Today the New York Times reported that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has offered Donald Trump the opportunity to testify—next week—before his grand jury. The charges the DA is considering are reported to relate to the “hush money” payments that were the subject of the criminal charges that former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to in federal court in 2018.
NY and Georgia will likely beat Jack Smith to the punch on indictments. If criminal convictions result in those states (not a slam dunk), trump’s hopes for a pardon will evaporate. Then justice would not only be served, but can sustain.
On a different topic, I do hope DOJ has its sights on the congressional co-conspirators who engaged in seditious acts. They are currently in congress further eroding our democracy from the inside out.
And then there’s Fox and it’s anchors. Accountability is critical for the ultimate health of the nation. Thanks again for your insights.
I'm hoping Fox and it's Hosts are held accountable for their lies! I want the court to demand they make a public apology on air, admit their lies as well as suffer financial punishment and loss of job. They deserve it!
I completely agree ! The seditious republicans in congress must be held accountable, sooner than later. Fox News needs to be taken off the air, and it's anchors prosecuted for inciting and supporting an insurrection.
The lone wolf terrorism has been out there for a long time. When I worked as a national resources fed, I, my friends and colleagues all got death threats on the job... some more competent than others, to be sure, and many egged on by GOP politicians, including at least 1 Congressional Rep. It's out there already, no need to quiver "in case it happens". It's already out there.
Good grief. You are right, the individuals are collectively terrorists and you have been terrorized. Who constructed this no-fault rush to anarchy, what Machiavellian puppeteer(s) are string-pulling while our democracy stumbles? I hope they all will soon be revealed, but I fear I know the answer; it's all about the rise of authoritarianism and fascism. The lone wolves are merely foot-soldiers. I hope you are safe and well.
Patience and restraint? I apparently need a MAGAt jingoism booster! It has been over 6 years waiting for the NY State justice system to maybe do it’s’ job. The Feds, more patience apparently required. Something is terribly wrong.
Sure, give the criminal scum a full and fair trial. Everyone deserves that. Then, lock him away while we wait for the DOJ to do what is necessary regarding J6 and stolen national classified materials.
From my perspective the worst thing I have learned over the past 7 years is that the justice system only works quickly if you can’t afford to buy time. If you are white, rich and a politician, well, time and the “rule of law” grind very slowly.
I wish they could just lock him up until all of the cases are settled. Or at least shut him up. But it doesn't work that way, and we don't "really" want it to. It's beyond aggravating, though.
I appreciate your calm voice and cool head. We ARE in this together, and have to keep our wits about us. You are an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to walk us through all of the possibilities.
I freely admit that I wanted to scream after reading this passage, "Justice will be even better served if Trump is tried and convicted by a system that gives him all the constitutional protections he would deny others. It will be proof the system can work, and we will all benefit, in the long run, from patience and restraint."
Patience and restraint? We've watched Trump break law after law, commit outrageous act after outrageous act, embarrass our country, and attempt to overthrow our Constitutional norms since 2017. What's even more glaring is that he's committed crimes basically his entire life and gotten away with it. The system has thus far failed us and allowed this charlatan to promote himself via the greatest con of his life - MAGA. A portion of this nation bought it hook, line, and sinker and it damn near undermined 250 years of the "great experiment."
Joyce, I love you, including your chickens! But, please do not ask me with seriousness to have more "patience and restraint" than I've had to since he left the White House kicking and screaming like the giant BABY TRUMP buffoon he is.
Mark, You don’t have to be patient or be nice for any of this. No one can blame you.
But they, the ones who work in justice must go precisely by the book. If only to prevent these proceedings from being contested and dragged out further.
But to help things along it wouldn’t hurt all we onlookers (we?) to zip the lip at this crucial moment.
Recognize the patterns of intentional disinformation. Make small talk and engage people with thoughtful conversation. Support institutions that promote our democracy. Find healthy allies to navigate these serious challenges to our democracy.
I’m keeping my faith in the judicial system, no matter the result. Kind of like being a “process knitter” ... hoping for the result I personally would like to see but thankful for the process.
I so appreciate your wise closing words on how we must not behave like lawless MAGA supporters. It's so difficult at the moment, but if we are who we say we are, we have to hope that the justice system works, and that Trump is held accountable in the way the Constitution and our laws intend.
None of us knows what the outcome of all this will be, but I am hoping that the traitor in Florida (the orange one...not the governor) IS indicted. If that occurs, then I am hoping the floodgates open, for two reasons. One, he HAS committed crimes and must be held accountable in New York and elsewhere. Let him have his many days in court. And two, he has made a mockery of the rule of law and America is a nation of laws. If there is to be any confidence in that, then he must be held to the same standard as any of us if our democracy is to be strengthened and survive.
There is a third reason, but that is just my opinion. Due to the fact that he is a disgusting, irredeemable criminal, who has lied to and conned scores of Americans and desecrated our Constitution, I believe he should be locked away in prison for the rest of his pitiful life. But that is just my opinion.
I share your belief that he should be locked away for the rest of his pitiful life. I think we are part of a huge club. I lost count long ago of the number of times I've thought about how TFG should have been behind bars forever long ago. And let's not stop there. Lock up those who have aided and abetted him and his family. Looking at you Murdoch, Carlson, Hannity, Ingraham, and so on.
As I read this, I realized my eyes had slid over the headlines about Trump and indictments without really absorbing the details; there’s such a menu of options to choose from. Thanks for the clarifying details.
Thank you for the reminder about not sinking to the destructive lingo that Trump employs in (mis)using the legal system. “Lock him/her up” is the language of dictators and those ignorant of the bigger picture about the justice system. The law is a powerful tool, and must always be cabined by rules and respect accorded to everyone as objectively as possible. Especially for those most disliked and perhaps, ultimately, most deserving of justice.
The chants are disgusting, and mean, I agree. I try to imagine speaking to some of those folks one on one, outside of their tribal bubble. They are often nice, decent people apart from their chimp group. Some are my relatives. It’s painful.
Thank you for your comment Regis. I’m sorry for you. And your family. Some are my relatives too, but politics are not discussed. “We’re in this together.”
This morning Katty Kay asked your sister-in-law Barbara McQuade to rank the cases against Trump likely to result in indictments - by order of significance. She ranked Bragg’s No. 4. One burning question: If Georgia lawmakers remove Fani Willis, is it possible for DOJ to take up the case as part of its Jan.6 probe? Any legal avenue to prevent Brian Kemp from signing this proposed state legislation?
It would. Agreed. On the other hand, I think Georgia Republicans have already demonstrated quite openly that they are a white- supremacist, autocratic party without shame. Brian Kemp and his cronies don’t care if it looks like a sham. They care about prevailing, about power. Recall Kemp’s signing a “Jim Crow” piece of legislation - situated at his desk, flanked by male lawmakers, crowded under a painting of an antebellum plantation? like Tara! In the case of Fani Willis’ investigation, it looks as if Georgia Republicans are giving a pretext to the “independent state legislature” theory - an ideological premise counter to democracy now under consideration in the Supreme Court. They have tee-d this up just so.
NY and Georgia will likely beat Jack Smith to the punch on indictments. If criminal convictions result in those states (not a slam dunk), trump’s hopes for a pardon will evaporate. Then justice would not only be served, but can sustain.
On a different topic, I do hope DOJ has its sights on the congressional co-conspirators who engaged in seditious acts. They are currently in congress further eroding our democracy from the inside out.
And then there’s Fox and it’s anchors. Accountability is critical for the ultimate health of the nation. Thanks again for your insights.
I'm hoping Fox and it's Hosts are held accountable for their lies! I want the court to demand they make a public apology on air, admit their lies as well as suffer financial punishment and loss of job. They deserve it!
Repeated Apologies for all the lies. And get fox off the cable companies -- don’t want to support their mendacity without consent. Scandal
I profoundly agree!
I completely agree ! The seditious republicans in congress must be held accountable, sooner than later. Fox News needs to be taken off the air, and it's anchors prosecuted for inciting and supporting an insurrection.
Thank you for your clear explanation of the case and for the important reminder not to engage in MAGA-like jingoism.
When the orange ensemble is in handcuffs and off the streets, can we sing, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood?"
The lone wolf terrorism has been out there for a long time. When I worked as a national resources fed, I, my friends and colleagues all got death threats on the job... some more competent than others, to be sure, and many egged on by GOP politicians, including at least 1 Congressional Rep. It's out there already, no need to quiver "in case it happens". It's already out there.
Good grief. You are right, the individuals are collectively terrorists and you have been terrorized. Who constructed this no-fault rush to anarchy, what Machiavellian puppeteer(s) are string-pulling while our democracy stumbles? I hope they all will soon be revealed, but I fear I know the answer; it's all about the rise of authoritarianism and fascism. The lone wolves are merely foot-soldiers. I hope you are safe and well.
So sad. Thank you for your service 🙏
Patience and restraint? I apparently need a MAGAt jingoism booster! It has been over 6 years waiting for the NY State justice system to maybe do it’s’ job. The Feds, more patience apparently required. Something is terribly wrong.
Sure, give the criminal scum a full and fair trial. Everyone deserves that. Then, lock him away while we wait for the DOJ to do what is necessary regarding J6 and stolen national classified materials.
From my perspective the worst thing I have learned over the past 7 years is that the justice system only works quickly if you can’t afford to buy time. If you are white, rich and a politician, well, time and the “rule of law” grind very slowly.
Time for me to get that booster shot!
I wish they could just lock him up until all of the cases are settled. Or at least shut him up. But it doesn't work that way, and we don't "really" want it to. It's beyond aggravating, though.
I appreciate your calm voice and cool head. We ARE in this together, and have to keep our wits about us. You are an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to walk us through all of the possibilities.
I freely admit that I wanted to scream after reading this passage, "Justice will be even better served if Trump is tried and convicted by a system that gives him all the constitutional protections he would deny others. It will be proof the system can work, and we will all benefit, in the long run, from patience and restraint."
Patience and restraint? We've watched Trump break law after law, commit outrageous act after outrageous act, embarrass our country, and attempt to overthrow our Constitutional norms since 2017. What's even more glaring is that he's committed crimes basically his entire life and gotten away with it. The system has thus far failed us and allowed this charlatan to promote himself via the greatest con of his life - MAGA. A portion of this nation bought it hook, line, and sinker and it damn near undermined 250 years of the "great experiment."
Joyce, I love you, including your chickens! But, please do not ask me with seriousness to have more "patience and restraint" than I've had to since he left the White House kicking and screaming like the giant BABY TRUMP buffoon he is.
Mark, You don’t have to be patient or be nice for any of this. No one can blame you.
But they, the ones who work in justice must go precisely by the book. If only to prevent these proceedings from being contested and dragged out further.
But to help things along it wouldn’t hurt all we onlookers (we?) to zip the lip at this crucial moment.
Recognize the patterns of intentional disinformation. Make small talk and engage people with thoughtful conversation. Support institutions that promote our democracy. Find healthy allies to navigate these serious challenges to our democracy.
I’m keeping my faith in the judicial system, no matter the result. Kind of like being a “process knitter” ... hoping for the result I personally would like to see but thankful for the process.
Great job. Thanks Joyce!
I so appreciate your wise closing words on how we must not behave like lawless MAGA supporters. It's so difficult at the moment, but if we are who we say we are, we have to hope that the justice system works, and that Trump is held accountable in the way the Constitution and our laws intend.
None of us knows what the outcome of all this will be, but I am hoping that the traitor in Florida (the orange one...not the governor) IS indicted. If that occurs, then I am hoping the floodgates open, for two reasons. One, he HAS committed crimes and must be held accountable in New York and elsewhere. Let him have his many days in court. And two, he has made a mockery of the rule of law and America is a nation of laws. If there is to be any confidence in that, then he must be held to the same standard as any of us if our democracy is to be strengthened and survive.
There is a third reason, but that is just my opinion. Due to the fact that he is a disgusting, irredeemable criminal, who has lied to and conned scores of Americans and desecrated our Constitution, I believe he should be locked away in prison for the rest of his pitiful life. But that is just my opinion.
I share your belief that he should be locked away for the rest of his pitiful life. I think we are part of a huge club. I lost count long ago of the number of times I've thought about how TFG should have been behind bars forever long ago. And let's not stop there. Lock up those who have aided and abetted him and his family. Looking at you Murdoch, Carlson, Hannity, Ingraham, and so on.
Still waiting for the DOJ to start indicting these people for treason. Maybe just waiting for the first domino to fall.
Very well said. Thank you.
Thank you again for explaining it so well. I think that our country needs prayers to help us cope with the whirlwind that is coming... 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
As I read this, I realized my eyes had slid over the headlines about Trump and indictments without really absorbing the details; there’s such a menu of options to choose from. Thanks for the clarifying details.
Thank you for the reminder about not sinking to the destructive lingo that Trump employs in (mis)using the legal system. “Lock him/her up” is the language of dictators and those ignorant of the bigger picture about the justice system. The law is a powerful tool, and must always be cabined by rules and respect accorded to everyone as objectively as possible. Especially for those most disliked and perhaps, ultimately, most deserving of justice.
Know what really gets my goat?
MAGA chants of “USA”.
The chants are disgusting, and mean, I agree. I try to imagine speaking to some of those folks one on one, outside of their tribal bubble. They are often nice, decent people apart from their chimp group. Some are my relatives. It’s painful.
Thank you for your comment Regis. I’m sorry for you. And your family. Some are my relatives too, but politics are not discussed. “We’re in this together.”
Thank you Joyce! BTW, do you sleep?
😂 I certainly hope so!
Thank you Joyce for giving us a clear-eyed understanding of this vital development.
This morning Katty Kay asked your sister-in-law Barbara McQuade to rank the cases against Trump likely to result in indictments - by order of significance. She ranked Bragg’s No. 4. One burning question: If Georgia lawmakers remove Fani Willis, is it possible for DOJ to take up the case as part of its Jan.6 probe? Any legal avenue to prevent Brian Kemp from signing this proposed state legislation?
Great question.
I do not believe Fani Willis will be removed. It makes the whole thing a sham production.
It would. Agreed. On the other hand, I think Georgia Republicans have already demonstrated quite openly that they are a white- supremacist, autocratic party without shame. Brian Kemp and his cronies don’t care if it looks like a sham. They care about prevailing, about power. Recall Kemp’s signing a “Jim Crow” piece of legislation - situated at his desk, flanked by male lawmakers, crowded under a painting of an antebellum plantation? like Tara! In the case of Fani Willis’ investigation, it looks as if Georgia Republicans are giving a pretext to the “independent state legislature” theory - an ideological premise counter to democracy now under consideration in the Supreme Court. They have tee-d this up just so.