Trump’s disavowal of Project 2025 itself came with a threat. Part of a statement issued by his campaign read:
“…Reports of Project 2025’s demise…should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence either President Trump and his campaign - it will not end well for you.”
This is the language of organized crime, not that of political discourse. Will it be a racehorse head in the bed next or something even worse?
As I read elsewhere today, they simply cannot control their thuggery. Even while trying (dishonestly) to disavow their fascistic intentions, the sound like fascists, because that's what they are. The rest of us do not appreciate being threatened, and we will make that very clear come November by voting Blue.
I think their thuggery is very controlled. They have intentions of overthrowing the government. If you look at Alito, he is clearly a member of The New Apostolic Reformation. Here is what Andra Watkins says they believe.
It is very likely that Mike Johnson is also. So, given that those beliefs are:
1) it goes against their faith to live and let live. So they cannot follow the constitution and be true to their religion, and they cannot separate church from state. To justify the decision making that they engage in as being constitutional they have reinvented the constitution in their minds as a Christian Nationalist theological constitution.
2) Also, they believe that the end of days is near. That means no worries about the environment because we are not going to be around long enough to experience the problems that are being discussed, although the problems are here and now with every unbearable heatwave, every storm that destroys homes and businesses and kills people, and every wildfire that does the same, as well as drought and disease and plagues.
However, they will all be saved from the earthly problems by God because they are true believers. According to Andra in this belief system the end of world view is called premillennialism. She says that the New Apostolic Reformation has a different view of End of Days. They believe Jesus cannot return until they transform the earth into the Kingdom of God. Therefore they have to force everyone to live in what they view as being necessary for God to return to earth. This view of the end of days is called Victorious Eschatology. It requires them to force their beliefs on the rest of us, so being Speaker of the House or being a Supreme Court justice makes them well primed to do that. However, this is not what they are elected or appointed to do according to our constitution.
I'm not a huge "believer" but frankly, the Jesus I was taught about in Sunday School was against everything these "so called believers are for. I sure wouldnt want to be standing next to THEM at the Pearly Gates when they start listing their "accomplishments" (in their minds) Think the gates will open for them? I dont.
Unfortunately, by that time (suppposed) our world will have been destroyed!
Agree 100% (and thanks for the additional detail), but I'd add that these "Christian Nationalists" are overwhelmingly white and that's not a coincidence. White supremacy is part of their religion, even though no way did Jesus teach anything like it. Millenarianism is not new in U.S. history and for sure not all evangelical Christians are white, but this particular manifestation is rooted at least as deeply in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of the mid-60s as it is in the Bible.
Yes Susanna. This is the part where Andra explains what she was taught. She talks about Christian Nationalists, which we call White Christian Nationalists and The Curse of Ham. I am raised atheist and in an intercultural University community, with diversity of religion, skin color, languages but I never heard of this. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/christian-nationalists-and-the-curse
I appreciate learning that my tax dollars go to supporting the tax exempt status of churches that teach things like this. Something to take on after the election is won by Harris.
Yes indeed. Another thing that needs a closer look is nonprofit status. The NRA is a 501(c)(4). They can lobby for legislation but they can't support political candidates -- but one way or another they do. The NRA *Foundation* is a 501(c)(3). These are supposed to be educational, charitable, and 100% non-political. Somehow I don't quite believe it of anything NRA-related.
Just as people have taken on filing against the Heritage Foundation because of Kevin Roberts threatening violence, which is not part of their mission, we should be taking on churches where pastors preach this racist doctrine. It should at least be a civil rights violation. If they name any candidate and tell people to vote for them we should file complaints with the IRS.
Very interesting. Thank you for the education. I can't figure out how they come up with these ideas that go totally against the teachings of Jesus, who, by the way, was NOT WHITE. I guess maybe its the way they think they overcome their insecurity, which in reality will never go away by forcing others to live by their beliefs.
When I read Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America by Prof. Kathleen Belew, I learned that at a certain point, I can't remember, late 80s early 90s, there was a gathering of White Supremacists from around the country and around the world. Until the Oklahoma City Bombing they had been operating as lone wolves in their attacks on people, even though everything was following a plan and the internet was used to convey that plan. Then, after all the attention they got from the bombing they decided that White Supremacist groups needed to reframe themselves, and instead of working against the government, they would work to get elected and take it over from within. The goal is to get rid of the Constitution and replace it with their White Supremacist one. To do this, they were going to tone down their racist rhetoric and instead start talking about immigration. They were going to align with White Christian Nationalists who had a similar world view minus the violence that they were all about. Then, they were going to take over the government and implement their Christo-fascist reality on everyone, and spread it over the entire planet. When I read that I took great relief in India and China not being "White" nations, and also being much more populous. Not so easy to eradicate. Same with the continent of Africa, though they have been trying for hundreds of years to subjugate and exterminate Africans. So, then the plan seems to be coming about. Immigration does not refer to White people, but rather Black and Brown people. When I read about this I could not see how Christians could believe this, but then I heard someone who supported DeSantis quoted as claiming that Christ was too WOKE! If that is the case, why call yourself a Christian. Acknowledge that you have started your own religion. We see this agenda coming into the political forefront in many so called "White" nations. The plan is for a global race war, so they are preparing. Now, according to Andra Watkin's Substack, both the White Christian Nationalists and the New Apostolic Reformation churches are teaching End of Days, but they have different approaches. In this article she compares the two groups. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/what-is-the-new-apostolic-reformation
Because the NAR (can we say Alito and Mike Johnson) believe that the world has to be a certain way for God to return and then reward them, where everyone on the planet has to behave in the way "HE" wants, they are compelled to force their ways on everyone. So, one of those things that they believe is that pornography is bad, but she says, their view of pornography is not the typical view. It is described here. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/this-is-how-christian-nationalists?utm_source=publication-search
She has given me huge insight into how the CN and the NAR view the world, and since I don't know anyone like that with whom I discuss religion, I get my information from things like people's postings who have left the church the Duggar's made infamous. She has said that they are forbidden to kiss or hold hands before marriage. It is all horrid sounding, and she defines things for women too. If you think being gay is pornographic, and God wants you to clear the earth of pornography, than you see where this leads? Hitler did too. See Putin, Orbán, and other modern day despots.
Wow, Linda! Very interesting. I agree with you that they should start a new religion that leaves Christ out of it, because they are not at all Christian. I'm guessing that they think Christ was White, even though he obviously wasn't. As for being too "WOKE", that's what made Christianity good, originally. The tale of the good Samaritan says it all. Personally, I appreciate what diversity does for us. It brings us new and better ideas, real progress, and hope. You have to be totally unaware of what's going on around you to not see the good that diversity brings. Even though church helped me get through some very difficult years in my life, I no longer have anything to do with organized religion. I have seen that people I was taught were worthy of respect back then, are mostly not deserving of that respect. It's interesting that people like Mike Johnson want to rid the earth of pornography, which he is apparently into. Personally, I would like to see the earth cleansed from despots and autocrats.
I highly recommend it. I think most people can see how autocrats can come to power, but she really gives a historical perspective to it as well as talking about how they fall. That is an important and hopeful piece to it as well. She wrote it when Trump was president and has predicted so many things. I also enjoy her Substack Lucid. https://lucid.substack.com/
Thank you! Insights and things I’d never heard about before! Sheds a lot of light on what’s going on and why. The conversation between you and Susanna in this thread as well as the one with Susan (the thread below) have helped immensely.
I’ve read some things which explained the ‘process’ of how the “Christian Democracy/ illiberal democracy” take over in Hungary happened but never really understood the deeper reasons. The deep question of why are they (Johnson, Alito, etc et) are pursuing this here. The “why” has been troubling me for some time. Now I have know or at least have “half a clue” as to why. Thank you!
Reading Prof. Ruth Ben-Ghiat's book “Strongmen” as well as Prof. Kathleen Belew’s “Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America” are now on my list as well.
It’s easier to fight the “enemy” you know than the one you don’t….
George, I am with you. I am all about informing myself. During Covid, I had started reading about it on January 6, 2020 because I was supposed to go to China that March. Wanted to understand the impact it might have on me, my family, my students, and my summer travel plans as well. I was reading about it for 10 hours a day in the beginning. I am the reason my school shut down and my daughter's because I asked my doctor for a note explaining that my asthma put me at higher risk. I pulled my daughter out too because our neighbors who are virology and cancer researchers told me virus's are tricky and one does not understand the long term effects right away. In any case, it helped me to get through by being informed, whereas others did not want to know. I like to try to understand and appreciate all these people who have done the research and written the books that make it easier for me to understand what is going on. I think Andra Watkins is a treasure in decoding the Christian Nationalist and The New Apostolic Reformation to me. It helped me draft a flier for a Christopher Street Day parade in Hamburg where we are trying to recruit Americans this weekend to Vote from Abroad.
We must make it clear DAILY that we do NOT appreciate being threatened bu ANYONE especially the FACIST THUGS that support Trump and EVERY REPUBLICAN EVERYWHERE!!
Everybody ought to sign up for a mail order delivery of horse's heads to him. Plastic. Weekly.
Back in the olden times, my mom came up with signing someone up on mail orders--everything 'turkey.' Mom was funny and subversive. Love you Mom--glad you and Dad didn't have to live through this equine biosolid show
Understand I am not encouraging you to do anything at all, Bill. However, horses head masks can be found on Amazon for the low low price of around 12 or 13 bucks. They were popular about ten years ago for some reason.
Old news. Biden, along with every other male, white or otherwise, was a creature of that time and place. Biden has admitted more than once that he made a mistake there. Many things he has done since then show he has grown and changed. His current proposals regarding the Supreme Court demonstrate those changes. Try to keep up.
Yes. Hindsight is 20-20. While it was clear to every woman watching those hearings that Clarence Thomas was a sexist piece of SH--! At that point in my life I was still shocked that those men could believe that he was acceptable. I knew all of the White men approved him just so they would not be called racist. People need to learn not to let that influence their decision making when they know someone is no good. Nonetheless, they did approve Thomas and we all have to live with those sorts of decisions. Most at fault is George HW Bush who put him forth.
Yes. You would think how someone treats other people would be a big consideration when choosing a judge, wouldn’t you? I watched Anita Hill, and found her incredibly brave and principled. The vitriol she got was horrifying.
Yep, I remember Thomas's confirmation hearing and Anita Hill's testimony. Unfortunately, Congress was in such a hurry to put a black man on SCOTUS they overlooked the obvious and, of course, as a black woman Anita had no credibility in the opinion of most WHITES in America!!
He actually voted Nay, but I too saw his interaction with Anita Hill and was not impressed at all. It got a lot of play for those of us a bit too young to remember it during his 2020 campaign.
It always amazes me how men cannot believe other men would lie about sex, and yet are more than willing to assume that any woman who reports having a sexualized interaction she did not ask for is lying through her teeth just to even bring it up.
AND at that time - fewer women(if any) in Congress & Senate - none who could have had an actual voice for Anita Hill. Today an attempt like that would have been a bit different!
I remember it. It wasn't pretty. That was the old Joe; one whom I imagine Jill may have "woke" , although he never apologized to Anita Hill. I suppose that act of contrition would have been considered politically damaging; conveniently regarded as water under the bridge. Nonetheless, I'm glad he voted "nay" — perhaps his conscience kicked in after her sincere testimony and grace under fire before all those angry, white men gave him an Amazing Grace moment.
"...the Biden camp disclosed the call, saying the former vice president had shared with Ms. Hill “his regret for what she endured” "...[she] said she was not convinced that he has taken full responsibility for his conduct at the hearings — or for the harm he caused other victims of sexual harassment and gender violence."
Although I was not on the call, this sounds to me as though he generalized rather than to accept personal responsibility for his own behavior; his personal contribution that helped cast Ms. Hill's testimony as essentially dubious. Further, she makes a valid point: "She said she views Mr. Biden as having 'set the stage' for last year’s confirmation of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, who, like Justice Thomas, was elevated to the court despite accusations against him that he had acted inappropriately toward women." I'm pleased that we're moving on, unambiguously, with a woman whose qualifications, politics and assertiveness define democracy — and our Democratic party — with a newly crystallized clarity that reveals the GOP's racist, misogynistic, totalitarian agenda.
This assessment is not intended to detract from the good he accomplished — and his full support of Kamala Harris. I just feel full disclosure, understanding, help to clarify our own time.
You are absolutely correct but, please understand that those who were attacking Thomas were mostly avowed racists who had no knowledge of anything else and were attacking Thomas for that reason alone. Hill’s testimony that I believed was true at the time was lost in cries that were only racist. Not excusing anyone.
Everyone makes mistakes. Some people even have the courage and grace to admit to them. The past is past, let’s just try to learn something from the mistakes we make and move forward in a more positive way. My dad used to tell me that if one is smart, they use their mistakes as learning opportunities. He would be quick to forgive if we could tell him what we learned.
When we know better, we do better. I'd like to think he's done more good since that time, than most have. Including setting us up to have the first woman president.
Well, I believe that Biden has stated that was the worst decision he ever made - 1991, if I am not mistaken. Why, at this point, is it that we (you) must never forget it. There has been a lot of water pass under the bridge since them for all of “we woke” folks.
YEP! Sounds just like the white domestic terrorist groups that are rampant in the TRUMP-VANCE-PUTIN, MIKE JOHNSON Republican FASCIST, PARTY!! TRUMP, VANCE and PROJECT 2025 are all the same; the Republican Party plan to OVERTHROW our DEMOCRACY, CONSTITUTION, RIGHTS and FREEDOMS!! POTUS JFK's statement continues to remind me how dangerous the Trump, Vance Republican party is!! On 15 Nov. 1963 POTUS JFK stated" There's a plot in this country to enslave every man, woman, and child. Before I leave this high and noble office, I intend to expose this plot." Unfortunately, he did NOT have the opportunity to explain his statement since he was MURDERED on 22 Nov. 63 in Dallas, Tx. I was 15 y/o then and still remember vividly when this MURDER occurred. Despite the investigations, books, etc. about JFK's murder, there's no doubt his murder was a plot involving myriad groups and persons. This will become public someday but, for now it's kept hidden from America! Do NOT be surprised if there are numerous murder attempts on VP Harris since she is MUCH MORE of a THREAT to Trump and the WHITE-SUPREMACIST, PATRIARCHY in America than the press and pundits give her credit for! WE WILL NOT GO BACKWARD!!
I really hope you are wrong about attempts on Harris's life, but I understand that such things are a very, too real possibility. I hate seeing all the efforts by garbage to bring down someone who is worthy of the office of POTUS.
Have you ever noted that our side - JFK, Bobby Kennedy & Martin Luther King, Jr are not a missed bullet while Reagan, Trump are wounds. Let’s hope this thug doesn’t continue to plague this country with his malice.
tRump's campaign is going off the rails...VP Harris has seized the initiative, and will drive it to victory in November...but, hold on, what do we do about the arch-criminal and gangster tRump and his cohort? Will the far-right Scotus majority continue to protect him from prosecution? What is gained from such a position? Protect him for a 2028 run at the presidency? Insanity on the face of it! The M-a-L docs case - do we honestly believe that a presumed overturn of *Judge* Cannon's dismissal of the case by the 11th CA, thence appealed to Scotus can/will result in ALL tRump's indictments by SC Smith's office get dismissed? Clearly a likely proposition.
And fallout from the wretched "immunity" case...what will happen in tRump's appeals of his various NY trial convictions? He walks?
At this point, I'm prepared to see the POS off, his political career finished, and if he walks free from all his criminal trials, well, so be it. That's the price we pay to be rid of this degenerate swine, and the onus is on Scotus and the Roberts Court reputation for allowing tRump to escape the consequences of his criminal actions,
I really don't think that trump will be allowed to walk from his NY cases. As I understand it (correct me if I'm wrong), the US supreme court has nothing to do with state cases. Both of those cases were about things that occurred prior to his presidency, when he had only been an "ordinary" citizen, and had nothing to do with his eventually being president. Alvin Bragg has already said that his case should stand.
The language of Project 2025 itself is often strikingly amateurish. Notice for instance its use of "woke." A serious proposal aimed at a diverse audience defines its terms, especially slippery ones like "woke." It isn't trying to persuade anybody. Its audience is the already convinced.
Something far worse. Read up on Stalin’s Fixer Beria and his depraved terror tactics targeting any deemed to be enemies of their power base. He was especially ‘fond’ of sexually torturing underage girls from enemy’s families.
The next one is CAN at election night/count time the Right Wing AG’s or Governors say they don’t accept the vote while Harris wins by millions of votes as well as all the ‘up for grab’ seats -house and or Senate -in each of those states …go BLUE…that suspected/prayed for TSUNAMI …what then? Martial Law enacted , perhaps? So the actual votes or Electoral count isn’t superimposed? I would think Biden/Harris and these teams would have the plan in place for the Mafia MAGA ‘takeover’…I remember them saying they knew their mistakes and it wouldn’t happen again….
He’s already started to bully us. I don’t think anyone is going to stop talking about his plans for stealing the election and our rights as soon as he can get into office. The alarm bell is ringing. The happiest day will be when he is beaten by a woman.
It's not exactly a far fetched scenario. Trump is almost 80, overweight and doesn't exercise. If he becomes president again, chances are excellent that he won't make it through the 4 years of his term. Joe Biden, slightly older but more physically fit, will likely outlive Trump.
Heredity will not forgive Trump a lousy diet of fast food and pizza. But dementia is another story. In fact, Trump has been showing symptoms for a long time.
There will always be someone evil waiting in the wings. Losing the head of an evil group doesn't seem to set evil back as much as losing a good leader does. Think Abraham Lincoln.
UPDATE: Per Jonathan Capehart hosting for Lawrence's 10 PM Eastern show tonite on MSNBC, Kamala Harris will host a joint rally with her VP new Pick next Tuesday 8/6/24!
f I understand the next 8 days correctly, Kamala will take her Campaign to the important middle-of-the-Country Electoral College states after her GA rally today. 7/30. Kamala will make her VP choice on 8/6/24!
I know some 'insiders' say Governor Whitmer will not accept the assignment. But, Gretchen Whitmer is the current Governor of the must-win Michigan .Governor Whitmer brings Michigan with her on Election Day,'Win & Your In'.
A Harris-Whitmer Ticket will keep the excitement & positivity on a roll all the way to Election Day. You Go Kamala; You go Gretchen.
Whitmer. But Governor Whitmer has said she is needed where she is. Let Harris pick her VP, and support that choice. Less second guessing and opportunity for finding fault late that way.
Thanks Joyce, President Biden’s Speech was spot on in Texas and would encourage everyone to watch it. It is given with a passion and love for this country. Also there is an audio recording of Trump talking to the man leading project 2025. He knows and Kamala will pin him on that. Most important is that more people are talking about it and thank you Joyce for focusing on this!
It wasn’t that long ago Chief Justice Roberts said “We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have it an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them.” I guess he no longer believes that statement. He’s really shown his true colors this term.
Now we don’t even have ‘Roberts’ judges.Roberts will have the worst Supreme Court in history (worse than Taney Court)without being in charge. Goes back to Citizens United, with Roe v. Wade the zinger.
The Court is absolutely on the ballot! I would urge President Harris to appoint 4 more Justices to the bench, in addition to passing term limits (retroactively!) and to be very specific about what a "binding" code of ethics means. Consequences for violation of ethics? Retroactively? (I'm looking at you, Thomas and Alito). FDR wanted to put 15 Justices on the bench in 1937. It's well past time for reform. Thanks for bringing our attention back to the courts, Joyce!
I agree that President Biden's recommendations did go far enough. When she wins, President Kamala Harris should expand the court as the most expeditious move to halt its ongoing legal coup.
Could backfire if Trump reelected and he gets four more appointments. Also, Thomas, Alito, and Roberts are at or beyond 18 years. Would they be grandfathered in, or given the boot?
LeslieN, Paul Dans of Project 2025 Has been given the Boot, the classic 'Fall Guy". Kevin D. Roberts is still calling the shots at The Heritage (not) Foundation.
Kevin D. Roberts runs "Heritage Action" with Ryan Walker as his "Executive Vice President" (don't laugh). Both are separately "seeking a lower profile" now that the Professor & many other have outed Trump's Game Plan.
Don’t be fooled by the head of the Heritage Foundation quitting cause Agenda 47 is filled with Project 2025 plans. It won’t go away but tweaked for the next Republican who gets in office.
Correct. According to a close relative who has done a deep dive into Leonard Leo and the Heritage Foundation said that the guy who stepped down is merely a ruse. These people are going to re-brand Project 2025. So, Rusty R, I am in total agreement with you.
Before I retired, I had practiced appellate law for over fifty years.
When I was in law school, the concept and importance of "judicial independence" was driven into my head and I bought into it completely. The concept was based on an assumption that judges would act independently of personal biases and independently of their political beliefs and, thus, they should be above attack. As I practiced, however, I would regularly see opinions that were clearly based on a judge's or justice's bias; the decisions were untethered to basic legal principles. This caused me to seriously question whether the the foundational principle of judicial independence should continue inviolate.
While judicial independence is a lofty goal in theory, in practice on too many occasions, personal beliefs and biases took precedence. That's what has happened to to some on the Supreme Court; some of its justices have lost sight of what their jobs required of them. And, given the abandonment by those justices of the principles that should have governed their judicial performances, I can no longer accept what I always accepted: Sadly, judicial independence is no longer working.
Chief Justice Roberts, while purporting to be an institutionalist an purporting to be a person concerned with the reputation of the Court, is as bad as the clearly-corrupt justices (Thomas and Alito) who have been bought and paid for. Justice Roberts' voting-rights decision abandoned and violated the most elementary rules of appellate review; and his presidential immunity decision violates the central obligation of a President, namely, to see that the laws are faithfully executed. How can a President--bound by that basic Constitutional duty ever be allowed to violate the very laws he is required to uphold? Justice Roberts' immunity decision does not and cannot be squared with that basic principle.
It's really ugly to realize that our judicial system at the highest levels has been corrupted. I have zero trust that the Supreme Court, as presently constituted, will ever again decide cases consistent the duty that would otherwise entitled its justices to an assumption of judicial independence. So sad. So disgusting.
Trump has succeeded in corrupting all aspects of our government. So sad.
Thank you for your pained and heartfelt comments. I think the lust for power and arrogance of their place has corrupted most of them. Roberts at first tried feebly to uphold his oath, but when the opportunity to destroy the country on behalf of his corporate masters came, he willingly took it.
His disgrace imo is worse than the simple grift of Thomas and Alito. He did however work to get the moron W appointed. So perhaps he's been a fraud his entire career.
Alito and Thomas are a toxic combination of self-righteousness and aggrievement. Alito is also a religious zealot: a true believer in his own faith who condescendingly and scornfully rejects the legitimacy of anyone who would hold contrary beliefs. Thomas is still holding a grudge from his confirmation hearings. If we're lucky, they will be regarded by history with the same opprobrium bestowed upon Roger Tanney, the author of the Dred Scott decision. It is clear they both lied under oath during their confirmation hearings, and should both rightfully be impeached.
President Biden is definitely not a lame duck president. He's tackling extremely important issues that need to be addressed. What the Supreme Court has done in the last 3 years has been nothing shy of horrific. My grandfather served 20 plus years on the Washington State Supreme Court and had to be re-elected every 4 years to keep his seat on the bench. He served as chief justice for four of those 20+ years. I remember him talking about certain judges being offered bribes and he wouldn't even take a homemade loaf of bread, even if the person giving it to him had no business before the court. My Grandpa would be rolling in his grave if he hadn't been cremated! I'm really glad that my parents aren't alive to see what's happened to our SCOTUS.
The Court has eliminated the rule of law. Long ago it became illegitimate. Constitutional amendments take too long. Even if Congress approved one and the President signed it, 3/4 of the states must ratify it within a certain amount of time. I think it’s pretty certain that red states won’t. Tolerating this Court in the meantime cannot be acceptable.
Trump’s disavowal of Project 2025 itself came with a threat. Part of a statement issued by his campaign read:
“…Reports of Project 2025’s demise…should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence either President Trump and his campaign - it will not end well for you.”
This is the language of organized crime, not that of political discourse. Will it be a racehorse head in the bed next or something even worse?
As I read elsewhere today, they simply cannot control their thuggery. Even while trying (dishonestly) to disavow their fascistic intentions, the sound like fascists, because that's what they are. The rest of us do not appreciate being threatened, and we will make that very clear come November by voting Blue.
I think their thuggery is very controlled. They have intentions of overthrowing the government. If you look at Alito, he is clearly a member of The New Apostolic Reformation. Here is what Andra Watkins says they believe.
https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/what-is-the-new-apostolic-reformation
It is very likely that Mike Johnson is also. So, given that those beliefs are:
1) it goes against their faith to live and let live. So they cannot follow the constitution and be true to their religion, and they cannot separate church from state. To justify the decision making that they engage in as being constitutional they have reinvented the constitution in their minds as a Christian Nationalist theological constitution.
2) Also, they believe that the end of days is near. That means no worries about the environment because we are not going to be around long enough to experience the problems that are being discussed, although the problems are here and now with every unbearable heatwave, every storm that destroys homes and businesses and kills people, and every wildfire that does the same, as well as drought and disease and plagues.
However, they will all be saved from the earthly problems by God because they are true believers. According to Andra in this belief system the end of world view is called premillennialism. She says that the New Apostolic Reformation has a different view of End of Days. They believe Jesus cannot return until they transform the earth into the Kingdom of God. Therefore they have to force everyone to live in what they view as being necessary for God to return to earth. This view of the end of days is called Victorious Eschatology. It requires them to force their beliefs on the rest of us, so being Speaker of the House or being a Supreme Court justice makes them well primed to do that. However, this is not what they are elected or appointed to do according to our constitution.
I'm not a huge "believer" but frankly, the Jesus I was taught about in Sunday School was against everything these "so called believers are for. I sure wouldnt want to be standing next to THEM at the Pearly Gates when they start listing their "accomplishments" (in their minds) Think the gates will open for them? I dont.
Unfortunately, by that time (suppposed) our world will have been destroyed!
Agree 100% (and thanks for the additional detail), but I'd add that these "Christian Nationalists" are overwhelmingly white and that's not a coincidence. White supremacy is part of their religion, even though no way did Jesus teach anything like it. Millenarianism is not new in U.S. history and for sure not all evangelical Christians are white, but this particular manifestation is rooted at least as deeply in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of the mid-60s as it is in the Bible.
Yes Susanna. This is the part where Andra explains what she was taught. She talks about Christian Nationalists, which we call White Christian Nationalists and The Curse of Ham. I am raised atheist and in an intercultural University community, with diversity of religion, skin color, languages but I never heard of this. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/christian-nationalists-and-the-curse
I appreciate learning that my tax dollars go to supporting the tax exempt status of churches that teach things like this. Something to take on after the election is won by Harris.
Yes indeed. Another thing that needs a closer look is nonprofit status. The NRA is a 501(c)(4). They can lobby for legislation but they can't support political candidates -- but one way or another they do. The NRA *Foundation* is a 501(c)(3). These are supposed to be educational, charitable, and 100% non-political. Somehow I don't quite believe it of anything NRA-related.
Just as people have taken on filing against the Heritage Foundation because of Kevin Roberts threatening violence, which is not part of their mission, we should be taking on churches where pastors preach this racist doctrine. It should at least be a civil rights violation. If they name any candidate and tell people to vote for them we should file complaints with the IRS.
Very interesting. Thank you for the education. I can't figure out how they come up with these ideas that go totally against the teachings of Jesus, who, by the way, was NOT WHITE. I guess maybe its the way they think they overcome their insecurity, which in reality will never go away by forcing others to live by their beliefs.
When I read Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America by Prof. Kathleen Belew, I learned that at a certain point, I can't remember, late 80s early 90s, there was a gathering of White Supremacists from around the country and around the world. Until the Oklahoma City Bombing they had been operating as lone wolves in their attacks on people, even though everything was following a plan and the internet was used to convey that plan. Then, after all the attention they got from the bombing they decided that White Supremacist groups needed to reframe themselves, and instead of working against the government, they would work to get elected and take it over from within. The goal is to get rid of the Constitution and replace it with their White Supremacist one. To do this, they were going to tone down their racist rhetoric and instead start talking about immigration. They were going to align with White Christian Nationalists who had a similar world view minus the violence that they were all about. Then, they were going to take over the government and implement their Christo-fascist reality on everyone, and spread it over the entire planet. When I read that I took great relief in India and China not being "White" nations, and also being much more populous. Not so easy to eradicate. Same with the continent of Africa, though they have been trying for hundreds of years to subjugate and exterminate Africans. So, then the plan seems to be coming about. Immigration does not refer to White people, but rather Black and Brown people. When I read about this I could not see how Christians could believe this, but then I heard someone who supported DeSantis quoted as claiming that Christ was too WOKE! If that is the case, why call yourself a Christian. Acknowledge that you have started your own religion. We see this agenda coming into the political forefront in many so called "White" nations. The plan is for a global race war, so they are preparing. Now, according to Andra Watkin's Substack, both the White Christian Nationalists and the New Apostolic Reformation churches are teaching End of Days, but they have different approaches. In this article she compares the two groups. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/what-is-the-new-apostolic-reformation
Because the NAR (can we say Alito and Mike Johnson) believe that the world has to be a certain way for God to return and then reward them, where everyone on the planet has to behave in the way "HE" wants, they are compelled to force their ways on everyone. So, one of those things that they believe is that pornography is bad, but she says, their view of pornography is not the typical view. It is described here. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/this-is-how-christian-nationalists?utm_source=publication-search
She has given me huge insight into how the CN and the NAR view the world, and since I don't know anyone like that with whom I discuss religion, I get my information from things like people's postings who have left the church the Duggar's made infamous. She has said that they are forbidden to kiss or hold hands before marriage. It is all horrid sounding, and she defines things for women too. If you think being gay is pornographic, and God wants you to clear the earth of pornography, than you see where this leads? Hitler did too. See Putin, Orbán, and other modern day despots.
Wow, Linda! Very interesting. I agree with you that they should start a new religion that leaves Christ out of it, because they are not at all Christian. I'm guessing that they think Christ was White, even though he obviously wasn't. As for being too "WOKE", that's what made Christianity good, originally. The tale of the good Samaritan says it all. Personally, I appreciate what diversity does for us. It brings us new and better ideas, real progress, and hope. You have to be totally unaware of what's going on around you to not see the good that diversity brings. Even though church helped me get through some very difficult years in my life, I no longer have anything to do with organized religion. I have seen that people I was taught were worthy of respect back then, are mostly not deserving of that respect. It's interesting that people like Mike Johnson want to rid the earth of pornography, which he is apparently into. Personally, I would like to see the earth cleansed from despots and autocrats.
I'm with you. Get rid of despots and autocrats! I read Prof. Ruth Ben-Ghiat's book Strongmen this summer. https://www.amazon.com/Strongmen/dp/1788164768
I highly recommend it. I think most people can see how autocrats can come to power, but she really gives a historical perspective to it as well as talking about how they fall. That is an important and hopeful piece to it as well. She wrote it when Trump was president and has predicted so many things. I also enjoy her Substack Lucid. https://lucid.substack.com/
Thank you! Insights and things I’d never heard about before! Sheds a lot of light on what’s going on and why. The conversation between you and Susanna in this thread as well as the one with Susan (the thread below) have helped immensely.
I’ve read some things which explained the ‘process’ of how the “Christian Democracy/ illiberal democracy” take over in Hungary happened but never really understood the deeper reasons. The deep question of why are they (Johnson, Alito, etc et) are pursuing this here. The “why” has been troubling me for some time. Now I have know or at least have “half a clue” as to why. Thank you!
I’m going to follow the links you posted and read more of what Andra Watkins has written on https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com
Reading Prof. Ruth Ben-Ghiat's book “Strongmen” as well as Prof. Kathleen Belew’s “Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America” are now on my list as well.
It’s easier to fight the “enemy” you know than the one you don’t….
George, I am with you. I am all about informing myself. During Covid, I had started reading about it on January 6, 2020 because I was supposed to go to China that March. Wanted to understand the impact it might have on me, my family, my students, and my summer travel plans as well. I was reading about it for 10 hours a day in the beginning. I am the reason my school shut down and my daughter's because I asked my doctor for a note explaining that my asthma put me at higher risk. I pulled my daughter out too because our neighbors who are virology and cancer researchers told me virus's are tricky and one does not understand the long term effects right away. In any case, it helped me to get through by being informed, whereas others did not want to know. I like to try to understand and appreciate all these people who have done the research and written the books that make it easier for me to understand what is going on. I think Andra Watkins is a treasure in decoding the Christian Nationalist and The New Apostolic Reformation to me. It helped me draft a flier for a Christopher Street Day parade in Hamburg where we are trying to recruit Americans this weekend to Vote from Abroad.
😒🤢🤯😫
We must make it clear DAILY that we do NOT appreciate being threatened bu ANYONE especially the FACIST THUGS that support Trump and EVERY REPUBLICAN EVERYWHERE!!
Everybody ought to sign up for a mail order delivery of horse's heads to him. Plastic. Weekly.
Back in the olden times, my mom came up with signing someone up on mail orders--everything 'turkey.' Mom was funny and subversive. Love you Mom--glad you and Dad didn't have to live through this equine biosolid show
I like that sending plastic horse heads to Mar-a-Lago every week. I need to find a cloth or plastic horse and chop off its head.
Understand I am not encouraging you to do anything at all, Bill. However, horses head masks can be found on Amazon for the low low price of around 12 or 13 bucks. They were popular about ten years ago for some reason.
There is no law against sending a toy horse head to anyone. I’ll bet I could find a horse in a tag sale few a few bucks
Archie McPhee offers several horse and unicorn head masks and other products if you'd rather not support the Amazon attempt at monopoly.
U answered my question about where to get one!!
Hee hee. Mom would be proud of you :D
Amazon, $12.99!
Better than plastic horse heads. Flip Florida. FT 6 phonebank tomorrow.
https://www.mobilize.us/ft6/event/632594/
Both can happen
That is what it is.
Had it not been for Joe Biden we would not have Clarence Thomas. He threw Anita under the bus don’t ever forget this.
Old news. Biden, along with every other male, white or otherwise, was a creature of that time and place. Biden has admitted more than once that he made a mistake there. Many things he has done since then show he has grown and changed. His current proposals regarding the Supreme Court demonstrate those changes. Try to keep up.
Very few, like Joe Biden admit to their errors.
And he voted Nay
And most important he is showing the way for a reform on SCOTUS.
We shall get this.
Yes. Hindsight is 20-20. While it was clear to every woman watching those hearings that Clarence Thomas was a sexist piece of SH--! At that point in my life I was still shocked that those men could believe that he was acceptable. I knew all of the White men approved him just so they would not be called racist. People need to learn not to let that influence their decision making when they know someone is no good. Nonetheless, they did approve Thomas and we all have to live with those sorts of decisions. Most at fault is George HW Bush who put him forth.
Yes. You would think how someone treats other people would be a big consideration when choosing a judge, wouldn’t you? I watched Anita Hill, and found her incredibly brave and principled. The vitriol she got was horrifying.
My point exactly!
and were it not for Mitch McConnell we would not have Gorsuch or Barrett.
Mitch is on my top 5 list of evildoers.
And we're going to do what about it now? Not vote for Joe? I'll wait.
Yep, I remember Thomas's confirmation hearing and Anita Hill's testimony. Unfortunately, Congress was in such a hurry to put a black man on SCOTUS they overlooked the obvious and, of course, as a black woman Anita had no credibility in the opinion of most WHITES in America!!
I believed every word Ms. Hill said, and I’m
WHITE!
And female, yes? I believed her, also.
He actually voted Nay, but I too saw his interaction with Anita Hill and was not impressed at all. It got a lot of play for those of us a bit too young to remember it during his 2020 campaign.
It always amazes me how men cannot believe other men would lie about sex, and yet are more than willing to assume that any woman who reports having a sexualized interaction she did not ask for is lying through her teeth just to even bring it up.
Bro code. I wish women would have more unity in the fight against our rights being taken away.
AND at that time - fewer women(if any) in Congress & Senate - none who could have had an actual voice for Anita Hill. Today an attempt like that would have been a bit different!
I remember it. It wasn't pretty. That was the old Joe; one whom I imagine Jill may have "woke" , although he never apologized to Anita Hill. I suppose that act of contrition would have been considered politically damaging; conveniently regarded as water under the bridge. Nonetheless, I'm glad he voted "nay" — perhaps his conscience kicked in after her sincere testimony and grace under fire before all those angry, white men gave him an Amazing Grace moment.
He did indeed apologize to Anita Hill. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/us/politics/joe-biden-anita-hill.html
Not enough, in some ways, but he made a commendable effort. The times make a difference and looking back to criticize is wrought with problems.
From the NYT report:
"...the Biden camp disclosed the call, saying the former vice president had shared with Ms. Hill “his regret for what she endured” "...[she] said she was not convinced that he has taken full responsibility for his conduct at the hearings — or for the harm he caused other victims of sexual harassment and gender violence."
Although I was not on the call, this sounds to me as though he generalized rather than to accept personal responsibility for his own behavior; his personal contribution that helped cast Ms. Hill's testimony as essentially dubious. Further, she makes a valid point: "She said she views Mr. Biden as having 'set the stage' for last year’s confirmation of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, who, like Justice Thomas, was elevated to the court despite accusations against him that he had acted inappropriately toward women." I'm pleased that we're moving on, unambiguously, with a woman whose qualifications, politics and assertiveness define democracy — and our Democratic party — with a newly crystallized clarity that reveals the GOP's racist, misogynistic, totalitarian agenda.
This assessment is not intended to detract from the good he accomplished — and his full support of Kamala Harris. I just feel full disclosure, understanding, help to clarify our own time.
I watched it all - really unpleasant and unfair.
You are absolutely correct but, please understand that those who were attacking Thomas were mostly avowed racists who had no knowledge of anything else and were attacking Thomas for that reason alone. Hill’s testimony that I believed was true at the time was lost in cries that were only racist. Not excusing anyone.
Everyone makes mistakes. Some people even have the courage and grace to admit to them. The past is past, let’s just try to learn something from the mistakes we make and move forward in a more positive way. My dad used to tell me that if one is smart, they use their mistakes as learning opportunities. He would be quick to forgive if we could tell him what we learned.
When we know better, we do better. I'd like to think he's done more good since that time, than most have. Including setting us up to have the first woman president.
Well, I believe that Biden has stated that was the worst decision he ever made - 1991, if I am not mistaken. Why, at this point, is it that we (you) must never forget it. There has been a lot of water pass under the bridge since them for all of “we woke” folks.
YEP! Sounds just like the white domestic terrorist groups that are rampant in the TRUMP-VANCE-PUTIN, MIKE JOHNSON Republican FASCIST, PARTY!! TRUMP, VANCE and PROJECT 2025 are all the same; the Republican Party plan to OVERTHROW our DEMOCRACY, CONSTITUTION, RIGHTS and FREEDOMS!! POTUS JFK's statement continues to remind me how dangerous the Trump, Vance Republican party is!! On 15 Nov. 1963 POTUS JFK stated" There's a plot in this country to enslave every man, woman, and child. Before I leave this high and noble office, I intend to expose this plot." Unfortunately, he did NOT have the opportunity to explain his statement since he was MURDERED on 22 Nov. 63 in Dallas, Tx. I was 15 y/o then and still remember vividly when this MURDER occurred. Despite the investigations, books, etc. about JFK's murder, there's no doubt his murder was a plot involving myriad groups and persons. This will become public someday but, for now it's kept hidden from America! Do NOT be surprised if there are numerous murder attempts on VP Harris since she is MUCH MORE of a THREAT to Trump and the WHITE-SUPREMACIST, PATRIARCHY in America than the press and pundits give her credit for! WE WILL NOT GO BACKWARD!!
I really hope you are wrong about attempts on Harris's life, but I understand that such things are a very, too real possibility. I hate seeing all the efforts by garbage to bring down someone who is worthy of the office of POTUS.
Have you ever noted that our side - JFK, Bobby Kennedy & Martin Luther King, Jr are not a missed bullet while Reagan, Trump are wounds. Let’s hope this thug doesn’t continue to plague this country with his malice.
I think the same thing about Project 2025; it is an organized crime manifesto.
tRump's campaign is going off the rails...VP Harris has seized the initiative, and will drive it to victory in November...but, hold on, what do we do about the arch-criminal and gangster tRump and his cohort? Will the far-right Scotus majority continue to protect him from prosecution? What is gained from such a position? Protect him for a 2028 run at the presidency? Insanity on the face of it! The M-a-L docs case - do we honestly believe that a presumed overturn of *Judge* Cannon's dismissal of the case by the 11th CA, thence appealed to Scotus can/will result in ALL tRump's indictments by SC Smith's office get dismissed? Clearly a likely proposition.
And fallout from the wretched "immunity" case...what will happen in tRump's appeals of his various NY trial convictions? He walks?
At this point, I'm prepared to see the POS off, his political career finished, and if he walks free from all his criminal trials, well, so be it. That's the price we pay to be rid of this degenerate swine, and the onus is on Scotus and the Roberts Court reputation for allowing tRump to escape the consequences of his criminal actions,
I really don't think that trump will be allowed to walk from his NY cases. As I understand it (correct me if I'm wrong), the US supreme court has nothing to do with state cases. Both of those cases were about things that occurred prior to his presidency, when he had only been an "ordinary" citizen, and had nothing to do with his eventually being president. Alvin Bragg has already said that his case should stand.
The language of Project 2025 itself is often strikingly amateurish. Notice for instance its use of "woke." A serious proposal aimed at a diverse audience defines its terms, especially slippery ones like "woke." It isn't trying to persuade anybody. Its audience is the already convinced.
And also the term "hard target." The language around that is so peculiar to me.
I hadn't heard it before, but why do I think it has something to do with guns?
Sioux, you are so right. If Trumps lips are moving, then u know he’s lying
Something far worse. Read up on Stalin’s Fixer Beria and his depraved terror tactics targeting any deemed to be enemies of their power base. He was especially ‘fond’ of sexually torturing underage girls from enemy’s families.
Excellent question!
The next one is CAN at election night/count time the Right Wing AG’s or Governors say they don’t accept the vote while Harris wins by millions of votes as well as all the ‘up for grab’ seats -house and or Senate -in each of those states …go BLUE…that suspected/prayed for TSUNAMI …what then? Martial Law enacted , perhaps? So the actual votes or Electoral count isn’t superimposed? I would think Biden/Harris and these teams would have the plan in place for the Mafia MAGA ‘takeover’…I remember them saying they knew their mistakes and it wouldn’t happen again….
💙💙VOTE BLUE LETS STOP THIS COUP💙💙
Just so. A perfect expression of his base character.
#FDT, #ETTD.
He’s already started to bully us. I don’t think anyone is going to stop talking about his plans for stealing the election and our rights as soon as he can get into office. The alarm bell is ringing. The happiest day will be when he is beaten by a woman.
Actually, the happiest day will be the day Trump suffers a massive stroke or heart attack.
Unless he gets elected and it happens after that, then JD Vance becomes our Prez! Kamala MUST win in November!
Yikes, perish the thought! I believe Kampala will win, however.
Do not vote for a safari.
Hey… You heard me
It's not exactly a far fetched scenario. Trump is almost 80, overweight and doesn't exercise. If he becomes president again, chances are excellent that he won't make it through the 4 years of his term. Joe Biden, slightly older but more physically fit, will likely outlive Trump.
Alas, both his parents lived into their 90s. they were both demented, but....
Heredity will not forgive Trump a lousy diet of fast food and pizza. But dementia is another story. In fact, Trump has been showing symptoms for a long time.
That's going to be a grave reeking of urine for decades to come.
I intend to toss my turd first so I can get into the history books.
This post has a nice ring to it but I'm not sure what it means.
There will always be someone evil waiting in the wings. Losing the head of an evil group doesn't seem to set evil back as much as losing a good leader does. Think Abraham Lincoln.
Preferably fatal...
I'm still rooting for the Myopia Firing Squad.
A Woman of Color🥰
Followed by convicted of election crime by a jury overseen by a woman.
Thank you very much Dana. I am one of 170,000 or so on "Team Harris".
**************************************************************************
UPDATE: Per Jonathan Capehart hosting for Lawrence's 10 PM Eastern show tonite on MSNBC, Kamala Harris will host a joint rally with her VP new Pick next Tuesday 8/6/24!
**************************************************************************
f I understand the next 8 days correctly, Kamala will take her Campaign to the important middle-of-the-Country Electoral College states after her GA rally today. 7/30. Kamala will make her VP choice on 8/6/24!
I know some 'insiders' say Governor Whitmer will not accept the assignment. But, Gretchen Whitmer is the current Governor of the must-win Michigan .Governor Whitmer brings Michigan with her on Election Day,'Win & Your In'.
A Harris-Whitmer Ticket will keep the excitement & positivity on a roll all the way to Election Day. You Go Kamala; You go Gretchen.
Especially when he is beaten by "the worst" (in his mind) - a Black/Asian woman. Go Kamala!!!!!
Perhaps 2 women. If Wittermire( sp?))gets the veep appt. How awesome would that be.
Whitmer. But Governor Whitmer has said she is needed where she is. Let Harris pick her VP, and support that choice. Less second guessing and opportunity for finding fault late that way.
INDEED!!
Thanks Joyce, President Biden’s Speech was spot on in Texas and would encourage everyone to watch it. It is given with a passion and love for this country. Also there is an audio recording of Trump talking to the man leading project 2025. He knows and Kamala will pin him on that. Most important is that more people are talking about it and thank you Joyce for focusing on this!
It wasn’t that long ago Chief Justice Roberts said “We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have it an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them.” I guess he no longer believes that statement. He’s really shown his true colors this term.
He's a typical Republican hypocrite.
I don't think Roberts could have believed his statement when he made it. Was it before or after the demise of Roe?
Yes. He lied in his confirmation hearing like the last four rethug nominees.
Now we don’t even have ‘Roberts’ judges.Roberts will have the worst Supreme Court in history (worse than Taney Court)without being in charge. Goes back to Citizens United, with Roe v. Wade the zinger.
Sorry Susan, but it was BS then and it's BS now.
Job number one: End Citizens United!
Yes, yes and yes.
The Court is absolutely on the ballot! I would urge President Harris to appoint 4 more Justices to the bench, in addition to passing term limits (retroactively!) and to be very specific about what a "binding" code of ethics means. Consequences for violation of ethics? Retroactively? (I'm looking at you, Thomas and Alito). FDR wanted to put 15 Justices on the bench in 1937. It's well past time for reform. Thanks for bringing our attention back to the courts, Joyce!
Or how about retroactive 18 year term limits! Lookin' at YOU, Roberts, Thomas and Alito!
I agree that President Biden's recommendations did go far enough. When she wins, President Kamala Harris should expand the court as the most expeditious move to halt its ongoing legal coup.
Time to Pack the Court and indict Thomas and Alito. Two bigoted grifters.
Adding 4 or more justices will UNpack the court.
Could backfire if Trump reelected and he gets four more appointments. Also, Thomas, Alito, and Roberts are at or beyond 18 years. Would they be grandfathered in, or given the boot?
Hopefully given the boot!
LeslieN, Paul Dans of Project 2025 Has been given the Boot, the classic 'Fall Guy". Kevin D. Roberts is still calling the shots at The Heritage (not) Foundation.
Kevin D. Roberts runs "Heritage Action" with Ryan Walker as his "Executive Vice President" (don't laugh). Both are separately "seeking a lower profile" now that the Professor & many other have outed Trump's Game Plan.
Kamala for real Freedom.
Wow Joyce, two great posts in the same day? Thanks.😃
What a day!
Don’t be fooled by the head of the Heritage Foundation quitting cause Agenda 47 is filled with Project 2025 plans. It won’t go away but tweaked for the next Republican who gets in office.
Correct. According to a close relative who has done a deep dive into Leonard Leo and the Heritage Foundation said that the guy who stepped down is merely a ruse. These people are going to re-brand Project 2025. So, Rusty R, I am in total agreement with you.
I have no doubt that the head of the Heritage Foundation is quitting so he can work directly with TRump's campaign!
Yeah they have to hide him cause he was all over bragging about TFG knowing about the document.
And it's all in CAPS, for extra emphasis!
Keep talking about Project 2025. They want us to stop talking about it, saying it's "dead". It's not. It's just complete and ready to roll out.
10 years is plenty enough time to sit on the Supreme Court throne.
Before I retired, I had practiced appellate law for over fifty years.
When I was in law school, the concept and importance of "judicial independence" was driven into my head and I bought into it completely. The concept was based on an assumption that judges would act independently of personal biases and independently of their political beliefs and, thus, they should be above attack. As I practiced, however, I would regularly see opinions that were clearly based on a judge's or justice's bias; the decisions were untethered to basic legal principles. This caused me to seriously question whether the the foundational principle of judicial independence should continue inviolate.
While judicial independence is a lofty goal in theory, in practice on too many occasions, personal beliefs and biases took precedence. That's what has happened to to some on the Supreme Court; some of its justices have lost sight of what their jobs required of them. And, given the abandonment by those justices of the principles that should have governed their judicial performances, I can no longer accept what I always accepted: Sadly, judicial independence is no longer working.
Chief Justice Roberts, while purporting to be an institutionalist an purporting to be a person concerned with the reputation of the Court, is as bad as the clearly-corrupt justices (Thomas and Alito) who have been bought and paid for. Justice Roberts' voting-rights decision abandoned and violated the most elementary rules of appellate review; and his presidential immunity decision violates the central obligation of a President, namely, to see that the laws are faithfully executed. How can a President--bound by that basic Constitutional duty ever be allowed to violate the very laws he is required to uphold? Justice Roberts' immunity decision does not and cannot be squared with that basic principle.
It's really ugly to realize that our judicial system at the highest levels has been corrupted. I have zero trust that the Supreme Court, as presently constituted, will ever again decide cases consistent the duty that would otherwise entitled its justices to an assumption of judicial independence. So sad. So disgusting.
Trump has succeeded in corrupting all aspects of our government. So sad.
Thank you for your pained and heartfelt comments. I think the lust for power and arrogance of their place has corrupted most of them. Roberts at first tried feebly to uphold his oath, but when the opportunity to destroy the country on behalf of his corporate masters came, he willingly took it.
His disgrace imo is worse than the simple grift of Thomas and Alito. He did however work to get the moron W appointed. So perhaps he's been a fraud his entire career.
Alito and Thomas are a toxic combination of self-righteousness and aggrievement. Alito is also a religious zealot: a true believer in his own faith who condescendingly and scornfully rejects the legitimacy of anyone who would hold contrary beliefs. Thomas is still holding a grudge from his confirmation hearings. If we're lucky, they will be regarded by history with the same opprobrium bestowed upon Roger Tanney, the author of the Dred Scott decision. It is clear they both lied under oath during their confirmation hearings, and should both rightfully be impeached.
President Biden is definitely not a lame duck president. He's tackling extremely important issues that need to be addressed. What the Supreme Court has done in the last 3 years has been nothing shy of horrific. My grandfather served 20 plus years on the Washington State Supreme Court and had to be re-elected every 4 years to keep his seat on the bench. He served as chief justice for four of those 20+ years. I remember him talking about certain judges being offered bribes and he wouldn't even take a homemade loaf of bread, even if the person giving it to him had no business before the court. My Grandpa would be rolling in his grave if he hadn't been cremated! I'm really glad that my parents aren't alive to see what's happened to our SCOTUS.
Your grandfather was a mensch.
While I applaud Biden's approach now, he is 30 years too late.
The Court has eliminated the rule of law. Long ago it became illegitimate. Constitutional amendments take too long. Even if Congress approved one and the President signed it, 3/4 of the states must ratify it within a certain amount of time. I think it’s pretty certain that red states won’t. Tolerating this Court in the meantime cannot be acceptable.
Project 2025 activates Trump's published campaign PLATFORM, not just his rambling campaign rhetoric. We will not be gaslit.
We will not go back!