The UK gets rid of bad Prime Ministers. They have had seven in the last 10 years. We are stuck with this guy as he destroys our norms and institutions.
Yes, alarming and worrying. Drumpf and associates will do whatever they can to interfere with, and then nullify, the elections. We'll have to cross that bridge before we can start to work on what comes next.
Right now, a no-confidence vote wouldn't pass because the GOP controls Congress. So even if we had such a concept, it wouldn't be very useful right now.
Vote out ALL his nominees for office. ETC. Just band together and keep voting for Democrats and Independents. Like Nike's motto - " JUST DO IT" .
BE WHIRLWINDS AT THE POLES! Show him we have a bigger set of balls than him. He has created so much danger here and violence against us, and all he does is lie to us and demand people get hurt. Anyone want to let that continue??? OUR TRUTH IS THAT WE ARE NOT POWERLESS! There are 749 million Americans! Enough is Enough. Stand up in spite of his threats to us. AND VOTE! We have to. Do not stay home, go out and vote now, and vote.in November- Go with a friend, so you won't feel alone. Because for pity's sake, does anyone want to keep living like this? Thank you Joyce.
I think there are about 349 million americans and far too many (I say about 50%) support trump. We ,democracy , is in a lot of trouble , about to be killed by racism and stupidity.
oh no!I am sorry- Thank you for catching my number mistake-
I don't know why I hit 7 instead of 3 I am sure everyone knows what I meant... But, yes a little over 349 million of us(and not 749- ) 50% of the country voting for him however- no-But granted, It was a large portion of stupid people. And some of those stupid people still support him,etc. They are dispicable idiots-
Thankfully at this time, many who voted for him are not going to this time.
Because they realized they were lied to, and his policies have hurt a lot of people so far including them.......So-
And,Here's the truth-Ttrump did NOT actually win either time he was elected to office. He was put into office with MONEY. and Billions of it- elon musk, peter theil,The ellisons, Most of The Epstein Class money..and russian oligarch money., etcetera ..All those people are corporate, racist, and fascists.
Fascism has been building under the rug in American Politics for like 40 years. We have to oust 2 very prominent WH characters to get this ball rolling- That would be Stephan (pee-wee Nazi) Miller, and Russell (project 2025 orchestrator ) Vought. I was born and raised here ,my Father was a WW2 veteran, and my husband is a Viet Nam Veteran. and I understand what you said but-We have to do our best to stop them. It is a bad situation any way it is looked at. But Trump DID LOOSE in 2020 no matter how many pig headed dumbassed MAGA voted for him, and him and them insisting he won, and he DID cause an insurrection to try to overthrow our government- and he lost there too-But he also hurt a lot of people pulling his bs coup-
He was found guilty by the j6 committee- and he has been retaliating ever since then-
He loves violence as do those who follow him-
So,I am saying this - that's all the more reason people have to get everyone we can out and vote. Because we did make a difference in 2020 we beat down their system and he LOST so we have to do that again! It is really important. to vote and get everyone you know who is eligible out there to VOTE- Thanks for catching my number error. Take Care.
I thought Trumpians were more like 30%, which is a horrifying enough number. To think that people like him and what he's doing, but then we've had the McCarthyites, KKK, and others forever. They just weren't allowed to take over the government! DJT reinforces all of the hatred, cruelty, misogyny, and bigotry in our country, and that % are reveling in it even if it hurts them financially.
South Korea's legislature got rid of their corrupt wanna-be-a-dictator in a few weeks. Our do-nothing legislators meet to please Israel and to praise ICE, the occupying army CONgress created to terrorize Americans in their homes and neighborhoods. For all practical purposes, the oligarchs have their omnipotent rule and the citizens have no government.
Yeah.. I am wondering whose bright idea it was? And those gloves are indeed lethal weapons........I'm calling my Senators in the morning about this new ICE bullshit toy-
To be used against American citizens who show political dissent by appearing at a protest, NOT for "controlling immigration." And what next if Americans protest the control of their governance by the Epstein class international mafia? It doesn't sound like there are any good guys in either of the cartel party operatives.
The author isn't just a Substack "Ann Landers" feeling qualified to expound as an authority on everything. She's a well known journalist and author. I have a special affection with New Mexico as a UNM grad too .
Google: "Under South Korean law, a Prime Minister can be removed from office through presidential dismissal, a non-binding legislative recommendation, or formal parliamentary impeachment requiring a simple majority vote under Article 65 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which is then subject to a final ruling by the Constitutional Court."
Our "prime minister" IS the "president" (we only have one), they have two. We also don't have a monarchy like England. Although rarely used, in England the King or Queen can remove the Prime Minister.
We have nothing like a non-binding legislative recommendation.
Impeachment requires 50%+1 vote in the House to hold an impeachment trial, but 67% vote in the Senate to actually remove an impeached officer (including the President). There is virtually no way to get 67% of the Senate to vote on ANYTHING right now.
This is why we need a Constitutional mechanism for criminally removing a president and other high officials - adequate safeguards can be built in. Also, I think more and more every day that DOJ and The Inspectors General must be liberated from the Executive Branch and made the 4th and 5th independent branches of our Government.
I’m afraid that adequate safeguards will only be effective if they are supported by those who implement those safeguards. We have seen how effective delay and obfuscation can be. We can no longer assume that the law alone can save us. The Nixon years were a different age. Our representatives have been captured. The voting public will be the decider, and this November may well be its last opportunity to show that we the people own our country.
Like any system of government, if the people running things are genuinely honest and willing to do the work for the betterment of all, then the system can work... However, if enough participants are working towards the opposite, no system can work... Right now, we have far too many who control the levers of power and do not concern themselves with the betterment of all...
Those who act like they're being dragged along are just pretending in order to shield themselves from later being held responsible...
David, the problem is, Trump hasn't made this mess alone. He has had lots of hlep from the scummy folks that have no business being anywhere in government, but somehow was drawn to the leader of the folks who care nothing for this nation, only what they can steal from it. No one can positively advice Trump to do the best thing for this country because he has fired all of those who could. We definitely need a record number of people voting Democratic in this election in November. Even Republicans with intelligence must see what this crew of misfit toys ahd done and that it needs to be gone.
Different countries, different laws. We have elections every four years, and other than impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate (virtually impossible in the current political climate and with both House and Senate split almost down the middle), there is no other way to remove someone from office except the 25th amendment which is intended for when the President is incapacitated. The 25th amendment requires either or both of the cabinet and the Congress to support removal. Again, not going to happen.
So yeah, we are stuck with him until Jan 20, 2029.
I just used the ACLU website to sign up to be a nonpartisan poll watcher for the election. It was easy to do and so important. And yes donate as much as you possibly can because if not now, there may not be a next time!
The grift is so unbelievable, and is right in our face. I am in CA the S.F. bay area Democrats galore so I have joined (4) groups and protest regularly and we write postcards to voters in the red & purple states It feels good, I believe we must get out there, but I am sure I would not have the energy if it weren't for Joyce and all the named people/organizations with law backgrounds fighting and winning for us all.
Here are more to add to the already named:
Democracy Forward (with very large fire power from many many attorneys/staff) has been file suits and blocking Trump. Norman Eisen Democracy Defenders and The Contrarian (with Jennifer Rubin).
And thanks to Katie Phang for going after Todd Blanche/Epstein Files!!!
Dumpy and his gang are happy to have us spend all our time protesting. We have to also constantly call our wayward representatives in congress often, to get them to act, and to tell them we won't vote for them if they keep taking their corporate overlords' money. Vote progressive. Don't be fooled again into "terror voting" for the dem's neolibs!
We also need to get out and canvass. Most liberals won't do that for fear of talking to strangers. Talking to strangers, face to face, increases their chance of voting period, and voting for liberals in particular. We need more people doing it. It is far more likely to pay off in votes that other forms of contacting people. I have been a canvass captain for the last 15 years. It's hard work, NOT because canvassing is hard, but because most people won't push themselves to talk to strangers, even if it means saving democracy.
As you said, canvassing is hard. It is not for everybody. I talk to people I come in contact with and also I am able to donate to canvassing groups and I do so in those red/purple states. If everyone did something in addition to voting (of course) it would be helpful.
I canvassed in 2024. A few uncivilized individuals, but overall folks were willing to hear me out, often leading to good conversations. There were a lot of people who either had no clue as to what was going on politically or were completely misinformed. No surprise there; that continues to be a challenge.
Canvassing gave me a chance to connect with neighbors, a reward in and of itself. There was the steep cost of gas driving to far flung homes but nonetheless a worthwhile endeavor.
Unite and vote for whichever democrat can win, tailored to their area they would represent, and then when a democratic majority is gained, demand reforms.
Don’t insult candidates before elections,as that causes democrats to lose, and the worst democrat is vastly better than the trump republicans in congress.
It was Miles who did the report on DOJ spying on our protest movements like those in Minneapolis who protested against ICE. This is McCarthyism, J Edgar Hoover
On election night in 2016 when trump was elected I joined the ACLU & have been a monthly donor ever since. Some day, if I can ever get ahead with my bills I want to increase my monthly donation to at least $50. Believe me if I could, it would be $50,000 or more!
I have not been able to figure out how to donate to the Elias Law Group. Democracy Docket is a separate media entity. The law firm receives funding from at least two foundations, but I haven't figured out how to donate to them either. Does Linda or anyone else know how to do it?
No, it’s not. From the Democracy Docket website homepage:
“Democracy Docket is the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts.”
You are correct that Democracy Docket is just a media entity and that it is separate from the Elias Law Group. From the Democracy Docket website homepage:
“Democracy Docket is the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts.”
Better to just donate to Democracy Forward, which is a law firm that accepts donations, or to The Contrarian, where your paid subscription helps fund the work of Norm Eisen’s law firm. Also the ACLU.
Love the passion, but I will point out again (as I have when we were dealing with the Graham Platner debacle) that "vote blue no matter who" is NOT a very good motto, because it suggests you would vote for someone like Eric Swalwell or New Jersey former Senator Bob Menendez. There are corrupt Democrats, we know this, not as many as on the other side, but we have some and any "no matter who" includes the corrupt ones, which I would NEVER subscribe to. If there is someone corrupt running for office, no matter which side, I will not support them, and if it would mean having to vote for a Republican, I would withhold my vote.
Every single one of us who qualifies needs to be registered to vote. We need to show up in droves, stand up and be counted and speak up loud and proud. When we do, we can move mountains! There are more of us than there are trump sycophants. Let’s go!
I want him to live long enough to see himself fully disgraced. All he thinks he accomplished, undone, his name removed from everything, him held accountable for his crimes. Most importantly, RICO Racketeering Statutes used to recover the billions of dollars he and his Crime Family Stole from America.
Who else would it be, pray tell? Last I heard, the Constitution says that the Vice President (Vance) takes over if the President dies or resigns or otherwise leaves office. So this "prayer" is praying for Vance to take over the White House.
At least Trump is an idiot and often flubs things. Vance is super-smart and will leave this country in a crumbled mess, much worse than Trump IMHO.
We have to pray that it DOESN'T, at least not until after the 2028 election, because IMHO, JD Vance would be 10x worse, as he would actively and aggressively push all of Peter Thiel's corrupt financial goals. At least Trump is an idiot and generally stupid enough to make sh*t out of anything, so while he is dangerous, I think Vance would be MORE dangerous in power.
LOL, no, unfortunately, I don't believe citizen's arrests are recognized at the federal level. There is certainly no law that authorizes it. Citizen's arrests generally apply to state-level crimes, typically the kind police don't actively pursue, like shoplifting.
Peaceful revolution? ROTFLMAO! Did you REALLY say that Greg?
Do you know what the chances of a peaceful revolution in this country are? The President has control of an army and air force and navy and even a space force of almost 3 million people, including both civilians and active military.
On top of that, he has probably 100 million MAGAt supporters.
In what universe do you think a "peaceful" revolution would accomplish ANYTHING?
I doubt a violent revolution would accomplish anything either, by the way. Revolution is NOT an option in this day and age. The ONLY option in our country is the vote.
Rolling general strikes and massive protests (the Albanians are doing a fine job with that, and we can learn from them). If the mid-terms are fiddled with, in any way, then we have to take to the streets. There´s a reason that the White House has been practically walled off from the public and trumpf is building a bunker. They are afraid of us. And they should be.
Its a great idea Sharon, but it has to be remembered that we are a MUCH MUCH larger country than Albania or other countries like Hungary. And we are split down the middle whereas in Albania there is a majority that favors revision. A massive protest in Albania is probably a few million. A few million here is barely 1% of the country. Protests would have to get to 40 or 50 million before they got to an equivalent number. That is highly unlikely.
The stakes are much higher now than during the No Kings protests. We are allegedly divided by a 2/3 to 1/3 split. I would hope that since our very survival depends on raising our voices, we could gather up at least 20 million ... while we still can. The Heritage Foundation isn´t waiting, and neither should we.
Good commentary. I emphasized peaceful protest and other nonviolent but powerful actions to stop the fascist state. I can’t predict how violent the fascists will be, but mass, nonviolent actions are our strong suit.
It’s a true embarrassment to live in this country. We are a banana republic now and with $40 trillion in debt close to bankruptcy. OMG. I wish we could move to Switzerland which is part of my ancestry.
It IS embarrassing! I work on a team with people from the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, and India. At the start of every meeting, I apologize. Some days it's hard not to cry in humiliation in front of them. To think this administration is hurting people all over the world as well as its own.
We need to use RICO Racketeering Statutes to recover the ILL GOTTEN GAINS the TRump Crime Family has GRIFTED, stolen, insider trading, self dealing, funded by Russia. It goes back to 2016, 2014, 2008, even 1987, TRump and Russia are longtime partners.
We (the US) are not members of the ICC of the Hague. So we would be hard pressed to ask them to intervene. And a special counsel needs to be appointed by the President.
You should go ask Trump, maybe he would like you better because you are a woman. He certainly wouldn't listen to me LOL!
And Trump and all his minions will walk out of the government with iron-clad pardons in hand, so any prosecution is going to have to be for things they do AFTER January 20, 2029. Everything before at the federal level will have been washed away.
Well yes. You’ve said all the unspoken parts. It would have to be after he’s gone or has no power before a dem senate and congress. Idk where SCOTUS would fit in here. But, in a scenario where Dems do have Congress and the Senate, they could possibly do some damage to SCOTUS. Idk
One actually possible result would be enlarging the court to deflate the number of conservatives. THAT idea doesn't require a Constitutional amendment which of course is virtually impossible. But the only requirement to enlarge the court is a majority vote by the House and Senate (possibly 60 in the Senate to avoid a filibuster unless a Democratic Senate decides to blow up the filibuster) and a Presidential signature. The Constitution does NOT specify how many justices are on the Supreme Court, that is just a simple law. So Congress could raise the number from 9 to 15 and that would essentially eliminate the conservative majority. Of course the Republicans could do the same if they got back into power, so it will require some deft political skill to make it work and make it stick.
That’s where the obstacle lies. It needs a presidential signature. So even if Dems had the senate and house, it couldn’t happen with this president. But I believe it has to happen when and if we make it, and, do elect a Dem president. I don’t care at this point if the gop can also do it. I expect that if we are able to secure a Dem president, the country would stay in Dem control for a very long time. And also, there’d. be term limits.
The endless lying and corruption and mendacity is staggering. It is a twilight zone episode where we can’t wake up from. A terrifying nightmare. I’m trying to find shards of hope—it’s difficult. Thank you for your legal expertise Joyce as always
Patel and Blanche are relatively youngish men; their cult leader is a very ill elderly man with an overlay of dementia. And yet they waltz around as if he will be their protector forever. But oh the damage and havoc that they are wreaking now. Hoping November knocks them all down several pegs.
Patel thinks that he is living the American dream. What he,like the rest of these pathetic fools cannot comprehend is that this is a nightmare. They just have not gotten to the scary part yet.
Even if Trump lives to the end of his term, even if he actually pardons all of them ( which is something they should not count on given Donnie’s record of dumping people after they have taken the fall for his crimes) there is nowhere in the world that any of these dumbasses can live without the stink of Trump making them pariahs.
Thank you, Joyce. The mob tactics are so clear. I'm just constantly amazed, and deeply grieved, at the millions in this country that cannot, or won't see it.
We talk to our neighbors, we push on our Congress critters, we get out the vote and we say "We, the People..." as much as we are able. This is so outrageous. And once again, as much as I hate what Trump and his cronies are doing, the Republican Congress owns the responsibility of allowing to happen. They could have and can stop this at any turn.
Why am I not surprised? They are all such lousy liars. They cover up lies with more lies. Joseph Welch once said at the McCarthy hearings, “Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?” The answer for these current circumstances is a resounding NO, and they don’t give a shit.
It was Welch that brought down McCarthy. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing much integrity outside of the courts, and even then there are a few who lack it.
I asked Tillis, my senator, to say NO to Blanch, but even on his way out the door, he still chose not to stand up and do the right thing for all of us and his constituents. I was so disappointed. Of course, I also asked the same regarding Hegseth.
I think trump's endgame is to completely bankrupt America; leave us without weaponry via Hegseth; trump will exit with his ill gotten gains leaving us to wallow in the shambles he leaves behind. I said a while back I'd move to Canada, but without my monthly Social Security funds, I'd have to find a job at my advanced age. Just a few weeks ago we (the girlfriend & I) agreed we should stay put, but it grows dicier every new day. A sad ending to what used to be a marvelous country, before the billionaire class took it over; think Citizens United.
It is part of the plan for his Cryptocurrancy crap. Destroy the dollar, just like the project 2025 plan to destroy the working US Government... Of the People, By the People, For the People. They falsely claimed they were getting rid of The Deep State, but they were replacing it with a REALLY DEEP, REALLY DARK, REALLY CONTROLLING FASCIST STATE. They lied and claimed they were looking for waste, fraud and abuse, when they were looking to set up WASTE FRAUD AND ABUSE on a scale never before seen on earth, a BIG BROTHER STATE WORSE THAN ANY MOVIE HAS YET PORTRAYED. TRump promises, you won't need to vote any more. Democrats can't win. They have everything under control.
I hate to admit you have a very valid point, because it is such an ugly side of this whole debacle. From this start of Muskrat and DOGE, I considered aspects you've referenced here, but can't believe that WE THE PEOPLE will let these slime balls go all the way with this. My greatest concern is that Felon47 is trying to build a personal army with ICE and DHS and all the pardoned J6 cretins to be used to disrupt the elections this November, along with some help from AI supplied by the tech bros.
Can't you still collect your Social Security if you move to Canada? I know several people living in Mexico who collect SS. I don't want to leave so that's why I will stay, but I do think you can get SS out of the country.
Yes you can. I live in Europe and receive Social Security through direct deposit. You also had the choice of receiving a check, if you prefer. What you don´t have is Medicare/Medicaid coverage, and you can opt out of having payment for those deducted from your monthly check. That puts a few more dollars in your pocket.
Rs need someone to hate and the enemy is us. "...a civic emergency: a coalition whose only membership test is enemy selection cannot expel anyone who selects the correct enemy."
I expect to see his friends who were recently released from prison to make an appearance in November and will bring guns this time. We need the military to meet them here and protect the voters and the election from the domestic terrorists. Would the miltary be obligated to protect us?
Kay - Brock points out that the MAGA view is that we are the domestic terrorists. What happens with the military in this situation is a huge question mark. Which commanders will live up to their oath to defend the Constitution? Which soldiers? I hope we do not find out. I hope this election is as overwhelming as Orban's defeat in Hungary.
I find it astounding that money and power are so much more important than pride for these people. They will have a rude awakening when they discover that everything they gave up for trump has come to nought.
Thank you Joyce for your outrage and truth telling. I appreciate you so much.
It is nauseating. I'm grateful also for your community, the commenters here. Today I was at a County Democratic picnic where we heard from all of the candidates running in our county for local and state offices, and one statewide nominee. It was wonderful to see so many, to see all the election signs, to pick up the signs we needed, and to learn of which events we could support in the next month. This is quite a red county, but we are working on it. As well as supporting as many races around the country as we can.
Citizen's arrest? How, in God's name, do we stop this?
Get out the vote like never before for our midterms and donate to Marc Elias and other legal groups fighting for us like NAACP.
And ACLU plus SPLC.
The UK gets rid of bad Prime Ministers. They have had seven in the last 10 years. We are stuck with this guy as he destroys our norms and institutions.
Thank you for keeping track of this. We should have a vote of no confidence here as well.
So let's all make the mid-terms OUR no confidence vote but more and more I'm alarmed and very worried about what comes next~
Yes, alarming and worrying. Drumpf and associates will do whatever they can to interfere with, and then nullify, the elections. We'll have to cross that bridge before we can start to work on what comes next.
Right now, a no-confidence vote wouldn't pass because the GOP controls Congress. So even if we had such a concept, it wouldn't be very useful right now.
Vote out ALL his nominees for office. ETC. Just band together and keep voting for Democrats and Independents. Like Nike's motto - " JUST DO IT" .
BE WHIRLWINDS AT THE POLES! Show him we have a bigger set of balls than him. He has created so much danger here and violence against us, and all he does is lie to us and demand people get hurt. Anyone want to let that continue??? OUR TRUTH IS THAT WE ARE NOT POWERLESS! There are 749 million Americans! Enough is Enough. Stand up in spite of his threats to us. AND VOTE! We have to. Do not stay home, go out and vote now, and vote.in November- Go with a friend, so you won't feel alone. Because for pity's sake, does anyone want to keep living like this? Thank you Joyce.
My cats have bigger balls than Drumpf. And they've been neutered.
LOL....................................
I think there are about 349 million americans and far too many (I say about 50%) support trump. We ,democracy , is in a lot of trouble , about to be killed by racism and stupidity.
oh no!I am sorry- Thank you for catching my number mistake-
I don't know why I hit 7 instead of 3 I am sure everyone knows what I meant... But, yes a little over 349 million of us(and not 749- ) 50% of the country voting for him however- no-But granted, It was a large portion of stupid people. And some of those stupid people still support him,etc. They are dispicable idiots-
Thankfully at this time, many who voted for him are not going to this time.
Because they realized they were lied to, and his policies have hurt a lot of people so far including them.......So-
And,Here's the truth-Ttrump did NOT actually win either time he was elected to office. He was put into office with MONEY. and Billions of it- elon musk, peter theil,The ellisons, Most of The Epstein Class money..and russian oligarch money., etcetera ..All those people are corporate, racist, and fascists.
Fascism has been building under the rug in American Politics for like 40 years. We have to oust 2 very prominent WH characters to get this ball rolling- That would be Stephan (pee-wee Nazi) Miller, and Russell (project 2025 orchestrator ) Vought. I was born and raised here ,my Father was a WW2 veteran, and my husband is a Viet Nam Veteran. and I understand what you said but-We have to do our best to stop them. It is a bad situation any way it is looked at. But Trump DID LOOSE in 2020 no matter how many pig headed dumbassed MAGA voted for him, and him and them insisting he won, and he DID cause an insurrection to try to overthrow our government- and he lost there too-But he also hurt a lot of people pulling his bs coup-
He was found guilty by the j6 committee- and he has been retaliating ever since then-
He loves violence as do those who follow him-
So,I am saying this - that's all the more reason people have to get everyone we can out and vote. Because we did make a difference in 2020 we beat down their system and he LOST so we have to do that again! It is really important. to vote and get everyone you know who is eligible out there to VOTE- Thanks for catching my number error. Take Care.
I thought Trumpians were more like 30%, which is a horrifying enough number. To think that people like him and what he's doing, but then we've had the McCarthyites, KKK, and others forever. They just weren't allowed to take over the government! DJT reinforces all of the hatred, cruelty, misogyny, and bigotry in our country, and that % are reveling in it even if it hurts them financially.
South Korea's legislature got rid of their corrupt wanna-be-a-dictator in a few weeks. Our do-nothing legislators meet to please Israel and to praise ICE, the occupying army CONgress created to terrorize Americans in their homes and neighborhoods. For all practical purposes, the oligarchs have their omnipotent rule and the citizens have no government.
And now we have people wearing torture gloves roaming our streets!
Yeah.. I am wondering whose bright idea it was? And those gloves are indeed lethal weapons........I'm calling my Senators in the morning about this new ICE bullshit toy-
To be used against American citizens who show political dissent by appearing at a protest, NOT for "controlling immigration." And what next if Americans protest the control of their governance by the Epstein class international mafia? It doesn't sound like there are any good guys in either of the cartel party operatives.
https://alisav.substack.com/p/epstein-survivor-says-she-was-trafficked?publication_id=1790706&post_id=211402115&isFreemail=true&r=rdp7&triedRedirect=true
The author isn't just a Substack "Ann Landers" feeling qualified to expound as an authority on everything. She's a well known journalist and author. I have a special affection with New Mexico as a UNM grad too .
South Korea has different laws than we do.
Google: "Under South Korean law, a Prime Minister can be removed from office through presidential dismissal, a non-binding legislative recommendation, or formal parliamentary impeachment requiring a simple majority vote under Article 65 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which is then subject to a final ruling by the Constitutional Court."
Our "prime minister" IS the "president" (we only have one), they have two. We also don't have a monarchy like England. Although rarely used, in England the King or Queen can remove the Prime Minister.
We have nothing like a non-binding legislative recommendation.
Impeachment requires 50%+1 vote in the House to hold an impeachment trial, but 67% vote in the Senate to actually remove an impeached officer (including the President). There is virtually no way to get 67% of the Senate to vote on ANYTHING right now.
This is why we need a Constitutional mechanism for criminally removing a president and other high officials - adequate safeguards can be built in. Also, I think more and more every day that DOJ and The Inspectors General must be liberated from the Executive Branch and made the 4th and 5th independent branches of our Government.
I’m afraid that adequate safeguards will only be effective if they are supported by those who implement those safeguards. We have seen how effective delay and obfuscation can be. We can no longer assume that the law alone can save us. The Nixon years were a different age. Our representatives have been captured. The voting public will be the decider, and this November may well be its last opportunity to show that we the people own our country.
I agree with you! We need to build big, long, sharp teeth into the Constitution.
Like any system of government, if the people running things are genuinely honest and willing to do the work for the betterment of all, then the system can work... However, if enough participants are working towards the opposite, no system can work... Right now, we have far too many who control the levers of power and do not concern themselves with the betterment of all...
Those who act like they're being dragged along are just pretending in order to shield themselves from later being held responsible...
David, the problem is, Trump hasn't made this mess alone. He has had lots of hlep from the scummy folks that have no business being anywhere in government, but somehow was drawn to the leader of the folks who care nothing for this nation, only what they can steal from it. No one can positively advice Trump to do the best thing for this country because he has fired all of those who could. We definitely need a record number of people voting Democratic in this election in November. Even Republicans with intelligence must see what this crew of misfit toys ahd done and that it needs to be gone.
Different countries, different laws. We have elections every four years, and other than impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate (virtually impossible in the current political climate and with both House and Senate split almost down the middle), there is no other way to remove someone from office except the 25th amendment which is intended for when the President is incapacitated. The 25th amendment requires either or both of the cabinet and the Congress to support removal. Again, not going to happen.
So yeah, we are stuck with him until Jan 20, 2029.
I just used the ACLU website to sign up to be a nonpartisan poll watcher for the election. It was easy to do and so important. And yes donate as much as you possibly can because if not now, there may not be a next time!
Also please consider signing up to drive people to the polls. Turnout, turnout, turnout.
Good idea - that’s something I can do as well. Thanks for the suggestion!
Yes!!! Already done in my household.
Democracy Docket, Marc Elias and team, is doing much of the heavy lifting in court, especially on voting rights cases and deserve our support.
The grift is so unbelievable, and is right in our face. I am in CA the S.F. bay area Democrats galore so I have joined (4) groups and protest regularly and we write postcards to voters in the red & purple states It feels good, I believe we must get out there, but I am sure I would not have the energy if it weren't for Joyce and all the named people/organizations with law backgrounds fighting and winning for us all.
Here are more to add to the already named:
Democracy Forward (with very large fire power from many many attorneys/staff) has been file suits and blocking Trump. Norman Eisen Democracy Defenders and The Contrarian (with Jennifer Rubin).
And thanks to Katie Phang for going after Todd Blanche/Epstein Files!!!
I second the Contrarian. The subscription to pay for their great Substack goes to pay for legal fees. Very industrious and effective group.
Democracy Docket/Mark Elias are busy countering voting violations and doing splendidly is denying Trump his voter rolls. 0-22 states at this point.
Mark Elias is my hero.
Dumpy and his gang are happy to have us spend all our time protesting. We have to also constantly call our wayward representatives in congress often, to get them to act, and to tell them we won't vote for them if they keep taking their corporate overlords' money. Vote progressive. Don't be fooled again into "terror voting" for the dem's neolibs!
We also need to get out and canvass. Most liberals won't do that for fear of talking to strangers. Talking to strangers, face to face, increases their chance of voting period, and voting for liberals in particular. We need more people doing it. It is far more likely to pay off in votes that other forms of contacting people. I have been a canvass captain for the last 15 years. It's hard work, NOT because canvassing is hard, but because most people won't push themselves to talk to strangers, even if it means saving democracy.
As you said, canvassing is hard. It is not for everybody. I talk to people I come in contact with and also I am able to donate to canvassing groups and I do so in those red/purple states. If everyone did something in addition to voting (of course) it would be helpful.
I canvassed in 2024. A few uncivilized individuals, but overall folks were willing to hear me out, often leading to good conversations. There were a lot of people who either had no clue as to what was going on politically or were completely misinformed. No surprise there; that continues to be a challenge.
Canvassing gave me a chance to connect with neighbors, a reward in and of itself. There was the steep cost of gas driving to far flung homes but nonetheless a worthwhile endeavor.
Unite and vote for whichever democrat can win, tailored to their area they would represent, and then when a democratic majority is gained, demand reforms.
Don’t insult candidates before elections,as that causes democrats to lose, and the worst democrat is vastly better than the trump republicans in congress.
And I'd add Miles Taylor of Defiance.org. He's fighting hard for democracy and has great experience to bring to the fight!
It was Miles who did the report on DOJ spying on our protest movements like those in Minneapolis who protested against ICE. This is McCarthyism, J Edgar Hoover
On election night in 2016 when trump was elected I joined the ACLU & have been a monthly donor ever since. Some day, if I can ever get ahead with my bills I want to increase my monthly donation to at least $50. Believe me if I could, it would be $50,000 or more!
Vote like Hungarians!
Marc Elias, unlike the legislator writing "strongly worded letters," is actually DOING something that is needed.
His firm is also a private for-profit law firm (even though he takes cases pro bono as do many law firms). You can't donate directly to his firm.
I have not been able to figure out how to donate to the Elias Law Group. Democracy Docket is a separate media entity. The law firm receives funding from at least two foundations, but I haven't figured out how to donate to them either. Does Linda or anyone else know how to do it?
Go to http://democracydocket.com
In the upper right corner find Support
Thanks. I’ve been wondering same thing.
I'm already supporting DemDoc. I want to support Elias Law Group. I don't believe a donation to the former puts funds into the account of the latter.
Mark Elias' law firm is a private for-profit law firm and they can't accept donations as they are not a non-profit like Democracy Forward.
That's just the way it is, I guess.
It’s the same.
No, it’s not. From the Democracy Docket website homepage:
“Democracy Docket is the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts.”
You are correct that Democracy Docket is just a media entity and that it is separate from the Elias Law Group. From the Democracy Docket website homepage:
“Democracy Docket is the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts.”
Better to just donate to Democracy Forward, which is a law firm that accepts donations, or to The Contrarian, where your paid subscription helps fund the work of Norm Eisen’s law firm. Also the ACLU.
Vote, and vote blue no matter who. Vote early in person if possible for you. Up and down your ballot.
Love the passion, but I will point out again (as I have when we were dealing with the Graham Platner debacle) that "vote blue no matter who" is NOT a very good motto, because it suggests you would vote for someone like Eric Swalwell or New Jersey former Senator Bob Menendez. There are corrupt Democrats, we know this, not as many as on the other side, but we have some and any "no matter who" includes the corrupt ones, which I would NEVER subscribe to. If there is someone corrupt running for office, no matter which side, I will not support them, and if it would mean having to vote for a Republican, I would withhold my vote.
Ken Martin needs to resign. We need someone who actually knows what they are doing and can shake things up.
Every single one of us who qualifies needs to be registered to vote. We need to show up in droves, stand up and be counted and speak up loud and proud. When we do, we can move mountains! There are more of us than there are trump sycophants. Let’s go!
Many versus money
This should be the mid-terms campaign slogan‼️ MANY VS. MONEY ‼️‼️‼️💙💙💙
Yes!
We just have to pray his poor health—mental and physical—catches up with him.
I want him to live long enough to see himself fully disgraced. All he thinks he accomplished, undone, his name removed from everything, him held accountable for his crimes. Most importantly, RICO Racketeering Statutes used to recover the billions of dollars he and his Crime Family Stole from America.
He will be pardoned. RICO will not matter. Trump will never spend a day in jail.
Get used to it. It is the mantra of the next three years. Sigh...
Pray for Trump
Psalm 109:8
"Let his days be few; and let another take his office"
... as long as it is NOT jvance
Who else would it be, pray tell? Last I heard, the Constitution says that the Vice President (Vance) takes over if the President dies or resigns or otherwise leaves office. So this "prayer" is praying for Vance to take over the White House.
At least Trump is an idiot and often flubs things. Vance is super-smart and will leave this country in a crumbled mess, much worse than Trump IMHO.
And who might that “ other” be who is not part of the cabal that has taken over every branch of this country?
We have to pray that it DOESN'T, at least not until after the 2028 election, because IMHO, JD Vance would be 10x worse, as he would actively and aggressively push all of Peter Thiel's corrupt financial goals. At least Trump is an idiot and generally stupid enough to make sh*t out of anything, so while he is dangerous, I think Vance would be MORE dangerous in power.
A few more rides in a catering box full of Mickey D's should help.
LOL, no, unfortunately, I don't believe citizen's arrests are recognized at the federal level. There is certainly no law that authorizes it. Citizen's arrests generally apply to state-level crimes, typically the kind police don't actively pursue, like shoplifting.
Peaceful revolution if a Democratic congress were to fall short in going after these scoundrels
Peaceful revolution? ROTFLMAO! Did you REALLY say that Greg?
Do you know what the chances of a peaceful revolution in this country are? The President has control of an army and air force and navy and even a space force of almost 3 million people, including both civilians and active military.
On top of that, he has probably 100 million MAGAt supporters.
In what universe do you think a "peaceful" revolution would accomplish ANYTHING?
I doubt a violent revolution would accomplish anything either, by the way. Revolution is NOT an option in this day and age. The ONLY option in our country is the vote.
Rolling general strikes and massive protests (the Albanians are doing a fine job with that, and we can learn from them). If the mid-terms are fiddled with, in any way, then we have to take to the streets. There´s a reason that the White House has been practically walled off from the public and trumpf is building a bunker. They are afraid of us. And they should be.
Its a great idea Sharon, but it has to be remembered that we are a MUCH MUCH larger country than Albania or other countries like Hungary. And we are split down the middle whereas in Albania there is a majority that favors revision. A massive protest in Albania is probably a few million. A few million here is barely 1% of the country. Protests would have to get to 40 or 50 million before they got to an equivalent number. That is highly unlikely.
The stakes are much higher now than during the No Kings protests. We are allegedly divided by a 2/3 to 1/3 split. I would hope that since our very survival depends on raising our voices, we could gather up at least 20 million ... while we still can. The Heritage Foundation isn´t waiting, and neither should we.
Good commentary. I emphasized peaceful protest and other nonviolent but powerful actions to stop the fascist state. I can’t predict how violent the fascists will be, but mass, nonviolent actions are our strong suit.
It’s a true embarrassment to live in this country. We are a banana republic now and with $40 trillion in debt close to bankruptcy. OMG. I wish we could move to Switzerland which is part of my ancestry.
It IS embarrassing! I work on a team with people from the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, and India. At the start of every meeting, I apologize. Some days it's hard not to cry in humiliation in front of them. To think this administration is hurting people all over the world as well as its own.
We need to use RICO Racketeering Statutes to recover the ILL GOTTEN GAINS the TRump Crime Family has GRIFTED, stolen, insider trading, self dealing, funded by Russia. It goes back to 2016, 2014, 2008, even 1987, TRump and Russia are longtime partners.
This is a job for a Special Counsel. We also need a Hague style court on other charges.
We (the US) are not members of the ICC of the Hague. So we would be hard pressed to ask them to intervene. And a special counsel needs to be appointed by the President.
You should go ask Trump, maybe he would like you better because you are a woman. He certainly wouldn't listen to me LOL!
And Trump and all his minions will walk out of the government with iron-clad pardons in hand, so any prosecution is going to have to be for things they do AFTER January 20, 2029. Everything before at the federal level will have been washed away.
Well yes. You’ve said all the unspoken parts. It would have to be after he’s gone or has no power before a dem senate and congress. Idk where SCOTUS would fit in here. But, in a scenario where Dems do have Congress and the Senate, they could possibly do some damage to SCOTUS. Idk
One actually possible result would be enlarging the court to deflate the number of conservatives. THAT idea doesn't require a Constitutional amendment which of course is virtually impossible. But the only requirement to enlarge the court is a majority vote by the House and Senate (possibly 60 in the Senate to avoid a filibuster unless a Democratic Senate decides to blow up the filibuster) and a Presidential signature. The Constitution does NOT specify how many justices are on the Supreme Court, that is just a simple law. So Congress could raise the number from 9 to 15 and that would essentially eliminate the conservative majority. Of course the Republicans could do the same if they got back into power, so it will require some deft political skill to make it work and make it stick.
That’s where the obstacle lies. It needs a presidential signature. So even if Dems had the senate and house, it couldn’t happen with this president. But I believe it has to happen when and if we make it, and, do elect a Dem president. I don’t care at this point if the gop can also do it. I expect that if we are able to secure a Dem president, the country would stay in Dem control for a very long time. And also, there’d. be term limits.
The endless lying and corruption and mendacity is staggering. It is a twilight zone episode where we can’t wake up from. A terrifying nightmare. I’m trying to find shards of hope—it’s difficult. Thank you for your legal expertise Joyce as always
Patel and Blanche are relatively youngish men; their cult leader is a very ill elderly man with an overlay of dementia. And yet they waltz around as if he will be their protector forever. But oh the damage and havoc that they are wreaking now. Hoping November knocks them all down several pegs.
Patel thinks that he is living the American dream. What he,like the rest of these pathetic fools cannot comprehend is that this is a nightmare. They just have not gotten to the scary part yet.
Even if Trump lives to the end of his term, even if he actually pardons all of them ( which is something they should not count on given Donnie’s record of dumping people after they have taken the fall for his crimes) there is nowhere in the world that any of these dumbasses can live without the stink of Trump making them pariahs.
I want to cry. I do not know how you keep on doing what you do for us, but I am grateful.
Same. 😥
Same here, too -
Unbearably disgusting.
Thank you, Joyce. The mob tactics are so clear. I'm just constantly amazed, and deeply grieved, at the millions in this country that cannot, or won't see it.
We talk to our neighbors, we push on our Congress critters, we get out the vote and we say "We, the People..." as much as we are able. This is so outrageous. And once again, as much as I hate what Trump and his cronies are doing, the Republican Congress owns the responsibility of allowing to happen. They could have and can stop this at any turn.
You are absolutely correct. The Republican Congress OWNS every bit of this.
Why am I not surprised? They are all such lousy liars. They cover up lies with more lies. Joseph Welch once said at the McCarthy hearings, “Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?” The answer for these current circumstances is a resounding NO, and they don’t give a shit.
It was Welch that brought down McCarthy. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing much integrity outside of the courts, and even then there are a few who lack it.
Regarding the integrity of the courts, I would exclude six of the current nine members of the Supreme Court from that statement
Agreed, for example the republican appointed judge in the SPLC indictment.
I will never forgive the Republican Party for allowing Trump & Co(nfederates) to turn the government of the United States into a tinpot dictatorship.
I asked Tillis, my senator, to say NO to Blanch, but even on his way out the door, he still chose not to stand up and do the right thing for all of us and his constituents. I was so disappointed. Of course, I also asked the same regarding Hegseth.
No excuse for the spineless MAGAts
with the help of voters...
When you expect the worst, you will never be disappointed or surprised. And it will get worse than anyone can imagine.
As Mary Trump put it, "There is no 'worst.' There is always just 'more worse.'"
What a crushing statement! Sadly, it's true.
SPOT ON!
Thank you for sharing this - even though it makes me sick 🤢.
trump’s blatant corruption is a point of pride with him. Just when you think he can’t sink any lower…
EXACTLY! There is no LOWEST point for Felon47 and his crew of evil criminals, because they always find something lower.
I think trump's endgame is to completely bankrupt America; leave us without weaponry via Hegseth; trump will exit with his ill gotten gains leaving us to wallow in the shambles he leaves behind. I said a while back I'd move to Canada, but without my monthly Social Security funds, I'd have to find a job at my advanced age. Just a few weeks ago we (the girlfriend & I) agreed we should stay put, but it grows dicier every new day. A sad ending to what used to be a marvelous country, before the billionaire class took it over; think Citizens United.
It is part of the plan for his Cryptocurrancy crap. Destroy the dollar, just like the project 2025 plan to destroy the working US Government... Of the People, By the People, For the People. They falsely claimed they were getting rid of The Deep State, but they were replacing it with a REALLY DEEP, REALLY DARK, REALLY CONTROLLING FASCIST STATE. They lied and claimed they were looking for waste, fraud and abuse, when they were looking to set up WASTE FRAUD AND ABUSE on a scale never before seen on earth, a BIG BROTHER STATE WORSE THAN ANY MOVIE HAS YET PORTRAYED. TRump promises, you won't need to vote any more. Democrats can't win. They have everything under control.
Ever see the movie from 2 yrs ago called: Civil War? I think that is where we will end up. I don't know when, but sooner rather than later.
Let us both hope it doesn't come to that, but things just keep getting stranger and stranger.
I hate to admit you have a very valid point, because it is such an ugly side of this whole debacle. From this start of Muskrat and DOGE, I considered aspects you've referenced here, but can't believe that WE THE PEOPLE will let these slime balls go all the way with this. My greatest concern is that Felon47 is trying to build a personal army with ICE and DHS and all the pardoned J6 cretins to be used to disrupt the elections this November, along with some help from AI supplied by the tech bros.
yo, Bill there are so many things wrong with your post !!! Obviously you haven't seen the giant sign over Canada, NO americans allowed...
That sign is a myth. Americans are still allowed in Canada.
yeah, but only for 10 minutes
Now I’m curious. Where did you read this?
Can't you still collect your Social Security if you move to Canada? I know several people living in Mexico who collect SS. I don't want to leave so that's why I will stay, but I do think you can get SS out of the country.
Yes you can. I live in Europe and receive Social Security through direct deposit. You also had the choice of receiving a check, if you prefer. What you don´t have is Medicare/Medicaid coverage, and you can opt out of having payment for those deducted from your monthly check. That puts a few more dollars in your pocket.
Oh, there is certainly NO "low" that is TOO low :-). Somehow he will find the bottom, like any good bottom-feeder does.
Dire times. The Epstein Administration plans to flood the courts in Nov, Dec & Jan. A friend sent me this analysis by Mike Brock: https://mikebrock.substack.com/p/the-enemy-is-the-platform
Rs need someone to hate and the enemy is us. "...a civic emergency: a coalition whose only membership test is enemy selection cannot expel anyone who selects the correct enemy."
Hate like this leads to violence.
Dire times.
I expect to see his friends who were recently released from prison to make an appearance in November and will bring guns this time. We need the military to meet them here and protect the voters and the election from the domestic terrorists. Would the miltary be obligated to protect us?
Kay - Brock points out that the MAGA view is that we are the domestic terrorists. What happens with the military in this situation is a huge question mark. Which commanders will live up to their oath to defend the Constitution? Which soldiers? I hope we do not find out. I hope this election is as overwhelming as Orban's defeat in Hungary.
I no longer trust that they will.
I find it astounding that money and power are so much more important than pride for these people. They will have a rude awakening when they discover that everything they gave up for trump has come to nought.
It's like they are blind.
Thank you Joyce for your outrage and truth telling. I appreciate you so much.
It is nauseating. I'm grateful also for your community, the commenters here. Today I was at a County Democratic picnic where we heard from all of the candidates running in our county for local and state offices, and one statewide nominee. It was wonderful to see so many, to see all the election signs, to pick up the signs we needed, and to learn of which events we could support in the next month. This is quite a red county, but we are working on it. As well as supporting as many races around the country as we can.