The Conservative Cave

Blues Heron (8,372 posts)
2. Vance doesn't have the evil mojo Trump has, he's more like a pipsqueak.

Syria's new government and Israel will set up a joint group under US supervision to share intelligence and seek military de-escalation on the ground, they announced Tuesday after talks.

The Syrian foreign minister traveled to Paris in his country's first known meeting in months with Israel, which has pounded its historic adversary despite US unease over the pressure on the fragile government.

A joint statement issued by the US State Department after the talks in the French capital said that Syria and Israel were committed to "achieving lasting security and stability arrangements for both countries".

"Both sides have decided to establish a joint fusion mechanism – a dedicated communication cell – to facilitate immediate and ongoing coordination on their intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement and commercial opportunities under the supervision of the United States," the statement said.

“Top Gun: Maverick” actor Miles Teller shared an emotional promise during last year’s FireAid benefit concert.

“All of the money raised will go directly to people who need it now.”

Early reports suggested that was hardly the case. Last September, The New York Post revealed that of the $100 million raised by musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Billie Joe Armstrong and more, some of the funds went to nonprofits with very little connection to fire safety or reparations.

Think:

* The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
* Podcasters discussing the wildfires
* Sanitizing pre-schools
* NAACP Pasadena
* My Tribe Rise
* The CA Native Vote Project
* The Los Angeles Black Worker Center

Now, Rep. Jim Jordan has released a scathing update on the FireAid money matterLink.

Well she was according to the lib-tards employed as a professional "legal observer" which apparently entitles her to run over ICE officers, who are empowered by laws passed by Congress.

Get over yourself.

AI Overview
A legal observer is a neutral, third-party volunteer who attends public demonstrations, protests, and other events to monitor and document interactions between law enforcement and the public. Their primary goal is to protect the constitutional rights of demonstrators by providing an objective, credible account of events that can be used as evidence in potential legal cases.

Key Roles and Responsibilities
Documenting Law Enforcement Activity: Legal observers meticulously record the actions of police or other government agents (such as ICE). This includes documenting arrests, use of force, intimidating displays of force, and any behavior that might restrict the demonstrators' First Amendment rights. They often use notes, photos, and video recordings to capture details like badge numbers, officer names, and the context leading up to an incident.

Maintaining Neutrality: Observers are strictly neutral and do not participate in the protest, chant, carry signs, or give legal advice on the ground. They separate themselves from the crowd to maintain credibility as witnesses.

Deterrence and Accountability: The visible presence of legal observers (often wearing distinct vests or hats, such as the National Lawyers Guild's neon green hats) can act as a deterrent to unconstitutional or improper behavior by law enforcement.
Legal Support Coordination: Information gathered by observers is relayed to a broader legal support system, which may include volunteer attorneys and jail support teams, to aid those who are arrested.

Program Management
The most well-known program for training and deploying legal observers is the National Lawyers Guild's (NLG) Legal Observer® Program, established in 1968. Other organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), also train volunteers for this role.

While some chapters require observers to be legal professionals (lawyers, law students, or legal workers), many general programs are open to anyone willing to be trained and commit to the role. The training focuses on proper documentation techniques, understanding their role as a neutral party, and knowing what to do if they are instructed to disperse.
Distinction from "Copwatching"

Legal observing is distinct from "copwatching," an earlier practice started by groups like the Black Panther Party, which typically involves general citizen patrols monitoring police activity in everyday situations. Legal observing is specifically focused on providing support and documentation within the context of organized protests and demonstrations, often linking activists to a larger legal defense infrastructure.
Recent Relevance
The role has gained prominence during mass movements, including the George Floyd protests in 2020 and, as of current events (January 2026), ongoing operations and related incidents involving federal immigration agents (ICE) in cities like Minneapolis.