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.
The photo Joyce posted, Valere, was very striking. He looks tired, obese and is looking down. Not his usual fake grimace he thinks is a “smile”. Like a death’s head, I have always thought when seeing that expression. Thank you for your comment. I also do not have tv.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Mrs. may not actually be wearing her infamous jacket, but its likely her mindset -- unless she gets called about her chatty text re no room on the plane for the boxes.
I was actually curious about what Melania is doing so I looked it up. The article stressed that while she is not by Donald's side, she supports him and is discussing what they want to do when he is back in the presidency. She is spending time with her elderly parents, and worrying about getting her 17 year old into college. I am going to look at that with interest too. Will the Ivies look at Barron as the son of a criminal not to be touched, or want the notoriety, or want to pretend like they are so fair that they don't hold his father's doings against him? We shall see, but she is aiming to get him to the east coast from his Florida private school according to what I read. While they say she is 100% behind Trump, I say actions speak louder than words. My advice to her would be DUMP THE CHUMP!
I wondered too. She appears to be doing what she thinks is best for her personally. She cares about her parents and her son. I think she has enough money though- so she could take a stand if she had any self respect. She must believe Trump. If she leaves Trump she will and could add to his destruction and possibly be somewhat rehabilitated in the eyes of many who do not like her on the political level but "[she doesn't} care do you?" They may keep up appearances. I just cannot imagine her in the WH again as if nothing has gone down since.
I think in practical terms, she’s done the dump. But she’s playing the long game financially and he presents better with her in his corner, so they play together.
His grimace is him trying to look like he’s some kind of rugged tough guy. It belies the underlying truth that he’s nothing but a big baby.
Remember the big baby balloon the Brits paraded around (I think they did this on his first visit to London). They nailed it! They could see what a big baby he is. Don’t mistake that grimace for a smile. He’s uses it to hide that he’s a big baby.
The big baby balloon is back in action in Washington, DC. The pro democracy protestors at this third arraignment brought it to greet him. It was a guy or gal dressed up in a baby balloon, rather than it floating above. Just google it. The video is hilarious. That is how Humpty Dumpty was welcomed to the court. So wonderful!
Even tho I have a television & actually watched a good portion of today’s coverage, the picture Joyce used was good for me to see. He looked how I was hoping he would look...dejected & tired.
The photo I'm hoping for...wishing for...is one from after he's spent 6 months in prison, without access to his tanning bed, a hair stylist, or someone to press out any hint of a wrinkle in his clothing (please, please let it be an orange jumpsuit.) He will likely have a bald spot or a receding hairline, and he'll be fish-white, thus almost unrecognizable from any other middle-aged white male in the prison system.
There will be a long sentence of necessity because these are grave crimes against the US. There will be a problem about putting him in a common prison because of the secret service protection he will still have ( I believe) and because of his safety. He could be put on a ship to sail the oceans with no port of entry open to him--See "The Man Without A Country" by E.E. Hale that was required reading in grade school in my early years. This made the point and an impression on me! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Without_a_Country
Jack Smith did not indict Trump for treason notably. I suppose that would have prolonged the process and been harder to prove? In my mind what DT did was treasonous.
As always, Joyce you hit every button of what this is all about. Many above noted that we must stay focused on the prize...that being our Democratic history that has brought so much to our Citizens. I know people are still suffering, I suppose that will always be, though IF we could ALL work together (like before tfg) [and the guilty r’s] I felt things were really coming together. Let’s face it HE did a great job along with those that continue to not believe the truth. We that are on here and other social media are appointed to help get the truth out. (Though they won’t listen) granted It is exhausting. I am on your page when it comes to the FACT that this whole procedure MUST be televised for “We The People” after all, we pay them, we deserve to have the help of our leaders to give us the TRUTH. (I’ll be 🙏🏻for this)🤣. Thank you again for all that you are doing, it is certainly appreciated by many (obviously). I hope you are doing ok with all that is on your plate (or should I say platter/tray). Bless you and yours.🇺🇸
I don't have a TV either, but still I keep seeing the same Trump photos over and over again. What bothers me is that seeing Trump's photo over and over again gives the impression that this is just about Trump. It isn't. It's about a serious attempt to undermine the law and the Constitution, and no way could Trump have done any of it alone.
Valere, Thank you for the perspective. Of course, you are aware that you are in the minority here in the US either by location or choice to not be continually plugged in. The rest of us need a break of his picture, if only for a while. Peace.
Joyce, would you please add a link to the indictment? I’m sure I’ve seen one somewhere but finding it in everything I read is like looking for that proverbial needle. I’d appreciate it and as I archive all of your articles, it will be easy to find. Thanks ahead of time.
I had been dreading the having to wade through it, but it actually turned out to be written for most any lay person to understand. It listed lots of details that I recognized when they happened, and though I found myself getting angry with him all over again, it was fairly easy to read.
Agree! And for anyone who watched all the Jan. 6 Committee hearings, you knew who the "Acting Attorney General" & the "Acting Deputy Attorney General listed were (Jeffrey Rosen & Richard Donahue), & you remembered their convincing testimony before the Jan. 6 Committee. Ditto all the other people listed but unnamed in the indictment, like Rusty Bowers & Brad Raffensberger.
All Republicans! They will be powerful witnesses for the prosecution at Trump's trial.
Joyce posted this link in her email sent August 2 at 1:i06 am (EST). I liked reading this better than the NYT annotated. The annotated version irritates me:)) Valere (Joyce's comment from her blog is below, and I am sending her link here - you will need to copy and paste it into your browser. Sorry I'm not a techie so couldn't make the actual link for you:)) It's so well done - and one can easily read it in a couple of hours (I had to stop and regroup with a cup of hibiscus tea....but fab to have it laid out so clearly. I honestly didn't want to put it down, so finished in the wee hours Tuesday am. Jack Smith and his colleagues did an amazing job. Actually, it is gripping and it is very clear that Trump was not going to be persuaded or dissuaded. Members of the mob called out for Mike Pence to be hanged. I am pondering that five people died during or shortly after the event. And four police officers committed suicide. Countless folks were injured - and suffer today from PTSD. Will accountability for the unnecessary deaths and injuries be addressed after the outcome of the trial? We indeed were told two days ago by Jack Smith that we must presume Donald Trump to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. And should he be found guilty, will the DOJ then address the ruination of lives? I know there is a process and the DOJ has done an incredible job.
"Tonight, I want to give you a bit of a guide for reading the indictment for yourself. I think it’s important to do that. Set aside an hour or two, or find ten minutes here and there over the course of the next week" (Joyce em Aug 2, 1:06 am eastern).
I loved the picture of him carrying the umbrella with "Trump" emblazoned on it!! No kidding that's him!! To the media: give me a break and stop showing his image please!
I agree, Ray, but I think Joyce's choice of this photo is striking, as he is coming down the escalator again, as he did when he first declared his intention to run for president, but this time not triumphantly, but downcast. My take is he is "going down" and on some gut level, he knows it.
I am right there with you! I am so freaking sick & tired of that orange face every single time - glancing thru msn on the computer to see what "news" there is & there it is usually more than once. I'm done with it - have been done with it for six years now! Enough.
Bravo Bill for getting it. See my comment above. He’s trying to portray himself as a victim here and he’s far from that. He’s hiding behind his run for the presidency.
Add to that, his broken-record addresses to the press, "Witch hunt! Democrat malfeasance! Weaponizing the DoJ! Hunter's getting away with crimes!" Endless nonsense that too many believe is true.
Master, manipulator, substituting the conflict. This is our job: speak truth to nonsense. I know we’re all tired. Just brace up and know this is part of your civic duty.Joyce is giving you a roadmap, and all the words you need to say. Just cut and paste.
Let's hope his followers will get sick and tired of it too and, as with any commercial we've seen way too many times, we'll try to tune it out and wish it away forever.
I quite agree! Perhaps some people like to see him looking humiliated (which he isn't) but, personally, I have seen enough of him for my lifetime. To me, he looks like a malignant toad, although I don't want to hurt any toad's feelings. I will look at images of him if he ever gets taken away wearing orange. He is right, for once, it IS a sad day for our country, but he made it so!
He is simply trying to play the role of the victim. Please do not turn away. Then he wins. Please “meet it, greet it and defeat it’ as we must do as responsible citizens. Just know that he’s manipulating as he puts his head down like a spoiled child descending the steps of his airplane. Don’t let him win.
I like to be informed, I just don't like seeing his face everywhere. That's why I read the great information that Joyce gives us. He must be defeated and I will do all I can in that effort. He is known to be afraid of steps and slipping, even hanging on to Theresa May's hand once for stability!
He’s presenting as a victim. He is not a victim. We need to look at him as the monster he is: he had no problem sending his thugs to stop the process vote certification process outlined in the Constitution. Look at him and he use the image when you speak to your friends and neighbors.
I agree, totally.I was watching MSNBC cover the arraignment and they kept showing photo after photo after photo of him. I had to cover the screen every time his criminal face popped up.
Ray one of the media outlets even posted a picture of the bloated carcass in an article on the progress Biden and Bidenomics has made. (I can't recall which media it was I was just so disgusted at seeing yet another photo of him.
I posted a comment drawing a connection between him and Marino Faliero, who was punished for a similar crime by, in addition to his execution, having his portrait replaced by a blank black rectangle.
Absolutely … the base Cretan that he is, loves every image of himself, every word, even if an article describes him in graphically negative terms…he feeds on it, like a poop eating catfish at bottom of fish tank…
I think we DO need to see pictures like that one! But I do wish the news media wouldn't follow his every move as if he were still our president! LOVE that the magistrate pointedly called him "Mr. trump."
While I share your revulsion with most of those photos (as well as illegitimate sam alito), there are some pics that are priceless - like his hair blowing in the wind or his image with orange coveralls.
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."
Arthur Viens: Robert Reich -- Upon your recommendation, I read from "The Common Good" Mr. Reich's youthful work for Robert F. Kennedy, his sense of tremendous loss of public spirit starting in the 1970s, till now Trump is a symptom not a cause, through the alarming fall of Martin Shkreli in the first chapter, which drew me to buy and download the book just now on my Kindle.
I love the work of Robert Reich and thank you for this welcome invitation.
Arthur Viens. Thank you so much. As I read the long list of breakdown in the Social Compact from the Gulf of Tonkin through 2017, I remembered almost each incident; This 75-year old had watched almost the whole Sam Ervin Hearings on Watergate 50-years ago.
But even in the 1950s, I had grown up in the 1950s in a right-wing, soon John Birch family, which is the forebear of Q-Anon (they ought to join an Alcohol-Anonymous-type organization to detox them from the cult). Education in humanities, especially great American literature, literature from India, German lit from Hermann Hesse and Heinrich Bölle, and the work of Plato liberated my soul.
Once I was liberated, I felt so free. It was like throwing off a straitjacket.
All the Trump and junk I see today I lived through in the 1950s and into the 1960s before circa 1968 (at 20) my soul became free, largely thanks to the Gandhi-like Civil Rights movement.
Talk about division. My goodness, my goodness, the 50s and 60s had it.
I remember vividly the Communist scare.
My parents (good folk,, but conspiratorial -- John Birch) didn't realize, but Alger Hiss and Robert Oppenheimer became heroes to me, and they were certainly much more cultured and interesting than their red-scare deniers.
So the adolescent became free and immunized forever, never again to be fooled by the right-wing.
It is a deep sickness.
Joyce Vance is a light of reason in the heritage of the "Age of Enlightenment, The Age of Reason."
So, we can hold together and maintain this light together.
If there is anything else we can do, I will do it.
Meanwhile, I am enjoying quite well Robert Reich's "The Common Good."
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.
I tried talking to a friend who is apolitical. She said, "Oh, all politicians lie." But NOT like Trump! I wanted to just shake her, but I don't think she'd listen any better. She isn't a Trump fan. She's just not interested in the magnitude of what he's done to this country.
Thank you for trying. That is such a sad stance. No one is truly apolitical. It you can’t muster informed choice, others choose for you, at which point you become subservient to them -- by choice. If that’s your gig, woe unto your consequences.
While I agree, my hesitation about doing this is that there would be pictures of the jury. On television. There would have to be some way to not ever show them for their safety
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.
The man has amazing stamina, runs on grievance and conspiracy theories of persecution. Yes, it's exhausting, but seems to be a self stimulating loop for him, as it is for his sycophants.
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.
Liz, Thank you for your comment. I would note, though not synonymous, I always have viewed “inured” and “indifferent” as close cousins, and always have felt the opposite of, say, morality is not immorality; it’s indifference. Accordingly, because people generally don’t realize how indifferent they are, I believe part of our job, metaphorically speaking, is repeatedly to sound the alarm and say, Don’t be indifferent.
Additionally, and in keeping with your comment, I further would note, while I agree with Vance that we have a civic obligation closely to follow this latest, most egregious indictment, were we to allow it to distract us from the critical work demanded of us between now and November, 2024, we would do so at our peril.
Barbara Jo, I am good with the admiition "Don't be Indifferent" but, I have found it necessary to reference a page or better yet Paragraph number in the 'Speaking Indictment followed by a short summary to resonate with folks. It's all in there & ready for fhe Jury Room.
Bryan, Contrary to your comment which exclusively and effectively focuses on the “Speaking Indictment,” I understood Liz was sounding the alarm relative to conduct that had transpired over the 4 years of the Trump Administration. It is the people’s response to that rash of actions, now mirrored in the Speaking Indictment, wherein I drew a parallel between the terms “inured” and “indifferent.”
I loved your analysis except that I maintain that sometimes the opposite of morality is actually immorality...
.iin Trump's case for example. His narcissism would have been seen as demonic in a more superstitious time. And he may be indifferent to the suffering of others OR there may be a sadistic edge to it. The flamboyance of his actions is not indifference.
Janet, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I suppose, because the prevalence of indifference to disease, to famine, to dictators, and the like somehow is here and largely accepted, I’ve come to equate indifference (ignoring suffering) as immoral complicity. In Trump’s case, applying your words, I believe at the core of his flamboyant, sadistic, narcissism is the complete disregard for anyone’s feelings, needs, or interests except his own— in other words, indifference.
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.
Not Joyce but I know the answer. Insurrection would require proof of state of mind to take the words out of First Amendment protection (which is what the Right and the MSM morons are cawing about). The indictment is designed to avoid that and concentrate on provable action.
No, Captain Avartar, Amendment 14, Section 3 clearly and unequivocably states "....shall have ENGAGED in insurrection...." [emphasis mine] He doesn't need to be charged, indicted, or convicted. All of us who watched in horror as a band of terrorists, incited and excited, by Trump invaded OUR Capitol building, harmed police officers trying to defend both the building and the people within the building, damaged, desecrated and caused thousands of dollars in damage - which we, taxpayers, had to pay for. You can find a copy of the Constitution on line, you can probably get just Amendment 14 if you narrow your request.
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.
Noted
I think we’re all tired, but please folks, stay focused. I think a visual for those of us who do not have television is quite important.
The photo Joyce posted, Valere, was very striking. He looks tired, obese and is looking down. Not his usual fake grimace he thinks is a “smile”. Like a death’s head, I have always thought when seeing that expression. Thank you for your comment. I also do not have tv.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Mrs. may not actually be wearing her infamous jacket, but its likely her mindset -- unless she gets called about her chatty text re no room on the plane for the boxes.
I was actually curious about what Melania is doing so I looked it up. The article stressed that while she is not by Donald's side, she supports him and is discussing what they want to do when he is back in the presidency. She is spending time with her elderly parents, and worrying about getting her 17 year old into college. I am going to look at that with interest too. Will the Ivies look at Barron as the son of a criminal not to be touched, or want the notoriety, or want to pretend like they are so fair that they don't hold his father's doings against him? We shall see, but she is aiming to get him to the east coast from his Florida private school according to what I read. While they say she is 100% behind Trump, I say actions speak louder than words. My advice to her would be DUMP THE CHUMP!
I wondered too. She appears to be doing what she thinks is best for her personally. She cares about her parents and her son. I think she has enough money though- so she could take a stand if she had any self respect. She must believe Trump. If she leaves Trump she will and could add to his destruction and possibly be somewhat rehabilitated in the eyes of many who do not like her on the political level but "[she doesn't} care do you?" They may keep up appearances. I just cannot imagine her in the WH again as if nothing has gone down since.
Barron will not have an easy time in college.
I think in practical terms, she’s done the dump. But she’s playing the long game financially and he presents better with her in his corner, so they play together.
He’s simply an abomination, and he’s imploding.
Good, we like abominations to implode!
His grimace is him trying to look like he’s some kind of rugged tough guy. It belies the underlying truth that he’s nothing but a big baby.
Remember the big baby balloon the Brits paraded around (I think they did this on his first visit to London). They nailed it! They could see what a big baby he is. Don’t mistake that grimace for a smile. He’s uses it to hide that he’s a big baby.
The big baby balloon is back in action in Washington, DC. The pro democracy protestors at this third arraignment brought it to greet him. It was a guy or gal dressed up in a baby balloon, rather than it floating above. Just google it. The video is hilarious. That is how Humpty Dumpty was welcomed to the court. So wonderful!
The big baby tfg balloon should be flown (or someone dressed up like it) at every public event the baby-man attends.
It’s amazing how people don’t see through the fake scowl/ grimace he always has on his face. It’s nothing more than performative.
Even tho I have a television & actually watched a good portion of today’s coverage, the picture Joyce used was good for me to see. He looked how I was hoping he would look...dejected & tired.
The photo I'm hoping for...wishing for...is one from after he's spent 6 months in prison, without access to his tanning bed, a hair stylist, or someone to press out any hint of a wrinkle in his clothing (please, please let it be an orange jumpsuit.) He will likely have a bald spot or a receding hairline, and he'll be fish-white, thus almost unrecognizable from any other middle-aged white male in the prison system.
There will be a long sentence of necessity because these are grave crimes against the US. There will be a problem about putting him in a common prison because of the secret service protection he will still have ( I believe) and because of his safety. He could be put on a ship to sail the oceans with no port of entry open to him--See "The Man Without A Country" by E.E. Hale that was required reading in grade school in my early years. This made the point and an impression on me! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Without_a_Country
Jack Smith did not indict Trump for treason notably. I suppose that would have prolonged the process and been harder to prove? In my mind what DT did was treasonous.
Yes, it was required reading for me as well, about 9th grade as I recall.
Breathes there a man with soul so dead
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land...etc.
And I suspect that treason was underway while he was still in office.
Ready to implode. His world of fantasy is being exposed.
Just an aside, Carol. WHO allows him to wear that ridiculous red flapping overly long nothing burger tie????? Asking for a friend…😁
As always, Joyce you hit every button of what this is all about. Many above noted that we must stay focused on the prize...that being our Democratic history that has brought so much to our Citizens. I know people are still suffering, I suppose that will always be, though IF we could ALL work together (like before tfg) [and the guilty r’s] I felt things were really coming together. Let’s face it HE did a great job along with those that continue to not believe the truth. We that are on here and other social media are appointed to help get the truth out. (Though they won’t listen) granted It is exhausting. I am on your page when it comes to the FACT that this whole procedure MUST be televised for “We The People” after all, we pay them, we deserve to have the help of our leaders to give us the TRUTH. (I’ll be 🙏🏻for this)🤣. Thank you again for all that you are doing, it is certainly appreciated by many (obviously). I hope you are doing ok with all that is on your plate (or should I say platter/tray). Bless you and yours.🇺🇸
I don't have a TV either, but still I keep seeing the same Trump photos over and over again. What bothers me is that seeing Trump's photo over and over again gives the impression that this is just about Trump. It isn't. It's about a serious attempt to undermine the law and the Constitution, and no way could Trump have done any of it alone.
I agree … this is so much more than trump….
Thank you Susanna.
Valere, Thank you for the perspective. Of course, you are aware that you are in the minority here in the US either by location or choice to not be continually plugged in. The rest of us need a break of his picture, if only for a while. Peace.
Georgia become the most important battlefield from my understanding in that Trump can absolve himself from a state crime.
Christopher, Trump CANNOT absolve himself from a state crime, is what you meant I think. That is correct.
Seeing his pic so much is nauseating.
Yes but wishing him away doesn't do it. Maybe we need to be nauseated. We know where to turn it off.
Joyce, would you please add a link to the indictment? I’m sure I’ve seen one somewhere but finding it in everything I read is like looking for that proverbial needle. I’d appreciate it and as I archive all of your articles, it will be easy to find. Thanks ahead of time.
Here is the PDF file of the indictment, annotated by The New York Times:
https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/trump-jan-6-indictment-2020-election/1f1c76972b25c802/full.pdf
EDIT: This is apparently not the annotated version. Use this (gifted) link instead:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/01/us/politics/trump-jan-6-indictment-2020-election-annotated.html?unlocked_article_code=atwkUQ9MkSepAzoMMiTnViq7pbCvYDsRKJg0bYKhfxHVAFUXY7iIYI1QnPif8qkS5Xx0D57lcWRKS9iTHllix4xt4UwRdBjvPYLfdXkTpzHwk4sysCaEeKl26u_IbdURUbTXAZ8G4hhpotpSWIntQg6MmEovfJyLoUSzOIJcsdiPi6PxBDCubqayPqB3J6b3cWRVNIrW-jPvUt2F83p57PLUMOAAE9KjhiBJtSfTxHEGMzYcEgT_xEKzMojyeDjqSAozBDKJ0cFVJpEgMoIXON6DKb1XFwAu63v5DgPWPDAMQ7mk6Folss9of6pQrLowG5hO8ULh8sih33wUXSRpusk8ESuIX9LJOnCnNAHi90suH-SwUkabR_ucS52dCzq3LnG8bFb83nMKa78&smid=url-share
Mim, thank you for sharing.
Many thanks. Tomorrow’s rainy day project. 👍
I had been dreading the having to wade through it, but it actually turned out to be written for most any lay person to understand. It listed lots of details that I recognized when they happened, and though I found myself getting angry with him all over again, it was fairly easy to read.
Agree! And for anyone who watched all the Jan. 6 Committee hearings, you knew who the "Acting Attorney General" & the "Acting Deputy Attorney General listed were (Jeffrey Rosen & Richard Donahue), & you remembered their convincing testimony before the Jan. 6 Committee. Ditto all the other people listed but unnamed in the indictment, like Rusty Bowers & Brad Raffensberger.
All Republicans! They will be powerful witnesses for the prosecution at Trump's trial.
Hi SPW,
Joyce posted this link in her email sent August 2 at 1:i06 am (EST). I liked reading this better than the NYT annotated. The annotated version irritates me:)) Valere (Joyce's comment from her blog is below, and I am sending her link here - you will need to copy and paste it into your browser. Sorry I'm not a techie so couldn't make the actual link for you:)) It's so well done - and one can easily read it in a couple of hours (I had to stop and regroup with a cup of hibiscus tea....but fab to have it laid out so clearly. I honestly didn't want to put it down, so finished in the wee hours Tuesday am. Jack Smith and his colleagues did an amazing job. Actually, it is gripping and it is very clear that Trump was not going to be persuaded or dissuaded. Members of the mob called out for Mike Pence to be hanged. I am pondering that five people died during or shortly after the event. And four police officers committed suicide. Countless folks were injured - and suffer today from PTSD. Will accountability for the unnecessary deaths and injuries be addressed after the outcome of the trial? We indeed were told two days ago by Jack Smith that we must presume Donald Trump to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. And should he be found guilty, will the DOJ then address the ruination of lives? I know there is a process and the DOJ has done an incredible job.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/documents/8a7503af-fde7-4061-818c-7d7e0ee06036.pdf?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
"Tonight, I want to give you a bit of a guide for reading the indictment for yourself. I think it’s important to do that. Set aside an hour or two, or find ten minutes here and there over the course of the next week" (Joyce em Aug 2, 1:06 am eastern).
I loved the picture of him carrying the umbrella with "Trump" emblazoned on it!! No kidding that's him!! To the media: give me a break and stop showing his image please!
I agree, Ray, but I think Joyce's choice of this photo is striking, as he is coming down the escalator again, as he did when he first declared his intention to run for president, but this time not triumphantly, but downcast. My take is he is "going down" and on some gut level, he knows it.
He’s also gained a lot of weight
He Knows it and is a pale old man holding onto the railing to keep from stumbling onto the tarmac!
He’s coming down the stairs from a plane.
Excellent observation. And he doesn’t look very steady. The photo of him trying to handle a “down “ ramp might even be more appropriate.
Also tired of watching his 757 land, taxi, then taxi, take off. He loves the earned media
It's like wrestling with a pig. The pig has fun, and we just get dirty.
I am right there with you! I am so freaking sick & tired of that orange face every single time - glancing thru msn on the computer to see what "news" there is & there it is usually more than once. I'm done with it - have been done with it for six years now! Enough.
And I'm with both of y'all!!!
But look on the bright side, you didn't have to hear him! Fours years of running for the remote and the mute button.
I have my finger on the mute or fast forward buttons - period!
I respect your Trump image fatigue. But I find every aspect, every word he says, every picture of him as motivating.
I have never been so angry, so disgusted, so committed to action and his ugly evil face just sends me into more action.
Go ahead Donald, give it a shot. Because your legacy is that of the devil. You are going down, down, down to a place you deserve.
Bravo Bill for getting it. See my comment above. He’s trying to portray himself as a victim here and he’s far from that. He’s hiding behind his run for the presidency.
Agree, Bill. The images I don't like are the ones with the American flags as a backdrop. Those really irritate me!
I have a feeling Old Scratch doesn’t want the competition... 😎
Derek, That is a new one for me. Thanks.
Bill, even the Devil was a fallen angel. Dump is just a fallen a...hole and criminal. So boring, in the end. I love your comments. Keep them coming!
Add to that, his broken-record addresses to the press, "Witch hunt! Democrat malfeasance! Weaponizing the DoJ! Hunter's getting away with crimes!" Endless nonsense that too many believe is true.
Master, manipulator, substituting the conflict. This is our job: speak truth to nonsense. I know we’re all tired. Just brace up and know this is part of your civic duty.Joyce is giving you a roadmap, and all the words you need to say. Just cut and paste.
“Speak truth to nonsense” -- you just made my day. It’s Wednesday early morning in India. What a brilliant, epic, Oscar Wilde-ish epigram. Ty, Valere.
Hello to India from me!
Let's hope his followers will get sick and tired of it too and, as with any commercial we've seen way too many times, we'll try to tune it out and wish it away forever.
I quite agree! Perhaps some people like to see him looking humiliated (which he isn't) but, personally, I have seen enough of him for my lifetime. To me, he looks like a malignant toad, although I don't want to hurt any toad's feelings. I will look at images of him if he ever gets taken away wearing orange. He is right, for once, it IS a sad day for our country, but he made it so!
He is simply trying to play the role of the victim. Please do not turn away. Then he wins. Please “meet it, greet it and defeat it’ as we must do as responsible citizens. Just know that he’s manipulating as he puts his head down like a spoiled child descending the steps of his airplane. Don’t let him win.
I like to be informed, I just don't like seeing his face everywhere. That's why I read the great information that Joyce gives us. He must be defeated and I will do all I can in that effort. He is known to be afraid of steps and slipping, even hanging on to Theresa May's hand once for stability!
Something deeply psychological going on with your continued opinion but I will leave it for others to decipher. Peace.
Agree 100%. At least in the substack format, we can’t hear his voice.
He’s presenting as a victim. He is not a victim. We need to look at him as the monster he is: he had no problem sending his thugs to stop the process vote certification process outlined in the Constitution. Look at him and he use the image when you speak to your friends and neighbors.
I agree, totally.I was watching MSNBC cover the arraignment and they kept showing photo after photo after photo of him. I had to cover the screen every time his criminal face popped up.
Turn off the TV. Recoup. Reread the indictment and re-read Joyce’s brilliant words. Breathe. And know exactly who he is. He is not a victim.
Only photos I want are the chickens (two legged ones)
I concur Ray, so I have digitally repaced his image with a man in an Orange Hot Dog suit. 👌
Ray one of the media outlets even posted a picture of the bloated carcass in an article on the progress Biden and Bidenomics has made. (I can't recall which media it was I was just so disgusted at seeing yet another photo of him.
I posted a comment drawing a connection between him and Marino Faliero, who was punished for a similar crime by, in addition to his execution, having his portrait replaced by a blank black rectangle.
Absolutely … the base Cretan that he is, loves every image of himself, every word, even if an article describes him in graphically negative terms…he feeds on it, like a poop eating catfish at bottom of fish tank…
I think we DO need to see pictures like that one! But I do wish the news media wouldn't follow his every move as if he were still our president! LOVE that the magistrate pointedly called him "Mr. trump."
While I share your revulsion with most of those photos (as well as illegitimate sam alito), there are some pics that are priceless - like his hair blowing in the wind or his image with orange coveralls.
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’m two years older and I too remember staying glued to the Watergate hearings. John Dean’s testimony was the killer nail in that entire proceeding.
Yes, Armand, We are in this together."
My worry is that there are a lot of people that no longer believe this.
I suggest reading Robert Reich's 2018 book, The Common Good, to find some comfort and to remember why we are in this together and need to be.
Arthur Viens: Robert Reich -- Upon your recommendation, I read from "The Common Good" Mr. Reich's youthful work for Robert F. Kennedy, his sense of tremendous loss of public spirit starting in the 1970s, till now Trump is a symptom not a cause, through the alarming fall of Martin Shkreli in the first chapter, which drew me to buy and download the book just now on my Kindle.
I love the work of Robert Reich and thank you for this welcome invitation.
THANKS!
Armand, if you are not already, subscribe to Robert's Substack.
He is publishing a series of essays for each chapter of the book. Here the first one: https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-common-good-introduction
Also, he just retired from teaching at Berkley. He published all his lectures for his last class, he taught at Berkley: "Wealth and Poverty:" https://robertreich.substack.com/p/welcome-to-my-class
It is people like Joyce and Robert that give me hope.
Armand, here's the link to Robert's essay today for chapter 1 of The Common Good. The essay is Rudy Giuliani and Broken Windows:
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-common-good-chapter-4-exploitation?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=365422&post_id=133592314&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email
Arthur Viens. Thank you so much. As I read the long list of breakdown in the Social Compact from the Gulf of Tonkin through 2017, I remembered almost each incident; This 75-year old had watched almost the whole Sam Ervin Hearings on Watergate 50-years ago.
But even in the 1950s, I had grown up in the 1950s in a right-wing, soon John Birch family, which is the forebear of Q-Anon (they ought to join an Alcohol-Anonymous-type organization to detox them from the cult). Education in humanities, especially great American literature, literature from India, German lit from Hermann Hesse and Heinrich Bölle, and the work of Plato liberated my soul.
Once I was liberated, I felt so free. It was like throwing off a straitjacket.
All the Trump and junk I see today I lived through in the 1950s and into the 1960s before circa 1968 (at 20) my soul became free, largely thanks to the Gandhi-like Civil Rights movement.
Talk about division. My goodness, my goodness, the 50s and 60s had it.
I remember vividly the Communist scare.
My parents (good folk,, but conspiratorial -- John Birch) didn't realize, but Alger Hiss and Robert Oppenheimer became heroes to me, and they were certainly much more cultured and interesting than their red-scare deniers.
So the adolescent became free and immunized forever, never again to be fooled by the right-wing.
It is a deep sickness.
Joyce Vance is a light of reason in the heritage of the "Age of Enlightenment, The Age of Reason."
So, we can hold together and maintain this light together.
If there is anything else we can do, I will do it.
Meanwhile, I am enjoying quite well Robert Reich's "The Common Good."
THANKS!
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.
Persistence pays off!
I tried talking to a friend who is apolitical. She said, "Oh, all politicians lie." But NOT like Trump! I wanted to just shake her, but I don't think she'd listen any better. She isn't a Trump fan. She's just not interested in the magnitude of what he's done to this country.
Thank you for trying. That is such a sad stance. No one is truly apolitical. It you can’t muster informed choice, others choose for you, at which point you become subservient to them -- by choice. If that’s your gig, woe unto your consequences.
That's well put. I'll use that idea on her next time I get a chance. Thank you!
Same here. The grocery clerk, bank teller and bicycle repair person. At least it created some curiosity.
It is absolutely crazy!!!!!
We the people should be able to watch the trial in its entirety.
While I agree, my hesitation about doing this is that there would be pictures of the jury. On television. There would have to be some way to not ever show them for their safety
Unless they prevented pictures of the jury. It can be done.
Yes!
Agree!!
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.
Without a doubt.
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.
The man has amazing stamina, runs on grievance and conspiracy theories of persecution. Yes, it's exhausting, but seems to be a self stimulating loop for him, as it is for his sycophants.
It’s true. If I could order everyone around, never do laundry, cook or clean or do an honest day of gardening, I might have tons of stamina too.
I just cannot celebrate this. The only thing that matters is that he be convicted and sentenced to prison.
Exactly how I feel.
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.
It really captures it perfectly.
Liz, Thank you for your comment. I would note, though not synonymous, I always have viewed “inured” and “indifferent” as close cousins, and always have felt the opposite of, say, morality is not immorality; it’s indifference. Accordingly, because people generally don’t realize how indifferent they are, I believe part of our job, metaphorically speaking, is repeatedly to sound the alarm and say, Don’t be indifferent.
Additionally, and in keeping with your comment, I further would note, while I agree with Vance that we have a civic obligation closely to follow this latest, most egregious indictment, were we to allow it to distract us from the critical work demanded of us between now and November, 2024, we would do so at our peril.
Barbara Jo, I am good with the admiition "Don't be Indifferent" but, I have found it necessary to reference a page or better yet Paragraph number in the 'Speaking Indictment followed by a short summary to resonate with folks. It's all in there & ready for fhe Jury Room.
Bryan, Contrary to your comment which exclusively and effectively focuses on the “Speaking Indictment,” I understood Liz was sounding the alarm relative to conduct that had transpired over the 4 years of the Trump Administration. It is the people’s response to that rash of actions, now mirrored in the Speaking Indictment, wherein I drew a parallel between the terms “inured” and “indifferent.”
I loved your analysis except that I maintain that sometimes the opposite of morality is actually immorality...
.iin Trump's case for example. His narcissism would have been seen as demonic in a more superstitious time. And he may be indifferent to the suffering of others OR there may be a sadistic edge to it. The flamboyance of his actions is not indifference.
Janet, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I suppose, because the prevalence of indifference to disease, to famine, to dictators, and the like somehow is here and largely accepted, I’ve come to equate indifference (ignoring suffering) as immoral complicity. In Trump’s case, applying your words, I believe at the core of his flamboyant, sadistic, narcissism is the complete disregard for anyone’s feelings, needs, or interests except his own— in other words, indifference.
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.
To understand Murdoch, call Lynn follow the money.
"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!
Hear yr hear yr 🗳️
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.
I would rather call them fanatics or cultists.
MAGA people have become a religious cult which is going to scream,”They are crucifying our lord”.
Religious cult! You are so right!
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.
Not Joyce but I know the answer. Insurrection would require proof of state of mind to take the words out of First Amendment protection (which is what the Right and the MSM morons are cawing about). The indictment is designed to avoid that and concentrate on provable action.
No, Captain Avartar, Amendment 14, Section 3 clearly and unequivocably states "....shall have ENGAGED in insurrection...." [emphasis mine] He doesn't need to be charged, indicted, or convicted. All of us who watched in horror as a band of terrorists, incited and excited, by Trump invaded OUR Capitol building, harmed police officers trying to defend both the building and the people within the building, damaged, desecrated and caused thousands of dollars in damage - which we, taxpayers, had to pay for. You can find a copy of the Constitution on line, you can probably get just Amendment 14 if you narrow your request.
As far as I know only one person has been removed from office for his participation in the January 6th insurrection. So it can be done.
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/06/judge-calls-jan-6-an-insurrection-bars-cowboys-for-trump-founder-from-office.html