213 Comments

Thanks Joyce, we are living in a reality I never thought would come to pass, 30 plus percent of the citizens willing to vote for a cheat, imposter, racist, rapist , betrayer and traitor. I am not hopeful that SCOTUS will do the right thing. We have to get out the vote and we should not fret over the courts because they will do everything to tip the scales. There is no more honor in the Supreme Court.

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Folks: there is one extraordinary charitable organization run by brilliant and very effective Harvard students that are working to register and turnout more than a million college and high school students only in 13 specific “competitive” states with Senate elections and competitive 78 congressional districts based exclusively on protecting abortion, gun safety and climate change! Please check out and contribute generously

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To www.TurnUp.US

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Thank you, Ira, I have heard of this, and I'll pass the app TurnUp.US along to my granddaughter and her friends. They are running a non-partisan voter registration drive with the help of The Civics Center at their high school at the end of this month. There are more happening in our County and the Secretary of State's office also has a similar effort in place. Some will even be able to vote in the Primary. So great to read of this activism and engagement of our young population.

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Absolutely; thank you

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I’ve passed this information and site on to my granddaughter and her friends who visited Tennessee’s legislators last week. One of them has been invited to testify before a committee this week. Tennessee has a supermajority, and I couldn’t be more proud of these 19 years old speaking their minds! Thank you!

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Tennessee is really important as Blackburn is really terrible and hateful so everything we can do there is very important

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Thank you, Marcia, and many thanks to your granddaughter and her friends who are becoming activists like my granddaughter and her friends!

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Yes many thanks..

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founding
Feb 19·edited Feb 19

Donated. In awe of Energy and Purpose

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Many thanks

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founding

thanks to you for illuminating this action option

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I will contribute. Great organization.

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They are terrific

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Thank you for the information.

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Thanks! I signed up and donated.

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Terrific thank you

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Thank You! Shared!

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Ira -- Thanks for this information. I have made a contribution.

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Wonderful thank you

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I reviewed the site. It is impressive. They have been working at this for some time and it warranted a monthly donation. 2024 November is just around the corner. I've sent the link to a group of Democrats I belong to. Thank you, Ira.

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Many many thanks; they are very effective and impressive

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But thanks to Biden, most of these young people will not vote for him. Aiding and abetting genocide isn't a good look.

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Respectfully that is not correct in my view. If you were between 18 and 29 in today’s social social society, you either want to be seductive or your are; so protecting abortion rights is personal to you rather than a political policy. And if you have been under your desk or in a closet dozens of times as you went through grade school, strong effective gun control is personal to you along with fighting Climate Change to save your future? Certainly voting for tfg doesn’t help achieve either of these life issues does it?

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Feb 19·edited Feb 19

A fair number of our species are driven to signal tribal membership, not by logic, moral conviction, philosophy, or even intelligent self-interest, but predominantly by peer proximity/pressure and other 'basic instincts', including an animal response to fear/anger/hatred intensity driving a need for violence & domination, ... and the color red.

This is the nature of the human beast, and, when it is not trained & educated into the service of a higher conscience and better heart, it rules the day.

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I believe that most of them are not single issue voters. Nobody agrees on everything and the alternative is - - - - awful.

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Obviously neither you nor Mr. Lechner have been following the news.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/02/07/biden-israel-gaza-genocide-democrats-2024-election/72480021007/

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/19/politics/biden-poll-israel-gaza-young-voters/index.html

Young voters are not experienced enough not to vote based on a single issue. And Biden stands to lose Michigan because his approval rating among Muslim and Arab voters there has tanked.

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Thank you for the article link. I read it. Ingrid Jacques is great journalist. However, I was struck with the thought that Biden's group had wanted to talk about the Arab and Muslim issues and yet the group did not come to discuss anything. The said that they would only come if he 'promised' to do as they wanted.

I'm sure you would agree, that compromise and problem solving is accomplished through dialog. I do not stand on one side or the other. Netanyahu should be removed by his people. The war is his strategy to avoid prosecution. He is a strongman, like Trump. It is deplorable what he is doing in Israel. The current aid program has some strings attached to the aid for Israel. However, the entrenched terrorists in Gaza with their lead ideology that all Israelis should be dead ones, is not acceptable. I do not have answers for anyone on either side but I am watching our diplomatic efforts closely. Biden has begun to move away from his staunch support of Netanyahu and has begun to put the screws a notch or so tighter.

As we get closer to the election process, I sincerely hope that the youthful vote will not be as myopic as you feel they are.

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You are being influenced by a so-called “poll” which we have no way of verifying nine (9) months before an election which will decide whether we will live in a democracy thereafter! Please don’t reach a firm conclusion as those polls are not “the news.” And the questions asked of a very few younger persons did not prove their decision thoroughly as the actual election will in November perhaps even after “he” has been convicted twice of serious crimes! Please reserve your definitive judgement until all the facts are before us many months from now? I am confident that 65-75% of 18 to 29s have the ability and the judgement to reject Mr. Trump for a whole host of reasons!

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The young voters that I talk with reject Trump. They are concerned about Israel’s policies, they accept that Netanyahu is the lead actor there, and they want change. But most of them don’t blame Biden. At least the ones that I’ve been talking with in NC.

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86% of TurnUp’s registered 18 to 29s voted in the next election! TurnUp’s highly sophisticated technology is able to track these newly registered younger folks!

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It’s not about A GOOD LOOK.

It’s foreign policy. It doesn’t change on a dime, nor should it.

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Thank you for the info, Ira. So important.

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Many thanks: this is an extraordinary group of Harvard students who are working in key states all over to simply register and turnout younger voters regardless of independents or party! Very effective at it; please check out www.TurnUp.US

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There are a few Justices who do play by the rules but they are in the minority. Therein is the problem.

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Sadly true. Yes! We must really double down on getting out the vote.

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Touché Christopher . Accountability is in serious question nowadays. The double down techniques by historical document are telltale tactics today.

Wonderful Civil Discourse Joyce. Shared .

Continue the winning true Americans. 👏

Congrats to Governor Evers for the gerrymandering win. Fairness is not a mythical word.

Tom Souzzi in NY , wonderful …and 🫵carry on folks , doing what you do best. Carry the truth, support those who honor their oaths , and pass on the good news Dems are winning over and over.

My sisters: Take your long overdue recognition to the ballot box

💙💙VOTE OUT ALL THE COMPLICIT💙💙

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I completely agree with you. Lordamercy.

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And now they also know that Putin parades political enemies around, kills them within hours, and refuses to release the body. Just to show the world that he can.

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Your reflection on President Harding was interesting. Just like with Rachel Maddow’s book Prequel, even through dark and horrific times, we made it through and kept our democracy intact. I’m hopeful that we will prevail. I have a question though, when Trump goes to post his bond, will the public know the source of the money?

Your writings are much appreciated 🙏

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founding

Rosalie, that is a very good question!

Would be nice to know the source of money Trump will use to post bond.

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If he gets money the from the Russians or Saudis, how is he not compromised? He would,at that point, be a threat to national security.

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Lawrence O'Donnell speculated that the source could be the Saudi Kingdom via Jared. billions I did not hear any admissible evidence but, Lawrence was once the top Staff member of the Senate Judiciary Committee & has tracked dozens of trials inside Courtroom over the years. "We are all in this together".

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I’m just wondering if it will come from Russia or the Federalist Society.

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probably Saudi Arabia.

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He went to Jared

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😂 thanks for some much needed humor, made my day

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hilarious, but may be accurate!

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😆😆😆a jewel of a comment

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Back at ya, good one lol!!!

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and/or donations from evangelicals, the uneducated, and gullible? I don't think the sell of his tennis shoes will be much help.

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I'm betting on Prince Bonesaw

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Wonder what the Vegas odds are on the $ source - MBS vs Putin?

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You are a great writer. And amidst all the anxiety producing information you find a way to make me laugh. This time: 2) a man is not a plan. ❤️❤️😄😄

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I agree! We’ll be hearing that for some time to come.

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Professor Vance: "We'll also keep our eyes on Fulton County", True, there is no conflict-of-interest there but, there is new evidence about DJT's infamous conference call to Brad Raffensberger to wit:

Mark Meadows: "Everyone is on the line Mr. President": After repeated defamations hurled at Election Workers, Ruby & Shaye, Citizen Trump delivers the punchline:

"A'll I need is ... ah ... 11,780 votes ..." ... "give me a break fellas". Courtesy of Michael ISIKOFF & Daniel KIDMAN's new book, the text reveals Brad Raffensberger's 30 year old Aide

recorded the ENTIRE DJT phone call. Talk about "best evidence". Now Fani's law clerk could handle the Prosecution.but, I believe the diligent GA DA will complete her job. Go Fani.

Note, that over 11,000,000 million persons have listened to NBC lengthy recording of the call but, I believe Michael & Daniel have the complete transcript.

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I want that book but I spent my extra money for this substack. Unfortunately a fixed income means I don’t get an interesting book when it comes out and the library in White County GA doesn’t get the books when they come out either. Call me crazy but I just can’t get into audio books.

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Check if your public library has it or request they get it, put yourself first in line.

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I love to request books from the library. They arrive when they arrive, but they eventually get here. I can wait. Everyone should know about this library service.

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Go to wherever you can get JEN PSAKI's interview of Michael Isikoff yesterday on her Sunday show, "Inside with Jen Psaki", The interview was Jen's 2nd second segment.

I just checked YouTube who has the "Full Phone Call: Trump Pressures Georgia Secretary of State to 'Recoun't Election Votes" You can be the 11,000,001 Viewer.

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Audiobooks are, for me, dependent on the quality of the narrator. Non-fiction books narrated by the author are usually good. With you on the fixed income! I probably spend too much on substacks but it's how I get my information now. Great respect for Joyce, Heather Cox Richardson, and several others who are journalists, legal experts, former Republicans (!) etc.

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There are libraries throughout the country that you can borrow from online. I know that since the book banning in Florida, many libraries have offered free enrollment for students. Check around. I can’t afford books either but am lucky to have a great library system

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Check if your public library is part of Libby - you can borrow digital book. I’m in Macon and the public library here is part of the Georgia Download Destination libraries in Georgia. That is how I was able to read the book. You just have to download the Libby app.

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I’m in Cleveland, GA. Sorta neighbors.

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At least in same state. You are in a pretty area.

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Thank-you Joyce for your updates. I spent some time watching videos from the Munich Security Conference available online. It is worth hearing the European viewpoint on defense spending and Russia, in particular. They see Russia with a completely different lens. We need to hold Congress' feet to the fire and get Ukraine funding done. Europe is doing their part and they are considering and mobilizing for defense and interoperability with other militaries should Putin expand his war. There are several US reps attending the conference, including Kamala, Hillary and Nancy. Most leaders speak in English.

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The Justice Dept released 500 000 dollars the USA has been holding in funds that were past of sanctified we placed on Russia. Read a brief article about it, can't find link now. Anyone else read that?

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I did not read that, but it was stated at the Munich Security Conference that the money confiscated by the EU sanctions of Russia would be used to fund Ukraine.

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The MAL docs case has descended into a travesty of juridical competence and neutrality. As long as *Judge* Cannon remains at the helm, this case will continue to founder until and unless there's a change on the bench, as the defendants' counsels have cultivated a willing accomplice to entertain motions upon motions, throwing sand in the gears of justice and making an utter mockery of a "speedy trial" adjuration.

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Can nothing be done about keeping her on the case?

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In times like these, our supposed local leaders, House Representatives and Senators, are hamstrung or they are fulfilling fascist wishes for

our country's downfall. The number of people unaware of what is happening is what these traitors are counting on. All of us here can help spread actual true information, and we need to constantly badger our fascist- leaning members of Congress with TRUTHS they deny in public. They need to know WE KNOW. And our uninformed relatives and friends need to be given the correct information. A friendly " I learned some things today I hadn't known" opener is always good. Start with something like Paul Manafort's history with Russia. Move on to just about any lie you want to choose and present the facts that deny it. If we do not speak, everywhere and every time a lie is told, we risk it all. Have a great week!

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Vote down ballot

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LOVE THIS:

"[Former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes'] testimony [that Willis had asked him first, and that he declined in part because of the danger] casts Willis’ decision to hire Wade in a different light, helping us better understand that her choices were limited.

Two things are clear: (1) at least so far, the defendants have failed to prove a financial conflict of interest that would satisfy Georgia standards for disqualifying Willis from prosecuting the case, and (2) a man is not a plan. "

Great courage, Ms. Wilis, and exemplary faith in the power of the truth.

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So will certain members of the house GOP be getting their absentee ballots for the coming election in Russia? Just wondering.

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😂😂😂

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Thank you. Joyce for your continuing efforts to keep us abreast of all the court procedures surrounding the trumpster. I really did not expect we would be up against the wire as we are now. I'm glad the trumpster was convicted and heavily fined in the New York State trials. But, it very wrong that we, the Citizens of the United States, may never get the justice WE deserve for the trumpster's criminal acts against the United States, and OUR Constitution. It seems too many people in power are more concerned with retaining their personal power and less in justice for this Country.

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Dear Joyce,

A question; since the decision in the E Jean Carroll case, is Trump required to register as a sex offender? In Illinois I believe he would be required to but haven't read or heard a discussion on this point.

Thank you for all your work,

Lesley

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Civil not criminal conviction. No.

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I thought that might be the case.

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Feb 19·edited Feb 19

Good question, I'd also like to know for sure. This is what a read from the Daily Beast

"In New York, where the verdict was reached, only those who are incarcerated or on probation or parole may be placed on the sex offender registry. And if you’re hoping that a federal registration requirement kick in, no dice there as well—the offender must have been “convicted” of an offense"

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Wouldn’t that be fabulous, if he did? I don’t think they’ll impose that on him, unfortunately.

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No, primarily because he is not a convicted sex offender. Has been found liable for damages related to defamation of character, not convicted of a sex crime. The judge did state that the conduct alleged did fit the statutory definition of a sexual offense but it was not brought in a timely manner (statute of limitations) and was not part of the civil trial (defamation of character).

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We are living in very dark and dangerous times which will affect every human being on our planet. If the court rules against the good neighbor policy it will affect short term people downwind yet also affect all of us and how our climate is in peril. As to the "immunity" and 14th admendment I can only say I so appreciate your calm, clear voice explaining what is happening and how much danger we are all in. Thank you Joyce.

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When/if Trump is elected there will be no more functioning judicial system, because courts that are not loyal to Trump will be closed and judges who are not loyal will be removed. I hear folks concerned about a looming constitutional crisis. That’s naive. There will be no such crisis where courts decide anything except what Trump dictates.. Trump will decide everything. The only power courts now have at every level from municipal to Supreme Court to enforce their rulings and the law is for law enforcement from every level- local police to the attorney general, to have the authority and the means to use physical force to enforce the law. Trump will be the law. Under martial law that he’ll declare on his first day in office, the military will occupy all American cities under his direct command. Any judge deemed not a trump loyalist will be removed by the military. Any police chief that isn’t a Trump loyalist will be removed. I know it’s hard to imagine this happening, but it all hinges on one question . Will the military carry out the orders of the commander and chief or not? How many countries have we seen where total power was seized by the dictator that was backed by the armed might of the military? Trump is telling us all what he will do . We tell ourselves that the courts will stop him as they have so far from talking over the government. If he wins the election nothing can stop him from doing whatever he wants just as nothing stops Putin or Kim or has stopped any man who gains total control over the military. The question is- will the career officers in the military disobey the direct orders of the commander in chief, who will immediately court martial them for disobeying a direct order- and remove then from their commands- or will they choose to obey Trump’s orders and stay under his command? I served in the Army for six years. My father served for 30 years in the Navy. I believe the career military officers will decide that it’s in their best self interest to obey the direct orders of the president and commander and chief, to avoid the huge personal consequences to them and their families of not obeying a direct order from Trump, the commander and chief.

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I agree, unfortunately. Most individuals will follow orders in a life and death situation whenever their family members lives are threatened by disobedience to the state. This is also exactly what the most committed MAGA ideologues want. I have heard such talk amongst their followers in extremist British Unionist ranks here in Northern Ireland. They believe in what they call ‘benign dictatorship’ rather than rule of law democracies. As Trump has said he is only going to be a dictator from day one of his presidency. This flags the fact that after day one the deed will be done.

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Thank you Monnina. Trump’s style of dictatorship will be known for the cruel persecution of anyone who opposes him if he is elected. It will be a brutal and paranoid police state that he will rule over- relentlessly preoccupied with finding and punishing his perceived enemies. A good friend barely escaped the deadly coup purges in Argentina with her life in the 1970’s. She was a progressive psychiatrist who saw her friends begin to disappear in the night. She told me- “At first it seemed so unreal- it was like being in a dream- I couldn’t believe it was happening.” Over 40,000 everyday citizens were “disappeared” and murdered. Many were horribly tortured to get information on the suspected disloyalty of family and friends.

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Your friend’s experience and her shock and disbelief is harrowing. It is also a voice of truth. This is what extremely violent authoritarian crackdowns feel like. They seem farcical at first, until they aren’t. All any of us can do is become as awake to this danger as possible, fight back where we are able and when we are unable, bear witness. 🐈‍⬛

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Thank you again. You know what’s possible.

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founding

The Mango Muffin will try a coup, especially if the vote seems to be going President Biden's way. Be prepared for that

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I fear you are correct. We have underestimated his evil intentions since 2015. Every day he shows himself to be a worse example of a human being. Yet here we are.

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A military coup is an option.

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Yes Bill- there will be some in the military who would want to resist the tyranny in that way.

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Thanks Joyce. What is your opinion as to whether Justice Thomas will do the right thing and recuse himself on matters relating to Trump's January 6 related appeals, including his total immunity claims, given that Thomas' wife was a paid pro-Trump lobbyist who actively supported Trump's attempts to circumvent the lawful Electoral College process set forth in the Constitution?

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Not a chance, he’s corrupt to the bone.

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It is such a shame that Clarence doesn't represent the values of his race. He could have been a shining example for children in every state. He will never recuse, of course. His wife might withhold her "favors".

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Without addressing the race issue, he’s a disgrace to his fellow Justices and the entire judiciary. With far less of an appearance of a conflict of interest, Justice Fortas resigned from the Supreme Court. Thomas is a stain on the Supreme Court and will be a cancer on it if he refuses to recuse himself.

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He believes he's a white man with dark skin. The only time I recall him addressing his true race was during his confirmation testimony regarding a high tech lynching. So he is willing to use it when it benefits him. Is that mean of me?

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EEEWWW!.

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Whew, it's all exhausting, but necessary. Great summary of where we are with all the various court cases going on. It's possible that even if Trump isn't convicted on some of the big criminal cases before November, voters will begin to get the message that where there's smoke there's fire. He has been found liable of rape, defamation and fraud and his image as a successful businessman is severely damaged. The message should be "Do you really want a man who's a rapist and a fraud making life and death decisions for you?" He's going to take over the RNC and use every dollar he can (even if it is illegal) to pay his legal fees, he'll continue to spread his lies and hatred, and he may very well take money from Russia or China so he can appeal his convictions all the while whining about the witch hunts. MAGAs are going to vote for him regardless but I think the majority of voters will want to make it all stop by voting for Biden. And, Trump was last on a list of US Presidents.

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I agree the majority of Americans want nothing more of 45’s nonsense.

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Patricia I would chuckle at seeing a list of Turgid Trump’s most admirable characteristics.

Since honesty, loyalty, supportive of the Constitution, placing country over self, humility, and kindness are the converse of Trump, his ‘admirable characteristics’ I find a puzzlement.

Perhaps “A desire to be dictator and associate with such authoritarian figures as Putin, Orban, Mohamed bin Salman, and Kim?”

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I never thought I would see a GoFundMe page for Trump. Elena Cardona saying the verdict against him was unjust. If it happened to him it could happen to anyone. He made all his payments. Sorry to say she lives in Florida as do I. She has already raised over $388,000. This is probably taking away from Trump’s shoe promo. 😂

I hope Barbara Jones sticks like glue to Trump. She needs to have a paper trail for each and every transaction.

Now that Smirnov has been indicted I would think the Republicans could stop the dog and pony show of trying to impeach President Biden. Don’t they realize there is work to be done. They are acting like idiots.

Simply Incredible sums it up perfectly. Thank you for taking the time to keep us all better citizens by letting us know what’s happening this week. It is greatly appreciated. Have a Happy President’s Day tomorrow. My mom would always bake a cherry pie in honor of George Washington.

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