We love her too! Don't know what my hubby, Jim, would do without her courage and efforts to spread the TRUTH far an wide - he's a retire quality engineer & minister.
Always appreciate Joyce Vance. She puts faces on so many judges and stresses the seriousness with which they do their work. It may be slow but there is hope in justice.
Per a BBC report, "Last week, US Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily stopped the creation of $1.776bn government fund to compensate individuals who claimed to be targets of political investigation by previous administrations."
"The fund had been set aside for "victims of lawfare" [not] to seek compensation, and eligibility for it appeared broad."
[But] "Brinkema barred the justice department from taking any steps to stand up or operate the fund - including processing or dispersing claims - until a preliminary hearing on 12 June."
But, Rachel Maddow reported tonight Trump will withdraw the Slush Fund. And, Lawrence O'Donnell also reporting from a source that says the "Slush Fund" is dead for now. Senator Thune concludes "The ideal fund outcome is Dead Forever".
Heard various versions of this. Also heard there is an ongoing investigation by the original judge to examine fraudulent use of court. Hope springs eternal.
Congress almost voted not to fund any such fund, but Senators went home rather than vote lest Trump smash them in remaining primaries or midterms. Not sure how he could hurt them in midterms without hurting himself.
I don’t know if you remember, but when Trump got his mug shot taken, he spent an hour in front of a mirror to get the look that he wanted, which was rather vicious and cruel and I think that’s the look that that is hanging on some of these banners in DC maybe and the look that he wants on the money for that manner that seems to be his favorite look actually sorry for the run-on sentences.
Have You considered that Trump is Really trying to set up a Paramilitary Force to help him stay in power after his term expires!!!! I’m really worried about this!!!
Trump himself is not capable of attempting this. Who on his team do you think would be in charge of such an effort? And what are the chances that an ad hoc paramilitary force could win out over the U.S. military? Another thing: It is entirely possible that Trump either won't survive this term or be lucid enough to contemplate a third. There's no shortage of pressing challenges to worry about but this one is way down the list.
That's what I think he wanted the slush fund for - to pay for his personal paramilitary psychos recombining after their Jan 6th convictions and pardons - when it's time for him to move out of the PEOPLE'S HOUSE and back to Mara Lardo. The rest of us can see he is rapidly floating off into a mental LA-LA LAND, but his family and closer supporters like the money they make from having him in office and won't just fade off into the sunset.
Question: Is the creation of the 1.776B slush fund tied legally, in the technical sense, to Trump's right to be granted complete protections against any tax liability now and in the future for him and his family members? Or, can the two issues be separated and challenged in the courts independently?
Pretty sure they are going to be separate, because they violate different laws and regulations and aren't actually tied together in any meaningful way in terms of their legality. On the other hand, none of this whacko stuff Felon47 and his pals have been trying pull off appears to have any governmental or Constitutional or legal justification outside Felon47's demented brain.
Sociopaths, psychopaths, fascists, and authoritarians are terms not defined in the manual that psychiatrists or psychologists use. This manual (DSM-5-TR) is derived from observation, not from scientific procedures; it classifies and describes constellations of observed behavior that occur together in a person; it lists specific personality traits that occur in a particular person alongside the other identified behavior patterns. No medical physical exam or scientific physical markers are present; only the observation of behavioral constellations that are labeled as a particular condition, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar depression. When a person is examined, the observer looks for these markers and then makes a diagnosis based on which traits are observed in the person. For instance, if the personality markers for psychosis occur and can be observed, then the person is diagnosed as having a psychosis.
No category in this manual corresponds to the four terms I listed above, and the two terms of interest to me are Fascism and authoritarianism. In my Kindle books, I have numerous books describing what fascism is, but none discuss the personality of the fascist. I am an ex-psychologist and researcher who wants to explore the personality of these fascists; in other words, I want to develop a profile of the personality traits of a person who is a fascist.
I assume that fascist behavior is consistent from one fascist to another; in other words, Putin's way of functioning has similarities to Trump's: grandiosity, the killing of opponents, and the ability to lie constantly are characteristics of all fascists. The behavior of all fascists resembles that of others.
Author after author describes, in their books, similarities in how fascists and dictators function; their method of moving to control those around them is consistent, whether they label the behavior autocracy, totalitarianism, or authoritarianism; their behavior is consistent, and when behavior is consistent, I was hoping that we should be able to develop a personality profile or a DSM-5-TR profile that should be labeled fascist.
Alas, Poor Yorick, I do not think that can be done, but I wanted to explore this idea.
I started with the question: What type of person and what type of personality must they have to see only people as pawns to be used to promote themselves? I would suggest a lack of empathy. We know and have specified the characteristics of a sociopath: lack of empathy, no remorse, manipulative and impulsive behavior, and disregard for rules.
Are they all fascist sociopaths, or maybe psychopaths? Stalin murdered millions of Russians; how do you do that and sleep? Psychopaths, by contrast, are calculated, charming, and emotionally cold. They often mimic emotions to manipulate others and maintain complete emotional detachment. They are methodical, can mimic emotions to appear normal, and seek long-term power or dominance. There is one test: the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised to identify psychopaths, but be aware that it was developed by Dr. Hare, who observed prisoners convicted of mass murders and established a similar method of listing personality traits he observed. Nothing scientific or testable, just his observing and identifying consistent behavior patterns in these inmates.
In the literature, it is documented that the process of fascism is consistent: we know that all fascists function consistently and in the same way as other fascists; their behavior is consistent, and so I believe their personalities must have similar, consistent patterns.
I think that all fascists are sociopaths or psychopaths, but that label does not necessarily give me information about their personality since they are not listed in the DSM-5-TR. I have spent a major portion of my work as a psychologist treating people with alcohol use disorder and other addictions. I know that much research has been done to identify a common gene that can be found in people with addiction. Still, as of my last time working, I do not think that any gene or chromosome was identified as particular to people with addiction; also, the personality of those in these categories is very diverse, and a common type is not obtainable. Two of the most difficult addictions I worked with were gambling addiction and obsessive-compulsive addiction.
Psychologists have largely focused on the study of personality, examining how it is formed and the dynamics that underlie it. Still, in all cases they were discussing the personality of one person, not a category of many people.
I do not have the information needed to conduct a historical comparison of numerous examples of fascism to identify similarities in their histories; the problem is that identifying their personality type does not tell us anything about the structure of their internal personalities. For instance, Stalin was described as paranoid and deeply suspicious, charming yet vengeful, with concealed insecurities and a "Father Figure" image. All these traits can be found in Trump, and maybe that is the best we can do: compare similarities in the personality description.
Fascists studied are made with those with power, and fascism can exist without power and still function in society. I also believe that fascism existed in ancient times and in the early years of our culture, for instance, in kings and popes who ruled and used the same techniques we see fascists using. Fascism is defined today as “an authoritarian political ideology defined by three core pillars: extreme nationalism, state supremacy over the individual, and the suppression of political opposition.” (These are the same principles specified by the Heritage Foundation in Project 2025.)
So the best I can do is to state that fascists have similarly defined tactics to take control by force of the state or country, and to say I was unable to specify their personality development or specific mechanism that they use to maintain their fascism
To Joyce: A good alternative to “bad hotel coffee” is an AeroPress and Orphan Espresso Fixie hand grinder. Let one of your assistants know, and I’ll gift these to you as a way of showing appreciation for your amazing public service of educating us about vital legal matters.
On a slightly different note - and yet related as well because everything we do is linked:
I am convinced that “We the People’ are more alike than unalike. We have many causes in common: healthcare, public education, senior care, wages, and more. Let’s turn things upside down, and consider that Republicans in gerrymandered states might vote for a Democratic candidate because he or she makes a firm commitment to enact laws and policies that we all want. Take healthcare, for example: 70% of Americans want universal healthcare. To help overcome Republican voters' hesitations (and bring more Dem voters to the polls) I created this leaflet, with the hope of giving them the confidence to vote according to their wishes. I’m distributing it widely. Can you join me in this effort?
I LOVE Joyce Vance !!! She is beyond brilliant and informative. Yay Joyce!!
We love her too! Don't know what my hubby, Jim, would do without her courage and efforts to spread the TRUTH far an wide - he's a retire quality engineer & minister.
Always appreciate Joyce Vance. She puts faces on so many judges and stresses the seriousness with which they do their work. It may be slow but there is hope in justice.
Per a BBC report, "Last week, US Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily stopped the creation of $1.776bn government fund to compensate individuals who claimed to be targets of political investigation by previous administrations."
"The fund had been set aside for "victims of lawfare" [not] to seek compensation, and eligibility for it appeared broad."
[But] "Brinkema barred the justice department from taking any steps to stand up or operate the fund - including processing or dispersing claims - until a preliminary hearing on 12 June."
But, Rachel Maddow reported tonight Trump will withdraw the Slush Fund. And, Lawrence O'Donnell also reporting from a source that says the "Slush Fund" is dead for now. Senator Thune concludes "The ideal fund outcome is Dead Forever".
Heard various versions of this. Also heard there is an ongoing investigation by the original judge to examine fraudulent use of court. Hope springs eternal.
Congress almost voted not to fund any such fund, but Senators went home rather than vote lest Trump smash them in remaining primaries or midterms. Not sure how he could hurt them in midterms without hurting himself.
Joyce Vance is just amazing
Thank you Both ⚖️🗽
I don’t know if you remember, but when Trump got his mug shot taken, he spent an hour in front of a mirror to get the look that he wanted, which was rather vicious and cruel and I think that’s the look that that is hanging on some of these banners in DC maybe and the look that he wants on the money for that manner that seems to be his favorite look actually sorry for the run-on sentences.
Have You considered that Trump is Really trying to set up a Paramilitary Force to help him stay in power after his term expires!!!! I’m really worried about this!!!
if not ICE, then the insurrectionists.
Trump himself is not capable of attempting this. Who on his team do you think would be in charge of such an effort? And what are the chances that an ad hoc paramilitary force could win out over the U.S. military? Another thing: It is entirely possible that Trump either won't survive this term or be lucid enough to contemplate a third. There's no shortage of pressing challenges to worry about but this one is way down the list.
That's what I think he wanted the slush fund for - to pay for his personal paramilitary psychos recombining after their Jan 6th convictions and pardons - when it's time for him to move out of the PEOPLE'S HOUSE and back to Mara Lardo. The rest of us can see he is rapidly floating off into a mental LA-LA LAND, but his family and closer supporters like the money they make from having him in office and won't just fade off into the sunset.
Question: Is the creation of the 1.776B slush fund tied legally, in the technical sense, to Trump's right to be granted complete protections against any tax liability now and in the future for him and his family members? Or, can the two issues be separated and challenged in the courts independently?
Pretty sure they are going to be separate, because they violate different laws and regulations and aren't actually tied together in any meaningful way in terms of their legality. On the other hand, none of this whacko stuff Felon47 and his pals have been trying pull off appears to have any governmental or Constitutional or legal justification outside Felon47's demented brain.
Separating appears reasonable to the reasonable mind. I
One more comment. I got involved with supporting the SPLC in the early 80s. I was appalled when this lawsuit came down. Thank you, Joyce and Scott.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF A FASCIST
Sociopaths, psychopaths, fascists, and authoritarians are terms not defined in the manual that psychiatrists or psychologists use. This manual (DSM-5-TR) is derived from observation, not from scientific procedures; it classifies and describes constellations of observed behavior that occur together in a person; it lists specific personality traits that occur in a particular person alongside the other identified behavior patterns. No medical physical exam or scientific physical markers are present; only the observation of behavioral constellations that are labeled as a particular condition, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar depression. When a person is examined, the observer looks for these markers and then makes a diagnosis based on which traits are observed in the person. For instance, if the personality markers for psychosis occur and can be observed, then the person is diagnosed as having a psychosis.
No category in this manual corresponds to the four terms I listed above, and the two terms of interest to me are Fascism and authoritarianism. In my Kindle books, I have numerous books describing what fascism is, but none discuss the personality of the fascist. I am an ex-psychologist and researcher who wants to explore the personality of these fascists; in other words, I want to develop a profile of the personality traits of a person who is a fascist.
I assume that fascist behavior is consistent from one fascist to another; in other words, Putin's way of functioning has similarities to Trump's: grandiosity, the killing of opponents, and the ability to lie constantly are characteristics of all fascists. The behavior of all fascists resembles that of others.
Author after author describes, in their books, similarities in how fascists and dictators function; their method of moving to control those around them is consistent, whether they label the behavior autocracy, totalitarianism, or authoritarianism; their behavior is consistent, and when behavior is consistent, I was hoping that we should be able to develop a personality profile or a DSM-5-TR profile that should be labeled fascist.
Alas, Poor Yorick, I do not think that can be done, but I wanted to explore this idea.
I started with the question: What type of person and what type of personality must they have to see only people as pawns to be used to promote themselves? I would suggest a lack of empathy. We know and have specified the characteristics of a sociopath: lack of empathy, no remorse, manipulative and impulsive behavior, and disregard for rules.
Are they all fascist sociopaths, or maybe psychopaths? Stalin murdered millions of Russians; how do you do that and sleep? Psychopaths, by contrast, are calculated, charming, and emotionally cold. They often mimic emotions to manipulate others and maintain complete emotional detachment. They are methodical, can mimic emotions to appear normal, and seek long-term power or dominance. There is one test: the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised to identify psychopaths, but be aware that it was developed by Dr. Hare, who observed prisoners convicted of mass murders and established a similar method of listing personality traits he observed. Nothing scientific or testable, just his observing and identifying consistent behavior patterns in these inmates.
In the literature, it is documented that the process of fascism is consistent: we know that all fascists function consistently and in the same way as other fascists; their behavior is consistent, and so I believe their personalities must have similar, consistent patterns.
I think that all fascists are sociopaths or psychopaths, but that label does not necessarily give me information about their personality since they are not listed in the DSM-5-TR. I have spent a major portion of my work as a psychologist treating people with alcohol use disorder and other addictions. I know that much research has been done to identify a common gene that can be found in people with addiction. Still, as of my last time working, I do not think that any gene or chromosome was identified as particular to people with addiction; also, the personality of those in these categories is very diverse, and a common type is not obtainable. Two of the most difficult addictions I worked with were gambling addiction and obsessive-compulsive addiction.
Psychologists have largely focused on the study of personality, examining how it is formed and the dynamics that underlie it. Still, in all cases they were discussing the personality of one person, not a category of many people.
I do not have the information needed to conduct a historical comparison of numerous examples of fascism to identify similarities in their histories; the problem is that identifying their personality type does not tell us anything about the structure of their internal personalities. For instance, Stalin was described as paranoid and deeply suspicious, charming yet vengeful, with concealed insecurities and a "Father Figure" image. All these traits can be found in Trump, and maybe that is the best we can do: compare similarities in the personality description.
Fascists studied are made with those with power, and fascism can exist without power and still function in society. I also believe that fascism existed in ancient times and in the early years of our culture, for instance, in kings and popes who ruled and used the same techniques we see fascists using. Fascism is defined today as “an authoritarian political ideology defined by three core pillars: extreme nationalism, state supremacy over the individual, and the suppression of political opposition.” (These are the same principles specified by the Heritage Foundation in Project 2025.)
So the best I can do is to state that fascists have similarly defined tactics to take control by force of the state or country, and to say I was unable to specify their personality development or specific mechanism that they use to maintain their fascism
Evergreen CO here. Thanks for bringing Joyce on. She's wonderful and gives me hope.
Excellent discussion with Joyce and Scott
What a fantastic way to enrich my day. Thank both of you. Balanced and thought provoking.
Suffield Connecticut here
To Joyce: A good alternative to “bad hotel coffee” is an AeroPress and Orphan Espresso Fixie hand grinder. Let one of your assistants know, and I’ll gift these to you as a way of showing appreciation for your amazing public service of educating us about vital legal matters.
Joyce the best🙏🙏🌹
On a slightly different note - and yet related as well because everything we do is linked:
I am convinced that “We the People’ are more alike than unalike. We have many causes in common: healthcare, public education, senior care, wages, and more. Let’s turn things upside down, and consider that Republicans in gerrymandered states might vote for a Democratic candidate because he or she makes a firm commitment to enact laws and policies that we all want. Take healthcare, for example: 70% of Americans want universal healthcare. To help overcome Republican voters' hesitations (and bring more Dem voters to the polls) I created this leaflet, with the hope of giving them the confidence to vote according to their wishes. I’m distributing it widely. Can you join me in this effort?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/117pbSUpZJFP_J7X-MMOs7alXTmBvo0nNBi21TJurjtQ/edit?tab=t.0
Below the Substack newsletter I wrote that explains my thought process. https://beacardea.substack.com/p/america-year-250