Hit the nail on the head, again. There can be no capitulating with those intent on undermining our democracy & rule of law. There’s not a lot of grey area around what Trump did with these extremely sensitive documents. It’s staggering. And God only knows how he’s used them (or the devil). He cannot be coddled, or above the law! His cult already threatened the judge (& family) who signed search warrant. I’m concerned his female FL judge will approve a master to delay for Trump &/or avoid his wrath. And good luck seating a jury who’s not afraid! We cannot have a craven mob boss calling the shots. The best strategy? The power and safety in numbers. Hit Trump and cult with a flurry of actions. Pick up the pace, the goods are there (GA, NY, FL, Jan 6). Get them off balance, w/security in place. Rip off the bandaid! After 7 yrs of this lawless treachery it’s time to end Trump’s corrosive hold and impact on America.
Thank you, Robert Reich, for your voice of reason and clarity. This is the most important battle of our lifetimes. You are 100% correct. We, The People, are with you!
The evidence that history overwhelmingly supports Dr. Reich's assertion: "Not holding a former president accountable for gross acts of criminality will invite ever more criminality from future presidents and lawmakers" is right in front of our eyes. For those of us who are old enough to remember, let's start with the Reagan/HW Bush regime. Neither of them received an iota of accountability for their OBVIOUS neck deep participation in the "Iran/Contra" affair. At the time, it seemed like this was too close to Watergate and America didn't want to go through that again, plus Reagan was showing signs os Alzheimers and HW Bush was very "cunning" as a former CIA chief in avoiding prosecution - while many in their "orbit" were prosecuted. To me, the beginning of "the president is too "important" to be prosecuted.
Of course, HW Bush managed to follow Reagan so he wasn't about to initiate investigations and, ultimately Bush pardoned the "Iran/Contra felons." Then, Bill Clinton "looked forward" as Barack Obama would do 8 years later when he blocked the investigations into GW Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and others for authorizing TORTURE in Iraq/Afghanistan/Gitmo (and various "dark sites" around the globe). It was about the time Bush/Cheney LIED "we the people" into Iraq when I started writing in my "diary in cyberspace" and predicted this was a TERRIBLE mistatke by Obama. He didn't want the distraction! (And, you can see why as Trump is "hogging" the headlines while Biden is busy legislating) But, the republicans took this to understand democrats don't have the stomach to stop their LAWBREAKING. My prediction (along with millions of other Americans) at the time: "With each successive corrupt administration it will get worse.
Well, along comes Trump. According to the Mueller Report (I read it twice) in volume II there were about 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION of Justice committed by Trump during the inquiry and the ONLY reason he wasn't indicted was the OLC memo stating a "sitting president can't be indicted." It's true that "memo" hasn't been challenged in court, but Mueller - despite taking pains to explain the significance of OBSTRUCTION - clearly was honoring that memo right from the beginning of his investigation. (Mueller "memorialized" the evidence so when out of office Trump could potentially be indicted) During that investigation we learned of the campaign finance violation which was key in sending Michael Cohen to jail (with Trump as "individual 1" an "unindicted co-conspirator") - two more examples of a president "getting off" from crimes which the rest of us would have found ourselves behind bars.
Of course, with Trump, there's always more - so, one day after Mueller testified before Congress and Trump felt he was "totally vindicated" he attempted to EXTORT Ukraine's president Zelensky. Then came January 6th, 2021, and, now, "topsecretgate." (I think I made that up) The point is, since GW Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld got the preverbial "get out of jail free card" - well, it's gotten even more out of hand than I had imagined. The question now, in my mind, is "did Trump lead a SEDITIOUS Conspiracy or did he commit TREASON? Who knows who has seen those documents recovered from Mar a Lago? Do you believe that's it, that he doesn't have more somewhere else? Has me made copies? He's as far from trustworthy as a human can get - yet, republicans believe they can simply threaten more violence and the Justice Department will cower in their boots and stand down.
Some argue, in essence, that, even though Trump is just another "citizen" it would be too "political" to indict him and exacerbate the division in this country. I've been saying all along, NOT indicting Trump will create far more "division" than indicting him. I say, "The sooner the better. Let's get it over with." Allowing him to get away with these crimes would be like flashing a "green light" to all those right wing republicans that make me shudder everytime I force myself to listen to one of them. The bottom line for me here is to emphatically emphasize that Dr. Reich is "right on" (as usual): "Not holding a former president accountable for gross acts of criminality will invite ever more criminality from future presidents and lawmakers." The proof is in our recent American History!
Many of the 74 million who voted for our former president drank the Kool-aid that was fortified with brain-eating Amoeba’s!
* First and foremost they don’t see anything wrong with the FACT that the former guy had the audacity to steal top secret, classified documents from the American people and our Government!
* We have to wonder, who else now knows the secrets designed to keep Americans safe? Wether he has shared or is planning to share them with our adversaries.
* We can thank FPOTUS for one thing. He has exposed himself and a lot of other Faux Americans!
* It won’t be easy but worth it to keep trying to convert as many of the 74 million as possible.
* Keep telling the truth about everything based on facts. No mis-information or conspiracy theories!
* And never fall into the same RAT hole they have fallen into!
* We need to keep the faith in and support our constitution and our federal institutions.
And most importantly hold our elected officials accountable! WE DO NOT WORK FOR THEM!! THEY WORK FOR US
Sep 1, 2022·edited Sep 1, 2022Liked by Robert Reich
For the midterm elections and for the 2024 elections it is absolutely vital for ALL liberal VOTERS to GET OUT AND VOTE for DEMOCRACY.
This means Democrats and Independents and the liberal third party folks and even the more liberal Republicans must vote for DEMOCRACY.
This is not a time for third party voting to make a political statement, because that will only increase the chances of Trumplicans getting elected. I fully realize that the Democrats aren't the perfect choice, but at least they're for DEMOCRACY rather than fascism or anarchy or whatever.
PLEASE do whatever you can to encourage any reluctant liberals you know to VOTE.
Each of their single votes might be "just one vote," but cumulatively they will hopefully be a decisive majority of sane votes!
sedition definition: conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. RR wrote "photograph of President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi with their faces obscured by the words, “Your enemy is not in Russia.” HOW IS TRUMP NOT IN JAIL RIGHT NOW?
When does trump become prosecutable? Arrestable? HOW is he not in jail right now??? Jan 6. Classified documents at Mara Lago? Everything...EVERYTHING he does defies the law and every authority.
Who will say "No" to trump? Who will hold him accountable?
YES! "the authoritarian fascist demagogue <<pretends>> to be on “their side.”
I think Trump stole those classified documents to appease and/or to sell to Putin or sell to other USA enemies. Trump only cares about himself and money. I don't think he stole those documents just as mementos! Note that because of Trump business loans from Russian owned banks in 2013 and later, Putin has Trump under his financial thumb! Those classified documents were most likely Trump's "gift" to Putin and may have already caused the death of US spies in Russia! Remember all the correct intelligence we had on Russia's intent to invade Ukraine. Who was providing the USA that info? I suspect the US intelligence agencies already know what Trump has already done with some of the classified information and when the time his right they will prosecute him as a spy!
Excellent article Mr. Reich. We must appeal to all who will truly listen, as well as galvanizing women and the LGBTQ community who continue to have their rights stripped away by these fascist lawmakers and the increasingly extremist Supreme Court majority.
The prosecution of Trump would right an historic wrong done nearly half a century ago when Gerald Ford pardoned Tricky Dick. Men served prison sentences ranging from 20 years to 9 months for obeying Nixon’s unlawful orders, yet the Human Edsel went free, apparently never dunned for his delinquent taxes. If Trump were to be tried, convicted and incarcerated for his crimes, it would establish at the very least a strong precedent that no chief executive officer of the United States has license to commit felonies.
If Trump’s taste in “art” didn’t run mainly to life-size portraits of himself, doctored Time magazine “Man of the Year” covers and autographed football helmets, I’d recommend to Attorney General Garland that he send the FBI back to Mar-a-Lago to search for real art looted from Jews by the Nazis during World War II.
If all those Rep. without balls would have impeached him, none of this would be happening. This man is a dangerous threat to our country and the people who are not under his fake Jim jones BS are still kissing his ass instead of sticking up for our country and democracy. The only thing I can think of, that they all trusted him with their secrets and pictures especially of Madame Lindsey Graham thinking he would never use them and have been scared since.
As a former USMC E5 with a top security clearance, I know what treason is as well as appropriate handling of classified documents. Trump is guilty of treason both for the 6 Jan 2021 attack on congress, and taking classified documents. Punishment is deserved Mr. Trump. Prison or firing squad.
One way to build up the coalition in favor of our institutions and the rule of law is to sincerely invite people of conscience, which ever way they voted last time, to join the Democrats in electing a cohort of responsible, serious and honest public officials this November. It's very encouraging to see Kansans reject the attack on reproductive rights. It is super encouraging to see Alaskans reject Sarah Palin. Rejecting Trump's favorite candidates is the necessary thing to do, and it seems to me that most Americans have arrived at that conclusion!
Trump warning that “Things could get out of hand if the Justice Department the heat on him” is no different than a Mafia Don saying “it would be unfortunate if something horrible happened to someone in your family”. Hopefully, Biden and the agencies under his charge that can react to violence in the streets are ready to confront any unlawful civil disobedience that my ensue without fear or favor (to use Merritt Garland’s words).
Hit the nail on the head, again. There can be no capitulating with those intent on undermining our democracy & rule of law. There’s not a lot of grey area around what Trump did with these extremely sensitive documents. It’s staggering. And God only knows how he’s used them (or the devil). He cannot be coddled, or above the law! His cult already threatened the judge (& family) who signed search warrant. I’m concerned his female FL judge will approve a master to delay for Trump &/or avoid his wrath. And good luck seating a jury who’s not afraid! We cannot have a craven mob boss calling the shots. The best strategy? The power and safety in numbers. Hit Trump and cult with a flurry of actions. Pick up the pace, the goods are there (GA, NY, FL, Jan 6). Get them off balance, w/security in place. Rip off the bandaid! After 7 yrs of this lawless treachery it’s time to end Trump’s corrosive hold and impact on America.
Thank you, Robert Reich, for your voice of reason and clarity. This is the most important battle of our lifetimes. You are 100% correct. We, The People, are with you!
The evidence that history overwhelmingly supports Dr. Reich's assertion: "Not holding a former president accountable for gross acts of criminality will invite ever more criminality from future presidents and lawmakers" is right in front of our eyes. For those of us who are old enough to remember, let's start with the Reagan/HW Bush regime. Neither of them received an iota of accountability for their OBVIOUS neck deep participation in the "Iran/Contra" affair. At the time, it seemed like this was too close to Watergate and America didn't want to go through that again, plus Reagan was showing signs os Alzheimers and HW Bush was very "cunning" as a former CIA chief in avoiding prosecution - while many in their "orbit" were prosecuted. To me, the beginning of "the president is too "important" to be prosecuted.
Of course, HW Bush managed to follow Reagan so he wasn't about to initiate investigations and, ultimately Bush pardoned the "Iran/Contra felons." Then, Bill Clinton "looked forward" as Barack Obama would do 8 years later when he blocked the investigations into GW Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and others for authorizing TORTURE in Iraq/Afghanistan/Gitmo (and various "dark sites" around the globe). It was about the time Bush/Cheney LIED "we the people" into Iraq when I started writing in my "diary in cyberspace" and predicted this was a TERRIBLE mistatke by Obama. He didn't want the distraction! (And, you can see why as Trump is "hogging" the headlines while Biden is busy legislating) But, the republicans took this to understand democrats don't have the stomach to stop their LAWBREAKING. My prediction (along with millions of other Americans) at the time: "With each successive corrupt administration it will get worse.
Well, along comes Trump. According to the Mueller Report (I read it twice) in volume II there were about 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION of Justice committed by Trump during the inquiry and the ONLY reason he wasn't indicted was the OLC memo stating a "sitting president can't be indicted." It's true that "memo" hasn't been challenged in court, but Mueller - despite taking pains to explain the significance of OBSTRUCTION - clearly was honoring that memo right from the beginning of his investigation. (Mueller "memorialized" the evidence so when out of office Trump could potentially be indicted) During that investigation we learned of the campaign finance violation which was key in sending Michael Cohen to jail (with Trump as "individual 1" an "unindicted co-conspirator") - two more examples of a president "getting off" from crimes which the rest of us would have found ourselves behind bars.
Of course, with Trump, there's always more - so, one day after Mueller testified before Congress and Trump felt he was "totally vindicated" he attempted to EXTORT Ukraine's president Zelensky. Then came January 6th, 2021, and, now, "topsecretgate." (I think I made that up) The point is, since GW Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld got the preverbial "get out of jail free card" - well, it's gotten even more out of hand than I had imagined. The question now, in my mind, is "did Trump lead a SEDITIOUS Conspiracy or did he commit TREASON? Who knows who has seen those documents recovered from Mar a Lago? Do you believe that's it, that he doesn't have more somewhere else? Has me made copies? He's as far from trustworthy as a human can get - yet, republicans believe they can simply threaten more violence and the Justice Department will cower in their boots and stand down.
Some argue, in essence, that, even though Trump is just another "citizen" it would be too "political" to indict him and exacerbate the division in this country. I've been saying all along, NOT indicting Trump will create far more "division" than indicting him. I say, "The sooner the better. Let's get it over with." Allowing him to get away with these crimes would be like flashing a "green light" to all those right wing republicans that make me shudder everytime I force myself to listen to one of them. The bottom line for me here is to emphatically emphasize that Dr. Reich is "right on" (as usual): "Not holding a former president accountable for gross acts of criminality will invite ever more criminality from future presidents and lawmakers." The proof is in our recent American History!
Kool-aid Zombies
Many of the 74 million who voted for our former president drank the Kool-aid that was fortified with brain-eating Amoeba’s!
* First and foremost they don’t see anything wrong with the FACT that the former guy had the audacity to steal top secret, classified documents from the American people and our Government!
* We have to wonder, who else now knows the secrets designed to keep Americans safe? Wether he has shared or is planning to share them with our adversaries.
* We can thank FPOTUS for one thing. He has exposed himself and a lot of other Faux Americans!
* It won’t be easy but worth it to keep trying to convert as many of the 74 million as possible.
* Keep telling the truth about everything based on facts. No mis-information or conspiracy theories!
* And never fall into the same RAT hole they have fallen into!
* We need to keep the faith in and support our constitution and our federal institutions.
And most importantly hold our elected officials accountable! WE DO NOT WORK FOR THEM!! THEY WORK FOR US
For the midterm elections and for the 2024 elections it is absolutely vital for ALL liberal VOTERS to GET OUT AND VOTE for DEMOCRACY.
This means Democrats and Independents and the liberal third party folks and even the more liberal Republicans must vote for DEMOCRACY.
This is not a time for third party voting to make a political statement, because that will only increase the chances of Trumplicans getting elected. I fully realize that the Democrats aren't the perfect choice, but at least they're for DEMOCRACY rather than fascism or anarchy or whatever.
PLEASE do whatever you can to encourage any reluctant liberals you know to VOTE.
Each of their single votes might be "just one vote," but cumulatively they will hopefully be a decisive majority of sane votes!
sedition definition: conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. RR wrote "photograph of President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi with their faces obscured by the words, “Your enemy is not in Russia.” HOW IS TRUMP NOT IN JAIL RIGHT NOW?
When does trump become prosecutable? Arrestable? HOW is he not in jail right now??? Jan 6. Classified documents at Mara Lago? Everything...EVERYTHING he does defies the law and every authority.
Who will say "No" to trump? Who will hold him accountable?
YES! "the authoritarian fascist demagogue <<pretends>> to be on “their side.”
The bubble of lies has got to pop.
I think Trump stole those classified documents to appease and/or to sell to Putin or sell to other USA enemies. Trump only cares about himself and money. I don't think he stole those documents just as mementos! Note that because of Trump business loans from Russian owned banks in 2013 and later, Putin has Trump under his financial thumb! Those classified documents were most likely Trump's "gift" to Putin and may have already caused the death of US spies in Russia! Remember all the correct intelligence we had on Russia's intent to invade Ukraine. Who was providing the USA that info? I suspect the US intelligence agencies already know what Trump has already done with some of the classified information and when the time his right they will prosecute him as a spy!
Excellent article Mr. Reich. We must appeal to all who will truly listen, as well as galvanizing women and the LGBTQ community who continue to have their rights stripped away by these fascist lawmakers and the increasingly extremist Supreme Court majority.
Best we stand our ground now when MAGA fascist are only 30 % of voters before they get stronger.
The prosecution of Trump would right an historic wrong done nearly half a century ago when Gerald Ford pardoned Tricky Dick. Men served prison sentences ranging from 20 years to 9 months for obeying Nixon’s unlawful orders, yet the Human Edsel went free, apparently never dunned for his delinquent taxes. If Trump were to be tried, convicted and incarcerated for his crimes, it would establish at the very least a strong precedent that no chief executive officer of the United States has license to commit felonies.
If Trump’s taste in “art” didn’t run mainly to life-size portraits of himself, doctored Time magazine “Man of the Year” covers and autographed football helmets, I’d recommend to Attorney General Garland that he send the FBI back to Mar-a-Lago to search for real art looted from Jews by the Nazis during World War II.
If all those Rep. without balls would have impeached him, none of this would be happening. This man is a dangerous threat to our country and the people who are not under his fake Jim jones BS are still kissing his ass instead of sticking up for our country and democracy. The only thing I can think of, that they all trusted him with their secrets and pictures especially of Madame Lindsey Graham thinking he would never use them and have been scared since.
As a former USMC E5 with a top security clearance, I know what treason is as well as appropriate handling of classified documents. Trump is guilty of treason both for the 6 Jan 2021 attack on congress, and taking classified documents. Punishment is deserved Mr. Trump. Prison or firing squad.
One way to build up the coalition in favor of our institutions and the rule of law is to sincerely invite people of conscience, which ever way they voted last time, to join the Democrats in electing a cohort of responsible, serious and honest public officials this November. It's very encouraging to see Kansans reject the attack on reproductive rights. It is super encouraging to see Alaskans reject Sarah Palin. Rejecting Trump's favorite candidates is the necessary thing to do, and it seems to me that most Americans have arrived at that conclusion!
If Roe can be reversed so can Citizens United!
Trump warning that “Things could get out of hand if the Justice Department the heat on him” is no different than a Mafia Don saying “it would be unfortunate if something horrible happened to someone in your family”. Hopefully, Biden and the agencies under his charge that can react to violence in the streets are ready to confront any unlawful civil disobedience that my ensue without fear or favor (to use Merritt Garland’s words).