The Morning Sixpack - December 24, 2024

This will be the last "official" Morning Sixpack of 2024. But don't fret. 2025 is right around the corner. Merry Christmas!!!

House Ethics Committee Exposes Matt Gaetz’s Not-So-Secret Life of Sex, Drugs, and Corruption

A House Ethics Committee report released Monday accuses Rep. Matt Gaetz of paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, and engaging in a drug-fueled lifestyle during his time in Congress. The bipartisan investigation, which spanned nearly four years, details allegations of misconduct from 2017 to 2020, including sex-filled parties, illicit drug use, and violations of state laws prohibiting statutory rape and prostitution. Gaetz, who abruptly resigned from Congress last month, denies the allegations and has filed a lawsuit to block the report's release.

The 37-page report includes explicit evidence such as financial records, travel receipts, and text messages. According to the committee, “There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress.” One text exchange highlighted women discussing cash payments, while other records tied Gaetz to arranging transportation and lodging for women. Joel Leppard, an attorney representing two women who claimed Gaetz paid them for sex, said the findings “vindicate” his clients’ accounts, adding, “We appreciate the Committee’s commitment to transparency.”

Gaetz’s potential political comeback remains uncertain as he has hinted at a Senate run despite the fallout. The report marks a rare release of findings on a former member of Congress, sparking debate among lawmakers about setting a dangerous precedent. Democratic committee member Rep. Glenn Ivey defended the decision, stating, “It’s important for Congress and the public to understand the severity of these actions.” The investigation, compounded by Gaetz’s non-cooperation, reveals a deeply troubling portrait of alleged misconduct during his tenure.

Source: AP News

Read the report here.

A really GOOD Netflix series could be made from Gaetz’s life.

Biden Commutes Federal Death Row Sentences for 37 Inmates, Sparks National Debate

In a historic move, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, reducing their punishment to life without the possibility of parole. The decision, which spares all but three of the 40 individuals on federal death row, aligns with Biden’s long-held opposition to capital punishment and the moratorium on federal executions imposed by his administration. Biden emphasized that while he condemns the inmates' crimes, his conscience and experience demand the federal government take a stand against the death penalty. “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden said.

The decision leaves Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Robert Bowers, and Dylann Roof—convicted of terrorism and hate-motivated mass killings—on federal death row. Critics, including President-elect Donald Trump’s team, argue that Biden’s actions undermine justice for victims' families. "These are among the worst killers in the world, and this abhorrent decision by Joe Biden is a slap in the face to the victims, their families, and their loved ones," said Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung. Supporters, including activists and Pope Francis, view the commutations as a step toward racial justice and human rights, with 130 civil rights groups urging Biden to prevent Trump from reinstating executions in his upcoming administration.

The debate highlights broader concerns about racial disparities in capital punishment. Data shows 38% of federal death row inmates are Black, despite Black Americans comprising just 14% of the U.S. population. Biden’s decision, viewed as a defining moment in his presidency, has set a precedent for future discussions on justice reform and the moral implications of the death penalty in the United States.

Source: ABC News

The death penalty should be eliminated. Full stop.

Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty to CEO Murder in Case Fueled by Anger at Healthcare System

Luigi Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty on Monday to murder and terrorism charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione faces 11 state criminal counts, including murder as an act of terrorism, and separate federal charges of stalking and using a firearm to commit murder, both of which could result in the death penalty. Authorities allege that Mangione carried out a targeted killing in central Manhattan, motivated by anger at the healthcare industry. Prosecutors revealed evidence, including a notebook found in his possession, expressing "hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular."

The high-profile case has drawn significant media attention, with Mangione transported back to New York amid heavy security, a spectacle his lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo criticized as treating her client like “political fodder.” She also raised concerns about his ability to receive a fair trial, citing inflammatory public statements, including those by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This is a young man being treated like a human ping-pong ball between two warring jurisdictions,” Agnifilo said, pointing to the unusual overlap of state and federal charges.

Prosecutors, however, maintain that the evidence against Mangione is overwhelming, calling it a case with an unprecedented "volume of quality evidence." Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas condemned online praise for the alleged crime, stating that it reflects “extraordinarily alarming” trends in domestic extremism. As the parallel state and federal cases move forward, the trial promises to scrutinize both Mangione’s motives and broader societal frustrations with the healthcare system.

Source: BBC News

It’s odd to me that a guy caught on camera committing a premeditated murder would plead not guilty but I’m not a lawyer, so whatever, I guess?

Christmas Market Tragedy: Suspect Charged with Murder After Deadly Attack in Germany

A Saudi-born psychiatrist, identified as Taleb A., faces murder and terrorism charges after allegedly driving a car through a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five people and injuring over 40 others. The devastating attack on Friday evening has left the nation in shock, stirring debates over immigration and security policies. Authorities stated the suspect, who has lived in Germany for nearly two decades, drove onto the market grounds through emergency exits, deliberately targeting attendees during the three-minute rampage. Flowers and mourners now surround the scene, with a sign reading "Why?" capturing the community's grief.

The suspect's motives remain unclear, but investigators are piecing together a troubling picture of his background. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described his actions as “unbelievably cruel and brutal,” noting that while his rhetoric has been hostile toward Islam, his behavior mirrors that of an Islamist terrorist. Evidence points to his history of social media posts supporting far-right ideologies and critiques of both German authorities and Islam. Authorities are also investigating reports that Saudi Arabia previously flagged concerns about the suspect’s online activity.

The tragedy has sparked political tensions, with far-right protests erupting in Magdeburg and calls from opposition parties to improve Germany’s security measures. Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended a service for the victims, as leaders across the political spectrum debate how to address potential lapses in the system that allowed the attack to occur. The suspect remains in custody, facing multiple charges of murder and grievous bodily harm, with authorities vowing to uncover the full scope of his actions.

Source: Reuters

I kinda stopped reading after the headline and “A Saudi-born psychiatrist…” What in the world would possess someone to do this?

Honda and Nissan in Merger Talks Amid Global Auto Industry Shakeup

Honda and Nissan are negotiating a landmark merger, aiming to finalize the deal by 2026, potentially creating the world’s third-largest automaker. The discussions come as the global automotive industry undergoes seismic changes, driven by the rapid shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and the rising dominance of Chinese automakers like BYD and Nio. Analysts see the merger as a strategic response to mounting competitive pressures, with Honda and Nissan hoping to combine resources, cut costs, and bolster their ability to compete on the global stage.

Two key forces are driving the merger talks: the transition to electrification and the aggressive expansion of Chinese automakers. Chinese brands have not only captured significant market share domestically but are also gaining traction in global markets like Europe, challenging traditional automakers. Sam Abuelsamid, an auto industry analyst, predicts more partnerships like this, warning, “Some brands that have been around for a long time may well not be part of the landscape five or 10 years from now.” Both Honda and Nissan have struggled to produce buzzworthy EVs, lagging behind leaders like Tesla and even Korean rivals Hyundai and Kia.

While the merger could lead to more efficient production and shared expertise, it faces hurdles. Honda, the larger company, is expected to take the lead, leaving Nissan’s future as a standalone brand uncertain. Analysts speculate that Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti, might be phased out due to overlap with Honda’s Acura. Though changes to models and production are likely, they would take years to materialize. As Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions notes, “The automotive industry moves at a glacial pace. It takes forever for change to occur.”

Source: NPR

I only have one marginally significant thing to say here: The new company should be called Nissanda (say it: “Neese-Honda”).

Rickey Henderson: A Singular Talent Who Redefined Baseball and Left an Immortal Legacy

Rickey Henderson, a legend of Major League Baseball and the greatest leadoff hitter in history, passed away at 65 in Oakland, California, from complications of pneumonia and asthma. Known for his electrifying speed, unmatched confidence, and transformative impact on the game, Rickey’s 25-year career rewrote baseball history. He amassed more runs, stolen bases, and leadoff home runs than any other player, earning his place as one of the sport’s immortals. As the analytics pioneer Bill James once said, "If you cut Rickey Henderson in half, you'd have two Hall of Famers."

From his early days of unparalleled self-belief—“Somewhere between fifth and sixth grade” is when he said he realized his potential—to his dominance in the 1989 postseason and beyond, Rickey was a force of nature. His unparalleled ability to intimidate pitchers, disrupt games, and energize fans made him a singular figure in baseball. “If Rickey sleeps, let Rickey sleep,” he once declared after silencing a challenger with his brilliance on the basepaths. Yet, his larger-than-life persona was matched by his stats: a .400 on-base percentage, 1,406 stolen bases, and 81 leadoff home runs cemented his status as an icon.

Rickey’s charisma extended off the field, where his legendary anecdotes and bold personality won over teammates, fans, and even former critics. Despite clashes with managers and detractors who questioned his priorities, Henderson’s career achievements vindicated him. As manager Tony La Russa later admitted, “The totality of his career achievements cannot be argued.” Beyond the numbers, Rickey embodied the joy and swagger of baseball, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations.

Source: ESPN

Rickey Henderson was my 2nd most favorite baseball player of all time, behind Reggie Jackson. That is mostly because I was a very little kid when I discovered Reggie. Your first is always most special…

But Henderson, IMHO, was the best ball player in major league history. He changed the game. He’s known for his base stealing (leader in both the season and career records—nobody ever got past 1000 stolen bases besides Henderson), but he had power, too. And most people forget he’s the career record holder for runs scored, which is the entire name of the game. Many of those runs scored were manufactured by Henderson: He’d get a walk or a hit, steal second and third, and score on a fly ball out.

Rickey Henderson was truly unique and great.