Court started in Manhattan with a bang this morning, ending days of speculation about when Judge Merchan would rule on allegations Donald Trump violated the Judge’s gag order in that case.
We need to continually remind folks of the extremist policies and outrage statements made by Trump. His threats and lies should be broadcast daily , to ensure they stay fresh in peoples's minds.
This is the most important election of my lifetime.
I'm not sure people know how close we are to losing our country.
And many straight white middle-class-and-up people didn't realize it till Trump was elected. This whole "you won't have a country anymore" thing bugs me whether it comes from Trump or from liberals who are snoozing at the wheel.
As a writer, editor, and former journalist (weekly newspaper division), I don't understand the apparently self-induced cluelessness of the "mainstream media." Don't they see the danger in both-sides-ing the First Amendment? (I gave up on the NY Times after the 2016 election but am still hanging in with the Washington Post.)
Prof Vance - THANK YOU for this update. My bet is on when will he be fitted for a jumpsuit as orange as his face!! Justice WILL PREVAIL!! Incredibly appreciative of your work - please give yourself a hug for me!!
I also think that poor Barron thought he dodged a bullet when his dad could not go. Even if you love your parents, at his age their embarrassment factor comes fully into play. Donald has got to be a perpetual embarrassment to his children who are bright enough to get that his behavior stinks. Plus on Barron's big day, his dad will be sure to suck all of the air out of the room. We All Do Better With Biden!
I imagine there have been exactly zero moments in any of his kids' lives that have been about them. Every birthday, every accomplishment, it's always been about daddy. Attending Barron's graduation cannot possibly be about Barron. I would love to see the little guy distance himself from the fanfare and become a woodworker in Vermont. Or Helsinki - Vermont might not be far enough away.
If only there was some kind of law where at a certian age a person makes their own choices. I can't imagine having "plans" for my child after high school. Support, yes, plans, no.
Exactly! If if I had imagined plans for my daughter after high school, she has her own mind and reminds me that I can give my opinion but cannot expect her to follow it, because as she puts it, "you do you, mom!" Or, "I hear what you are saying!" always said in a very respectful tone, but one that says, however I have no intention of taking your advice. Just liked to hear you give the usual old advice that I know I can count on, before doing what I want to do.
When Trump first declared his candidacy, I thought for sure his kids were embarrassed by him. Boy, was I wrong!! But Barron is more like his mom than his dad.
I wonder if, now that he's been given permission, if he'll actually attend the graduation? It'll be interesting to see if he does, since I read that he's never attended the ceremonies for his other kids.
As far as I understand he will use it as a campaigning event and not as his son's special day. Please let me know if I am wrong. Poor Barron. We All Do Better With Biden!
I have observed that family trauma trickles down. If you look at His Heinous's other sons, they have been poisoned. I think it's quite likely that Barron has been poisoned as well.
We have to keep in mind the gag order is to stop him from intimidating witnesses and the jury, and to protect court workers. That means doing what is necessary to stop these activities. If he chooses jail until the trial is over he should loose all ability to sent messages/talk to the outside world, except his attorneys. Justice may require this extreme to protect the good.
I doubt it's legal or ethical to deny a defendant the right to communicate with his family and attorneys. It's done only as administrative punishment for offenses committed in prison by convicted felons, and it's for a limited time.
Curiouser, curiouser, said Alice to the Cat. Legal? I'm not an attorney, could be. Ethical? Miss justice weighs: the powerful's right to incite violence against people they dislikes in one hand and societies interest in helping a man, who insists he wants to sit in jail, to rest his vocal cords, in the other hand. As a mother, I know how 2 year olds want mom to help them when they get out of control. I'm all for helping this lost soul... that's the ethical thing to do.
Note, when a penalty is too draconian (by whatever believable measure), one is unable to impose that penalty as often as the penalty is warranted.
It may be most effective to institute a progressive series of incarceration durations starting with as little as 1-3 hours of incarceration, but served IN the court’s jail (not Maralago!), intentionally rapidly displacing the daily post-trial tfg press conf. on the courthouse steps.
Purposes served:
1) to continue gradual but practical progressive penalty escalation,
2) while avoiding conspicuously ‘sufficient’ cause for demonstrations about ‘unfair’ & ‘extreme’ treatment that a week’s incarceration of tfg might precipitate,
3) to minimize use of case for fundraising, and,
4) to clearly and repeatedly communicate to tfg, MAGAts, and the rest of the nation’s voters, that: a) this man is a mere criminal and an unrepentant threat to ordinary Americans, & b) American law IS going to hold him to account each and every time.
This judge has impressed me at every turn. Punishment for contempt must be carefully crafted to have the maximum effectiveness, which is not necessarily to jail Treacherous-treasonous-tantruming-traitor-Trump before the end of the trial, but do whatever it takes to bring the trial to a swift and fair conclusion. To the extent that Trump is not able to follow the rules once he leaves court, and perhaps takes Adderall and gets on a manic rant on his social media, jail might be included. I am not sure that jail is what follows if he is found guilty. Does anyone know? Or, are there other options?
I fear Trump will violate the gag order again because he wants his followers to see him as a political prisoner, a martyr -- like Nelson Mandela or Dr. Martin Luther King.
But Trump won't change any minds if he writes a "Letter from a Lower Manhattan Jail." He will have violated the judge's edict only so that he can assert his "right" to bully witnesses, prosecutors and court staff.
That was never Mandela's or King's purpose, of course, but we can hardly expect Trump or his followers to know that, can we?
It's why I call Trump's 757 the Landsberg Express. Interestingly, the name of the town where that jail is located is Landsberg am Lech, meaning Landsberg on the Lech River. The word Lech works really well for Trump too, dontcha think?
It’s really hard to guess whether he wants to go to jail to embolden his base?The threat of jail might be sufficient to accomplish his goal without enduring the humiliation of actual “jail.” How about a guess that he is saving jail for October 20 when he is 8 to 10 points behind in all the battleground states plus NC and FL? Perhaps that eventuality would really test our democracy against his inspired mass violence, but we here would bet that democracy will hold and win! Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that scenario?
Trump may be able to deal with having his phone and laptop taken away, after all he can always spend his time reading the Bible and studying James Madison's notes on the Constitutional Convention. But for the love of mercy, do not take away his Big Mac and diet Pepsi! Anything but that!!!
Fay, Several weeks ago when the election interference trial with Judge Merchan presiding - during jury selection - but just beginning, Trump indeed wrote on Truth Social (his own X thing) that if the partisan hack (Judge Merchan) 'puts me in jail I will be honored to become a modern day Nelson Mandela.' [You can find copies of the original post on-line]. He was responding to being warned about making comments about Judge Merchan's daughter. He also had a campaign ad back in 2020 where he had the audacity to show pictures of MLK mixed with some of himself alluding that they had the same influence with black voters. I don't recall him making statements comparing himself to MLK, but this picture juxtaposition was intended as a comparison. And he made a pretend statement at one point (while in office as president) that MLK was a 'great man that we honored' and then trotted off to endorse some gun lobby thing (either forgetting or never knowing that MLK was killed with a gun and that Martin's widow Cora spent her entire remaining years lobbying against guns and was recognized by past presidents for her work). But so far as comparing himself to Mandela: he indeed did make that comparison (more than once), but he was mixed up and thought he was referring to Idi Amin. He knows nothing about Mandela. That would either be in the historical context that he has not read; or in the present century that he might have learned from news accounts (but obviously did not), because Trump said he would be a 'modern day Mandela' as though Mandela was not the modern day. Mandela was indeed with us in the 21st century - which would be the 'modern day' to every one but Trump. If it isn't today or yesterday and about Trump himself, obviously it does not count as 'modern day' for him He's a total insult. God forbid he doesn't compare himself to Desmond Tutu: he already has called himself the 'chosen one' (I heard this for myself on You Tube). Mandela, MLK and Desmond Tutu have all three received the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump, on the other hand, was featured in a special print issue of the Economist in October 2023 stating that he was the greatest threat to the WORLD in 2024. I have the print issue, but it is perhaps available on-line. The Economist editors felt it was such an important warning and statement to make that they made it into its own issue. I think I received three Economists that month, with an anniversary issue, regular and this 'award' for Trump. That's what we should post up on the Times Square bulletin board: the cover of the Economist issue putting us all on notice that our then-presumed Republican presidential candidate was the single greatest threat to the world. Not climate change with less than 50 years to turn carbon around. Not a third world country getting their hands on nuclear secrets. Not an epidemic such as that we had for three years. The winner was a home-grown all American orange Jesus MAGA blatherskiting, bleating, rapist, fraud. And that's what I pay my hard earned money to read. It's stunning. Why isn't Joe Biden's campaign getting some mileage from this special issue of Economist? They could flash it on a campaign ad: this is what Europe thinks of 'him.' It was the European issue, but they sent it to American subscribers , such that we needed to be informed. They're preaching to the choir: they should send it to the 75 million Republican Facebook account holders that Trump used (without the account holders' knowledge or permission) for his 2016 campaign.
Thank you Valere, I did hear him referring to himself as the "chosen one" so I shouldn't be surprised he also thinks he should be beloved to dark-skinned Americans as well despite his outright insults. I still find it hard o believe any Hispanics would support him after calling all Hispanic immigrants thieves, rapists, and drug pushers, and referring to predominantly Afro-countries as being shit-holes.
I was not aware of his reference to being a modern day Nelson Mandela - after all he referred to John McCain as a loser and sucker.
I know. He is such a total narcissist to think that he could be in the same sentence with Mandela and MLK. That’s why I threw in Desmond Tuto, so we won’t be surprised when he dominates himself for the Nobel Prize. It’s a little known fact, that that’s why some folks report on their bios that they’ve been nominated ‘x’ many times for the Nobel. One can nominate oneself and (I expect him to do that). Also, why I threw in the information about the special edition of the economist, calling him the most dangerous threat to the world in 2024. They nailed that one.
I don’t think that nomination will get any traction at all, but if it is even looked at everyone should leave Sweden and Norway in protest. We simply must defeat this hyena on November 5. I agree with you about the Hispanics support. He wishes he could deport them all. I think project 2025 is so astonishingly horrific that folks are having trouble believing the game plan - and that Trump supports it and has spent his entire time in politics trying to divide our country (I won’t allow that). Trump is racist, mysogynist, and hates LGBTQ. I have never looked at truth social, nor will I, but I have seen his postings duplicated. Hi for only watch snippets of his campaigns - just a couple of times to get a feel for What kind of attendees he has at them after hearing something outlandish and wondering ‘what people sit and listen to this drivel?’
So I looked on YouTube to catch one and that’s when I heard him say with his very own lips “I am the chosen one.“ And that was before he was officially known to have the Republican Party nomination. So he wasn’t referring to any kind of party choice: It was that nonsense about being the Orange Jesus.
That comparison totally takes the cake. He has thought of himself as the Orange Jesus for much longer than he has conjured that he’s Nobel material.
Your clarity concerning 'Contempt" Joyce and Judge Merchan's :
"the Judiciary Law does not vest the Court with authority to craft an appropriate punishment when a $1,000 fine will not achieve the intended purpose … Because this Court is not cloaked with [discretion to impose a higher fine], it must therefore consider whether in some instances, jail may be a necessary punishment.”
...could not be improved upon, but credit must also be given to Bill Bramhall's cartoon. A closespin on Lady Liberty's nose is apt protection when the former president is in the vicinity. Brava and Bravo to all!
Dear Joyce, I do not know whether you are familiar with the Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD). I have taken the liberty of introducing the organization to readers of Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance. I hope this intrusion on my part will be acceptable to you.
Fern
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
May 1 marks the annual observance of Law Day, to recognize and celebrate the rule of law. As bar associations around the country undertake Law Day programming, lawyers should consider how they can engage to protect our democratic institutions. Today, our executive director will be a featured presenter at a webinar sponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association: Lawyers Defending Democracy. To join this event, you may register via this link.
We are delighted to share a Boston Globe interview with our treasurer and board member, R. Kelly Sheridan, about his work with LDAD: One Rhode Islander’s role in defending American democracy. LDAD is grateful for Kelly’s expressed passion for our work, and his many contributions to this organization.
In the face of ongoing attacks on the integrity of elections, it is critical that we support election workers and the voting process. Our former board member, retired Massachusetts Appeals Court Judge James McHugh, wrote about the development of a set of common ethical principles for election administrators: Restoring Confidence in Elections: The ALI’s Timely Statement on Ethical Standards.
LDAD’s unrelenting efforts are dependent upon your financial support. We are launching a spring fundraising drive to ensure we have the revenues we need to continue our work. Please support LDAD as we respond to the extraordinary challenges ahead by donating here.
We are grateful for your support and your commitment to democracy.
Fraud Donald Trump on Tuesday railed against the gag order he’s under in his New York criminal hush money trial after being fined for violations….
“This Judge has taken away my Constitutional Right to FREE SPEECH. I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED. This whole “Trial” is RIGGED, and by taking away my FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THIS HIGHLY CONFLICTED JUDGE IS RIGGING THE PRESIDENTIAL OF 2024 ELECTION. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Let’s all remind Fraud Trump that he has and had the right not to commit crimes!!!
To avoid Trump’s apparent desire to appear as a martyr in jail, is it possible for the judge to order home confinement under guard with no access to social media (something he would not have in jail)? That would also be easier on the Secret Service.
In the beginning of trump's original political campaign, he publicly spewed lie after lie and journalists and public figures were too afraid to say out loud that he had lied. Anyone reporting on him was careful to avoid saying what we all had clearly heard and knew - that he had lied. Now it's nothing for the public media to say trump's a liar. We've seen him finally get indicted and appear as a defendant. As time continues to pass, we've now seen grand juries and trial juries of regular people hold him accountable and penalize him bigly.
I think judges are being overly cautious with his jail-worthy theatrics, because they're on the frontline of another "first" experience - incarcerating (for lack of a better title) a former "president". There's no manual for the novel details that'll confront that judge and the jail when it comes up - just make the warnings clear and let the chips fall as they may when they have to inevitably incarcerate him. Once we get past the first time, I'm sure all the other judges won't feel the need to be as indulgent. He'll need the practice, too, for the 91 charges he's earned. He can be the Rick Steves of federal and state prisons.
Like Tom Petty sang, "the waiting is the hardest part".
Yes, it was maddening and scary that no one would call his rantings the lies that they were. I wonder what they thought would happen to them if they used the word "lie"? But we've blown past that point, thankfully. So now, he just has to have his first incarceration and for the affected jails and prisons to develop their procedures and put them into action. The next ones after that won't be as difficult for all the parties involved. The issue of trump's Secret Service protection causing an issue with his being incarcerated has been thoughtfully dealt with by Rep. Bennie Thompson, former Chairman of the House's Jan 6th Committee, in H.R. 8081, take a look: https://democrats-homeland.house.gov/imo/media/doc/disgraced_former_protectees_act_factsheet1.pdf
:"If he continues to violate from this point on, after the Judge has already imposed the maximum fine authorized by law, Trump will have amply demonstrated that there is no available sanction short of incarceration, even for a brief time, that is available to enforce the gag order. The Judge has now issued every conceivable warning.
But it was satisfying to see the Judge’s written order, which addressed the inadequacy of the fine head-on. That section alone made it worth the wait. The order also puts the spotlight on the contempt hearing scheduled for Thursday on allegations raised by the People after the first hearing. Trump seems to have backed off since that took place, and for the Judge, this is probably the best of all possible worlds."
Time will tell if this works. Was his $175 million real or just a promise? If he is jailed, how long do you believe he will be there? A day, before another court releases him. And if he is jailed, will they put him in with the general population or a cell away from the other inmates?
To think this will be a punishment that trump will regret, I just do not believe it. They will do everything to get him out. Phone call for Justice Alito!
Hope you are right and this does not become another trump carnival.
Bill the New York State Courts are not under the Supreme Court's supervision. Only Federal Courts, so no rescue from any of the traitorous 5. in court, county or city jail I believe they will take away his phone. His inability to text any threats, lies, or whines, will be more punishment than his ego can stand
A sideshow in our ongoing political circus which the rest of the male world watches until they cannot resist the temptation to soil their hands again with the blood of women and children.
Men who rule must be put in their place which, insofar as the mess they have consistently made throughout world history, is far from the seats of political control.
The most recent attempts by Republican and male controlled state legislatures to further control women's bodies are clear examples of how little many, if not most men, have advanced since their invention of religion.
If they insist on preaching their gospel of inequality while scraping their knuckles and dragging unwilling women behind them they should be sent to the corner wearing a dunce cap.
It reeks to me of the jealousy of the male, who, unable to recreate himself due to his biology, feels it's his right to appropriate the bodies of those who can.
I think castration would take care of this testosterone-induced mania.
Actual physical removal of the offending body part might be unpopular, so a chemical implant, such as women now find necessary, would be an acceptable alternative.
Speaking of contempt, I suggest anyone who actually cares about their country --- whichever side of the political aisle you prefer --- read Trump's chilling TIME Magazine interview with National Politics Reporter Eric Cortellessa, on Trump's agenda for a second term. (https://time.com/6972022/donald-trump-transcript-2024-election/) Tell me afterward you did not somehow hear the echo of goose stepping hobnail boots and see the flickering shadows of a thousand torches. It is not Orange 1 we should actually fear. He would be too busy posturing and once again enriching himself. It is the Himmlers. the Eichmanns and the Görings around him who should alarm us. He has told us who he is. Believe him.
This is a small observation compared to the enormity of Trump's malfeasances, but the juvenile and vulgar quality of Michael Cohen's post is such a clear example of the tawdry mentality of Trump's prior team. That this person was the face of America to world leaders from Queen Elizabeth to the Pope is an embarrassment that will linger. And Cohen doesn't even have the sense to shut up, even temporarily, and avoid doing further damage to his credibility. I don't follow Cohen--just followed the link Professor Vance provided--and having seen it, I surely will not in the future.
Silence is often golden. But MC has been unabashedly present in the media telling his side ever since he was released from prison. One might readily believe he seeks vendetta. Trying to understand his sleazy posts or comments from his point of view, I think he has a right to be pissed that he went to jail for doing his boss's dirty work and that the boss was charged as a co-conspiritor, but not indicted. Add to that the fact that AG Barr put political pressure on the US Attorney for the southern district of NY to not pursue the case against boss Trump and tried to force him to resign in addition. MC is undoubtedly pretty angry about how things played out. Anger sometimes makes people do stupid stuff, but I think he has a right to feel this anger.
Anger, fine. But name calling via vulgarity doesn't stack up to a simple statement of "I was wrong for doing it, and I've been abandoned by the very person I did it for." Excusing name calling (and calling those who object to it "snowflakes") is one of the reasons that we are spinning our wheels in addressing our nation's problems--it drives us farther from the truth and ability to find truth with every utterance.
Michael Cohen is really pressing his luck in this trial, but tbh, "Von ShitzInPantz" won the internets today, hands down! I can well imagine this name will be the rage on Wonkette, Jeff Tiedrich, et al, and will enjoy a suitable run before being succeeded by something even more raunchy. Hey, as KEM said, this is tRump's world, his players, and his rules.
At least Cohen didn’t fall on his sword for Donald J Trump, like, for example, Allen Weisselberg. Cohen has the opportunity to be this generation’s John Dean. I expect his testimony to be compelling.
It would be more compelling if his statements didn't open the door for the defense to point out that his attitude towards Trump is incensed. As someone else pointed out, he is vengeful, and I expect that combining vengefulness with prior convictions for lying will cast reasonable doubt on his testimony.
Fact is, any testimony from Cohen the defense attempts to impugn is backed up by documentary evidence and corroborated by other witnesses. Sure, the prosecution would prefer he keep his mouth shut, but it really shouldn't affect its case to any degree.
Because Trump did not stipulate to the authenticity of a C-SPAN video exhibit of Trump praising Michael Cohen, the Prosecution brought a decades long C-Span archivist [ ROBERT BROWNING] to the stand this morning to prove-up the validity of the Video including date & time of the original broadcast with no edits which will serve to corroborate Cohen's context testimony.
I expect Cohen to be the 2nd to last witness or to testify even earlier depending on courtroom developments. The Prosecution will want to end with a credible bang to secure "recency" in the jury's minds.
The jury, not lawyers, will reach the verdict, and so far the corroborating documents and witnesses seem to have some rather significant gaps. The central player is still Cohen.
Trump repeated the Courtroom gaffe by refusing to stipulate to the authenticity of an October 22, deposition transcript in the E. Jean Carroll case.
So ... the Prosecution called PHILLIP THOMPSON to the stand. Phillip works for the publisher of the the E. Jean Carroll deposition transcript.
You may have guessed the result. The October E. Jean Carroll case contained "the infamous "Access Holly tape" as an exhibit. Ouch. Hat tip to Axios.🎯
Yes, the "Access Hollywood" dialog has now been read to the Jury meeting the specific terms of one of Judge Merchan's Pre-trial orders. Big Ouch! Hat tip experienced litigator, Lisa Rubin, who was at the Trial.
And those gaps being, in your opinion? Are you sure we're getting our information about the trial from the same sources ? We have seen only the tip of what is likely an "iceberg" of evidence. Cohen was the primary accomplice in the scheme. Under NY law, his testimony alone is not enough to convict; there must be sufficient corroborating evidence. Not something the DA would be likely to overlook. The only real issue facing the prosecution is proving the necessary actual predicate crime(s) (violation of federal and/or state election law(s} and/or tax fraud) and we're nowhere near that point in the trial.
I did refer to the evidence "so far" and I have no doubt there is more to come. My news sources are reputable, thanks. But thinking as a jurist looking for "beyond a reasonable doubt," there are holes. Just one example, the statement that the accounts were set up to hide money from Cohen's wife could be construed as valid.
Joyce -- I feel seriously fortunate to have read your comments tonight -- in your classy legal translation for us "civilians". I don't feel a need to throw in my own comments and feelings because I do not want to overshadow in any way the wonderful writing you have done for us subscribers, who are searching daily for any hint of optimism to our collective dread of this campaign season and the event of participating in our beloved country's election in November.
Thanks does not seem sufficient, Joyce, but I surely send mine to you whole-heartedly tonight.
I've long been "not a juror." When I got so far as being voir dired once, telling them that in 40 years (then) I had yet to be served or protected by the LAPD (still haven't been) and wouldn't believe a member of the department if they told me it was that day and hour, the ADA was happy to have me excused for cause.
Prof. Vance, please consider posting a link to documents you cite. Even a former Asst DA such as myself can sometimes have trouble finding them on line. When I do, I share with my friends and former classmates and colleagues, and post to YouTube channels such as Glenn Kirschner’s etc.
Thank you Joyce for the update.
A sad commentary indeed.
We need to continually remind folks of the extremist policies and outrage statements made by Trump. His threats and lies should be broadcast daily , to ensure they stay fresh in peoples's minds.
This is the most important election of my lifetime.
I'm not sure people know how close we are to losing our country.
Per our recent historical review by HCR, we have been losing it since cowboy reagan took the reins.
But the war is not over.
And many straight white middle-class-and-up people didn't realize it till Trump was elected. This whole "you won't have a country anymore" thing bugs me whether it comes from Trump or from liberals who are snoozing at the wheel.
Thank the media for a $2,000,000,000 gift to Trump in free advertising while creating a close race. Now they are repeating the same situation.
If Trump is re-elected watch how the media howls in protest. Not to worry. Trump will destroy any media that is critical of him or his policies.
Be warned….
As a writer, editor, and former journalist (weekly newspaper division), I don't understand the apparently self-induced cluelessness of the "mainstream media." Don't they see the danger in both-sides-ing the First Amendment? (I gave up on the NY Times after the 2016 election but am still hanging in with the Washington Post.)
Yup, wake up america!
Prof Vance - THANK YOU for this update. My bet is on when will he be fitted for a jumpsuit as orange as his face!! Justice WILL PREVAIL!! Incredibly appreciative of your work - please give yourself a hug for me!!
I'm almost ashamed at how thrilled I was when I read the judges order today.
To finally have trump treated like anyone else would be is refreshing.
This is a small slap on the wrist, but it lines the judge up to jail trump if he can't or won't comply.
I doubt many criminal defendants would get to go to their child’s graduation when charged with felonies.
I also think that poor Barron thought he dodged a bullet when his dad could not go. Even if you love your parents, at his age their embarrassment factor comes fully into play. Donald has got to be a perpetual embarrassment to his children who are bright enough to get that his behavior stinks. Plus on Barron's big day, his dad will be sure to suck all of the air out of the room. We All Do Better With Biden!
I'll bet Melania would rather her husband not attend. It's going to be a circus.
I imagine there have been exactly zero moments in any of his kids' lives that have been about them. Every birthday, every accomplishment, it's always been about daddy. Attending Barron's graduation cannot possibly be about Barron. I would love to see the little guy distance himself from the fanfare and become a woodworker in Vermont. Or Helsinki - Vermont might not be far enough away.
That does not sound like what Melania has planned for him, but I agree that getting as far away from that family can only be good for him.
If only there was some kind of law where at a certian age a person makes their own choices. I can't imagine having "plans" for my child after high school. Support, yes, plans, no.
Exactly! If if I had imagined plans for my daughter after high school, she has her own mind and reminds me that I can give my opinion but cannot expect her to follow it, because as she puts it, "you do you, mom!" Or, "I hear what you are saying!" always said in a very respectful tone, but one that says, however I have no intention of taking your advice. Just liked to hear you give the usual old advice that I know I can count on, before doing what I want to do.
When Trump first declared his candidacy, I thought for sure his kids were embarrassed by him. Boy, was I wrong!! But Barron is more like his mom than his dad.
Not so sure Barron is Trump’s biological son. Ivanka’s children are 100% Trump DNA.
Does it matter?
I am replying to your saying Barron may not be Trump's bio child. Does it matter?
I wonder if, now that he's been given permission, if he'll actually attend the graduation? It'll be interesting to see if he does, since I read that he's never attended the ceremonies for his other kids.
He's cornered himself. Acting a caring person, he's got to follow through. Count on him using the occasion.
Does he even remember what his son looks like?
That was my first thought.
I suspect he has to go. Maybe, unless sick and under a doctors care. I doubt he can use the day for a different purpose.
He more likely will schedule a rally.
And Barron is much taller and slimmer than Trump -- I can't imagine he likes it that his son towers over him. Petty I know ... but hey.
= Melania + NBA player?
It will be his first time so it's very special to orangetan.
As far as I understand he will use it as a campaigning event and not as his son's special day. Please let me know if I am wrong. Poor Barron. We All Do Better With Biden!
I wonder if he will actually go -- or play a round of golf instead. I wonder how Barron feels about his father too.
I have observed that family trauma trickles down. If you look at His Heinous's other sons, they have been poisoned. I think it's quite likely that Barron has been poisoned as well.
KL Pierce - Thank You. I agree
We have to keep in mind the gag order is to stop him from intimidating witnesses and the jury, and to protect court workers. That means doing what is necessary to stop these activities. If he chooses jail until the trial is over he should loose all ability to sent messages/talk to the outside world, except his attorneys. Justice may require this extreme to protect the good.
I doubt it's legal or ethical to deny a defendant the right to communicate with his family and attorneys. It's done only as administrative punishment for offenses committed in prison by convicted felons, and it's for a limited time.
Curiouser, curiouser, said Alice to the Cat. Legal? I'm not an attorney, could be. Ethical? Miss justice weighs: the powerful's right to incite violence against people they dislikes in one hand and societies interest in helping a man, who insists he wants to sit in jail, to rest his vocal cords, in the other hand. As a mother, I know how 2 year olds want mom to help them when they get out of control. I'm all for helping this lost soul... that's the ethical thing to do.
Yours not alone! I don't feel shame though... I feel jubilation!
Same here.
Note, when a penalty is too draconian (by whatever believable measure), one is unable to impose that penalty as often as the penalty is warranted.
It may be most effective to institute a progressive series of incarceration durations starting with as little as 1-3 hours of incarceration, but served IN the court’s jail (not Maralago!), intentionally rapidly displacing the daily post-trial tfg press conf. on the courthouse steps.
Purposes served:
1) to continue gradual but practical progressive penalty escalation,
2) while avoiding conspicuously ‘sufficient’ cause for demonstrations about ‘unfair’ & ‘extreme’ treatment that a week’s incarceration of tfg might precipitate,
3) to minimize use of case for fundraising, and,
4) to clearly and repeatedly communicate to tfg, MAGAts, and the rest of the nation’s voters, that: a) this man is a mere criminal and an unrepentant threat to ordinary Americans, & b) American law IS going to hold him to account each and every time.
I wasn't thrilled. I was disappointed that Trump didn't get at least one day in jail.
This judge has impressed me at every turn. Punishment for contempt must be carefully crafted to have the maximum effectiveness, which is not necessarily to jail Treacherous-treasonous-tantruming-traitor-Trump before the end of the trial, but do whatever it takes to bring the trial to a swift and fair conclusion. To the extent that Trump is not able to follow the rules once he leaves court, and perhaps takes Adderall and gets on a manic rant on his social media, jail might be included. I am not sure that jail is what follows if he is found guilty. Does anyone know? Or, are there other options?
"To finally have trump treated like anyone else would be is refreshing."
I seriously doubt the "rest of us" would have been treated with such "gentle kid gloves" as Trump has been treated!!
I fear Trump will violate the gag order again because he wants his followers to see him as a political prisoner, a martyr -- like Nelson Mandela or Dr. Martin Luther King.
But Trump won't change any minds if he writes a "Letter from a Lower Manhattan Jail." He will have violated the judge's edict only so that he can assert his "right" to bully witnesses, prosecutors and court staff.
That was never Mandela's or King's purpose, of course, but we can hardly expect Trump or his followers to know that, can we?
Mandela and King are not Trump‘s role models for writing from jail. Try Hitler and Mein Kampf.
True. Which of these is not like the other?
Mandela; King; Trump.
It's why I call Trump's 757 the Landsberg Express. Interestingly, the name of the town where that jail is located is Landsberg am Lech, meaning Landsberg on the Lech River. The word Lech works really well for Trump too, dontcha think?
It’s really hard to guess whether he wants to go to jail to embolden his base?The threat of jail might be sufficient to accomplish his goal without enduring the humiliation of actual “jail.” How about a guess that he is saving jail for October 20 when he is 8 to 10 points behind in all the battleground states plus NC and FL? Perhaps that eventuality would really test our democracy against his inspired mass violence, but we here would bet that democracy will hold and win! Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that scenario?
More gun owners are Democrats and Independents. Just saying.
True Ira!
If he’s jailed and he continues to violate the narrow gag rule, maybe he’ll be held even longer.
They could take away his phone and laptop
Trump may be able to deal with having his phone and laptop taken away, after all he can always spend his time reading the Bible and studying James Madison's notes on the Constitutional Convention. But for the love of mercy, do not take away his Big Mac and diet Pepsi! Anything but that!!!
I believe they will if he's in jail, they do in California.
That would really put him over the edge...if we are lucky maybe he will implode!!
30 days per violation can quickly add up. If NY jails him then we won’t have to feed him here in GA.
I don’t think Trump likes grits.
Another sign of his inferior palate; I *love* good grits! NO sugar please 😑
We should be so lucky!
I doubt, Trump would ever compare himself to Mandela or Dr. King, their skin was too dark and they were both way too intelligent for trump to admire.
And you would be wrong. See this free article from WaPo, dated April 6, 2024.
https://wapo.st/3UiHdkN
You're entitled to believe that if you want - I don't.
Fay, Several weeks ago when the election interference trial with Judge Merchan presiding - during jury selection - but just beginning, Trump indeed wrote on Truth Social (his own X thing) that if the partisan hack (Judge Merchan) 'puts me in jail I will be honored to become a modern day Nelson Mandela.' [You can find copies of the original post on-line]. He was responding to being warned about making comments about Judge Merchan's daughter. He also had a campaign ad back in 2020 where he had the audacity to show pictures of MLK mixed with some of himself alluding that they had the same influence with black voters. I don't recall him making statements comparing himself to MLK, but this picture juxtaposition was intended as a comparison. And he made a pretend statement at one point (while in office as president) that MLK was a 'great man that we honored' and then trotted off to endorse some gun lobby thing (either forgetting or never knowing that MLK was killed with a gun and that Martin's widow Cora spent her entire remaining years lobbying against guns and was recognized by past presidents for her work). But so far as comparing himself to Mandela: he indeed did make that comparison (more than once), but he was mixed up and thought he was referring to Idi Amin. He knows nothing about Mandela. That would either be in the historical context that he has not read; or in the present century that he might have learned from news accounts (but obviously did not), because Trump said he would be a 'modern day Mandela' as though Mandela was not the modern day. Mandela was indeed with us in the 21st century - which would be the 'modern day' to every one but Trump. If it isn't today or yesterday and about Trump himself, obviously it does not count as 'modern day' for him He's a total insult. God forbid he doesn't compare himself to Desmond Tutu: he already has called himself the 'chosen one' (I heard this for myself on You Tube). Mandela, MLK and Desmond Tutu have all three received the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump, on the other hand, was featured in a special print issue of the Economist in October 2023 stating that he was the greatest threat to the WORLD in 2024. I have the print issue, but it is perhaps available on-line. The Economist editors felt it was such an important warning and statement to make that they made it into its own issue. I think I received three Economists that month, with an anniversary issue, regular and this 'award' for Trump. That's what we should post up on the Times Square bulletin board: the cover of the Economist issue putting us all on notice that our then-presumed Republican presidential candidate was the single greatest threat to the world. Not climate change with less than 50 years to turn carbon around. Not a third world country getting their hands on nuclear secrets. Not an epidemic such as that we had for three years. The winner was a home-grown all American orange Jesus MAGA blatherskiting, bleating, rapist, fraud. And that's what I pay my hard earned money to read. It's stunning. Why isn't Joe Biden's campaign getting some mileage from this special issue of Economist? They could flash it on a campaign ad: this is what Europe thinks of 'him.' It was the European issue, but they sent it to American subscribers , such that we needed to be informed. They're preaching to the choir: they should send it to the 75 million Republican Facebook account holders that Trump used (without the account holders' knowledge or permission) for his 2016 campaign.
Thank you Valere, I did hear him referring to himself as the "chosen one" so I shouldn't be surprised he also thinks he should be beloved to dark-skinned Americans as well despite his outright insults. I still find it hard o believe any Hispanics would support him after calling all Hispanic immigrants thieves, rapists, and drug pushers, and referring to predominantly Afro-countries as being shit-holes.
I was not aware of his reference to being a modern day Nelson Mandela - after all he referred to John McCain as a loser and sucker.
My apologies and thank you for enlightening me.
Hi Fay,
I know. He is such a total narcissist to think that he could be in the same sentence with Mandela and MLK. That’s why I threw in Desmond Tuto, so we won’t be surprised when he dominates himself for the Nobel Prize. It’s a little known fact, that that’s why some folks report on their bios that they’ve been nominated ‘x’ many times for the Nobel. One can nominate oneself and (I expect him to do that). Also, why I threw in the information about the special edition of the economist, calling him the most dangerous threat to the world in 2024. They nailed that one.
I don’t think that nomination will get any traction at all, but if it is even looked at everyone should leave Sweden and Norway in protest. We simply must defeat this hyena on November 5. I agree with you about the Hispanics support. He wishes he could deport them all. I think project 2025 is so astonishingly horrific that folks are having trouble believing the game plan - and that Trump supports it and has spent his entire time in politics trying to divide our country (I won’t allow that). Trump is racist, mysogynist, and hates LGBTQ. I have never looked at truth social, nor will I, but I have seen his postings duplicated. Hi for only watch snippets of his campaigns - just a couple of times to get a feel for What kind of attendees he has at them after hearing something outlandish and wondering ‘what people sit and listen to this drivel?’
So I looked on YouTube to catch one and that’s when I heard him say with his very own lips “I am the chosen one.“ And that was before he was officially known to have the Republican Party nomination. So he wasn’t referring to any kind of party choice: It was that nonsense about being the Orange Jesus.
That comparison totally takes the cake. He has thought of himself as the Orange Jesus for much longer than he has conjured that he’s Nobel material.
Your clarity concerning 'Contempt" Joyce and Judge Merchan's :
"the Judiciary Law does not vest the Court with authority to craft an appropriate punishment when a $1,000 fine will not achieve the intended purpose … Because this Court is not cloaked with [discretion to impose a higher fine], it must therefore consider whether in some instances, jail may be a necessary punishment.”
...could not be improved upon, but credit must also be given to Bill Bramhall's cartoon. A closespin on Lady Liberty's nose is apt protection when the former president is in the vicinity. Brava and Bravo to all!
Dear Joyce, I do not know whether you are familiar with the Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD). I have taken the liberty of introducing the organization to readers of Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance. I hope this intrusion on my part will be acceptable to you.
Fern
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
May 1 marks the annual observance of Law Day, to recognize and celebrate the rule of law. As bar associations around the country undertake Law Day programming, lawyers should consider how they can engage to protect our democratic institutions. Today, our executive director will be a featured presenter at a webinar sponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association: Lawyers Defending Democracy. To join this event, you may register via this link.
https://ldad.org/
We are delighted to share a Boston Globe interview with our treasurer and board member, R. Kelly Sheridan, about his work with LDAD: One Rhode Islander’s role in defending American democracy. LDAD is grateful for Kelly’s expressed passion for our work, and his many contributions to this organization.
https://ldad.org/about
In the face of ongoing attacks on the integrity of elections, it is critical that we support election workers and the voting process. Our former board member, retired Massachusetts Appeals Court Judge James McHugh, wrote about the development of a set of common ethical principles for election administrators: Restoring Confidence in Elections: The ALI’s Timely Statement on Ethical Standards.
LDAD’s unrelenting efforts are dependent upon your financial support. We are launching a spring fundraising drive to ensure we have the revenues we need to continue our work. Please support LDAD as we respond to the extraordinary challenges ahead by donating here.
We are grateful for your support and your commitment to democracy.
https://ldad.org/about
Lawyers Defending American Democracy
Thank you for info re: Lawyers Defending Democracy.
I just now signed up for their newsletter.
We are indeed all in this together!
Thank you, doc. We have a long and crucial journey together!
Brilliant, Fern!
Hmm. I would like to frame Bill Bramhall’s cartoon.
I'm sure he would be happy that you do!! Cheers, doc!
Fraud Donald Trump on Tuesday railed against the gag order he’s under in his New York criminal hush money trial after being fined for violations….
“This Judge has taken away my Constitutional Right to FREE SPEECH. I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED. This whole “Trial” is RIGGED, and by taking away my FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THIS HIGHLY CONFLICTED JUDGE IS RIGGING THE PRESIDENTIAL OF 2024 ELECTION. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Let’s all remind Fraud Trump that he has and had the right not to commit crimes!!!
We can also remind his supporters that
“I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED”
is a direct quote from the only Presidential Candidate in History who NEEDS to be GAGGED.
To avoid Trump’s apparent desire to appear as a martyr in jail, is it possible for the judge to order home confinement under guard with no access to social media (something he would not have in jail)? That would also be easier on the Secret Service.
And no golf!
My dream is that he'll be sentenced to a Club Fed (I don't see any way around this) but it will be within sight of a golf course.....
Even worse, his job, wearing black-and-white unis: learning golf cart repair. Changing tires and motor oil, sewing torn canopies.
(As I am not a golfer, I have only a vague concept of these carts)
In the beginning of trump's original political campaign, he publicly spewed lie after lie and journalists and public figures were too afraid to say out loud that he had lied. Anyone reporting on him was careful to avoid saying what we all had clearly heard and knew - that he had lied. Now it's nothing for the public media to say trump's a liar. We've seen him finally get indicted and appear as a defendant. As time continues to pass, we've now seen grand juries and trial juries of regular people hold him accountable and penalize him bigly.
I think judges are being overly cautious with his jail-worthy theatrics, because they're on the frontline of another "first" experience - incarcerating (for lack of a better title) a former "president". There's no manual for the novel details that'll confront that judge and the jail when it comes up - just make the warnings clear and let the chips fall as they may when they have to inevitably incarcerate him. Once we get past the first time, I'm sure all the other judges won't feel the need to be as indulgent. He'll need the practice, too, for the 91 charges he's earned. He can be the Rick Steves of federal and state prisons.
Like Tom Petty sang, "the waiting is the hardest part".
My observation, as I watched and waited impatiently, was that it was about 2yrs before "liar" finally appeared in MSM coverage. Shameful performance.
Yes, it was maddening and scary that no one would call his rantings the lies that they were. I wonder what they thought would happen to them if they used the word "lie"? But we've blown past that point, thankfully. So now, he just has to have his first incarceration and for the affected jails and prisons to develop their procedures and put them into action. The next ones after that won't be as difficult for all the parties involved. The issue of trump's Secret Service protection causing an issue with his being incarcerated has been thoughtfully dealt with by Rep. Bennie Thompson, former Chairman of the House's Jan 6th Committee, in H.R. 8081, take a look: https://democrats-homeland.house.gov/imo/media/doc/disgraced_former_protectees_act_factsheet1.pdf
Joyce:
:"If he continues to violate from this point on, after the Judge has already imposed the maximum fine authorized by law, Trump will have amply demonstrated that there is no available sanction short of incarceration, even for a brief time, that is available to enforce the gag order. The Judge has now issued every conceivable warning.
But it was satisfying to see the Judge’s written order, which addressed the inadequacy of the fine head-on. That section alone made it worth the wait. The order also puts the spotlight on the contempt hearing scheduled for Thursday on allegations raised by the People after the first hearing. Trump seems to have backed off since that took place, and for the Judge, this is probably the best of all possible worlds."
Time will tell if this works. Was his $175 million real or just a promise? If he is jailed, how long do you believe he will be there? A day, before another court releases him. And if he is jailed, will they put him in with the general population or a cell away from the other inmates?
To think this will be a punishment that trump will regret, I just do not believe it. They will do everything to get him out. Phone call for Justice Alito!
Hope you are right and this does not become another trump carnival.
Bill the New York State Courts are not under the Supreme Court's supervision. Only Federal Courts, so no rescue from any of the traitorous 5. in court, county or city jail I believe they will take away his phone. His inability to text any threats, lies, or whines, will be more punishment than his ego can stand
A sideshow in our ongoing political circus which the rest of the male world watches until they cannot resist the temptation to soil their hands again with the blood of women and children.
Men who rule must be put in their place which, insofar as the mess they have consistently made throughout world history, is far from the seats of political control.
The most recent attempts by Republican and male controlled state legislatures to further control women's bodies are clear examples of how little many, if not most men, have advanced since their invention of religion.
If they insist on preaching their gospel of inequality while scraping their knuckles and dragging unwilling women behind them they should be sent to the corner wearing a dunce cap.
It reeks to me of the jealousy of the male, who, unable to recreate himself due to his biology, feels it's his right to appropriate the bodies of those who can.
I think castration would take care of this testosterone-induced mania.
Actual physical removal of the offending body part might be unpopular, so a chemical implant, such as women now find necessary, would be an acceptable alternative.
Jen, "a chemical implant, such as women now find necessary"
Wow, this is a brilliant observation. Thank you.
Isn't it exactly the same thing? Women wouldn't have birth control problems if we just dealt with all the males.
We do it with dogs. We definitely do it for exactly this reason with horses.
A contemnor - a person who has been held in contempt in a court of law. Because he can’t stand hearing the truth spoken or, in this case, revealed.
And the man was President. Unbelievable…..
Weeeell, he was an accident produced by the Electoral College. That's how I see him.
And Comey and russian assistance.
Accident? I think Vlad would disagree…
No he wasn't. I refuse to accept that. Maybe we'll figure out how to repudiate, legally, an inappropriate presidency.
Speaking of contempt, I suggest anyone who actually cares about their country --- whichever side of the political aisle you prefer --- read Trump's chilling TIME Magazine interview with National Politics Reporter Eric Cortellessa, on Trump's agenda for a second term. (https://time.com/6972022/donald-trump-transcript-2024-election/) Tell me afterward you did not somehow hear the echo of goose stepping hobnail boots and see the flickering shadows of a thousand torches. It is not Orange 1 we should actually fear. He would be too busy posturing and once again enriching himself. It is the Himmlers. the Eichmanns and the Görings around him who should alarm us. He has told us who he is. Believe him.
“He has told us who he is. Believe him.”
And then try to communicate this threat to others...
It was chilling....very.
This is a small observation compared to the enormity of Trump's malfeasances, but the juvenile and vulgar quality of Michael Cohen's post is such a clear example of the tawdry mentality of Trump's prior team. That this person was the face of America to world leaders from Queen Elizabeth to the Pope is an embarrassment that will linger. And Cohen doesn't even have the sense to shut up, even temporarily, and avoid doing further damage to his credibility. I don't follow Cohen--just followed the link Professor Vance provided--and having seen it, I surely will not in the future.
Silence is often golden. But MC has been unabashedly present in the media telling his side ever since he was released from prison. One might readily believe he seeks vendetta. Trying to understand his sleazy posts or comments from his point of view, I think he has a right to be pissed that he went to jail for doing his boss's dirty work and that the boss was charged as a co-conspiritor, but not indicted. Add to that the fact that AG Barr put political pressure on the US Attorney for the southern district of NY to not pursue the case against boss Trump and tried to force him to resign in addition. MC is undoubtedly pretty angry about how things played out. Anger sometimes makes people do stupid stuff, but I think he has a right to feel this anger.
Anger, fine. But name calling via vulgarity doesn't stack up to a simple statement of "I was wrong for doing it, and I've been abandoned by the very person I did it for." Excusing name calling (and calling those who object to it "snowflakes") is one of the reasons that we are spinning our wheels in addressing our nation's problems--it drives us farther from the truth and ability to find truth with every utterance.
Michael Cohen is really pressing his luck in this trial, but tbh, "Von ShitzInPantz" won the internets today, hands down! I can well imagine this name will be the rage on Wonkette, Jeff Tiedrich, et al, and will enjoy a suitable run before being succeeded by something even more raunchy. Hey, as KEM said, this is tRump's world, his players, and his rules.
I believe that Jeff Tiedrich coined that name. I've certainly seen it before.
At least Cohen didn’t fall on his sword for Donald J Trump, like, for example, Allen Weisselberg. Cohen has the opportunity to be this generation’s John Dean. I expect his testimony to be compelling.
It would be more compelling if his statements didn't open the door for the defense to point out that his attitude towards Trump is incensed. As someone else pointed out, he is vengeful, and I expect that combining vengefulness with prior convictions for lying will cast reasonable doubt on his testimony.
Fact is, any testimony from Cohen the defense attempts to impugn is backed up by documentary evidence and corroborated by other witnesses. Sure, the prosecution would prefer he keep his mouth shut, but it really shouldn't affect its case to any degree.
Because Trump did not stipulate to the authenticity of a C-SPAN video exhibit of Trump praising Michael Cohen, the Prosecution brought a decades long C-Span archivist [ ROBERT BROWNING] to the stand this morning to prove-up the validity of the Video including date & time of the original broadcast with no edits which will serve to corroborate Cohen's context testimony.
I expect Cohen to be the 2nd to last witness or to testify even earlier depending on courtroom developments. The Prosecution will want to end with a credible bang to secure "recency" in the jury's minds.
Thanks, this is great.
The jury, not lawyers, will reach the verdict, and so far the corroborating documents and witnesses seem to have some rather significant gaps. The central player is still Cohen.
Trump repeated the Courtroom gaffe by refusing to stipulate to the authenticity of an October 22, deposition transcript in the E. Jean Carroll case.
So ... the Prosecution called PHILLIP THOMPSON to the stand. Phillip works for the publisher of the the E. Jean Carroll deposition transcript.
You may have guessed the result. The October E. Jean Carroll case contained "the infamous "Access Holly tape" as an exhibit. Ouch. Hat tip to Axios.🎯
Yes, the "Access Hollywood" dialog has now been read to the Jury meeting the specific terms of one of Judge Merchan's Pre-trial orders. Big Ouch! Hat tip experienced litigator, Lisa Rubin, who was at the Trial.
Question. Who wrote the Perry Mason scripts?
And those gaps being, in your opinion? Are you sure we're getting our information about the trial from the same sources ? We have seen only the tip of what is likely an "iceberg" of evidence. Cohen was the primary accomplice in the scheme. Under NY law, his testimony alone is not enough to convict; there must be sufficient corroborating evidence. Not something the DA would be likely to overlook. The only real issue facing the prosecution is proving the necessary actual predicate crime(s) (violation of federal and/or state election law(s} and/or tax fraud) and we're nowhere near that point in the trial.
I did refer to the evidence "so far" and I have no doubt there is more to come. My news sources are reputable, thanks. But thinking as a jurist looking for "beyond a reasonable doubt," there are holes. Just one example, the statement that the accounts were set up to hide money from Cohen's wife could be construed as valid.
John Dean is an honest man; MC is hardly a man.
Joyce -- I feel seriously fortunate to have read your comments tonight -- in your classy legal translation for us "civilians". I don't feel a need to throw in my own comments and feelings because I do not want to overshadow in any way the wonderful writing you have done for us subscribers, who are searching daily for any hint of optimism to our collective dread of this campaign season and the event of participating in our beloved country's election in November.
Thanks does not seem sufficient, Joyce, but I surely send mine to you whole-heartedly tonight.
What a great cartoon by Bramhall! Thank you for sharing.
Let him get jailed and then please someone stuff his head down a toilet and flush it 20 times.
May need to flush more than 20 times...its not easy to get rid of a COCKROACH!!
You're likely correct.
There goes your chance of ever being a juror, when they read this one aloud. LOL
I've long been "not a juror." When I got so far as being voir dired once, telling them that in 40 years (then) I had yet to be served or protected by the LAPD (still haven't been) and wouldn't believe a member of the department if they told me it was that day and hour, the ADA was happy to have me excused for cause.
Voir dear! I had this great idea for an SNL skit of the jury pool all frantically typing on their phones in case they got called….
😝😝😂 And then they’d have to call in the roto-rooter team to unclog the toilet.
TC…😆😂🚽
Prof. Vance, please consider posting a link to documents you cite. Even a former Asst DA such as myself can sometimes have trouble finding them on line. When I do, I share with my friends and former classmates and colleagues, and post to YouTube channels such as Glenn Kirschner’s etc.