Matt Taibbi shares his take on the Twitter Files, Coffeezilla discusses SBF's fraud, and Ken Klippenstein breaks down the Yemen War Powers Resolution. Other topics include a fusion energy breakthrough and the challenges of identifying frauds in the crypto world.
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Quick takeaways
The withdrawal of the War Powers resolution highlights the lack of checks on presidential power and raises concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The White House's argument of meaningful diplomacy in ending the Yemen conflict is disputed, indicating no progress in negotiations and causing doubts about the administration's commitment to resolving the crisis.
Deep dives
Withdrawal of War Powers Resolution in the Senate
The recent withdrawal of the War Powers resolution in the Senate is significant for two reasons. Firstly, it aims to restore Congress's power to determine when the US goes to war and provides a check on the presidency's war-making capabilities. Secondly, it highlights the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where the US provides support to the Saudi-led coalition. The Yemen conflict has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing food insecurity and children suffering from malnutrition. The withdrawal of the resolution raises concerns about the lack of checks on presidential power and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The Role of the White House in Withdrawing the Resolution
The withdrawal of the War Powers resolution came after the White House privately circulated talking points to Democratic senators urging them to back off. The White House argued that the resolution would complicate ongoing diplomacy to end the Yemen conflict. However, experts dispute the claim of meaningful diplomacy, stating that there has been no progress in negotiations or addressing the underlying issues. The lack of a political process and negotiations indicates that the lull in fighting is temporary, and all sides are preparing for a return to war. The withdrawal of the resolution raises questions about the administration's commitment to ending the Yemen conflict.
The Need for Congressional Checks on Presidential Power
The War Powers resolution is crucial for restoring Congress's constitutional authority over war-making decisions and providing checks on the presidency. It aims to prevent the president from unilaterally committing the US to war without congressional authorization. By withdrawing the resolution, the administration undermines the necessity of congressional oversight and allows the presidency to retain unchecked war-making powers. This raises concerns about the erosion of constitutional checks and balances and the increasing power of the executive branch.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen is a major concern that prompted the War Powers resolution. The conflict has caused widespread food insecurity, with millions of people at risk of starvation, particularly children who suffer from malnutrition. The US support for the Saudi-led coalition contributes to the crisis, and the withdrawal of the resolution means that the US will continue to be involved in a conflict with devastating human consequences.
Highlighting some of the best segments of the week including a huge fusion energy breakthrough, Matt Taibbi's take on the Twitter Files, Coffeezilla discussing SBF's fraud, And Ken Klippenstein breaking down the Yemen War Powers Resolution.