#032 | Unmasking Pseudonyms: Who is Robert L. Peters? The Biden-Burisma Investigation Takes a New Turn

All of the top stories 📰 of the week in small bites.

It’s Meseidy is a reader-supported publication. Please consider becoming a paying subscriber.

It’s FRIDAY, August 25! YAY

This week’s stories:

• Unmasking Pseudonyms: The Biden-Burisma Investigation Takes a New Turn

• The Resurgence of Mask Mandates: A Critical Look

• Biden's Missteps and a Utility's Negligence: The Aftermath of Maui's Deadly Wildfires

• Hunter Biden's Dismissed Charges: A Tangled Web of Legal Drama and Questions About the DOJ's Integrity

• Open Gates: A Complex Story of Border Security in Arizona

• The U.S. Upping the Ante: A Bold Move to Send F-16s to Ukraine

---

Unmasking Pseudonyms: The Biden-Burisma Investigation Takes a New Turn

Oh, the tangled webs we weave! In the latest development of the Biden-Burisma investigation, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has turned up the heat. He is demanding some answers. And these aren't just any answers. He's after the unredacted records from the National Archives revealing President Biden's use of pseudonyms - Robert L. Peters, Robin Ware, and JRB Ware - during his vice presidency. Also, Biden’s John Flynn cc’d Hunter on 10 emails containing Joe Biden’s daily schedule between May 18 and June 15, 2016. Why would a sitting Vice President need a fake name like "Robert.L.Peters@pci.gov" or "Robin Ware"? And why is Hunter Biden being looped in on the VP’s daily schedule? Biden’s ‘absolute wall’ between his family’s foreign business schemes and his duties as VP is looking a little porous. Am I right?

Comer’s Quest for Transparency

Comer's not fooling around here. His request seeks the details of Biden's activities, including drafts of his speech to Ukraine's parliament in December 2015. The broad request may uncover a wide range of information, including details about the Biden family's business dealings in countries like China. He's focused on what he sees as evidence of the Biden family's "influence peddling."

Hunter Biden and Burisma: A Million-Dollar Connection

Hunter Biden's cushy $1 million-per-year position on the Ukrainian gas company Burisma board has been a point of contention. Testimony from Hunter Biden’s business partner and fellow Burisma board member Devon Archer corroborated Joe Biden wining and dining with his son's foreign business associates.

Allegations, Denials, and That "Malarkey"

Burisma's CEO Mykola Zlochevsky allegedly spilled the beans about paying bribes to the Bidens to a CHS in 2016. Senator Chuck Grassley recently released an FD-1023 report, stating that Zlochevsky was forced to pay $10 million in bribes to Joe and Hunter Biden. This was in exchange for the vice president's assistance in removing Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Viktor Shokin, who was investigating Burisma. Though Joe Biden has dismissed the accusations as "malarkey."

Specifics, Specifics, Specifics

Comer's request is comprehensive, encompassing documents involving pseudonyms used by Biden, unrestricted access to the case ‘Email Messages To and/or From Vice President Biden and Hunter Biden related to Burisma and Ukraine,'” which contains some of the daily schedule emails, with redactions.

Whatever you think of the Biden family, this story is a must-watch. After all, isn't it intriguing to imagine what other pseudonyms might be lurking in those email archives? "Robin Ware," "JRB Ware," and who knows what else? It's the kind of plot that makes politics interesting. Like House of Cards except this is playing out in the real world.

Kind of related:

→ Trump's mugshot has taken over the new cycle and social media. Trump turned himself in yesterday on the Georgia RICO case and posted a $200k bond. Trump made his return to X (formerly known as Twitter) with a Tweet…er X of his mugshot, his first tweet since January 2021. But the drama doesn't stop there. Fulton County DA Fani Willis has proposed a trial date of October 23, aiming to try all 19 defendants in just eight weeks. Unrealistic? You bet. It smells like a tactic to rush the defense, and some are catching a whiff of it. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan is calling Willis out, questioning her motives, and the timing, and even asking for details on her contact with federal officials.

---

In case you missed it:

---

News of the Week

The Resurgence of Mask Mandates: A Critical Look

The whispers of mask mandates making a comeback are no longer mere whispers. Major companies like Lionsgate are reinstating them "effective immediately," and educational institutions like Morris Brown College have joined the parade. But is this the solution, or are we witnessing the theatre of fear all over again?

The Evidence – or Lack Thereof

The decision to reinstate mask mandates is touted based on a "few cases" of COVID-19 popping up, yet the hysteria machine seems to be rolling again without proper consideration of evidence or nuance. Masks became a symbol of compliance, but were they ever truly effective?

Consider what even Mike Osterholm, a noted epidemiologist, secretly expressed to the CDC. He criticized the propaganda of "masks work," understanding that masks might actually increase the risk of infection. The truth is, that achieving 100% effectiveness with masks is impractical and near-impossible. Even well-trained medical professionals struggle to maintain compliance over an extended period. For the general population, population-level mandates are, to put it bluntly, 100% worthless.

Mask Mandates and COVID Authoritarianism

The reintroduction of mask mandates brings back the shadow of COVID authoritarianism. Schools, entertainment industries, and liberal media outlets are pushing for a return to masking. The danger lies not just in the ineffectiveness of masks but in the willingness of power-hungry politicians and bureaucrats to reimpose restrictions and mandates that have proven destructive in the past.

One must ask, why is this being allowed to creep back into society? The answer might be more about control than safety. As the saying goes, “Never let a crisis go to waste.”

The Real Risks and the Role of Individual Assessment

The COVID-19 situation is not black and white, and neither should be our response. The CDC has noted that hospital admission rates due to COVID-19 are still considered low in 97 percent of the U.S., so why the sweeping mandates?

Public health experts advise people to use mitigation methods based on individual risk assessments. This sensible approach recognizes the vast differences in risk across different sectors and populations. Nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and certain other high-risk settings MAY benefit from masking rules and social distancing. But a universal, authoritarian approach seems misguided and likely to fail.

Will you mask?

The resurgence of mask mandates is unsettling for those who value individual liberty and have a critical view of government intervention. It is more about generating fear and compliance rather than addressing the real risks and complexities of COVID-19.

Those who believe in the importance of individual responsibility and evidence-based policy should reject this return to heavy-handed mandates. Because the fact is masks have been weaponized into tools of control.

This time, let's learn from the past and focus on meaningful measures rather than falling into a trap of hysteria and theatrics. After all, fear and control never did solve a crisis. Trust in individuals to assess and manage their risks, guided by transparent and unbiased information, might be a more successful path forward.

Biden's Missteps and a Utility's Negligence: The Aftermath of Maui's Deadly Wildfires

The recent Maui fires, which laid waste to the historic town of Lahaina and took the lives of at least 115 individuals, with 850 officially still unaccounted for, have uncovered what appears to be a web of incompetence, irresponsibility, and insensitivity.

Accountability, or Lack Thereof

Maui County's decision to sue Hawaiian Electric for damages over the wildfires that claimed more than 100 lives and billions in property losses could be seen as a step towards justice. However, it uncovers a greater issue at play. The suit alleges that Hawaiian Electric left power lines energized in spite of National Weather Service warnings about the high fire risk. The result? Catastrophic fires and the destruction of an entire town.

Despite the company's vow to suspend its quarterly dividend to help rebuild, Hawaiian Electric's response seems as charred as the landscapes left behind. Maui County’s allegations that the company failed to shut off power or upgrade its decaying wooden poles illustrate a harrowing negligence.

The situation hasn't only affected Hawaiian Electric's stock, which plummeted 6%. The company's credit rating was downgraded to junk status by Fitch, with Moody's estimating up to $6 billion in economic losses.

The Missing Children

The tragedy is further compounded by the horrifying revelation that over 2,000 children are missing from Lahaina public schools. Two weeks after the blaze, 2,025 students are unaccounted for. Many of these children were home alone during the high winds from Hurricane Dora, and their parents were at work. Survivors are angry, haunted by the thought that a few minutes' notice could have saved many lives.

In a situation that would be laughable if it weren't so tragic, government officials remain tight-lipped about the number of children killed. A private school destroyed, a surge of applications at others, and a community in flux show the disarray, grief, and confusion left in the wake of the fires.

A Presidential Misstep

President Joe Biden's response to the tragedy offers a glaring example of insensitivity. During his visit to the survivors of the Maui wildfires, he attempted to relate to their pain by comparing the catastrophic event to a small kitchen fire he had in 2004.

Such an offhand remark reveals a disconnect from the agony those who have lost loved ones, homes, and an entire community face. Biden's story, previously accused of embellishment, seemed almost frivolous in the face of the devastation in Maui, a testament to a lack of understanding or empathy.

Hunter Biden's Dismissed Charges: A Tangled Web of Legal Drama and Questions About the DOJ's Integrity

Hunter Biden's misdemeanor tax charges have been dismissed by a federal judge in Delaware, allegedly paving the way for further investigation and potential legal proceedings. At least that is what Special Counsel Weiss claims. This event, coupled with the tangle of agreements, rejections, and allegations surrounding Hunter Biden's case, has raised eyebrows and prompted critical scrutiny of the Department of Justice's handling of the situation.

The Charges and Plea Deal Drama

Hunter Biden was initially expected to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax as part of a plea deal. This deal would have allowed him to avoid jail on a separate felony gun charge. However, the plea deal fell through, leading to Biden pleading "not guilty," and the misdemeanor tax charges were dismissed. Simultaneously, Hunter's legal team and Special Counsel David Weiss continue to fight over a diversion agreement concerning the felony charge.

Criticism of Special Counsel David Weiss's Appointment

The appointment of Weiss as special counsel has met with strong criticism, especially from Republicans. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, a potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate, expressed that Weiss "cannot be trusted," highlighting a perspective that the Justice Department seems to be protecting Democrats and targeting Republicans.

Additionally, Weiss's appointment appears to violate Department of Justice guidelines, stating that a special counsel must be chosen from outside the government. This discrepancy has only added to the distrust and suspicion surrounding the case.

Unraveling Plea Deals and Back-and-Forth Accusations

The unraveling of the plea deal, allegations from Biden's legal team that Weiss's office "reneged" on the agreement, and Weiss's counter that the agreements never entered into effect paint a picture of confusion and conflict. The overall impression is uncertain and a lack of clarity in the legal proceedings.

A Sign of Things to Come?

With dismissing the misdemeanor charges, Weiss may now pursue new charges elsewhere. The appointment of Weiss as special counsel, despite apparent guidelines violations, could signal that the case is far from over. This notion is further reinforced by claims of political interference from the Biden Department of Justice and whistleblower disclosures from IRS agents involved in the investigation.

The dismissal of charges, a troubled plea deal, and the controversial appointment of a special counsel are plenty of justifiable reasons to be suspicious of the Department of Justice.

Open Gates: A Complex Story of Border Security in Arizona

If you want to hear about some genius border management, this story is simply *chef’s kiss.* Recently, the US Border Patrol (USBP) found itself at the center of a controversy for leaving more than 100 floodgates in the border wall open in a remote area of Arizona. This decision allowed thousands of migrants to enter the U.S., creating a situation ripe for scrutiny and debate.

Decision Making Process

Initially, the blame was thrown around like a hot potato among various federal agencies. But, USBP took responsibility. They explained that these gates were opened based on operational conditions and forecasted weather. Arizona's monsoon season worried them about potential damage to the border wall. They're like pressure-release valves, designed to prevent the border wall from buckling under the weight of nature's fury. Other federal agencies, contacted for their opinion, quickly denied any involvement. They washed their hands clean.

Criticism and Concerns

But not everyone's buying these explanations. The National Border Patrol Union president and other critics argue that the gates should never be open. They point to the immediate exploitation by criminal cartels and the potential danger to agents' lives. A sign of weakness, they say, is like blood in the water for these cartels.

The gates remain open, a physical manifestation of an ongoing debate.

Exploitation by Cartels

Cartels, always on the lookout for opportunities, saw these open gates as golden tickets. They began dropping off migrants by the busload, enabling them to walk casually into the U.S. These individuals didn't flee from the Border Patrol agents but handed themselves over, hoping for asylum. Makes sense, we just catch and release nowadays.

Statistics and Details

If numbers are your thing, here are some to chew on. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released figures showing that 42,561 people tried to cross into this sector in July alone. That's not all; 114 gates were welded open to stop anyone from closing them. Got to love that boarder security.

Daily Influx of Migrants

About 1,400 migrants enter the U.S. through Arizona daily, making the Tucson region the busiest in the nation. This steady stream has turned what seemed like a local operational decision into a national spotlight issue.

The U.S. Upping the Ante: A Bold Move to Send F-16s to Ukraine

In the chess match that is international diplomacy, the U.S. has just made a significant play by approving the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. While some view This unprecedented step as a robust commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, it can also be seen as a potential misstep in the delicate balance of global politics.

The Background

Kyiv's calls for advanced warplanes to level the playing field in its war with Russia have finally been heeded. The Obama administration was notably hesitant to provide lethal aid to Ukraine. The Trump administration changed that stance, providing Ukraine with lethal aid, including anti-tank missiles. Now, the Biden administration has decided to escalate support further with F-16s.

The Decision to Send F-16s

The U.S., in coordination with Denmark and the Netherlands, has greenlit the transfer of F-16s to replace Ukraine's aging fleet. Despite initial reluctance and well-founded concerns about escalation with Russia, the administration felt the time had come to bolster Ukraine's defense. While some U.S. officials privately deem these jets not to be a "game-changer," others contend they could help shift the conflict.

The decision was not made overnight. There were months of internal debates, quiet White House discussions, and consultations with allies.

The Training of Ukrainian Pilots

This isn't just handing over the keys to a shiny new jet. A coalition of 11 countries will train Ukrainian pilots. The training will occur in Denmark and Romania, with initial results expected in early 2024.

And, it’s not just Denmark and Romania helping. In a new cooperative endeavor, the U.S. will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s this October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona. But wait, there's more. Before jumping into the cockpits, these pilots will take English classes in Texas to improve their language skills.

Potential Pitfalls and Criticisms

While the Biden Administration will argue that this move symbolizes a robust commitment to Ukraine, it's not without potential drawbacks. The complexities of training, the realistic timeline for jet deployment, budget concerns, and potential complications with other NATO members like Turkey cannot be ignored.

According to the Biden administration, this policy shift might be essential to Ukraine's long-term security, but it raises eyebrows considering its potential implications. It has potential risks, such as a misstep in handling a fragile relationship with Russia. Putin could potentially see this as an escalation. Will this bring Russia even closer to China?

Related:

→ According to initial intelligence reports, it is believed that Wagner Chief Prigozhin may have been the victim of an assassination. The aircraft carrying Prigozhin did not appear to have been targeted by a surface-to-air missile, but witnesses reported hearing two explosions prior to the crash of the plane.