This evening, the Washington Post dropped a story that got a lot of people’s attention with this lede: “The Justice Department is investigating President Donald Trump’s actions as part of its criminal probe of efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, according to four people familiar with the matter.”
Today's news, and this explanation from you, give me hope that justice just might be done in the foreseeable future. At 71, I don't have a lifetime to wait, so this hopeful news is encouraging.
Unfortunately, I think we've got some waiting to do. Trump is now a subject, but investigations can take a frustratingly long time (when everyone is working diligently).
When Watergate happened, I was about age 30, a single mom raising 2 kids, working both a full-time AND a half-time job, and studying accounting in night school so that someday I could manage with just one job. I couldn't afford a newspaper and didn't have time to watch broadcast news. At the time I didn't understand why Nixon resigned, and it was several years before I finally did.
Now I'm retired and have time for lots of news. I am so grateful for your insights which help me to understand more easily what I read and hear elsewhere. I wish I'd known someone like you back when Nixon was being investigated. Thank you for your clear explanations about Trump and the DOJ.
Woke up to this news courtesy of you, Joyce. Random thoughts spurred by this, I apologize for what may seem a rant:
1. Trump was never a Republican, and still isn’t. He is a megalomaniac who exercised a hostile takeover of a party already well down a decades long path towards authoritarianism. A party susceptible to manipulation on the grounds of grievance based ideology, and a thirst for power that is now clear in its malevolence.
2. Republicans with widely different motivations went all-in on the Faustian bargain. *He’s okay if we get our judges.* *He’s okay if we get our tax breaks.* *He’s okay if he gives us voice to hate and ridicule our fellow citizens.* *He’s okay if he allows us to arm ourselves for war.* *He’s okay if he calls us to seditious action.*
3. The net result of the bargain among those who ceded their principles? Among far too many, glee at what was unleashed. Among a much smaller segment, varying degrees of disappointment or even horror at what they enabled.
4. In accomplishing the above, I believe Trump achieved a singular goal. He destroyed the Republican Party in service of Trumpism. He wears his criminality as a royal robe, all the while projecting his actions and sins on others. Trumpists rejoice in their fealty to the antithesis of the Constitution.
5. Republicans, to the extent they still exist, are too few to regain their party as it existed in the before times. The genie is out of the bottle. What they can do is re-embrace their commitment to Constitutional principles and help to bury Trumpists at the polls. That is their only superpower. Excise the existential threat. Republicans should cease with the Trumpist braying about liberals, progressives, the “other.” Let the Trumpists identity themselves by those claims.
6. Unfortunately, too many of those Republicans who can, don’t. Even though belated, the honest, principled, even-keeled, persistent opposition demonstrated in the public square by Cheney and Kinzinger is the model. The shame is on those who remain unwilling to sacrifice personally in service of their country.
7. I firmly believe we will see full-throated prosecution of all involved, up through and including the pretender to the throne that doesn’t exist. Patience and commitment are essential for the people of the republic. This is not an episode of a favorite crime procedural, resolved in a single hour.
Thank you for your continued wisdom, and for giving us a place to over-share.
We all have to rant sometimes! And just to tug one thread here, I think the notion that Repubs would accept just about anything to get judges is on target. And they demolished Roe. Will be interesting to see in November where that gets them.
I sometimes felt like a Pollyanna, always having faith that Garland and the DOJ were not napping. Glad to know now that they have been on this for sometime. Yes, we are a long way from an indictment, if there is one at all, but I now have more hope that Trump will be held accountable.
This good to hear! Your explanation is very informative to those of us who don’t know how the DOJ works. I have to say that if the truth be told right now Donald Trump is somewhere having a major melt down! The DOJ doesn’t work fast but I truly believe they do work with great efficiency to find the truth. You’re article gives me hope that justice will win out and all of those involved in this horrible mess right up to and including trump potentially prosecuted!!
Last week Barb McQuade wrote a piece for Cafe about being patient and waiting for DOJ to complete their methodical, thorough process of investigation and that rushing the cases because we are angry or anxious will not serve justice. It was a great piece and it resonated with me in many ways. Now, we have more satisfying information pointing to the value of that process and it is satisfying. Merrick Garland will do the job. That's who he is.
Hopefully this will be a turning point for people who felt that DOJ was failing their assignment and have them realize that the assignment isn't as easy as the packaged sound bites on any media make it seem. It needs a steady hand and a love for actual justice, not just screaming for an outcome that would be emotionally satisfying for those of us who have been horrified by the former administrations many and varied sins. Like Tinkerbell needing people to believe in her for her to have magic, justice needs to be believed in so it can function. The other guy didn't give a damn about it and it began to waver. Let's change that. I say that as a person who is by nature impatient. I would have liked this to have been done already, but the work is hard and needs to be done correctly to serve its true purpose.
Thank you for your thoughts and analysis. Hope you are feeling better. Cheers.
I've still got concerns about where DOJ was that first year. As we've seen more recently, when they're investigation, some tips about it manage to surface. And the clock keeps ticking. I'm just glad they're where they are now!
Understood. I've had the pleasure of receiving notices on the last day before a statute of limitation expired on a matter. The difference a day makes. I felt that a certain amount of the delay was not just related to the scope of the investigation but also related to verifying the personnel who were available to work on it. My impression as a lay person is that DOJ suffered a good deal during the last administration.
You have put my feelings into words, so I’ll second your post. “The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small.” Just because DJT has not had to pay a price for his actions before doesn’t mean that he will escape retribution forever.
I so very much appreciate your analysis here, Joyce. We need to hear how involved the process is and setting expectations for lower level individuals indictments before, if ever, DTs. Thank you!
I was in my mid-twenties during the Watergate hearings; a young, full-time mother of a toddler, so I was home, fully engaged in the process. I voted against Nixon, but--like many Americans--I was hesitant to believe a sitting POTUS would be involved in such criminal activities until the hearings made it clear he was deeply involved.
Trump makes Nixon look like a high school prankster.
While I am relieved to learn the DOJ is engaged and still hold some hope for serious accountability and prosecutions, I worry. In the mid-seventies we were a nation that still had a collective conscience--and the GOP actually operated within rational limits of credulity and of partisanship. Neither of these things holds true in an "alternative facts" 2022 America. I'm afraid I tend to worry more than hope
Keep talking to us, keep informing us. Your voice helps.
Thank you for the post. I found the news reports, and especially Garland’s statements, very reassuring. Still have to see how it all plays out, but I remain steadfast in my confidence of this DOJ. I was very frustrated by Mr. Holt’s question about tearing the country apart if Donald and other high ranking folks are charged - the J6 insurrectionists, including the planners, are tearing this country apart. The extremist Republicans who refuse to do anything to help Americans and constantly tout hate and division are tearing this country apart. I appreciated Garland’s response to the question, but hope those who are in a position to be much more forceful in countering the “accountability will be divisive” narrative do so! Hope you’re feeling much better and getting some rest.
It is so very sad to see how many powerful people are involved in this plot against our country. Thank you for sharing your legal expertise. For pointing out the most important details. And letting us know what may happen next. It is helpful and encouraging.
Last night Ellie Hoenig expressed skepticism on CNN that 12 jurors would ever convict the orange one no matter what. Love your and appreciate your analysis, Joyce. Yes we have to fight cynicism and charge if the facts warrant it. And they no doubt do and we will. Unfortunately this is so cultural now. Cult of personality >> Tutsi and Hutu levels, me fears.
I didn't hear Elie's comments, but I respect his opinions very much. Here, you can't be so afraid of the jury pool that you don't indict. If your evidence is solid and you believe it stands up on appeal, then at some point, you just have to make the gut call and do the right thing. But the "if your evidence is solid" part of that sentence does all the work here. It has to be bulletproof. DOJ may well get there, but not a sure thing.
We have really seen through the 1/6 hearings that the “deep state”, so often pushed as criminal Democrats, was alive and well within the Republican party, aiding and abetting Trump and his sycophants. Our household wonders if there are any R. politicians left who are willing to stand for truth at all costs like Cheney and Kinzinger. Your analysis is appreciated bc we need to focus on the truth despite the constant noise of distractions. As voters who always chose the candidate we felt had integrity, regardless of party, we don’t see ever voting for R’s again, the reasons being obvious.
Patience and waiting, little bits dropping here and there, patience!!! I'm waiting for all the shoes to drop. Back to crocheting, my therapy!!! Thanks, Joyce. How are the chickens today?
Today's news, and this explanation from you, give me hope that justice just might be done in the foreseeable future. At 71, I don't have a lifetime to wait, so this hopeful news is encouraging.
Unfortunately, I think we've got some waiting to do. Trump is now a subject, but investigations can take a frustratingly long time (when everyone is working diligently).
When Watergate happened, I was about age 30, a single mom raising 2 kids, working both a full-time AND a half-time job, and studying accounting in night school so that someday I could manage with just one job. I couldn't afford a newspaper and didn't have time to watch broadcast news. At the time I didn't understand why Nixon resigned, and it was several years before I finally did.
Now I'm retired and have time for lots of news. I am so grateful for your insights which help me to understand more easily what I read and hear elsewhere. I wish I'd known someone like you back when Nixon was being investigated. Thank you for your clear explanations about Trump and the DOJ.
Woke up to this news courtesy of you, Joyce. Random thoughts spurred by this, I apologize for what may seem a rant:
1. Trump was never a Republican, and still isn’t. He is a megalomaniac who exercised a hostile takeover of a party already well down a decades long path towards authoritarianism. A party susceptible to manipulation on the grounds of grievance based ideology, and a thirst for power that is now clear in its malevolence.
2. Republicans with widely different motivations went all-in on the Faustian bargain. *He’s okay if we get our judges.* *He’s okay if we get our tax breaks.* *He’s okay if he gives us voice to hate and ridicule our fellow citizens.* *He’s okay if he allows us to arm ourselves for war.* *He’s okay if he calls us to seditious action.*
3. The net result of the bargain among those who ceded their principles? Among far too many, glee at what was unleashed. Among a much smaller segment, varying degrees of disappointment or even horror at what they enabled.
4. In accomplishing the above, I believe Trump achieved a singular goal. He destroyed the Republican Party in service of Trumpism. He wears his criminality as a royal robe, all the while projecting his actions and sins on others. Trumpists rejoice in their fealty to the antithesis of the Constitution.
5. Republicans, to the extent they still exist, are too few to regain their party as it existed in the before times. The genie is out of the bottle. What they can do is re-embrace their commitment to Constitutional principles and help to bury Trumpists at the polls. That is their only superpower. Excise the existential threat. Republicans should cease with the Trumpist braying about liberals, progressives, the “other.” Let the Trumpists identity themselves by those claims.
6. Unfortunately, too many of those Republicans who can, don’t. Even though belated, the honest, principled, even-keeled, persistent opposition demonstrated in the public square by Cheney and Kinzinger is the model. The shame is on those who remain unwilling to sacrifice personally in service of their country.
7. I firmly believe we will see full-throated prosecution of all involved, up through and including the pretender to the throne that doesn’t exist. Patience and commitment are essential for the people of the republic. This is not an episode of a favorite crime procedural, resolved in a single hour.
Thank you for your continued wisdom, and for giving us a place to over-share.
We all have to rant sometimes! And just to tug one thread here, I think the notion that Repubs would accept just about anything to get judges is on target. And they demolished Roe. Will be interesting to see in November where that gets them.
Thanks Joyce! Maybe you could explore that thread pulling for us?
I sometimes felt like a Pollyanna, always having faith that Garland and the DOJ were not napping. Glad to know now that they have been on this for sometime. Yes, we are a long way from an indictment, if there is one at all, but I now have more hope that Trump will be held accountable.
This good to hear! Your explanation is very informative to those of us who don’t know how the DOJ works. I have to say that if the truth be told right now Donald Trump is somewhere having a major melt down! The DOJ doesn’t work fast but I truly believe they do work with great efficiency to find the truth. You’re article gives me hope that justice will win out and all of those involved in this horrible mess right up to and including trump potentially prosecuted!!
Last week Barb McQuade wrote a piece for Cafe about being patient and waiting for DOJ to complete their methodical, thorough process of investigation and that rushing the cases because we are angry or anxious will not serve justice. It was a great piece and it resonated with me in many ways. Now, we have more satisfying information pointing to the value of that process and it is satisfying. Merrick Garland will do the job. That's who he is.
Hopefully this will be a turning point for people who felt that DOJ was failing their assignment and have them realize that the assignment isn't as easy as the packaged sound bites on any media make it seem. It needs a steady hand and a love for actual justice, not just screaming for an outcome that would be emotionally satisfying for those of us who have been horrified by the former administrations many and varied sins. Like Tinkerbell needing people to believe in her for her to have magic, justice needs to be believed in so it can function. The other guy didn't give a damn about it and it began to waver. Let's change that. I say that as a person who is by nature impatient. I would have liked this to have been done already, but the work is hard and needs to be done correctly to serve its true purpose.
Thank you for your thoughts and analysis. Hope you are feeling better. Cheers.
I've still got concerns about where DOJ was that first year. As we've seen more recently, when they're investigation, some tips about it manage to surface. And the clock keeps ticking. I'm just glad they're where they are now!
Understood. I've had the pleasure of receiving notices on the last day before a statute of limitation expired on a matter. The difference a day makes. I felt that a certain amount of the delay was not just related to the scope of the investigation but also related to verifying the personnel who were available to work on it. My impression as a lay person is that DOJ suffered a good deal during the last administration.
You have put my feelings into words, so I’ll second your post. “The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small.” Just because DJT has not had to pay a price for his actions before doesn’t mean that he will escape retribution forever.
I so very much appreciate your analysis here, Joyce. We need to hear how involved the process is and setting expectations for lower level individuals indictments before, if ever, DTs. Thank you!
I was in my mid-twenties during the Watergate hearings; a young, full-time mother of a toddler, so I was home, fully engaged in the process. I voted against Nixon, but--like many Americans--I was hesitant to believe a sitting POTUS would be involved in such criminal activities until the hearings made it clear he was deeply involved.
Trump makes Nixon look like a high school prankster.
While I am relieved to learn the DOJ is engaged and still hold some hope for serious accountability and prosecutions, I worry. In the mid-seventies we were a nation that still had a collective conscience--and the GOP actually operated within rational limits of credulity and of partisanship. Neither of these things holds true in an "alternative facts" 2022 America. I'm afraid I tend to worry more than hope
Keep talking to us, keep informing us. Your voice helps.
Thank you, Joyce, for your column. I feel much better now that the DOJ is investigating Donald. 😀
Thank you for clarifying the differences between target, subject, and witness. Your explanations are calm and grounded and you help me focus.
Thank you for the post. I found the news reports, and especially Garland’s statements, very reassuring. Still have to see how it all plays out, but I remain steadfast in my confidence of this DOJ. I was very frustrated by Mr. Holt’s question about tearing the country apart if Donald and other high ranking folks are charged - the J6 insurrectionists, including the planners, are tearing this country apart. The extremist Republicans who refuse to do anything to help Americans and constantly tout hate and division are tearing this country apart. I appreciated Garland’s response to the question, but hope those who are in a position to be much more forceful in countering the “accountability will be divisive” narrative do so! Hope you’re feeling much better and getting some rest.
It is so very sad to see how many powerful people are involved in this plot against our country. Thank you for sharing your legal expertise. For pointing out the most important details. And letting us know what may happen next. It is helpful and encouraging.
Last night Ellie Hoenig expressed skepticism on CNN that 12 jurors would ever convict the orange one no matter what. Love your and appreciate your analysis, Joyce. Yes we have to fight cynicism and charge if the facts warrant it. And they no doubt do and we will. Unfortunately this is so cultural now. Cult of personality >> Tutsi and Hutu levels, me fears.
I didn't hear Elie's comments, but I respect his opinions very much. Here, you can't be so afraid of the jury pool that you don't indict. If your evidence is solid and you believe it stands up on appeal, then at some point, you just have to make the gut call and do the right thing. But the "if your evidence is solid" part of that sentence does all the work here. It has to be bulletproof. DOJ may well get there, but not a sure thing.
Yay,
J6 made sure Merrick Garland did not Robert Mueller us. Thank goodness.
We have really seen through the 1/6 hearings that the “deep state”, so often pushed as criminal Democrats, was alive and well within the Republican party, aiding and abetting Trump and his sycophants. Our household wonders if there are any R. politicians left who are willing to stand for truth at all costs like Cheney and Kinzinger. Your analysis is appreciated bc we need to focus on the truth despite the constant noise of distractions. As voters who always chose the candidate we felt had integrity, regardless of party, we don’t see ever voting for R’s again, the reasons being obvious.
Patience and waiting, little bits dropping here and there, patience!!! I'm waiting for all the shoes to drop. Back to crocheting, my therapy!!! Thanks, Joyce. How are the chickens today?
All good. All 15 (!!!) babies.
If anyone is in Alabama and wants to add some Silkies to their flock, you know how to find me!
Would love some but don’t think our resident queen dachshund would like them.