Will a traffic plan at Trump’s new D.C. hotel block free speech?; Washington Post, 8/12/16

Colbert I. King, Washington Post; Will a traffic plan at Trump’s new D.C. hotel block free speech? :

"Rob Hawkins, Bowser’s communications director, also emailed: “We are unaware of any agreement that would prevent anyone from exercising their First Amendment rights in front of the hotel or otherwise using the public space. The sidewalks abutting the hotel . . . are to remain accessible to pedestrians even during special events . . . that would close Pennsylvania Avenue to vehicular traffic. The District-controlled street will also be accessible for protests and assemblies. Public spaces in the District of Columbia are a particularly powerful location for First Amendment expression and it is our commitment to keep them that way.”

So if the District keeps its word, the First Amendment will trump Trump. We’ll know soon enough.

The Trump International Hotel’s grand opening is set for Sept. 12."

Bowser’s $9,000 in Trump change; Washington Post, 7/29/16

Colbert I. King, Washington Post; Bowser’s $9,000 in Trump change:

'What the Trump Organization sees in Bowser is for it to know. What Bowser sees in Trump is for D.C. citizens to know. To rid the city of any false idea that Bowser is not offended by Trump or is influenced by the Trump contributions, she should return all of the Trump family money or donate it to worthy causes.

And as mayor, she must deal with real estate mogul Trump and his business partners at arm’s length and with someone else in the room with a tape recorder."