I can't help but believe that this defendant's history of dodging accountability at all levels of personal and public conduct doesn't privately motivate the prosecutors and judges who have devoted their lives to the integrity of our legal system. The blatant theatrics and public disregard for our systems of governance are a form of thumbing his nose at the judicial system, even showing them the middle finger. Perhaps we can begrudge him a wry thanks for being so outrageous, essentially assisting the prosecution in making every effort to move justice along it's deliberate path. I can only hope he'll step across the line in a fashion that renders him "detained pending trial"
If Trump wasn't such a welcher when it comes to paying lawyers, and such a bad client when it comes to following legal advice, he might have lawyers who didn't get their degrees from a box of cereal.
I cracked up when I read the cheapskate Trump has arranged for a $100k a plate dinner in September, to pay Giuliani's legal fees. Trump will never spend even a penny on his or anyone else's defense. His own legal bills are already in the tens of millions, and he's paying them via small donations from MAGA culties.
“Trump will never spend even a penny on his or anyone else's defense”
That’s because he’s not as rich as he portrays himself to be.
Years back he was the guest host on Saturday Night Live. To accept being the host he made the stipulation that nothing about his wealth (or lack thereof) could be used in any skit or monologue. SNL being based in NYC, I suspect the writers and cast knew quite a bit about his claimed wealth and would have has a field day making jokes about it (and him).
Are you implying that the 6'3" 215 lb. athlete would tell a whopper about his money? He would say he's 45 years old and a natural blonde if he could get away with it.
He's under indictment for financial malfeasance, is he not? However, he has numerous business properties and that silly jet, all of which need to be maintained. He obviously has the cash on hand to do that. His guests at Maga Lardo pay $100k a year for the privilege of being "club members."
Trump is the quintessential modern day Oedipus Rex, whose actions aimed at escaping his fate have only served to seal it. To clarify, because Trump announced his candidacy some two years prior to the election, thinking his entry into the race would avert indictment, A.G. Garland believed it incumbent to appoint Special Counsel Jack Smith, who resides outside DOJ parameters to complete the criminal investigations of Trump and his command structure. Next, while Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon seemingly has afforded Trump a reprieve by going along with his delay tactics in the documents case, Smith had accelerated investigations and ultimate indictment in the more egregious Jan 6th case, resulting in the random selection of no-nonsense Judge Tanya Chutkan, who just scheduled jury selection to commence on March 4, 2024.
If you're looking to draw parallels between the characters from the ancient Greek tragedy "Oedipus Rex" and figures from contemporary politics, such as Donald Trump, here's a creative comparison:
Oedipus - Donald Trump:
Oedipus, the tragic hero of the play, could be likened to Donald Trump due to their shared traits of ambition, hubris, and a quest for power. Like Oedipus, Trump had a prominent position (president) and was often seen as a strong leader. Both figures also faced controversies and challenges during their time in power. However, their actions also led to their own downfalls. Just as Oedipus's pursuit of the truth ultimately revealed his tragic destiny, Trump's decisions and actions had significant consequences for his political career.
Jocasta - Melania Trump:
Jocasta, Oedipus's mother and wife, could be compared to Melania Trump. Jocasta's initial marriage to Laius was arranged without her consent, paralleling Melania's background as a former model and her marriage to Trump. Both women found themselves in high-profile relationships that garnered significant attention and scrutiny. Like Jocasta's tragic realization of her familial ties, Melania might have had her own challenges and realizations while being part of the Trump family.
Tiresias - Advisors and Critics:
Tiresias, the blind prophet, could symbolize the advisors and critics who attempted to warn Trump about potential consequences of his decisions. Just as Tiresias possessed insight into the future, there were individuals who provided warnings and predictions about the outcomes of certain policies or actions during Trump's presidency.
Creon - Mike Pence:
Creon, Jocasta's brother, could be compared to Mike Pence, who served as Trump's Vice President. Both figures were closely associated with the leaders but also had their own distinct roles and identities. Creon's loyalty to Oedipus contrasts with his eventual role as a ruler after Oedipus's downfall, and similarly, Pence had to balance his loyalty to Trump while also fulfilling his responsibilities as Vice President.
Chorus - Public Opinion:
The Chorus in "Oedipus Rex" represents the voice of the citizens of Thebes. In the context of the Trump administration, the chorus could be likened to public opinion and the media, as both play a significant role in shaping perceptions and influencing events.
Remember, these comparisons are metaphorical and symbolic, and not meant to provide an exact one-to-one correspondence between the ancient characters and contemporary figures. "Oedipus Rex" is a complex tragedy, and any parallels drawn to modern figures will necessarily be simplifications of the characters and their motivations.
@F. Reynolds, While “not meant to provide an exact one-to-one correspondence…,” these ageless truths, in my view, unearth immeasurably valuable insight into the human condition.
Trump lives in a fantasy world. He has been endlessly writing the "script" of his life. When the "episode " isn't going the way he likes he erases and rewrites. Everyone and everything. in his mind, belongs to him because he is the scriptwriter. So when he can't make it all work he is outraged, confused, and frequently cruel and savage. He is only alive when he is performing to an adoring audience. Or a hating audience. It doesn't matter because it's an audience. But the characters in his play are not cooperating. So I think we can expect more outrage and thrashing around as he feels more powerless and his demands are ignored.
The wisdom old, traditional, classical stories is a useful way to see the shambles of his life and the dangers he poses.
Wow, Robin! What an astute comment, not to mention your spot-on caveat regarding the danger Trump, let alone much of the GOP, poses. Thank you for writing.
Sabrina, While I can relate to your feelings, I tend to view Trump’s current circumstances as mirroring a timeless truth that I expect was understood long before Sophocles.
RE: announcing is 2024 intent to run for president , to ostensibly "...avert indictment..." - So, in planning a brazen, but doomed to fail bank heist, a mobster states to his co-conspirators, "No worries! We'll all be immune! I'll just announce my campaign to be president of the US on the way to the bank!"
'We all know there’s a complicated road ahead.' (Joyce) That's it, Joyce. There is a road ahead? It's complicated! But there is a road to justice in the US? We are on it now? How many more Black people are going to die along the road? It is hard to believe, given all we have gone through and the time it has taken to get on this road, but I'll take your word for it, Joyce.
I expected to be devoting my years, after stepping down as U.S. Attorney, to the fight for racial justice in criminal law. Obviously I was wrong, but one of my greatest concerns about the Trump presidency, is how it diverted so much effort into the fight to hold onto democracy, to the detriment of critical issues. Climate change, obviously. But the fight for criminal justice reform, which had gained a great deal of momentum during President Obama's 8 years in office has really been a victim of Trump's time on the public stage.
This exactlyc. There are so many things that have to be dealt with at this time (thank you TFG). Racial inequality, women's reproductive rights, climate change, the border, gun control, etc. This is what you get when you have an incompetent person in charge. Sad thing is many people think he IS competent and approve his accomplishments.
Dear Joyce, your sense of responsibility as a member of the legal profession, an advocate of democracy, a teacher, engaged citizen and caring human being has reached us. You work diligently to keep us working on behalf of one another. Your bountiful nature,, including life with the chickens, is as precious gifts you pass on to us, without fail. Thank you, Joyce.
I hope this doesn't sound impossibly naive, but a great leveling is coming, at least so the watchers of chaos say. The combination of climate catastrophe, the (nearly) 80 million unsheltered immigrants and refugees world wide, the isolation of the very wealthy (mostly white) from the rest of us, is bringing on a struggle for survival like we've never seen. Who knows better how to survive impossible circumstances? Where I live there is a small but substantial farming movement for Black and Indigenous people who are using old organic farming methods, planting crops with cultural history, and AND living together in small communities. That is the future, and no one but BIPOC people know
how to do it better.
To an extent, rooting out Trump is a symbol of uncovering the insidious "revolution" of petty-assed white guys (and a few women) who think they can prevail with hatred and their "front men," the lone perpetrators who kill innocents. They're going down, Fern.
Not really. As a white bodied woman I am in exponentially less danger of being murdered by white supremacists every second of my life than a person of color.
Sabrina, But as a child of Holocaust survivors, I feel the hate of white supremacy viscerally, and it galls me that young black kids going about their normal business in public look at me with suspicion because American white supremacy has trained them to do so. We don't face the same risks, true, but we are in this together.
Fern, we must interpret English phrases differently. I don't know what other word I might have used. I don't see how you interpret what I said as expressing a feeling of superiority. Unless, of course, you're asking if I feel superior to white supremacists. The answer to that is no. Dismay. Disgust. Wariness. Frustration.
Are you in the habit of telling how a child should feel?
Thank you for questioning my response to your comment, Jerry. I interpreted you 'being galled' as a criticism of the child. Your question to me was what I had attributed to you. There is a good deal of history, propaganda, human beings' relationships to one another, communication, comprehension... to unwind from our responses to one another. Again, thank your for opening the door to a better understanding between us.
Could Fern have been referring to the white supremacists as those with feelings of superiority? Thus agreeing with you? Text messages are difficult because they cause us to seem ‘uncaring’ as we are unable to show our depth of understanding or even agreement. Just wondering if that’s the case here.
White women are also being murdered by their domestic partners at an increasing rate. Then, there are the white legislators with abortion restrictions. But, yes you are right, it is unimaginable to be Black and wonder if you will get through the day.
Before Mr. Helfand wrote I was thinking the same thing, be Jewish and all. Let's face it, the truth is no one is safe under a fascist dictator. One wrong word spoken, one look they do not like, and you are the enemy or even if you fail at something they thought you shouldn't have, lots of reasons to hate begats many excuses to kill.
Thank you Joyce. Let's not forget to keep the Klieg lights shining on those two notables: Jim Jordan and Tommy Tuberville. Each, in his own way, trying to throw sand in the transmission of the Federal Government while, of course, claiming to be doing the opposite.
Tuberville is a traitor and that the so-called republicans are not doing anything about him shows they are complicit in his actions. He is a liar and the stupidest senator. Jordan is one of the insurrectionists. He’s never proposed a bill in his entire life. Like Boebert, he just goes around disrupting hearings and misspending tax dollars on erroneous hearings.
A continuing theme in my head is the culpability of members of Congress - to what extent were they involved in the coup plot. I hope the long arm of justice reaches out to them too.
I believe the Democratic Party has been displaying a great and responsible governance. The GOP since Regan has eroded to a puppet party supporting Trump so detached to reality it begs the mind how it can get worse but it does.
We have never seen a political instability this bad since before the start of the civil war. Our system is vulnerable and fragile but it has not failed. But regardless of the court the vote could not be more important in 2024.
I was just thinking about that this morning. We can impress on the electorate just how important it is to keep tRump out of the White House, but we must be equally outspoken about the need to give Biden the House and the Senate so he can actually get the work done necessary for improving EVERYONE’S lives. Without that, his hands will be tied, much like they are now. We MUST get meaningful voting legislation passed if our “experiment” is to survive, and that can only happen if Dems control the House, the Senate and the White House. Republiqans seem hell bent on destroying our right to vote.
Cathy - IMHO Republicans can be singled out as the primary cause, since about the 1970's, that has hindered our democracy here in America from becoming truly great. I mean a society that could have all but rubbed out racism by now, reigned in big business and "unfettered" capitalism, balanced the budget by making the rich pay their fair share, turned back that doomsday clock a few minutes, and most importantly - gotten the US (and the world) on a solid path to turn back climate change before its effects turned catastrophic. A huge and dominating version of Denmark, say. Think how much better off the entire world would be much less the US.
The Republican war on democracy has been going on for some time, and they are more committed to it than ever. For decades they have claimed, without evidence, that voter fraud was a big problem. This supported voter suppression efforts but, falsely repeated over and over and over, the lie made Trump’s false claim credible to Republicans voters. Similarly, the false claims of media bias, also repeated for decades, for reporting truths uncomfortable to Republican orthodoxy, undermined for GOP voters the very notion of objective reporting. Finally, that bizarre reversal of reality, the promotion of the notion of white victimization -- also a Republican propaganda theme since the 1070s -- supplied the passion and personal energy behind Trumpism. Racism pretending to be anti-racism.
All of this is to say that even without Trump, the modern Republic Party isn’t likely to escape its authoritarianism. They’ve got no place else to go, given the GOP electorate they’ve shaped. Making Cathy’s point even more urgent.
Democrats have to be vigilant on getting their message across to the people. They must be united as one party. We can't afford to have a 3rd party run by Joe Lieberman and Joe Manchin who is thinking of running for president in 24. This would take votes away from Biden.
You have hit the nail on the head Christopher. 15 years ago I moved from a society that functioned in a real world (Western Washington), to a society that functions in some sort of netherworld (Western Tennessee). My first clue, I think, was learning how many kids were homeschooled. Many more clues followed. This region is red as a beet, and solidly behind Trump. If we are to continue to excel as a nation (if we ever did) - the Republican party in its current form must go down - go extinct. Two parties - fine. But both having a foundation based on reality. No society is a just and fair society when it is unmoored from reality. And the Republican Party is as unmoored from reality as any I have ever witnessed (well, perhaps the Taliban is worse....). So unmoored that lies, spin, ignorance, greed, and deception are its means of operation.
The votes are just as important at the local level. I only recently (in the last few years) came to realize just how crucial this is when Oklahoma elected a Trump wannabe for governor, then also the State Superintendent of instruction, both right wing extremists willing to say and do ANYTHING to destroy democracy.
John Lauro is proving every day that he is an incompetent clown who fits as Mr. Trump’s advocate! Hey, John, you are In the witness box too and you are screwing it up! Goodbye career-- from one trial lawyer to a clown!
Thank you, Joyce. You write clearly and concisely, making it much easier to understand. Add to that the explanation I get on Sisters-in-Law and I think I can follow what’s going on. I truly appreciate the work that you and your “sisters” do. It is so helpful and informative. And if I get to hear Kim laugh at least once per podcast, it’s worth it 😀
It must be so hard for trump to have zero control over what is happening to him. He can try to control the narrative, but even that is being closely monitored by the court. He can push his attorney's to make ridiculous motions that don't hold up to scrutiny. But in the end he is a CRIMINAL DEFENDENT and his ability to control things is greatly diminished. Can you imagine how he'd feel eating prison bologna?
I keep waiting for the congressional co-conspirators to be called out.
Perhaps their challengers for office will file suit that based on the 14 th amendment they aren’t qualified to run. Might get them off the ballot but I want them in jail. We have almost every other faction on the indictment list:
Fake electors
DoJ fools
External crackpot lawyers including Giuliani
Drumpf toadies
We’re missing DOD conspirators and Ted Cruz, Jim Jordan, tuberville and the rest.
And there were 121 Congress members who voted not to certify the 2020 election. They should be barred from office. They took an oath to uphold the Rule of Law which they did not.
Joyce, could you explain what a Mandamus is. I’ve heard it mentioned a few times but not clear about it.
I’ve heard a few respected people say good things about Lauro but his performance so far has made him look like an ambulance chaser. He spent all day Sunday going from one talk show to another and then goes into court saying he’s not had enough time to prepare. Now he puts on a show in front of Judge Chutkan. He ends his performance in front of the judge by laying the groundwork for an appeal. He says the trial start date doesn’t afford Trump an adequate defense.
After this is all over Lauro should be brought before a disciplinary committee.
Sure, I wrote about it a little bit here when Trump filed a mandamus to try & keep Fani from indicting him: https://joycevance.substack.com/p/closing-out-a-bad-week-for-trump. Mandamus asks a court to order a judge to do something they are obligated to do, but won’t. Trump wants an order that in essence prevents Fani Willis from indicting him. The defendant has a heavy burden to establish that the person/judge/agency he is complaining about is failing to do something ministerial; something they are required to do and have virtually no discretion over. Since Judge Chutkan has significant discretion over setting a trial date, even if Trump tries to mandamus her, he won't succeed.
Working as a trump lawyer is performance art at its best. At worst its caving to a craven lunatic who thinks he can control the outcome through the sideshow that his life is. As far as I can see any decent lawyer, worth their degree has not returned the calls of trump or his minions.
To willing step onto the carnival ride that is trumps ever evolving mob boss/conman criminal sideshow would/could/should be a death knell for any lawyer trying to make a name for themselves as part of this total charade.
Not sure I want to utter these words, but in fairness to trump’s lawyer, he is speaking for his client, and that is the lawyer’s job -- however unpopular. That doesn’t justify disingenuous or false arguments to the judge or publicly attacking the legal system. But the prosecution launched the prosecution in a very public way. It’s not ridiculous that Trump’s lawyer should give Trump’s defense a public face too. Let’s keep in mind that the central problem is Trump, not his lawyer.
At what does Trump’s lawyer, for however long he is, realize the Judge doesn’t care that he is playing to his client. By not having any date in mind closer than 2 1/2 years, doesn’t he forgo an appeal based on not enough time to prepare for trial?
just imaging what dodging and weaving does for the mounting attorney fees...it's a one client career! At this point, at least, money is clearly no barrier to the client, since he hasn't yet had to dip into his own bank account and may not have to at all.
I can't help but believe that this defendant's history of dodging accountability at all levels of personal and public conduct doesn't privately motivate the prosecutors and judges who have devoted their lives to the integrity of our legal system. The blatant theatrics and public disregard for our systems of governance are a form of thumbing his nose at the judicial system, even showing them the middle finger. Perhaps we can begrudge him a wry thanks for being so outrageous, essentially assisting the prosecution in making every effort to move justice along it's deliberate path. I can only hope he'll step across the line in a fashion that renders him "detained pending trial"
If Trump wasn't such a welcher when it comes to paying lawyers, and such a bad client when it comes to following legal advice, he might have lawyers who didn't get their degrees from a box of cereal.
Thanks for the laugh even though it meant I'm cleaning coffee off my keyboard this morning.
We aim to serve. All others stand closer. :-)
I cracked up when I read the cheapskate Trump has arranged for a $100k a plate dinner in September, to pay Giuliani's legal fees. Trump will never spend even a penny on his or anyone else's defense. His own legal bills are already in the tens of millions, and he's paying them via small donations from MAGA culties.
“Trump will never spend even a penny on his or anyone else's defense”
That’s because he’s not as rich as he portrays himself to be.
Years back he was the guest host on Saturday Night Live. To accept being the host he made the stipulation that nothing about his wealth (or lack thereof) could be used in any skit or monologue. SNL being based in NYC, I suspect the writers and cast knew quite a bit about his claimed wealth and would have has a field day making jokes about it (and him).
Are you implying that the 6'3" 215 lb. athlete would tell a whopper about his money? He would say he's 45 years old and a natural blonde if he could get away with it.
Oh, please. He has a private jet and owns real estate all over the world. He's not poor.
But is it highly leveraged?
At some point I would think banks would pull back on Trump.
He's under indictment for financial malfeasance, is he not? However, he has numerous business properties and that silly jet, all of which need to be maintained. He obviously has the cash on hand to do that. His guests at Maga Lardo pay $100k a year for the privilege of being "club members."
I never said he was poor. I said he’s not as rich as he portrays himself to be. His claimed wealth is a big part of his ego/ his emotional self worth.
I'm sorry I wasn't clearer, but you seemed to imply he cannot afford his legal expenses, which certainly is not true. I obviously misunderstood you.
One of his favorite descriptions of people who step up is “they are chumps”.. in his mind they are his lifeblood..
He depends on the "patriots" to give him the votes he needs. The money backing him comes from very rich conservatives.
Has anyone ponied up, oops, I mean, RSVP’ed?
If there’s a MilSpec definition of “loser” you’ll see tfg’s ugly mug on Page One.
Wait, I thought they all went the Trump University School of Law.
Trump is the quintessential modern day Oedipus Rex, whose actions aimed at escaping his fate have only served to seal it. To clarify, because Trump announced his candidacy some two years prior to the election, thinking his entry into the race would avert indictment, A.G. Garland believed it incumbent to appoint Special Counsel Jack Smith, who resides outside DOJ parameters to complete the criminal investigations of Trump and his command structure. Next, while Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon seemingly has afforded Trump a reprieve by going along with his delay tactics in the documents case, Smith had accelerated investigations and ultimate indictment in the more egregious Jan 6th case, resulting in the random selection of no-nonsense Judge Tanya Chutkan, who just scheduled jury selection to commence on March 4, 2024.
From Chatgpt -
If you're looking to draw parallels between the characters from the ancient Greek tragedy "Oedipus Rex" and figures from contemporary politics, such as Donald Trump, here's a creative comparison:
Oedipus - Donald Trump:
Oedipus, the tragic hero of the play, could be likened to Donald Trump due to their shared traits of ambition, hubris, and a quest for power. Like Oedipus, Trump had a prominent position (president) and was often seen as a strong leader. Both figures also faced controversies and challenges during their time in power. However, their actions also led to their own downfalls. Just as Oedipus's pursuit of the truth ultimately revealed his tragic destiny, Trump's decisions and actions had significant consequences for his political career.
Jocasta - Melania Trump:
Jocasta, Oedipus's mother and wife, could be compared to Melania Trump. Jocasta's initial marriage to Laius was arranged without her consent, paralleling Melania's background as a former model and her marriage to Trump. Both women found themselves in high-profile relationships that garnered significant attention and scrutiny. Like Jocasta's tragic realization of her familial ties, Melania might have had her own challenges and realizations while being part of the Trump family.
Tiresias - Advisors and Critics:
Tiresias, the blind prophet, could symbolize the advisors and critics who attempted to warn Trump about potential consequences of his decisions. Just as Tiresias possessed insight into the future, there were individuals who provided warnings and predictions about the outcomes of certain policies or actions during Trump's presidency.
Creon - Mike Pence:
Creon, Jocasta's brother, could be compared to Mike Pence, who served as Trump's Vice President. Both figures were closely associated with the leaders but also had their own distinct roles and identities. Creon's loyalty to Oedipus contrasts with his eventual role as a ruler after Oedipus's downfall, and similarly, Pence had to balance his loyalty to Trump while also fulfilling his responsibilities as Vice President.
Chorus - Public Opinion:
The Chorus in "Oedipus Rex" represents the voice of the citizens of Thebes. In the context of the Trump administration, the chorus could be likened to public opinion and the media, as both play a significant role in shaping perceptions and influencing events.
Remember, these comparisons are metaphorical and symbolic, and not meant to provide an exact one-to-one correspondence between the ancient characters and contemporary figures. "Oedipus Rex" is a complex tragedy, and any parallels drawn to modern figures will necessarily be simplifications of the characters and their motivations.
@F. Reynolds, While “not meant to provide an exact one-to-one correspondence…,” these ageless truths, in my view, unearth immeasurably valuable insight into the human condition.
Trump lives in a fantasy world. He has been endlessly writing the "script" of his life. When the "episode " isn't going the way he likes he erases and rewrites. Everyone and everything. in his mind, belongs to him because he is the scriptwriter. So when he can't make it all work he is outraged, confused, and frequently cruel and savage. He is only alive when he is performing to an adoring audience. Or a hating audience. It doesn't matter because it's an audience. But the characters in his play are not cooperating. So I think we can expect more outrage and thrashing around as he feels more powerless and his demands are ignored.
The wisdom old, traditional, classical stories is a useful way to see the shambles of his life and the dangers he poses.
Wow, Robin! What an astute comment, not to mention your spot-on caveat regarding the danger Trump, let alone much of the GOP, poses. Thank you for writing.
Wow. Its been a while since I read Oedipus Rex, like decades. But this brought it all back to me and how telling. Life imitating art? Hmmm
I like to imagine this is comeuppance and it is tasty.
Sabrina, While I can relate to your feelings, I tend to view Trump’s current circumstances as mirroring a timeless truth that I expect was understood long before Sophocles.
RE: announcing is 2024 intent to run for president , to ostensibly "...avert indictment..." - So, in planning a brazen, but doomed to fail bank heist, a mobster states to his co-conspirators, "No worries! We'll all be immune! I'll just announce my campaign to be president of the US on the way to the bank!"
'We all know there’s a complicated road ahead.' (Joyce) That's it, Joyce. There is a road ahead? It's complicated! But there is a road to justice in the US? We are on it now? How many more Black people are going to die along the road? It is hard to believe, given all we have gone through and the time it has taken to get on this road, but I'll take your word for it, Joyce.
I expected to be devoting my years, after stepping down as U.S. Attorney, to the fight for racial justice in criminal law. Obviously I was wrong, but one of my greatest concerns about the Trump presidency, is how it diverted so much effort into the fight to hold onto democracy, to the detriment of critical issues. Climate change, obviously. But the fight for criminal justice reform, which had gained a great deal of momentum during President Obama's 8 years in office has really been a victim of Trump's time on the public stage.
It’s like WWll, fighting multiple fronts at once ...
This exactlyc. There are so many things that have to be dealt with at this time (thank you TFG). Racial inequality, women's reproductive rights, climate change, the border, gun control, etc. This is what you get when you have an incompetent person in charge. Sad thing is many people think he IS competent and approve his accomplishments.
Dear Joyce, your sense of responsibility as a member of the legal profession, an advocate of democracy, a teacher, engaged citizen and caring human being has reached us. You work diligently to keep us working on behalf of one another. Your bountiful nature,, including life with the chickens, is as precious gifts you pass on to us, without fail. Thank you, Joyce.
This was exactly King’s concern about Vietnam.
Joyce, I agree.
I hope this doesn't sound impossibly naive, but a great leveling is coming, at least so the watchers of chaos say. The combination of climate catastrophe, the (nearly) 80 million unsheltered immigrants and refugees world wide, the isolation of the very wealthy (mostly white) from the rest of us, is bringing on a struggle for survival like we've never seen. Who knows better how to survive impossible circumstances? Where I live there is a small but substantial farming movement for Black and Indigenous people who are using old organic farming methods, planting crops with cultural history, and AND living together in small communities. That is the future, and no one but BIPOC people know
how to do it better.
To an extent, rooting out Trump is a symbol of uncovering the insidious "revolution" of petty-assed white guys (and a few women) who think they can prevail with hatred and their "front men," the lone perpetrators who kill innocents. They're going down, Fern.
Hope, As a fellow subscriber once wrote to me, “From your keyboard to God’s eyes.”
Love this:)
!!!!💯❤️
I hear you Fern. We are in this together.
Not really. As a white bodied woman I am in exponentially less danger of being murdered by white supremacists every second of my life than a person of color.
Sabrina, But as a child of Holocaust survivors, I feel the hate of white supremacy viscerally, and it galls me that young black kids going about their normal business in public look at me with suspicion because American white supremacy has trained them to do so. We don't face the same risks, true, but we are in this together.
It galls you! That child should know better. How is that? It is so difficult to abandon a sense of superiority, isn't it?
Fern, we must interpret English phrases differently. I don't know what other word I might have used. I don't see how you interpret what I said as expressing a feeling of superiority. Unless, of course, you're asking if I feel superior to white supremacists. The answer to that is no. Dismay. Disgust. Wariness. Frustration.
Are you in the habit of telling how a child should feel?
Thank you for questioning my response to your comment, Jerry. I interpreted you 'being galled' as a criticism of the child. Your question to me was what I had attributed to you. There is a good deal of history, propaganda, human beings' relationships to one another, communication, comprehension... to unwind from our responses to one another. Again, thank your for opening the door to a better understanding between us.
Could Fern have been referring to the white supremacists as those with feelings of superiority? Thus agreeing with you? Text messages are difficult because they cause us to seem ‘uncaring’ as we are unable to show our depth of understanding or even agreement. Just wondering if that’s the case here.
White women are also being murdered by their domestic partners at an increasing rate. Then, there are the white legislators with abortion restrictions. But, yes you are right, it is unimaginable to be Black and wonder if you will get through the day.
Before Mr. Helfand wrote I was thinking the same thing, be Jewish and all. Let's face it, the truth is no one is safe under a fascist dictator. One wrong word spoken, one look they do not like, and you are the enemy or even if you fail at something they thought you shouldn't have, lots of reasons to hate begats many excuses to kill.
Like Modi's Hindu nationalists?
Thank you Joyce. Let's not forget to keep the Klieg lights shining on those two notables: Jim Jordan and Tommy Tuberville. Each, in his own way, trying to throw sand in the transmission of the Federal Government while, of course, claiming to be doing the opposite.
Tuberville is a traitor and that the so-called republicans are not doing anything about him shows they are complicit in his actions. He is a liar and the stupidest senator. Jordan is one of the insurrectionists. He’s never proposed a bill in his entire life. Like Boebert, he just goes around disrupting hearings and misspending tax dollars on erroneous hearings.
It’s all going to come tumbling down...
Add McCarthy to that noxious mix
And....Reps. Mo Brooks of Alabama, Matt Gaetz of Florida, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Louie Gohmert of Texas, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Read about it here: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/jan-6-panel-names-republican-lawmakers-sought-pardons-trump-rcna35090
A continuing theme in my head is the culpability of members of Congress - to what extent were they involved in the coup plot. I hope the long arm of justice reaches out to them too.
A good place to start is with those who asked Trump for preemptive pardons.. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/jan-6-panel-names-republican-lawmakers-sought-pardons-trump-rcna35090
Fu_king weasels. Treasonous weasels. They cannot go unpunished.
Me too.
Also, Ron Johnson (R-Wis) who tried to give fake-electors "certificate" to Pence on J6!
He’s among the most amoral. And that’s saying something
And it's about time that Johnson goes under the microscope too. He was a willing participant in the election fraud.
Thank goodness for Geoff Duncan .
Geoff Duncan has a way with words: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/29/trump-moral-compass-georgia-republican-geoff-duncan
How is it they do not understand how out of touch they are?
I believe the Democratic Party has been displaying a great and responsible governance. The GOP since Regan has eroded to a puppet party supporting Trump so detached to reality it begs the mind how it can get worse but it does.
We have never seen a political instability this bad since before the start of the civil war. Our system is vulnerable and fragile but it has not failed. But regardless of the court the vote could not be more important in 2024.
You have summed it up excellently. And you're right when you say that the 2024 vote could not be more important, and not just for the Presidency.
I was just thinking about that this morning. We can impress on the electorate just how important it is to keep tRump out of the White House, but we must be equally outspoken about the need to give Biden the House and the Senate so he can actually get the work done necessary for improving EVERYONE’S lives. Without that, his hands will be tied, much like they are now. We MUST get meaningful voting legislation passed if our “experiment” is to survive, and that can only happen if Dems control the House, the Senate and the White House. Republiqans seem hell bent on destroying our right to vote.
Cathy - IMHO Republicans can be singled out as the primary cause, since about the 1970's, that has hindered our democracy here in America from becoming truly great. I mean a society that could have all but rubbed out racism by now, reigned in big business and "unfettered" capitalism, balanced the budget by making the rich pay their fair share, turned back that doomsday clock a few minutes, and most importantly - gotten the US (and the world) on a solid path to turn back climate change before its effects turned catastrophic. A huge and dominating version of Denmark, say. Think how much better off the entire world would be much less the US.
The Republican war on democracy has been going on for some time, and they are more committed to it than ever. For decades they have claimed, without evidence, that voter fraud was a big problem. This supported voter suppression efforts but, falsely repeated over and over and over, the lie made Trump’s false claim credible to Republicans voters. Similarly, the false claims of media bias, also repeated for decades, for reporting truths uncomfortable to Republican orthodoxy, undermined for GOP voters the very notion of objective reporting. Finally, that bizarre reversal of reality, the promotion of the notion of white victimization -- also a Republican propaganda theme since the 1070s -- supplied the passion and personal energy behind Trumpism. Racism pretending to be anti-racism.
All of this is to say that even without Trump, the modern Republic Party isn’t likely to escape its authoritarianism. They’ve got no place else to go, given the GOP electorate they’ve shaped. Making Cathy’s point even more urgent.
Democrats have to be vigilant on getting their message across to the people. They must be united as one party. We can't afford to have a 3rd party run by Joe Lieberman and Joe Manchin who is thinking of running for president in 24. This would take votes away from Biden.
You have hit the nail on the head Christopher. 15 years ago I moved from a society that functioned in a real world (Western Washington), to a society that functions in some sort of netherworld (Western Tennessee). My first clue, I think, was learning how many kids were homeschooled. Many more clues followed. This region is red as a beet, and solidly behind Trump. If we are to continue to excel as a nation (if we ever did) - the Republican party in its current form must go down - go extinct. Two parties - fine. But both having a foundation based on reality. No society is a just and fair society when it is unmoored from reality. And the Republican Party is as unmoored from reality as any I have ever witnessed (well, perhaps the Taliban is worse....). So unmoored that lies, spin, ignorance, greed, and deception are its means of operation.
AMEN!
The votes are just as important at the local level. I only recently (in the last few years) came to realize just how crucial this is when Oklahoma elected a Trump wannabe for governor, then also the State Superintendent of instruction, both right wing extremists willing to say and do ANYTHING to destroy democracy.
Thank you.
I definitely agree.
John Lauro is proving every day that he is an incompetent clown who fits as Mr. Trump’s advocate! Hey, John, you are In the witness box too and you are screwing it up! Goodbye career-- from one trial lawyer to a clown!
They should just arrive in court in rodeo clown costume to demonstrate they understand their assignment.
Thank you, Joyce. You write clearly and concisely, making it much easier to understand. Add to that the explanation I get on Sisters-in-Law and I think I can follow what’s going on. I truly appreciate the work that you and your “sisters” do. It is so helpful and informative. And if I get to hear Kim laugh at least once per podcast, it’s worth it 😀
I always look forward to the Saturday morning breakdown on Sisters in Law.
It must be so hard for trump to have zero control over what is happening to him. He can try to control the narrative, but even that is being closely monitored by the court. He can push his attorney's to make ridiculous motions that don't hold up to scrutiny. But in the end he is a CRIMINAL DEFENDENT and his ability to control things is greatly diminished. Can you imagine how he'd feel eating prison bologna?
If he is req to sit in court for 6 weeks beginning March 4 during Super Tuesday week that might be a nice bit of consequence.
Hope so but but I bet there will be delays . . .
What a concept. Bologna eating bologna.
🤣🤣🤣
Fingers crossed that Georgia continues to adhere to the norms and no exceptional treatment.
"The rule of law, which Trump tried so badly to break, is still working."
I certainly hope so! Thank you, Joyce.
I keep waiting for the congressional co-conspirators to be called out.
Perhaps their challengers for office will file suit that based on the 14 th amendment they aren’t qualified to run. Might get them off the ballot but I want them in jail. We have almost every other faction on the indictment list:
Fake electors
DoJ fools
External crackpot lawyers including Giuliani
Drumpf toadies
We’re missing DOD conspirators and Ted Cruz, Jim Jordan, tuberville and the rest.
And there were 121 Congress members who voted not to certify the 2020 election. They should be barred from office. They took an oath to uphold the Rule of Law which they did not.
We have a saying here: "Long churning makes bad butter".
I'm sure it makes even worse law!
Joyce, terrific as always. A question about Mark Meadows. Does his testimony at the removal hearing waive the Fifth for his trial?
No, it doesn't. This is just limited testimony.
Joyce, could you explain what a Mandamus is. I’ve heard it mentioned a few times but not clear about it.
I’ve heard a few respected people say good things about Lauro but his performance so far has made him look like an ambulance chaser. He spent all day Sunday going from one talk show to another and then goes into court saying he’s not had enough time to prepare. Now he puts on a show in front of Judge Chutkan. He ends his performance in front of the judge by laying the groundwork for an appeal. He says the trial start date doesn’t afford Trump an adequate defense.
After this is all over Lauro should be brought before a disciplinary committee.
Sure, I wrote about it a little bit here when Trump filed a mandamus to try & keep Fani from indicting him: https://joycevance.substack.com/p/closing-out-a-bad-week-for-trump. Mandamus asks a court to order a judge to do something they are obligated to do, but won’t. Trump wants an order that in essence prevents Fani Willis from indicting him. The defendant has a heavy burden to establish that the person/judge/agency he is complaining about is failing to do something ministerial; something they are required to do and have virtually no discretion over. Since Judge Chutkan has significant discretion over setting a trial date, even if Trump tries to mandamus her, he won't succeed.
Thank you. So potentially he could file a mandamus in Georgia and DC. From your explanation it sounds like another delaying tactic by him.
Working as a trump lawyer is performance art at its best. At worst its caving to a craven lunatic who thinks he can control the outcome through the sideshow that his life is. As far as I can see any decent lawyer, worth their degree has not returned the calls of trump or his minions.
To willing step onto the carnival ride that is trumps ever evolving mob boss/conman criminal sideshow would/could/should be a death knell for any lawyer trying to make a name for themselves as part of this total charade.
True, but from the comments about him there were thoughts that he would rein in trump. Certainly not devolve into another member of the clown car.
Not sure I want to utter these words, but in fairness to trump’s lawyer, he is speaking for his client, and that is the lawyer’s job -- however unpopular. That doesn’t justify disingenuous or false arguments to the judge or publicly attacking the legal system. But the prosecution launched the prosecution in a very public way. It’s not ridiculous that Trump’s lawyer should give Trump’s defense a public face too. Let’s keep in mind that the central problem is Trump, not his lawyer.
At what does Trump’s lawyer, for however long he is, realize the Judge doesn’t care that he is playing to his client. By not having any date in mind closer than 2 1/2 years, doesn’t he forgo an appeal based on not enough time to prepare for trial?
just imaging what dodging and weaving does for the mounting attorney fees...it's a one client career! At this point, at least, money is clearly no barrier to the client, since he hasn't yet had to dip into his own bank account and may not have to at all.
I guess, I ordered extra popcorn
Oh oh....I read that the PAC giving him money for attorney fees is down to $4 Million.
But there's always a reason to eat popcorn:))
T💩p has grifted > $7m from selling merch with his mugshot.
It shouldn't be legal to profit off a mugshot. It belongs to Fulton County doesn't it?
Nope, because the poor minimum wage, incultated average Joes are paying for everything!
Possible that his own bank account has $5.00 in it?