Only the best. 🙄 The country just got that much more dangerous. On the other hand, I'm glad to see the lawsuits piling up, and I was especially encouraged and inspired to hear Bishop Mariann Budde tell Trump to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now. An absolutely beautiful call, speaking truth to power, in simple, eloquent terms. So much more to do, but it is encouraging to see so many people pushing back. Thanks, Joyce!
He's "reportedly a Methodist" is how Wikipedia put it. He holds his daddy's seat in Congress, he is the epitome of being everything the MAGA party is legislating against.
I'm sorry, who are you describing? If you are speaking of the person who has called for the bishop's deportation, how is he "the epitome of everything the MAGA party is legislating against"?
His church, Rock Springs Church, is a congregational Methodist church which is evangelical and not affiliated with the United Methodist Church. About all they have in common is the name Methodist. I suspect that it is one of the many Methodist churches in GA that disaffiliated from the United Methodist denomination because we were too liberal.
It doesn't matter. We saw it. We saw her speak to them, kindly and clearly. We saw them take it in. We watched them squirm in their seats. We have a model for how to speak up-- we have several models, of course, but this one was quiet and dignified and cut right to the heart of it: be merciful. What matters is that WE got it.
I wouldn't call it squirming. What I saw was disgust and boredom. If anyone listened, it was only to sneer (Vance). Actually, I take that back. I was intrigued to watch Eric. He listened to every word she said, and was respectful throughout. Maybe there's hope yet? He has a great role model in his cousin, Mary.
He walked out of that church and did the following. He doesn’t give a fuck about anyone but himself and he certainly didn’t internalize a single word from the sermon. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/
It’s too bad he has no shame. There is no humanity there at all. And (MAGA) people don’t care. He is at this point an ICON, in its true meaning: an object to be worshiped.
It will be interesting to see in about 6 months where the US lies on the Global peace Index. Our place on that, is why I mainly live abroad and has been a reason for many people I know to move abroad. Right now we are at place 132 of all the countries on it. Will we drop more or keep this place with Trump in power?
Every time a reporter encounters a Republican congressman or Senator, they must ask them repeatedly about Trump’s actions to shame them and embarrass them about those awful actions that he is implementing. That may start to generate cracks in their universe.
Ask Charlie Grassley why Bill Clinton getting a blow job from an intern was an impeachment offense whole Trump can incite an armed , violent insurrection and that is just...what? Another day in thr office?
My point is that Republicans were highly upset about Clinton behaving so irresponsibly. He did, and I don't defend him.
What it an impeachable offense?
If the GOP wants to argue moral turpitude in Clinton's case, thrn they should be repeatedly called on to defend a violent armed attack that was incited by Trump.
That’s so incredibly disturbing to read. Are you blaming her for his actions? I voted for him both times, but he took advantage of his superior position and she was young and caught up in the fact he was the president.
That’s rude. She has been vilified for years for nothing other than falling for a handsome and charming man. It seems to be the “sex” part that so bothers people. Amazing how many have been brought down by this entirely human action: Gary Hart, John Edwards. But I guess that tack didn’t work for Trump.
Yes young and innocent. Then she yaps to her friend who realizes a bonanza of info. It almost brings down a president but it does have a negative effect on Al Gore who loses to one of the worst presidents W who then gets to nominate Supreme Court justices. I’m tired of watching loses.
AR-15 has a 3-inch bullet and a range of 400-600 yards. And we're asked to believe that an assassin experienced in shooting this weapon chose a rooftop 150 yards away from a 6-foot+ 300 pound target facing forward fired and missed? Bullshit...this was a MAGA "martyr" who agreed to sacrifice himself for his "Lord".
Short hospital stay. Not afraid after hearing a shot. No follow up interview of shooter’s parents who are probably in the money. He is a magnificent con artist!
Great question. They’ve been pardoned and I am not a lawyer. Even if they can’t, others will give guns to them. Jennifer Rubin interviewed Officer (rtd) Fanone today. He was clearly not pleased. Harry Dunn in his Substack expressed fear. I’d think all the Committee, witnesses, Dem Members and press are those who will need security but HOW can they afford it or live that way? I think of Medgar Evers in particular being shot while standing in his driveway. Where can anyone targeted be safe?
Per the ATF, if your conviction is for a federal offense, you would regain the ability to lawfully receive, possess, or transport firearms if you receive a presidential pardon.
Technically, or on paper, they still are, because a presidential pardon does not erase or expunge their convictions. What it does, however, is restore the civil rights that they would have lost absent the pardons. This includes the right to possess, receive or transport firearms. Also, in a state where convicted felons are denied the vote, a presidential pardon will not restore that and there may be similar issues with other state felon rights despite the pardon.
This: “ Trump’s abuses have to remain shocking, not because they surprise us, but because they are profoundly unacceptable and contrary to democratic principles.” It was apparent in the ether today that many Republicans in office were not pleased with what he did with the pardons. And this does illustrate some of the differences between even deep red politicians and the mad man they elected, the criminal who has no sense of a life of public service. One can only hope he has already gone too far, but I know better than to believe that.The lawsuits are heartening. The next 4 years will have to be lived 1 day at a time. Unless he leaves this earth before then. Again, one can only hope.
🤬🤬🤬 he freed 1500 traitors. People who tried to overthrow our government- people who tried to write their own laws, and these people are still writing new laws and changing long standing ones to suit their pleasure. And then they lie about it and pretend it’s all good and that you were imagining things.
This comment by Trump is downright laughable as it is highly unlikely he has EVER actually read the Constitution in the first place. The mere fact that the Constitution starts with the words 'WE the people..." would be an instant turnoff for a man whose ONLY focus has been and always will be solely on "I, ME, and MINE".
Before everybody - including our esteemed writer, Prof. Vance - rushes to a copy of the Constitution and points out that §1 unequivocally protects birthright citizenship, let us remember that §3 of the same amendment also "unequivocally" disqualified from federal office someone who had engaged in acts of " insurrection or rebellion, or gave aid and comfort...etc." We all know that all the Justices, in tRump v Anderson, decided to add their own interpretation to the plain-as-day wording, which resulted in tRump escaping §3 sanctions.
Who's to say that at 5 Justices may here as well decide that, yes, §1 *seems* to be clear on birthright citizenship, but perhaps there needs to be clear and enabling legislation by Congress *specifically* allowing children of migrants lacking the requisite residence stature to acquire citizenship by right. Or some such legal twist that avoids acknowledging the plain wording of the 14th A...is everybody THAT sure that tRump gets a loss here?
This is where the “originalism” train, headed north, and the “contempt for precedent” train, headed south (and on the same track) collide in the tunnel.
Did you see that photo of him at the service? For a newly installed POTUS he was slumped down, looking sleepy. Not presidential in the least. Of course he was bored! Bishop Budde was not praising his behaviors. She was speaking truth to power.
will the democracy index help us focus on specific areas? I just saw reports that agencies at DHHS, including CDC, NHS, and FDA, are being told "to pause all external communications, such as health advisories, weekly scientific reports, updates to websites and social media posts" (Washington Post) for an indeterminate time period. So, no MMWR, no updates on infectious diseases, including H5N1 avian flu spread. Also much information to health providers, scientists, media about a wide variety of topics. So will we get information about contaminated food, foodborne illnesses, drug overdose deaths, new drugs? So hoping your chickens stay safe and warm, because we may not know where Covid, pneumonia, flu, norovirus outbreaks are occurring.
Thank you, Joyce. Your voice is so helpful. I’d also like to encourage everyone to to watch Rachel Madow on MSNBC every weekday night at 9.et time. She is very helpful in keeping us apprised and calling out crooked politicians. God bless us all!
They won’t until their meds, the protections lifted on price caps, go sky high. Then they’ll blame Biden, maybe Obama too. No matter how much I read, my brain cannot understand.
So much awfulness happening and it is only day 2. I hope there is a large cadre of attorneys to scrutinize and start proceedings on every single abuse of power. It needs to be immediate. We can’t pussyfoot around for a year and see how things go.
I look forward to the Democracy Index as a way to put circles around the chaos these MAGAts wish to unleash. Good to see the lawsuits are already being filed - lawyers in defense of Democracy have, it seems, been very prepared for this moment.
Call your Senators and Congresspersons and let them know there can be no "compromise", no "reaching across the aisle", no "respect for their point of view".
These are traitors seeking the overthrow of our Republic.
I agree completely! Any Democrat who utters, "Well, they have some good points" needs to be reminded that The Felon isn't the only one who can primary a candidate.
Can we track those who were pardoned or had sentences commuted to determine if they commit further violent acts? If we are removing folks without papers for crimes, wouldn't it be prudent to follow those J6 folks?
Only the best. 🙄 The country just got that much more dangerous. On the other hand, I'm glad to see the lawsuits piling up, and I was especially encouraged and inspired to hear Bishop Mariann Budde tell Trump to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now. An absolutely beautiful call, speaking truth to power, in simple, eloquent terms. So much more to do, but it is encouraging to see so many people pushing back. Thanks, Joyce!
Wasn’t she wonderful to really speak of G-d and to do it in her house.
One congressional Republican wants her deported.
Deporting Bishop Mariann Budde back to New Jersey?
That is SO FAR BEYOND DESPICABLE, there are no adequate words.
He's "reportedly a Methodist" is how Wikipedia put it. He holds his daddy's seat in Congress, he is the epitome of being everything the MAGA party is legislating against.
I'm sorry, who are you describing? If you are speaking of the person who has called for the bishop's deportation, how is he "the epitome of everything the MAGA party is legislating against"?
I'm very confused, too!
His church, Rock Springs Church, is a congregational Methodist church which is evangelical and not affiliated with the United Methodist Church. About all they have in common is the name Methodist. I suspect that it is one of the many Methodist churches in GA that disaffiliated from the United Methodist denomination because we were too liberal.
Who is?
She made them all sooo uncomfortable and did it in an eloquent way. She has paved and has showed us the way.
I doubt the CONVICT or the immigrant wife care.
It doesn't matter. We saw it. We saw her speak to them, kindly and clearly. We saw them take it in. We watched them squirm in their seats. We have a model for how to speak up-- we have several models, of course, but this one was quiet and dignified and cut right to the heart of it: be merciful. What matters is that WE got it.
I wouldn't call it squirming. What I saw was disgust and boredom. If anyone listened, it was only to sneer (Vance). Actually, I take that back. I was intrigued to watch Eric. He listened to every word she said, and was respectful throughout. Maybe there's hope yet? He has a great role model in his cousin, Mary.
I was thinking the same thing about Eric at first. Then I watched it again and now believe he was fuming.
He walked out of that church and did the following. He doesn’t give a fuck about anyone but himself and he certainly didn’t internalize a single word from the sermon. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/
He doesn’t care about religion or church. It’s all performative to him. I imagine Melania is no different.
Wonder how much she was paid for the last 3 days. This is the last you'll see her for months
"https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cn4mwe3lk9wo" - see him squirm in his seat and state that it was not a good service! Shame on this so-called president!
It’s too bad he has no shame. There is no humanity there at all. And (MAGA) people don’t care. He is at this point an ICON, in its true meaning: an object to be worshiped.
I so agree - proud to be Episcopalian today!
Me too. She actually reminds me of the priests in my church.
I am not a religious person, but Bishop Budde is my new heroine.
It will be interesting to see in about 6 months where the US lies on the Global peace Index. Our place on that, is why I mainly live abroad and has been a reason for many people I know to move abroad. Right now we are at place 132 of all the countries on it. Will we drop more or keep this place with Trump in power?
https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPI-2024-A3-map-poster.pdf
I am glad that Professor Vance is doing the Democracy Index. I just subscribed to The Contrarian.
kayfabe...
Every time a reporter encounters a Republican congressman or Senator, they must ask them repeatedly about Trump’s actions to shame them and embarrass them about those awful actions that he is implementing. That may start to generate cracks in their universe.
Ask Charlie Grassley why Bill Clinton getting a blow job from an intern was an impeachment offense whole Trump can incite an armed , violent insurrection and that is just...what? Another day in thr office?
That was in the pre-trump era before he showed us what a truly bad president can do.
You mean Monica?
My point is that Republicans were highly upset about Clinton behaving so irresponsibly. He did, and I don't defend him.
What it an impeachable offense?
If the GOP wants to argue moral turpitude in Clinton's case, thrn they should be repeatedly called on to defend a violent armed attack that was incited by Trump.
And Rape, Fraud, and theft of classified docs. . . .
That’s so incredibly disturbing to read. Are you blaming her for his actions? I voted for him both times, but he took advantage of his superior position and she was young and caught up in the fact he was the president.
I reported him. I wish Joyce and others monitored comments like Robert and Scott.
I fixed it
Absolutely not. That’s disgusting and unacceptable.
Good grief, Bill! Is that comment civil discourse?
Sorry but I fixed it
That’s rude. She has been vilified for years for nothing other than falling for a handsome and charming man. It seems to be the “sex” part that so bothers people. Amazing how many have been brought down by this entirely human action: Gary Hart, John Edwards. But I guess that tack didn’t work for Trump.
Yes young and innocent. Then she yaps to her friend who realizes a bonanza of info. It almost brings down a president but it does have a negative effect on Al Gore who loses to one of the worst presidents W who then gets to nominate Supreme Court justices. I’m tired of watching loses.
I don’t think it would do any good to shame them— they are shameless!
Willfully Ignorant Sheep/Cultists. Hopefully the "find out" phase of the program will bite them VERY HARD in the backside. . . . dimwits . . .
Bingo!
I doubt it. They are dug in
Whatever it takes!
ANY time a political figure claims that they have been "saved by God", your BS detector should be ringing.
And they should be taken off to the nearest hospital in order to test
Their relationship to reality.
How many think he hired that shooter?
I think it was set up somehow. It looked like he knew it was coming. Fake movie blood? And, imagine jumping UP after being shot at. Who does that?
AR-15 has a 3-inch bullet and a range of 400-600 yards. And we're asked to believe that an assassin experienced in shooting this weapon chose a rooftop 150 yards away from a 6-foot+ 300 pound target facing forward fired and missed? Bullshit...this was a MAGA "martyr" who agreed to sacrifice himself for his "Lord".
Short hospital stay. Not afraid after hearing a shot. No follow up interview of shooter’s parents who are probably in the money. He is a magnificent con artist!
Of everything you wrote, that post by the "american shaman" chills me to the bone.
Can they buy guns?
Great question. They’ve been pardoned and I am not a lawyer. Even if they can’t, others will give guns to them. Jennifer Rubin interviewed Officer (rtd) Fanone today. He was clearly not pleased. Harry Dunn in his Substack expressed fear. I’d think all the Committee, witnesses, Dem Members and press are those who will need security but HOW can they afford it or live that way? I think of Medgar Evers in particular being shot while standing in his driveway. Where can anyone targeted be safe?
What is being done is MONSTROUS!
See Dale of Green Gables's excellent posts which clarify this.
Per the ATF, if your conviction is for a federal offense, you would regain the ability to lawfully receive, possess, or transport firearms if you receive a presidential pardon.
I read 14 of the J-6ers had their sentences commuted, but were not pardoned. Their convictions should stand and not allow them to own firearms, right?
Why would anyone expect them to adhere to the law now. And many states have permitless carry now.
But they can be prosecuted under the law if they break it.
Yes. They are no longer felons. (Am I right about this, anyone? Joyce? Any lawyers who read Joyce's outstanding substack?)
Technically, or on paper, they still are, because a presidential pardon does not erase or expunge their convictions. What it does, however, is restore the civil rights that they would have lost absent the pardons. This includes the right to possess, receive or transport firearms. Also, in a state where convicted felons are denied the vote, a presidential pardon will not restore that and there may be similar issues with other state felon rights despite the pardon.
Yes, and the arrest and conviction do not get erased and are still are of record.
May I say, BIG EFF'g DEAL!
Thank you for that information. And: SHUDDER!
Yes
This: “ Trump’s abuses have to remain shocking, not because they surprise us, but because they are profoundly unacceptable and contrary to democratic principles.” It was apparent in the ether today that many Republicans in office were not pleased with what he did with the pardons. And this does illustrate some of the differences between even deep red politicians and the mad man they elected, the criminal who has no sense of a life of public service. One can only hope he has already gone too far, but I know better than to believe that.The lawsuits are heartening. The next 4 years will have to be lived 1 day at a time. Unless he leaves this earth before then. Again, one can only hope.
Yes!
🤬🤬🤬 he freed 1500 traitors. People who tried to overthrow our government- people who tried to write their own laws, and these people are still writing new laws and changing long standing ones to suit their pleasure. And then they lie about it and pretend it’s all good and that you were imagining things.
Call them out loud every day!
Our challenge is to inform those who are not engaged. This is not the time to go back to ignoring the news. The next election starts today.
"We will not forget our Constitution."
This comment by Trump is downright laughable as it is highly unlikely he has EVER actually read the Constitution in the first place. The mere fact that the Constitution starts with the words 'WE the people..." would be an instant turnoff for a man whose ONLY focus has been and always will be solely on "I, ME, and MINE".
Before everybody - including our esteemed writer, Prof. Vance - rushes to a copy of the Constitution and points out that §1 unequivocally protects birthright citizenship, let us remember that §3 of the same amendment also "unequivocally" disqualified from federal office someone who had engaged in acts of " insurrection or rebellion, or gave aid and comfort...etc." We all know that all the Justices, in tRump v Anderson, decided to add their own interpretation to the plain-as-day wording, which resulted in tRump escaping §3 sanctions.
Who's to say that at 5 Justices may here as well decide that, yes, §1 *seems* to be clear on birthright citizenship, but perhaps there needs to be clear and enabling legislation by Congress *specifically* allowing children of migrants lacking the requisite residence stature to acquire citizenship by right. Or some such legal twist that avoids acknowledging the plain wording of the 14th A...is everybody THAT sure that tRump gets a loss here?
This is where the “originalism” train, headed north, and the “contempt for precedent” train, headed south (and on the same track) collide in the tunnel.
I guess it’s “ME the people” to him.
Good one, Annie!
Bishop Budde quietly, calmly, respectfully laying it out.
Trump saying it was a boring service.
How many church services has he ever attended to compare with!
We watch and note and contact officials calmly and respectfully.
Trumpsters may be loud and rude, we respond as adults.
Did you see that photo of him at the service? For a newly installed POTUS he was slumped down, looking sleepy. Not presidential in the least. Of course he was bored! Bishop Budde was not praising his behaviors. She was speaking truth to power.
will the democracy index help us focus on specific areas? I just saw reports that agencies at DHHS, including CDC, NHS, and FDA, are being told "to pause all external communications, such as health advisories, weekly scientific reports, updates to websites and social media posts" (Washington Post) for an indeterminate time period. So, no MMWR, no updates on infectious diseases, including H5N1 avian flu spread. Also much information to health providers, scientists, media about a wide variety of topics. So will we get information about contaminated food, foodborne illnesses, drug overdose deaths, new drugs? So hoping your chickens stay safe and warm, because we may not know where Covid, pneumonia, flu, norovirus outbreaks are occurring.
That pretty much fits the GQP healthcare plan - die quickly and quietly . . .
Keep an eye on local news. States and counties have public health depts. Federal assistance may be zero for four years in every area.
Not to mention pulling out of WHO. (World Health Organization) I guess the US will be on its own once the next infectious disease arrives.
Right! I’ve read emails pausing hiring efforts by the IRS as of yesterday.
I guess that is because of the Project 2025 plan of hiring only loyalists.
That’s downright scary!
Thank you, Joyce. Your voice is so helpful. I’d also like to encourage everyone to to watch Rachel Madow on MSNBC every weekday night at 9.et time. She is very helpful in keeping us apprised and calling out crooked politicians. God bless us all!
So are Nicolle Wallace, Lawrence O’Donnell and Ali Velshi.
She lost me when she reduced Elon’s Nazi salute to a Roman Salute.
He makes me want to vomit. I hope many of those who voted for him understand what they have done bringing him back to the WH
They won’t until their meds, the protections lifted on price caps, go sky high. Then they’ll blame Biden, maybe Obama too. No matter how much I read, my brain cannot understand.
So much awfulness happening and it is only day 2. I hope there is a large cadre of attorneys to scrutinize and start proceedings on every single abuse of power. It needs to be immediate. We can’t pussyfoot around for a year and see how things go.
Thanks for the great example of how to respond, and all the information 🇺🇸
I look forward to the Democracy Index as a way to put circles around the chaos these MAGAts wish to unleash. Good to see the lawsuits are already being filed - lawyers in defense of Democracy have, it seems, been very prepared for this moment.
Call your Senators and Congresspersons and let them know there can be no "compromise", no "reaching across the aisle", no "respect for their point of view".
These are traitors seeking the overthrow of our Republic.
Period.
I agree completely! Any Democrat who utters, "Well, they have some good points" needs to be reminded that The Felon isn't the only one who can primary a candidate.
Can we track those who were pardoned or had sentences commuted to determine if they commit further violent acts? If we are removing folks without papers for crimes, wouldn't it be prudent to follow those J6 folks?