It’s starting to get interesting Joyce. The cry babies in the House continue to reaffirm their lackluster ploys to negate any form of intelligent discussions on urgent legislation that needs to be addressed. As Joe Scarborough recently said on Morning Joe, they simply don’t care 🤷 I was proud of Hunter Biden today refusing to appear before republicans in a closed door session. Thank you for keeping us on a need to know basis and for your articulation of what really matters to all of us. And tfg is the one who stole Christmas every day since he took office. It boggles the mind how we got here but the focus is now on where we are going and it’s not in Orange Town 🇺🇸🗽🗳️💙🎄✨
Professor that was a superlative update on seditionist tactics. TutoneSF, many were proud of Hunter's upfront statement delivered with full voice in context.
FYI, Hunter's Attorney is the capable ABBE LOWELL. Earlier yesterday, ABBE made Hunter available to the Committee knowing Comer & Gang would not take "Yes" for an answer.
ABBE has spotted defects in the Committee's subpoena power causing the Committee Gang to hurriedly pass House Resolution 917 yesterday authorizing " ... the enforcement of subpoenas" enabling the House "to exercise its power to Impeach Joseph Biden" [ Caps in the original by Gang Sponsor, Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) ] "and other things".
Authentic Trial Attorneys like ABBE LOWELL must be at least 40 steps ahead of the Opposition. LOWELL has already filed a Motion to Dismiss the Gun Charges against Hunter on Constitutional grounds! I am expecting some sophisticated Law & Motion practice in Federal Courtly by Counsel, Abbe Lowell for Hunter Biden.
Bryan, You are brilliant. I am glad Hunter has Abbe for this railroaded and empty of merit accusation. I also agree with you re Joyce’s superlative submission.
I do not recall any Jack Smith appearance before SCOTUS. I do note that on the caption of US vs DJT, Case: 23-624, Jack has associated in MICHAEL DREEBEN as "Counsel [TO] the Special Counsel of Record" which, of course is Jack Smith.
DREEBEN has been brought in from private practice but, has been involved in over 100 SCOTUS in his career ... so far. Very good choice.
“Republicans say they will prosecute Hunter Biden for contempt of Congress because he defied a subpoena. But that, too, is awkward, as a number of Republican representatives—including Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan (R-OH)—ignored subpoenas from the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol. ”
News this Friday morning from Phil Bump's article in WAPO highlighted by Heather Cox Richardson's LFAA that came in early this 12/15 Friday am.
Comer is using a corporate 'cut-out" front for his odious mayhem funded by a "donor". Phil Bump's article is getting wide coverage & distribution. LA Times picked it up among other Outlets.
Note, also that Jack Smith has a subpoena out for Trump's phone records on J6.
Didn't Jordan refuse to testify before the 1/6 Committee? Or am I confusing that with another refusal. Anyway, rich of him to chastise Hunter for not falling to his knees and command.
There is an upside if SCOTUS decides the president is above the law. That would mean Biden could arrest the GOP traitors in Congress and the rest of the conspirators and put them in a FEMA camp in Hell, er, I mean West Texas in the summer, and they couldn't do anything about it. (/snark)
A comment posted in yesterdays Civil Discourse reflects yours TC.
Patris wrote:
“Dare I say if the court decides to implode and favors Trump that it means Biden could do whatever he thinks necessary to stop trump - however draconian - and walk into the future after his presidency with no fear of criminal repercussions?”
“It seems that it would be obvious that affirming dementors position of immunity would give future presidents immunity from whatever act of malfeasance they want to commit in office.”
You could start a whole new blog dedicated to where to put these idiot traitors. I vote for dropping them into some place like the Amazon where they'll have to figure out how to survive or be a meal for predators. They'd probably cannibalize each other.
Brilliant! Hilarious! I suppose the pieces come in little plastic reliquaries? Not a cult, though, no, not a cult at all! Was the suit dry cleaned, I wonder? That would affect its value.
That was fun everyone - thanks for my morning laugh.
Joyce already had me tickled with her "Republicans are responding to the good economic news with policy moves designed to help Americans even more. No, just kidding." comment.
It took me a while, too. TFG is auctioning off one of the suits he wore to court. Some commenters are wondering I'd it's another gift, selling off more fabric than exists in the suit, some are wondering if these pieces 2ill be treated like Christian relics, and the rest are devolving into schoolyard humor because every situation involving tfg is grotesque.
Joyce, the absurd Jack Smith stopping Xmas complaint is actually a red meat coded dog whistle for the annual Fox News and Maga conspiracy theory fear mongering, to convince evangelicals that the liberals are plotting to cancel Xmas. Remember how they trot that out every year?
I've just read the first paragraph, and I've gotta say: Can anyone even imagine the disaster of a second term if the Supreme Court rules that the president is above the law and can't be prosecuted for criminal behavior? Jeez... We've got a lot riding on Jack Smith's appeal.
That may be the one thing that makes the Court decide for us the people.....not that it would be the right thing to do, but it would preserve the Court's influence and power over the legislative process. If they find Trump is above the law, why would he need a Supreme Court.....?
My comment was meant to show the irony if the SCOTUS ruled “the president is king”. The king they want isn’t in the office. They’d be empowering the current president not their king wanna be.
Another irony is as “A doc reads” writes: “ If the Supreme Court rules the president is king, that would obviate the need for a Supreme Court.”
The individuals on the Supreme Court are just like any other people... they too are about self-preservation.
I know Chief Justice Roberts does not like Trump, so there's one safe-ish voice. Other than Thomas, the rest of the conservatives on the court have already gotten what they want, a position on the court, they really don't need Trump anymore.
Wanda, Well, yes - that would indeed be the goal of a dictator.. He has already tried to put himself IN the supreme court, with lapdogs Kavanaugh and Barrett.
Dave, don-Don wants to be a dictator. He purposely nominated Barrett and Kavanaugh to further his objective to control. And you will see this when these two vote against Jack Smith’s request that the Supreme Court hear the appeal, so the government can keep the March 4 trial date. I will be happy to be wrong about Barrett and Kavanaugh’s vote on this but once Barrett and Kavanaugh know the majority will be ‘yes’ they will signal to daddy that they are on board as loyal to him. It is imperative that we vote for Biden💙
Valere, you misunderstood my comment. If Trump gets immunity from any criminal behavior, he will not care what the court has to say ever again. The Court will have surrendered any power of law over a man that the Court said could no longer be held accountable
Dave, I absolutely understood and agree 100% with you. That is absolutely the case if the court grants him immunity. it would be an absolute nightmare to have him reelected. And every single one of us needs to be aware of the importance of reelecting Biden to keep Trump as far away as possible from ever having power again. I was pointing to the fact that he was already establishing his own power on the Supreme Court when he was president. He established his two lapdogs. But you’re 100% right: with immunity he won’t need the lapdogs, or the others on the court.
I've mentioned in another response, that Kavanaugh and Barrett have gotten what they want, a position on the court. I think they understand that Trump could threaten their jobs. Fingers crossed that everyone on the court has self-preservation in mind.
I think that the Court is about sick of dumpty. The fact the SC acted quickly to get arguments says to me they appreciate their role in fixing this mess. L O’Donnell discussed a juvenile Kavenaughs discussion of presidential immunity in a long paper he wrote. The Court seems to think the action in Nixon re the tapes was a high point. I hope (and perhaps it’s not wishful thinking) that they relish the opportunity to put an end to this fraud of a man.
It’s not Jack Smith who has a heart “two sizes too small” as was said of the Grinch. Trump’s cruelty reveals his shrunken heart and soul better than an MRI would. Not only that, but the condition spreads to all who toucb him or a piece of his suit.
Here is what one of Trump's former senior advisors said about him - the most concise and accurate description I have heard.....
"He lacks any shred of human decency, humility or caring. He is morally bankrupt, breathtakingly dishonest, lethally incompetent and stunningly ignorant of virtually anything involving governing, history, geography, human events or world affairs. He is a traitor and a malignancy in our nation and represents a clear and present danger to our democracy and the rule of law."
At least Europe differentiates the majority of Americans: they float a helium balloon of his likeness and diapers, carrying his cell phone whenever he arrives in France, England, and Scotland. Each of the countries may have their own balloon, or they may share it. And don’t forget that Joe Biden spent his first year as president repairing the significant damage Trump did internationally, as his sole agenda was to promote ‘his’ idea of nationalism. That included demeaning every leader present at his first G7 in Canada in 2017; and Things devolved throughout his term. Our allies are able to distinguish that he is a particularly offensive buffoon, and Biden has brought back respect. Biden is an incredible leader and was born to do the job. He is in right now. And our job is to re-elect him. Maybe we should get our own balloon as well. You can Google Reuters I think to find it or any Paris English language newspaper. They flew it first I think in 2018 when he and Melania visited the queen, following his G20 fiasco, where he tried to Helinski to meet with Putin, and when he ignored the World War I ceremony at the cemetery in France, and then announce that America had better wine, then, France… They know this is Trump and not ugly Americanism. That’s why they hug us and tell us how sorry they are when we visit Europe. All the best. We are in this together, and so imperative to be able to share the truth about, these matters with friends and neighbors - thanks to Joyce 💙
Valere, I hope you're right. I'm ashamed to be an American, and wouldn't let anyone know I am outside our borders. Many Americans in Europe tell people they're Canadian. The US is not a country to be proud of. I'm sorry too.
Bruce, Is this John Kelly? Also read Jim Mattis’ spot on assessment. These are men of character and strong, moral leadership, who worked closely with Trump. There was a defining moment for each of them when they could no longer be associated with him.
Thank you. I read it at the time. The person said it :-) I’m thinking John Kelly and I can go back and find it and I’ll send it to you if you like. It was not Jim Mattis, but he was equally as strong about Trump’s lack of qualification.
Speaking of pussy hats and outraged women protesting Republican abortion bans - check out this map which shows the state with Abortion Rights ballot measures. It also includes the number of women in each congressional districts. The number of women aged 18-45 who would be hurt the most by Republican abortion bans. The congressional rep, Senator, Governor and Attorney General for that district.... and how to register to vote.
Nice link, too bad they’ve not updated the state of AZ elected officials since the 2020 election. They’re still listing the damn republicans, not the dems that swept all elected statewide offices.
So much of what Trump says and does is just surreal, and it’s just too easy to roll one’s eyes and go on with another day, knowing that he continues to veer raggedly away from reality. But the fact that he’s hellbent on making his reality ours again, and that so many sad, angry people would readily support that vision: that’s what we need to remember. That next time, if there is one, if we allow it to happen, it will be infinitely worse.
Does SCOTUS understand the danger to their court if they rule Trump has immunity? Wouldn't allowing Trump to be above the law embolden him to put himself above the Supreme Court? If he won a second term he would definitely think he's higher than SCOTUS, and who knows what he'd do if any of the Justices, or the entire court fell out of favor with him.
Are there some protections to SCOTUS that prevent a dictator from rising above the court?
Exactly. Ruling that a President has lifelong immunity puts them at the mercy of an authoritarian, one who has no use for a Supreme Court. I don't think they're that stupid. They have power, and they'll want to keep it.
They already have what Trump craves--lifetime appointments. I wonder to what extent (if any) the security of that was part of how many Trump-appointed judges ruled honestly on his election claims.
As Joyce points out, tRump has LOST in every legal venue when pleading "absolute immunity" in civil and criminal cases, and it is way more than likely that both the DC Circuit and SCOTUS will make short work of his latest claims. The courts KNOW tRump's game, they KNOW the claims are no more than time-wasters, and they KNOW that "justice delayed is justice denied", for all the reasons stated in Joyce's article here. Yes, this likely will push back the March trial date, but not to the point that tRump won't see the interior of the courtroom before the November, 2024 elections, full stop.
Only the Constitution, that Trump has said [sections of] should be terminated. Some of the proTrump plans include a “convention of states” it might be called, or a constitutional convention to draft a new constitution.
The new constitution would not have 3 coequal branches but an uberexecutive with power to appoint and remove legislators and judges. There would be a greatly reduced bill of rights. Voting Citizenship would be available only to those who avowed loyalty to the newconstitution, ie the uberexecutive.
State constitutions would likely have to be modeled after that, or perhaps a single model or template would be imposed on all, subject to approval by the executive.
Joyce, your bold paragraph reads: "SCOTUS agreed to hear a case involving whether a statute used to charge January 6 rioters, and also Donald Trump, with obstructing an official proceeding applies to efforts to interfere with certification of the electoral college vote on January 6, 2021."
How can Judge Thomas not recuse himself given his spouse's intimate support for and involvement in the fake electors' scheme and attempted insurrection?
SCOTUS must realize that ruling against the proven-safe drug Mifepristone will only increase the turnout of pissed-off women and their male supporters next election. It would also set up an untenable situation in which the courts would be replacing scientists and experts with judges who are not trained in scientific methods. Mifepristone has been proven safer than most OTC drugs and the only reason it was banned by Kacsmaryk was purely political, to gin up this appeal to SCOTUS.....
I would like to laugh but can not find the humor in the absurdity of all of this. Trump and I are the same age. I can only hope I will outlive him so I can spit on his grave.
I can hear the conversation around the conference room table amongst the defense attorneys;
"So guys, here's the strategy; all we need is ONE court to rule in favor of presidential immunity, even if it's the one about the hooker and the hush money. We get ONE, and we hang them all on it. Four courts, three charges and eight appeals, means we have 96 chances at a 'yes'. We gotta run the table on this one..." Oh my God; with that kind of help, maybe we'll all just go outside and commit Harri Kari before it's all over. Too bad this isn't all a Netflix series and one could just skip to the last episode and see how it all turned out. If he really wants absolute immunity, maybe he should take his own advice and inject himself with about a gallon of bleach; I'm pretty sure we don't prosecute or incarcerate dead guys, at least not yet.
It’s starting to get interesting Joyce. The cry babies in the House continue to reaffirm their lackluster ploys to negate any form of intelligent discussions on urgent legislation that needs to be addressed. As Joe Scarborough recently said on Morning Joe, they simply don’t care 🤷 I was proud of Hunter Biden today refusing to appear before republicans in a closed door session. Thank you for keeping us on a need to know basis and for your articulation of what really matters to all of us. And tfg is the one who stole Christmas every day since he took office. It boggles the mind how we got here but the focus is now on where we are going and it’s not in Orange Town 🇺🇸🗽🗳️💙🎄✨
Professor that was a superlative update on seditionist tactics. TutoneSF, many were proud of Hunter's upfront statement delivered with full voice in context.
FYI, Hunter's Attorney is the capable ABBE LOWELL. Earlier yesterday, ABBE made Hunter available to the Committee knowing Comer & Gang would not take "Yes" for an answer.
ABBE has spotted defects in the Committee's subpoena power causing the Committee Gang to hurriedly pass House Resolution 917 yesterday authorizing " ... the enforcement of subpoenas" enabling the House "to exercise its power to Impeach Joseph Biden" [ Caps in the original by Gang Sponsor, Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) ] "and other things".
Authentic Trial Attorneys like ABBE LOWELL must be at least 40 steps ahead of the Opposition. LOWELL has already filed a Motion to Dismiss the Gun Charges against Hunter on Constitutional grounds! I am expecting some sophisticated Law & Motion practice in Federal Courtly by Counsel, Abbe Lowell for Hunter Biden.
You can't go wimpy when you're up against Jim the Screamer Jordan. Good for Hunter. People admire someone who is willing to stand up to bullies.
Bryan, You are brilliant. I am glad Hunter has Abbe for this railroaded and empty of merit accusation. I also agree with you re Joyce’s superlative submission.
I can spot a real Trial Attorney a mile from the Courthouse. : )
Bryan, Has Jack Smith ever appeared before the Supreme Court? I expect him to hit it out of the park. I’m so proud of him:))
I do not recall any Jack Smith appearance before SCOTUS. I do note that on the caption of US vs DJT, Case: 23-624, Jack has associated in MICHAEL DREEBEN as "Counsel [TO] the Special Counsel of Record" which, of course is Jack Smith.
DREEBEN has been brought in from private practice but, has been involved in over 100 SCOTUS in his career ... so far. Very good choice.
Yippee!!!
Yay!!
I thought so.
What Valere said.
I agree with you, Bryan, 100%!
Thank you Sheila. that means a lot to Hunter & ABBE.
Absolutely Brian.
Yup. Chops to Hunter.
“Republicans say they will prosecute Hunter Biden for contempt of Congress because he defied a subpoena. But that, too, is awkward, as a number of Republican representatives—including Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan (R-OH)—ignored subpoenas from the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol. ”
Heather Cox Richardson
December 13, 2023
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-13-2023
Right. I saw that. Total hypocrisy. Jordan does not belong in Congress either. It’s maddening.
News this Friday morning from Phil Bump's article in WAPO highlighted by Heather Cox Richardson's LFAA that came in early this 12/15 Friday am.
Comer is using a corporate 'cut-out" front for his odious mayhem funded by a "donor". Phil Bump's article is getting wide coverage & distribution. LA Times picked it up among other Outlets.
Note, also that Jack Smith has a subpoena out for Trump's phone records on J6.
Yay! Yay!
Didn't Jordan refuse to testify before the 1/6 Committee? Or am I confusing that with another refusal. Anyway, rich of him to chastise Hunter for not falling to his knees and command.
Yes
There is an upside if SCOTUS decides the president is above the law. That would mean Biden could arrest the GOP traitors in Congress and the rest of the conspirators and put them in a FEMA camp in Hell, er, I mean West Texas in the summer, and they couldn't do anything about it. (/snark)
Please pass this along to Dark Brandon
Perhaps they could be put to work building that border wall they want so much. /snark
Except Biden isn’t a criminal @ heart.
Unfortunately.
A comment posted in yesterdays Civil Discourse reflects yours TC.
Patris wrote:
“Dare I say if the court decides to implode and favors Trump that it means Biden could do whatever he thinks necessary to stop trump - however draconian - and walk into the future after his presidency with no fear of criminal repercussions?”
Patris also wrote:
“It seems that it would be obvious that affirming dementors position of immunity would give future presidents immunity from whatever act of malfeasance they want to commit in office.”
Great minds think alike. :-)
The sham impeachment would be dismissed immediately!
That’s why SCOTUS will have to rule that he IS NOT above the law.
You could start a whole new blog dedicated to where to put these idiot traitors. I vote for dropping them into some place like the Amazon where they'll have to figure out how to survive or be a meal for predators. They'd probably cannibalize each other.
I'm more in favor of mid-Atlantic, dropped from 10,000 feet with an anvil tied to their ankles.
TCinLA: Ha! That dark humor lightened my day. I will smile today thinking about that one. THANKS!
TC, Goose? Meet Gander
“Was it good for you too?”
Well.....yeeeah! (not snark)
Hahahaha, I like your thinking!
Will the number of pieces of the true suit exceed the number of pieces of the true cross?
Brilliant! Hilarious! I suppose the pieces come in little plastic reliquaries? Not a cult, though, no, not a cult at all! Was the suit dry cleaned, I wonder? That would affect its value.
I wonder who the lucky participant was who got the piece around the crotch? Can you just imagine?
That was fun everyone - thanks for my morning laugh.
Joyce already had me tickled with her "Republicans are responding to the good economic news with policy moves designed to help Americans even more. No, just kidding." comment.
Someone who likes mushrooms.....
EEeeewww. Blech!
EWWWW!
Oh stop!
OMG!
Someone who likes tiny little ball bearings, AND who has anosmia (inability to smell).
I wonder if there are ketchup stains.
At $1 a piece, that suit will net tfg at least $2 million...size XXXXXL, especially in the waist and butt.
Eww
It took me a second. But thanks, I needed a laugh.
It is funny and terrifying how often he alludes to being Jesus.
I don’t get it/ understand the joke. Can someone enlighten me please?
Thanks
It took me a while, too. TFG is auctioning off one of the suits he wore to court. Some commenters are wondering I'd it's another gift, selling off more fabric than exists in the suit, some are wondering if these pieces 2ill be treated like Christian relics, and the rest are devolving into schoolyard humor because every situation involving tfg is grotesque.
A grift gift.
Joyce, the absurd Jack Smith stopping Xmas complaint is actually a red meat coded dog whistle for the annual Fox News and Maga conspiracy theory fear mongering, to convince evangelicals that the liberals are plotting to cancel Xmas. Remember how they trot that out every year?
I've just read the first paragraph, and I've gotta say: Can anyone even imagine the disaster of a second term if the Supreme Court rules that the president is above the law and can't be prosecuted for criminal behavior? Jeez... We've got a lot riding on Jack Smith's appeal.
He would try to put himself above the Supreme Court.
That may be the one thing that makes the Court decide for us the people.....not that it would be the right thing to do, but it would preserve the Court's influence and power over the legislative process. If they find Trump is above the law, why would he need a Supreme Court.....?
Oooh. Good point.
If the Supreme Court rules the president is king, that would obviate the need for a Supreme Court.
Imagine: The Supremes filing for unemployment.
Great mind picture.
I hope THAT little gem occurs to Thomas, Alito, etcetc! They sure wouldnt want that.
Should they rule for TFG then Nixon was right when he said: "Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal."
Exactly! They want to be the only ones who are without any limits to their "decisions".
Biden doesn't display psychopathic behavior and he hasn't stated that he would be a dictator for one day and suspend the Constitution.
Be careful what you wish for!
I really doubt they want to be "put out of business" - by anyone~!
By the same token if they rule in favor then Biden wouldn’t need a Supreme Court either. Ah the possibilities….
Biden doesn't display psychopathic behavior and he hasn't stated that he would be a dictator for day one and suspend the Constitution.
Donald Trump is a narcissist with delusions of grandeur, he is a clear and present danger to democracy, not Biden.
I agree wholeheartedly!
My comment was meant to show the irony if the SCOTUS ruled “the president is king”. The king they want isn’t in the office. They’d be empowering the current president not their king wanna be.
Another irony is as “A doc reads” writes: “ If the Supreme Court rules the president is king, that would obviate the need for a Supreme Court.”
The individuals on the Supreme Court are just like any other people... they too are about self-preservation.
I know Chief Justice Roberts does not like Trump, so there's one safe-ish voice. Other than Thomas, the rest of the conservatives on the court have already gotten what they want, a position on the court, they really don't need Trump anymore.
But I wouldn't put anything past Trump.
I think all the Republican Supremes now have permission from their Koch et al funders to vote against trump.
Wanda, Well, yes - that would indeed be the goal of a dictator.. He has already tried to put himself IN the supreme court, with lapdogs Kavanaugh and Barrett.
Wanda, what would there be to stop him?
Dave, don-Don wants to be a dictator. He purposely nominated Barrett and Kavanaugh to further his objective to control. And you will see this when these two vote against Jack Smith’s request that the Supreme Court hear the appeal, so the government can keep the March 4 trial date. I will be happy to be wrong about Barrett and Kavanaugh’s vote on this but once Barrett and Kavanaugh know the majority will be ‘yes’ they will signal to daddy that they are on board as loyal to him. It is imperative that we vote for Biden💙
Valere, you misunderstood my comment. If Trump gets immunity from any criminal behavior, he will not care what the court has to say ever again. The Court will have surrendered any power of law over a man that the Court said could no longer be held accountable
Dave, I absolutely understood and agree 100% with you. That is absolutely the case if the court grants him immunity. it would be an absolute nightmare to have him reelected. And every single one of us needs to be aware of the importance of reelecting Biden to keep Trump as far away as possible from ever having power again. I was pointing to the fact that he was already establishing his own power on the Supreme Court when he was president. He established his two lapdogs. But you’re 100% right: with immunity he won’t need the lapdogs, or the others on the court.
I've mentioned in another response, that Kavanaugh and Barrett have gotten what they want, a position on the court. I think they understand that Trump could threaten their jobs. Fingers crossed that everyone on the court has self-preservation in mind.
I think all the Republican Supremes now have permission from their Koch et al funders to vote against trump.
That's what I want to know.
I think that the Court is about sick of dumpty. The fact the SC acted quickly to get arguments says to me they appreciate their role in fixing this mess. L O’Donnell discussed a juvenile Kavenaughs discussion of presidential immunity in a long paper he wrote. The Court seems to think the action in Nixon re the tapes was a high point. I hope (and perhaps it’s not wishful thinking) that they relish the opportunity to put an end to this fraud of a man.
It’s not Jack Smith who has a heart “two sizes too small” as was said of the Grinch. Trump’s cruelty reveals his shrunken heart and soul better than an MRI would. Not only that, but the condition spreads to all who toucb him or a piece of his suit.
Here is what one of Trump's former senior advisors said about him - the most concise and accurate description I have heard.....
"He lacks any shred of human decency, humility or caring. He is morally bankrupt, breathtakingly dishonest, lethally incompetent and stunningly ignorant of virtually anything involving governing, history, geography, human events or world affairs. He is a traitor and a malignancy in our nation and represents a clear and present danger to our democracy and the rule of law."
Bruce, yet, he carries the hopes and dreams of millions of Americans using him as their “permission” to be exactly like him
Its little wonder why the rest of the world despises The Ugly American in total
At least Europe differentiates the majority of Americans: they float a helium balloon of his likeness and diapers, carrying his cell phone whenever he arrives in France, England, and Scotland. Each of the countries may have their own balloon, or they may share it. And don’t forget that Joe Biden spent his first year as president repairing the significant damage Trump did internationally, as his sole agenda was to promote ‘his’ idea of nationalism. That included demeaning every leader present at his first G7 in Canada in 2017; and Things devolved throughout his term. Our allies are able to distinguish that he is a particularly offensive buffoon, and Biden has brought back respect. Biden is an incredible leader and was born to do the job. He is in right now. And our job is to re-elect him. Maybe we should get our own balloon as well. You can Google Reuters I think to find it or any Paris English language newspaper. They flew it first I think in 2018 when he and Melania visited the queen, following his G20 fiasco, where he tried to Helinski to meet with Putin, and when he ignored the World War I ceremony at the cemetery in France, and then announce that America had better wine, then, France… They know this is Trump and not ugly Americanism. That’s why they hug us and tell us how sorry they are when we visit Europe. All the best. We are in this together, and so imperative to be able to share the truth about, these matters with friends and neighbors - thanks to Joyce 💙
Valere, I hope you're right. I'm ashamed to be an American, and wouldn't let anyone know I am outside our borders. Many Americans in Europe tell people they're Canadian. The US is not a country to be proud of. I'm sorry too.
You write to me as if I supported Trump
My comment above bemoans the fact that millions of Americans are low information baby wipes that don’t know civics, history, or global politics
Americans ARE ugly to many parts of the world. My German colleagues were astounded Trump got elected. “What is WRONG with you people?”
Bruce, Is this John Kelly? Also read Jim Mattis’ spot on assessment. These are men of character and strong, moral leadership, who worked closely with Trump. There was a defining moment for each of them when they could no longer be associated with him.
It was quoted in Jonathan Karl's new book "So Much Winning" and he did not reveal who said it.
Thank you. I read it at the time. The person said it :-) I’m thinking John Kelly and I can go back and find it and I’ll send it to you if you like. It was not Jim Mattis, but he was equally as strong about Trump’s lack of qualification.
And yet, Trump’s ability to rivet all the attention of the public has been a sort of fig leaf for SCOTUS.
Speaking of pussy hats and outraged women protesting Republican abortion bans - check out this map which shows the state with Abortion Rights ballot measures. It also includes the number of women in each congressional districts. The number of women aged 18-45 who would be hurt the most by Republican abortion bans. The congressional rep, Senator, Governor and Attorney General for that district.... and how to register to vote.
https://thedemlabs.org/2023/12/13/abortion-rights-ballot-measures-as-republican-try-to-ban-all-abortions/
Nice link, too bad they’ve not updated the state of AZ elected officials since the 2020 election. They’re still listing the damn republicans, not the dems that swept all elected statewide offices.
💙💙💙💙
It’s not easy, living in absurdist times.
So much of what Trump says and does is just surreal, and it’s just too easy to roll one’s eyes and go on with another day, knowing that he continues to veer raggedly away from reality. But the fact that he’s hellbent on making his reality ours again, and that so many sad, angry people would readily support that vision: that’s what we need to remember. That next time, if there is one, if we allow it to happen, it will be infinitely worse.
Opposite, Not worse, but rather Over
Does SCOTUS understand the danger to their court if they rule Trump has immunity? Wouldn't allowing Trump to be above the law embolden him to put himself above the Supreme Court? If he won a second term he would definitely think he's higher than SCOTUS, and who knows what he'd do if any of the Justices, or the entire court fell out of favor with him.
Are there some protections to SCOTUS that prevent a dictator from rising above the court?
SCOTUS likes being the Third Branch. I think self-protection will be a big motivator in weighing the immunity claim.
Exactly. Ruling that a President has lifelong immunity puts them at the mercy of an authoritarian, one who has no use for a Supreme Court. I don't think they're that stupid. They have power, and they'll want to keep it.
the last thing they want is to be is irrelevant...they will rule in Smith’s favor.
They already have what Trump craves--lifetime appointments. I wonder to what extent (if any) the security of that was part of how many Trump-appointed judges ruled honestly on his election claims.
As Joyce points out, tRump has LOST in every legal venue when pleading "absolute immunity" in civil and criminal cases, and it is way more than likely that both the DC Circuit and SCOTUS will make short work of his latest claims. The courts KNOW tRump's game, they KNOW the claims are no more than time-wasters, and they KNOW that "justice delayed is justice denied", for all the reasons stated in Joyce's article here. Yes, this likely will push back the March trial date, but not to the point that tRump won't see the interior of the courtroom before the November, 2024 elections, full stop.
Only the Constitution, that Trump has said [sections of] should be terminated. Some of the proTrump plans include a “convention of states” it might be called, or a constitutional convention to draft a new constitution.
The new constitution would not have 3 coequal branches but an uberexecutive with power to appoint and remove legislators and judges. There would be a greatly reduced bill of rights. Voting Citizenship would be available only to those who avowed loyalty to the newconstitution, ie the uberexecutive.
State constitutions would likely have to be modeled after that, or perhaps a single model or template would be imposed on all, subject to approval by the executive.
Presto! A dictatorship!!
This country is on the verge of being a failed state. Another Trump presidency would be the end of democracy.
I want to get out a light saber right about now
Magic time.
Joyce, your bold paragraph reads: "SCOTUS agreed to hear a case involving whether a statute used to charge January 6 rioters, and also Donald Trump, with obstructing an official proceeding applies to efforts to interfere with certification of the electoral college vote on January 6, 2021."
How can Judge Thomas not recuse himself given his spouse's intimate support for and involvement in the fake electors' scheme and attempted insurrection?
SCOTUS must realize that ruling against the proven-safe drug Mifepristone will only increase the turnout of pissed-off women and their male supporters next election. It would also set up an untenable situation in which the courts would be replacing scientists and experts with judges who are not trained in scientific methods. Mifepristone has been proven safer than most OTC drugs and the only reason it was banned by Kacsmaryk was purely political, to gin up this appeal to SCOTUS.....
Wonder how many of these idiots use viagra, which is much less safe. Maybe they'll have one of those unpleasant side effects - soon!
I can hardly wait to register university students next summer if SCOTUS rules against Mifepristone!
Too depressing to deal with any of this anymore.
“People get ready, there’s a train a coming, You don’t need no baggage, Just get on board.” (Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart). https://youtu.be/yC_j_dzkaVE?si=omsrIUEtdbtLXnOo
Something positive. The Bowery and Peach’s Corner are still there.
https://youtu.be/zZYOJQ79DOw?si=LNYyYsHzSlvM1_iA
How many of you have jumped out of a car at the beach and run around it? We all did it on the Boulevard (Myrtle Beach).
The important stuff: Taylor and Dolly or Dolly and Taylor in 2024.
RTR (Roll Tide, Roll).
Apologies.
"There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own"
No apologies necessary PH.
Appreciate “Americana Therapy”!!
Oh yes, peeps get ready. For this https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Reoqe6t14BA
I would like to laugh but can not find the humor in the absurdity of all of this. Trump and I are the same age. I can only hope I will outlive him so I can spit on his grave.
TRUMP: I'm Innocent due to Presidential Immunity.
Also Trump: we MUST go after the Biden Crime Family.
I can hear the conversation around the conference room table amongst the defense attorneys;
"So guys, here's the strategy; all we need is ONE court to rule in favor of presidential immunity, even if it's the one about the hooker and the hush money. We get ONE, and we hang them all on it. Four courts, three charges and eight appeals, means we have 96 chances at a 'yes'. We gotta run the table on this one..." Oh my God; with that kind of help, maybe we'll all just go outside and commit Harri Kari before it's all over. Too bad this isn't all a Netflix series and one could just skip to the last episode and see how it all turned out. If he really wants absolute immunity, maybe he should take his own advice and inject himself with about a gallon of bleach; I'm pretty sure we don't prosecute or incarcerate dead guys, at least not yet.