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PBC News & Comment: On Wiretap Claims, Spicer Channels Trump’s Assertions

As establishment pols and media blast Trump over wiretap claims, Spicer sparks row with Brits, fact-free free-for-all…–GOP intel leaders strongly contradict Trump

–media coverage assumes our spooks never break the law

–Brits are indignant, but we know NSA and GCHQ have conspired before

–former Sen. Dan Coats, now confirmed as top spy, dodges Sen. Wyden’s questions about Americans under surveillance, but avoids perjury

–judge sides with FBI, won’t release rules on use of National Security Letters on journalists

–new documents show surveillance of American Muslims under Obama’s “countering violent extremism” program

–hear an excerpt from new in-depth interview with filmmakers of For Here or To Go, about the lives of noncitizens with H1-B visas, and Trump immigration moves

–Trump’s budget plan is a blueprint based on cruelty, militarism and greed; if enacted, expect at least 200,000 additional homeless

–off the coast of Yemen, mystery chopper mows down 40 Somali refugees

–US drone strikes in northern Syria mow down at least 46 at mosque, as Pentagon claims “dozens of militants” were killed

–UN panel tells the truth: Israel practices apartheid on Palestinians

–oilman-turned-diplomat Rexxon Tillerson tries to soothe and threaten North Korea in the same breath

–no smiles in Trump-Merkel meeting, as Conman Don misstates NATO dues rules

–California’s Chief Justice slams ICE for stalking courthouses for deportees

–Orlando prosecutor announces she won’t seek death penalty, and Gov. Scott pulls case of cop killer

–Too much hype in Rachel Maddow’s revelation of Trump tax return, but great ratings

–US media overhyped Dutch election and it’s Trump clone, Geert Wilders

–late in the podcast, PBC refers to an article at The Intercept about Peter Thiel and Palantir