Marcy Wheeler: Mueller Probe Could Lead to Indictment of the Trump Organization

Links to today’s show transcripts:

Marcy Wheeler: Mueller Probe Could Lead to Indictment of the Trump Organization
Federal prosecutors have accused President Trump of committing a federal crime by directing illegal hush money to two women during the presidential election. The accusation was revealed Friday in filings made public by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, including a damning sentencing memo for Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen, who has admitted to paying adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal during the campaign in order to prevent them from speaking to the media about their alleged affairs with Trump. The sentencing memo was made public along with two new sentencing memos from special counsel Robert Mueller: one for Cohen and another for Trump’s former campaign chair Paul Manafort. “We keep talking about whether you can indict a sitting president,” says independent journalist Marcy Wheeler, editor of EmptyWheel.net. “There’s still a debate about that, but, really critically, you can indict a corporation. You can indict Trump Organization.”

Thousands Protest at U.N. Climate Summit in Coal-Heavy Poland, Facing Riot Police & Intimidation
This week Democracy Now! is broadcasting from the U.N. climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait have blocked language “welcoming” October’s landmark IPCC climate report that warned of the catastrophic effects of a global temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, beyond which global crises could unfold at a rapid pace. The four countries rejected using the word “welcome,” insisting that members instead “note” the findings of the widely cited U.N. report. Coverage begins with voices of some of the thousands of climate activists from around the world who marched in Katowice on Saturday, calling for world leaders to do more to keep rising greenhouse gas emissions in check. A member of the European Parliament who confronted undercover Polish officials is also interviewed.

As Polish Gov’t Promotes Coal, Advocate Warns Coal Hastens Climate Change, Devastates Human Health
This year’s U.N. climate summit is in Katowice, Poland, and the Polish government is using the summit to promote coal, with several state-owned Polish coal companies sponsoring parts of the talks. Democracy Now! visited the Guido coal mine near Katowice, which has been turned into a mining museum, to speak with Polish environmental lawyer Bartosz Kwiatkowski. He is the director of the Frank Bold Foundation, which is involved in numerous lawsuits challenging the expansion of coal mining in Poland.

“Shame On You!” Protesters Interrupt Trump Admin Promoting Coal & Fossil Fuels at U.N. Climate Talks
Just minutes before we began our Monday broadcast, Democracy Now! spoke to protesters at the U.N. climate summit in Katowice, Poland, as they interrupted a Trump administration event promoting coal and other fossil fuels. Diné climate activist Leona Morgan is interviewed.


intel

As we go deeper into this most unusual and challenging phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves, now available for pre-order. See more information here.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Monday, Dec. 10, 2018

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Aries weekly for July 1, 2005.

oracle

You may still have reservations about what is obviously an excellent opportunity to express yourself. You may be yearning for some kind of artistic indulgence with the feeling that you’re finally in a position to do something about it. If the situation involves an amorous involvement you may want to cast your fears aside and take a chance. Things may not work out as you planned; they may work out better than you planned. I don’t suggest you worry about the outcome but rather focus on what is truly a gift being offered to you. It’s not a gift if you don’t receive it.

The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.


intel

As we go deeper into this most unusual and challenging phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves, now available for pre-order. See more information here.

Monday Morning Horoscope for Dec. 10, 2018

Aries

Aries (March 20-April 19) — In the creative process — in bringing just about anything into manifestation — the first step is the vision. An inspiration appears, and an idea is formed. How you shape that idea into concrete reality is up to you; just now, however, you seem to be in a good position to receive that initial spark of light from the cosmos, so pay attention to what’s on the edges of your consciousness, including any dreams you can remember. Practice creative thinking as a daily exercise, which means observing the world around you and inventing narratives in your mind. Notice who you encounter in the public arena. What could their story be? Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Healing tends to operate as a function of evolution. That means if you are healing, you are also growing as a person; which is not something that can be rushed. Even — perhaps especially — if you are still mending from very old hurts, it’s crucial that you hold space for yourself and take whatever time you need, without self-reproach. Try to open up to people close to you, provided you feel safe doing so. Those who care about you most will surely offer their support should you need it, as you would do for them. Lovingkindness is one of the most beautiful phenomena this world has to offer, after all. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — One of the most challenging aspects of relationships is projection: because we don’t always know the entire contents of our own minds, we tend to imbue others with those characteristics of which we’re not aware. Then we are surprised or disappointed when they act like themselves instead of the person we’ve created in our head. Mercury’s recent backwards trip, however, has likely helped you with any difficulties in this line you might have been experiencing. You’re much more aware, now, of who you are, and where the boundaries sit between you and others. Hold on to that knowledge as much as you can. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — These past months may well have been enlightening and inspiring for some; they were decidedly frustrating or strange for many. Our culture is not used to long periods of virtually compulsory slowing down and re-evaluation, such as we have known with these days of one retrograde after the next. However, with Mercury now direct and the year almost behind us, we can begin to move forward again. The path of growth and service you have kept on all this while stretches out before you, hopefully somewhat more smoothly and with fewer brambles, and there is much to be said for continuing in this direction. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Dedication to an art or a craft, or simply to living as oneself, is a sacred thing. When you bring the energy of your devotion to your chosen field, the universe answers with a power all its own, giving you the tools you need. This week, if you’re a little stuck or just need an extra boost, try opening yourself up to the gifts of the cosmos. Do whatever is necessary to rekindle the passion you may have felt when first committing to your vocation — or, if you are waiting to be called to something new, do what you can to be able to receive that message. It should arrive soon enough. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — After such a long spate of inner planet retrogrades, it might seem that the last thing anyone could possibly want is yet more reviewing of the past, or introspection. Yet what you may need to do now is more along the lines of tying up loose ends, and decisively dispensing with elements of former times that no longer have a place in your life. This might be best done in a structured, methodical way, possibly with support from others. The point is to free yourself once and for all of certain challenging influences, so you can get on with the business of living in the present and planning for the future. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — There are times when the only appropriate response to a situation is a fully mature one — and then, often people don’t quite succeed at that. However, there are other times when it’s helpful, if not necessary, to act more like a big kid. I don’t mean having a massive tantrum in the middle of the supermarket, of course. I’m really referring to: doing something because you want to do it, or because you always have and the opportunity’s arisen; playing, or making playful art; or enjoying the feel of the sun on your face or the wind on your skin, almost as if for the first time. Let out your joie de vivre this week. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — It really is true that the only thing to fear is fear itself. Once overcome, fear becomes meaningless. This does not require you to rush into facing what frightens you head-on. In fact, these things are mostly best tackled using gradual, incremental, planned exposure. The other approach can work, if you’re in the mood — but it must be up to you. On the whole, though, confidence is something that cannot be forced. It’s built lovingly, one brick at a time; and the foundation must be thoroughly fixed in place before anything can be positioned above it. That way the structure is hardy enough to ride out all weathers. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — One of the things that would seem to characterize this next phase of your life is working with, or transforming, your spiritual dimension. Sagittarius has an inherently spiritual element in part through your ruler Jupiter, and perhaps also through Chiron, which has a special association with your sign. Yet when the outside world beckons, there isn’t always much time to look within and quietly observe. True, you’ve just had a whole year to get acquainted with your deeper nature, and in the process probably learned a good deal. Now you’ll likely want to bring at least some of that into the sunlight for everyday wear. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — It may take a while yet for some of the progress you’ve made recently to make itself clear. In fact, you might be thinking you haven’t got very far at all, or that you’ve taken some steps in the wrong direction. Take heart. The developments have all been happening beneath the radar of your immediate perception. If you look closely you’ll see the pattern; however, it will probably emerge of its own accord soon enough. In any case, take it a little easier on yourself, and remember that we all hit choppy waters once in a while. Under those circumstances, perseverance can itself be a major accomplishment. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — It’s possible that we’re all best off treating life as somewhat like an experiment, in which we learn by trial and error. It’s tempting to apply judgment to the ‘error’ part of this equation, especially nowadays, and considerably less easy to respond with compassion, whether to our own mistakes or someone else’s. Yet it is always worth the try. In addition, doing so would probably help you to ensure that what you’ve learned in the past few months is preserved somehow, and within your reach, and that you’re fully aware of its value. This should help you avoid regressing into old habits, and establish more constructive ones. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You’re more than ready to take your career to the next level, whether through stepping up a structured ladder or expanding your reach. Only be sure that you’re doing what you love, and that your work keeps you in touch with the cosmic, or spiritual, consciousness that forms so central a part of your existence. This does not seem to be a moment for devoting the majority of your essential energy to anything other than what is paramount for you. If that means you need to be cautious and circumspect before making any definite commitments, take all the time you require. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

A Break in the Weather

Use this link if you’re listening on an iOS or mobile device. Download MP3.


As we go deeper into this most unusual, challenging and potentially troubling phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves. See more information here.


Hey Sagittarius — Jupiter in your sign means you’re entering a year of new experience, greater understanding of who you are, and inspiring growth. Your 2018-19 Sagittarius birthday reading will help you make the best of Jupiter’s gifts.


river-2018fm

The River of Night by Via Keller / Studio Psycherotica. (Read the article from 1999 here.)

Dear Friend and Listener:

I don’t know if this is going to be any calmer of a week than we’ve grown accustomed to this year, though the astrology has finally let up. The fifth inner-planet retrograde of 2018 ended on Thursday; Mars has made a conjunction to Neptune and is heading for Chiron; and we’ve experienced the Sagittarius New Moon conjunct the Great Attractor.

iMac selfie right after finishing tonight's program, at my audio desk in The Place of the Way.

iMac selfie right after finishing tonight’s program, at my audio desk in The Place of the Way.

In honor of all of the above, we have a magnificent edition of Planet Waves FM for you tonight — the first marking our 20th anniversary of publishing. The program came out a little longer than I was planning and will be excellent for a long winter night, perhaps two nights, or a long car drive.

I begin with the current astrology in the first segment. In the second, I tell the story of the origins of Planet Waves, and how I went from being a news / business / investigative reporter into developing the field of news astrology.

In the third segment, I give a summary of the current status of the Mueller probe into Russian meddling with the 2016 election. It’s not really proper to call it “collusion.” It’s more like a merger between Moscow and Washington. Apropos of that discussion, here’s the sentencing memo for Michael Cohen that I read from.

Continue reading

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Aquarius weekly for August 23, 2016.

oracle

Muster all your personal resources for the task at hand: your skills, your inventiveness, your bullshit-sniffer and your ability to get people cooperating. You’re in that moment when an ideal or fantasy is about to become a reality. There’s always a transformation involved; what you imagine rarely feels like what actually manifests. Yet it will help if you stick close to your core intent, which is to shake up belief in something that’s no longer working. This will require you to do that inside yourself, which in turn will open up the potential for something that gets the result that you want. Just remember, it’s unlikely to happen the way you were planning. Therefore, let go of your plan the moment you need to. Rather than adapt to the new conditions, create something you were not planning. A little turbulence and chaos will go a long way toward creativity and adventure.

The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.


intel

As we go deeper into this most unusual and challenging phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves, now available for pre-order. See more information here.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Libra weekly for June 20, 2016.

oracle

You’re working with some extraordinary mojo when it comes to meeting your highest goals and objectives. In other words, this is the week — and indeed the month — not only to dress for success, but to look for every opportunity to make your way in the world. Your planets are especially well-favored for two things. One is a take-charge attitude that also includes building your reputation. The other is working with people who are higher on the food chain or ladder of success than you are. The key to both is a gentle, friendly and creative approach rather than an ambitious or aggressive one. By all means know what you want and develop your plan for getting there, but remember that success is always about how you work with others. And that spirit of collaboration is where you are shining bright. Remember that for a Libra, doing quality work means taking care of people, and it means doing everything beautifully.

The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.


intel

As we go deeper into this most unusual and challenging phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves, now available for pre-order. See more information here.

Winona LaDuke Calls for Indigenous-Led “Green New Deal” as She Fights Minnesota Pipeline Expansion

Links to today’s show transcripts:

Winona LaDuke Calls for Indigenous-Led “Green New Deal” as She Fights Minnesota Pipeline Expansion
While world leaders converge in Poland for the U.N. climate change summit, we look at the indigenous-led fight against destructive oil pipelines and the revolutionary potential of the Green New Deal with Winona LaDuke, Ojibwe environmental leader and executive director of the group Honor the Earth. She lives and works on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota.

The Deadly Cost of Pipelines in Native Land: Winona LaDuke on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
As the oil and gas pipeline boom crosses the United States and Canada, indigenous activists say the influx of male workers in Native communities has corresponded with a spike in the kidnapping and murder of indigenous women. Winona LaDuke, Ojibwe environmental leader and executive director of the group Honor the Earth is interviewed. She lives and works on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota.

Progressive International: Yanis Varoufakis & Bernie Sanders Launch New Global Mvt Against Far Right
The far right is rising in Europe, most recently in Spain, where the anti-immigrant, anti-abortion Vox party won multiple seats in a regional parliamentary election in Andalusia on Sunday. It was the first successful election for the far right in Spain since the country returned to democracy in the 1970s after the death of fascist military dictator Francisco Franco. Economist and former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis is interviewed. He is launching a movement with Senator Bernie Sanders and others to fight right-wing forces around the globe.


intel

As we go deeper into this most unusual and challenging phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves, now available for pre-order. See more information here.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Friday, Dec. 7, 2018

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Capricorn monthly for May 23, 2012.

oracle

Pay attention to the speed and grace with which thoughts progress into concept and then into full manifestation. Though there are many steps to the process, the most significant is the one where you change and embrace the new pattern of your life. That feels like yielding to a force more powerful than yourself, though it usually has a pleasant sensation of release and embrace rather than the sensation of being pushed. In truth that force is within you, and it’s been building for a long time. You know that you’ve consciously initiated many deep changes the past few years of your life, and you’ve been wondering when some of them are finally going to bear fruit in the form of actual progress. That time has arrived. One of the key lessons in all of this is that of confidence. The world is a profoundly different place for those who proceed with confidence, which means with faith in themselves, and those who are ruled by their insecurities. You have no time to waste on such folly, and you’ve experienced many moments recently when you know you’ve found your true center. Yet you’re also being challenged to be certain of who you are in a time when that has never seemed to change faster. Consider yourself a being in motion, a work in progress, and define your sense of ‘self’ based on that sense of movement and development. Invest your trust there and you will have handsome rewards.

The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.


intel

As we go deeper into this most unusual and challenging phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves, now available for pre-order. See more information here.