Today, the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, was arraigned on criminal charges. Again. This time, it was on charges that should shake even the former president’s strongest supporters to the core, although it's highly unlikely that they will. That is not to say that the charges Trump faces in New York or the federal charges of gross mishandling of classified documents and obstruction Mar-a-Lago are not important, because they are. But it is the charges related to Trump’s efforts to circumvent the results of the 2020 presidential election that speak most directly to who the man is and the accountability that the Constitution demands of him. We demand that accountability too. We are entitled to it—not the lock him up chants that Trump himself would use against perceived enemies, but the people’s justice, in an American courtroom, with all the due process a defendant should receive.
My two-cents' worth: I don't need to see a photo of Donald Trump every time he is mentioned in an article. It's as if the editors think we may confuse him with some other obese psychopath. Trump's ability to manipulate the media is really unprecedented. I love this substack and really appreciate Joyce Vance's explanations and comments. But I am really tired of seeing Trump's image everywhere I turn.
Ms. Joyce Vance: Former President Trump has undergone today his third indictment, and you point out eloquently that today's charges "speak most directly to who the man is and the accountability that the Constitution demands of him."
As you point out, we demand accountability, not for mere vengeance -- in that we are unlike Trump -- but for the soundness of our American Republic.
You remind us Citizens of the duty to stay on top of this judicial process, which is the noblest feature of our British Common Law heritage.
At 75 years, I had watched carefully the Sam Ervin Committee throughout the Watergate Hearings 50-years ago.
Unfortunately, in my lifetime, Trump has subjected America to a second series of trials that reach to the essence of our Republic.
Your words comfort me that, "We are in this together."
I’ve said “quite a day, right?“ to the dog groomer, the UPS guy, a neighbor this afternoon They all said, “ What?” When I explain, they mostly mumbled something like, “Oh, that . I’m not following it.” I’ll keep trying.
Agree totally with Carolyn S. As well, TY for helping to structure a time of overwhelming reactions, including dread. A retired atty, I too am acutely moved by Count 4, the efforts to take away all our votes because he didn’t like them. That should bring people to their feet.
Thank you, Joyce. Calling Trump exhausting is right on. We are and we will continue to be exhausted till the sought after conclusion of accountability. Your notes on the happenings are always so clear and from a position of calm. Thank you.
I have used the word inured all during the last administration. With all the horrendous actions he/they took, every nefarious act that wore us down. I would ask anybody that would listen to not become inured. That is his/their M.O. I am hoping that this doesn’t drag on indefinitely but I also am turning my focus on the election.
As always , thanks. Share. Excellent advice. The more one reads and understands the charges - especially count 4 - the more it becomes clear just how destructive this man was and is. How people like Rupert Murdoch and MAGA can stand the sight of themselves for enabling all this is a question for history I guess. Almost seems like the Country never did get past the Civil War.
"He had no problem ripping babies from their mothers’ arms..." --thank you for remembering this Joyce Vance and for mentioning it in your article. Everyone has a right to their beliefs about the border but this was beyond cruel. He is a horrible person. And no one will take away my RIGHT TO VOTE!
Outstanding synopsis Joyce. Thank you once again for the information you share with us, and most importantly, the way you state it. You are indeed a treasure. (And your Mom is very, very proud of her thoughtful and brilliant daughter)
Thank you Joyce for your voice tonight. We all needed to hear what your thoughts were.
You have prepared those of us on this site over the past year of what was at stake when TFG came before a jury of his peers. I still don't think he will take the time to examine what's ahead. But he will take this moment in time to continue his grift of his followers.
History will judge what has been done. The rest of us just have to survive it.
Don't forget bully. Trump is a bully who pushes, bosses, and ridicules those around him. On his own haughty pedestal. Already calling the prosecutor "deranged". Trump is toxic and needs to be sent away to a quiet place for a long time, both as punishment for him and deterrence for his many idolizers.
Dear Ms. Vance, I did not find the word "insurrection" when I read the indictment. To disqualify him from holding office, the prosecutor need to prove that he incited, aided, or abetted in an insurrection.
Please comment on that in one of your future newsletters.
My two-cents' worth: I don't need to see a photo of Donald Trump every time he is mentioned in an article. It's as if the editors think we may confuse him with some other obese psychopath. Trump's ability to manipulate the media is really unprecedented. I love this substack and really appreciate Joyce Vance's explanations and comments. But I am really tired of seeing Trump's image everywhere I turn.
Ms. Joyce Vance: Former President Trump has undergone today his third indictment, and you point out eloquently that today's charges "speak most directly to who the man is and the accountability that the Constitution demands of him."
As you point out, we demand accountability, not for mere vengeance -- in that we are unlike Trump -- but for the soundness of our American Republic.
You remind us Citizens of the duty to stay on top of this judicial process, which is the noblest feature of our British Common Law heritage.
At 75 years, I had watched carefully the Sam Ervin Committee throughout the Watergate Hearings 50-years ago.
Unfortunately, in my lifetime, Trump has subjected America to a second series of trials that reach to the essence of our Republic.
Your words comfort me that, "We are in this together."
I’ve said “quite a day, right?“ to the dog groomer, the UPS guy, a neighbor this afternoon They all said, “ What?” When I explain, they mostly mumbled something like, “Oh, that . I’m not following it.” I’ll keep trying.
We the people should be able to watch the trial in its entirety.
Agree totally with Carolyn S. As well, TY for helping to structure a time of overwhelming reactions, including dread. A retired atty, I too am acutely moved by Count 4, the efforts to take away all our votes because he didn’t like them. That should bring people to their feet.
Thank you, Joyce. Calling Trump exhausting is right on. We are and we will continue to be exhausted till the sought after conclusion of accountability. Your notes on the happenings are always so clear and from a position of calm. Thank you.
I just cannot celebrate this. The only thing that matters is that he be convicted and sentenced to prison.
Thank you Joyce for your analysis. You do an outstanding job in each you do.
I have used the word inured all during the last administration. With all the horrendous actions he/they took, every nefarious act that wore us down. I would ask anybody that would listen to not become inured. That is his/their M.O. I am hoping that this doesn’t drag on indefinitely but I also am turning my focus on the election.
As always , thanks. Share. Excellent advice. The more one reads and understands the charges - especially count 4 - the more it becomes clear just how destructive this man was and is. How people like Rupert Murdoch and MAGA can stand the sight of themselves for enabling all this is a question for history I guess. Almost seems like the Country never did get past the Civil War.
"He had no problem ripping babies from their mothers’ arms..." --thank you for remembering this Joyce Vance and for mentioning it in your article. Everyone has a right to their beliefs about the border but this was beyond cruel. He is a horrible person. And no one will take away my RIGHT TO VOTE!
Outstanding synopsis Joyce. Thank you once again for the information you share with us, and most importantly, the way you state it. You are indeed a treasure. (And your Mom is very, very proud of her thoughtful and brilliant daughter)
Thank you Joyce for your voice tonight. We all needed to hear what your thoughts were.
You have prepared those of us on this site over the past year of what was at stake when TFG came before a jury of his peers. I still don't think he will take the time to examine what's ahead. But he will take this moment in time to continue his grift of his followers.
History will judge what has been done. The rest of us just have to survive it.
Continued peace and prayers for our country.
Don't forget bully. Trump is a bully who pushes, bosses, and ridicules those around him. On his own haughty pedestal. Already calling the prosecutor "deranged". Trump is toxic and needs to be sent away to a quiet place for a long time, both as punishment for him and deterrence for his many idolizers.
MAGA people have become a religious cult which is going to scream,”They are crucifying our lord”.
Dear Ms. Vance, I did not find the word "insurrection" when I read the indictment. To disqualify him from holding office, the prosecutor need to prove that he incited, aided, or abetted in an insurrection.
Please comment on that in one of your future newsletters.