the orange clown to undo!

[LiberalLovinLug]

10. also it will force the orange clown to publically reverse it

The optics will not look good on him if he does that right after gaining office.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

18. Yep

Obama is playing 3D chess. Trump never progressed beyond spin the bottle.

[mcar]

4. K&R

[Faux pas]

5. Kickin' with gusto!

[greatauntoftriplets]

6. Brilliant move by President Obama!

[MineralMan]

7. Now, That's Real Breaking News!

Wow!

[MineralMan]

8. What Will Trump Tweet about This?

Holding my breath...

[Roy Rolling]

9. Trump tweet:

Donald Trump: "That $&%%ing Obama!"
Obama: "Donald who?"

[MineralMan]

11. Who's the President? Barack Obama Is.

He does what Presidents do. He'll be President until January 20. He's still at work.

[bdamomma]

12. that's right

President Obama tenure is not done yet.

[MineralMan]

13. I think we may see more from him on this Russian

thing. He has the information. He'll act on it, and will make the information public.

What would be really cool would be if he had information that Trump actively participated in Russian actions, either personally or through one of his people like Epshteyn, who is clearly a Russian tool. If he can provide real, solid evidence that Trump was involved, there could be some serious consequences immediately after the inauguration. Congress could be pretty much forced to act.

Crossing my fingers...

[iluvtennis]

14. I hope so.... nt

[rolypolychloe]

15. Would we have to wait?

If Trump has committed high treason during a time of war, could he not be arrested immediately and sent to Gitmo? Doubt they would inaugurate him from there.

[MineralMan]

16. Clearly, you do not understand what treason is.

Russia is not a wartime enemy, and we are not at war with them. No treason. Read the Constitution for the exact definition of what treason is.

[rolypolychloe]

19. oops

"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.

The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted."

If Trump colluded with Russia, that would satisfy the first paragraph. I think Russia can be considered an enemy considering how many of their nuclear weapons are pointed at us and their support for the other side in our current conflicts. At time of war? We are still at war in Afghanistan, Iraq, and with Isis. Do they not count? I am disappointed in the second paragraph. Thought the Judicial branch could convict someone of treason. When we catch a spy, are they actually tried by Congress? Doesn't really say Congress has exclusive power. Not understanding the part after the comma.

[AmericanActivist]

20. I agree regarding first paragraph, it applies to tRump. I don't think it means we have to be at war,

rather that applies to someone levying war against USA. The "adhering to their enemies, giving them aid" fits tRump. Like you I don't understand the second paragraph.

I wonder if there are "two witnesses" to some of tRumps deeds? We know millions of Americans witnessed tRump asking Russia to hack his political opponent.

Will Republicans in the legislative branch actually put USA before their political Party and personal gain? I know 3 Republicans who are speaking out against Russia now - McCain, Graham and McMullin.

Welcome to DU

[AmericanActivist]

17. #TreasonousTrump and definition of Treason

Trump has given aid to an enemy of USA and other US Gov officials have too. Trump asked Russia to interfere in US on television with millions of witnesses. For over a year he has consistently sided with Russia defending Russia. He has refused to release tax returns which likely prove not only financial ties to Russia but Trump indebted to them. Also there was the server issue linking Trump to Russia. And it's likely Trump has been groomed by Russia and is being used by Russia. Not to mention Trump has Manafort and other people working with and for Russia.

Definition of Treason

http://www.annenbergclassroom.org/page/article-iii-section-3