Several issues are haunting me in regards to the Epstein death. Epstein supposedly hanged himself in a basement jail cell. There were no operating cameras. No witnesses in other cells, no witnesses at all. Epstein reportedly hanged himself with a sheet; no physical evidence was collected. No sheet. No piece of rope. No suicide note. No farewell. No confession. And no fingerprints taken to see who else might have assisted Epstein’s
It sounds just like the deaths of many Russian dissidents in the UK. It's obvious it wasn't a suicide but no one knows how it happened. A lot of people don't think it was suicide and I don't either. A lot of highly placed people wanted him silenced.
Hello Whereabouts... Starting with Best Friend DJT, and Melania... Allegedly DJT is mentioned over a 1,000,000 times in the Epstein Files... Jeffrey Epstein allegedly thought that DJT was even more perverted than himself....
Men who indulge in illegal activities such as the one "on going" in Arizona, usually aren't good cooks. I'd look at food deliveries or carry-outs of a repetitive nature that would feed at least 3 people within a 50 mile radius of the kidnapping. It's a shot!! Also--look at the sale of medical supplies that might be used to treat a severe wound of a broken nose. Remember, the oaf at Nancy's door was just the muscle, the brains probably waited in the car. If the guy was alone, what he might have been carrying in his backpack could have been a nap sack large enough to put Nancy in, a cheap control mechanism. That large cloth sack would have been purchased at the same time as the backpack.
Dr..-- During my younger years I worked very closely with a few local police departments. The individuals I met during that time were consummate professionals, a little of them rubbed off on a little bit of me. Thanks.
Donald, I doubt they were. I suspect that if the FBI is involved, the quality of the investigation is not top notch. They fired so many of the quality FBIers and others left not wanting to work with the ignoramus Kash Patel. I would drop a suggestion to the Arizona folks, though.
ICE remind me of those people in first person shooter games who go hhuuh when they sustain injury. I think that thinking of this kind is beyond them. They would be better employed going through lists of known criminals and checking that they have the right to be in the US.
The Irishman who was in the US for 16 years and found himself in a ICE concentration camp is a case in point. Married to a US citizen and with a green card he though he was safe. He did have a conviction for drug dealing from 2009 in Ireland. He may not have declared it. But none of that justifies what happened to him. Sometimes letting sleeping dogs lie is better.
If action was taken them a fine might be better. he would also have to apply for residency. What happened is a overreaction.
I find it disturbing that we see no searches on horseback in Arizona. That's a first thing in the West and many rural areas. It's as if someone knows don't bother.
Don't know if you remember this but when it happened there was someone who said immediately after this incident that it was not a suicide and that was squashed immediately. So is it a cover up - I think so but that's based on what I heard immediately after Epstein's death. I don't remember the name of the person who stated this. Wish I could. Sounds to me like a cover-up.
Dr. Iris, I suspect as most people now do that this was no suicide but a hit to keep Epstein from revealing what he knows, maybe in exchange for something. It was also set as a warning to others to make sure they don't "share" any information or the same will happen to them. Trump wants so badly to be a mob boss and has acted that way so often. The connections he has, and I don't understand it, he could easily have waved a hand and the deed was done. Too many weird conditions at the time of the supposed suicide that it looks a lot more like a hit than anything else.
I remember reading that he used sheets and the bed frame to strangle himself. Recently I watched a YT about and "orange figure" coming up the stairs to his room as if Trump killed him. Anyway I don't think we will ever find out. All that we can hope for justice for the victims.
It was way too convenient for him to kill himself. There are others who have suspicious suicides. Mr. Massey just announced he is in good health, mentally and physically, suggesting if anything happens to him, it should be suspect.
Can you imagine what would’ve happened if Epstein took a plea deal to turn witness for the prosecution? He was the one who could’ve linked empirical evidence with the testimony. Yeah, exactly.
I believe a British operative was sent to make sure Epstein himself couldn't ever spill anything about who he consorted with, especially the former Prince.
JBR, AGREED, AGREED, AGREED! I have been saying that ever since I first came across the Coffee Klatch. It is the sign of "age" that people do that. Beware, RR . . . Your age AND bad manners are showing!
They both interrupt each other, it happens in a stimulating discussion. I don't believe he is being intentionally disrespectful, and neither is she. If one of them complains about it, then it would be an issue, but they obviously enjoy and respect each other. Also they aren't in the same room, so it's harder to pick up that one is already talking or about to speak. It's a little easier to do that when you are in each other's physical presence.
Ok, as a fellow old person, that is not the problem. She is deferring to him because he has the information to add. His study, work and practical knowledge of how the government works is needed. She is bringing him in on the discussion. She holds her own. We tend to see "ad ins" or "interruptions" as a sign of manners. In todays world, information moves fast! No one has time for "After you's".
Agree with you one hundred per cent. I see it as a robust conversation in an interview style. She prompts him and his wealth of experience. She directs the course of the dialogue, unless Robert asks permission to say something off topic. I love their interaction. As for the age comments - may they all live long lives so they can reflect upon their words. ;)
Yes! Communication is an adaptive dance strategy. I think they dance quite well together using each other's strengths and weaknesses to draw out the best points and deliver enlightening thoughts and info into our Saturday mornings.
I like "adaptive dance strategy." I particularly listened for "interruption" once I saw the comments, and don't get it. More like, she serves the ball and he returns it, following her cue of the next subject for discussion. Hey, Heather, your new nickname is Johnny! (Carson, like that...)
For your information, Sellwood, I never listen to the Coffee Klatch. I consider it a waste of time. I am entitled to my opinion. Frankly, I wish they would discontinue it. I see their swaying back and forth as childish and silly. I like and admire RR, and I like and admire Heather, but between RR's columns and his IEM column almost daily, I think we hear from him enough.
Klare, so you won't watch the Coffee Clatch, but are sure it needs to be discontinued. Hmmm! Why do you think that is something to share with those of us who do watch/listen and find it interesting and informative? You certainly have the right to share, but why would you in this case?
Cheryl, how do you know Hillary and Bill's relationship is transactional? It seems people do throw out a whole lot of assumptions that may or may not be true as though they are true. Is that the new feminism? I doubt it!
ISOequanimity, so when a spouse has infidelities, that should mean automatic divorce? A whole lot of married people stay together after such an event or events. How does that make a person not a feminist or whatever? It seems to me it would not have mattered what Hillary did or didn't do; she would still be maligned by a whole lot of people. It is feminist to stick to one's morals when it comes to working hard for people as Hillary did and has continued to do. It seems to me she makes her own decisions, an independence a lot of women aspire to.
In 2007-2008, much of America was suffering from Bush-Clinton fatigue. The nation went for a junior senator from Illinois by wide margins. Obama won Iowa twice, Ohio twice, Florida twice, and all of the battleground states EASILY.
So what did the Democrats do in their wisdom when it came to pick a new standard bearer?
Thomas, it seems that America would prefer any man, even a Black man over any woman, even one of the most qualified candidates in a long time. That's what was proven by the 2016 campaign and that Russia's interference screwed with our elections in a variety of ways. Oh yes, Hillary won the popular vote by nearly 3 million. Trump didn't even come close in 2024, and there may have been election interference on Trump's behalf in 2024, running against a woman of color. Misogyny and racism are strong with this nation, misogyny even stronger than racism!
Thomas, so what are people supposed to have learned, that misogyny means a male will win every presidential election, even if he has dementia and is a toddleresque ignoramus?
Unfortunately, this type of behavior has been going on for centuries! But with all the communication now in the 21 century things may be corrected since little is left in the dark these days albeit the truth of it must be discerned. I am mildly optimistic.
Gosh, I’m stunned by what a smear job MAGA and Fox did on Hillary Clinton. Surely you must be aware that Hillary fought hard to build a national health care program for all of us, long before Obama Care. Actually, it’s Robert who knows Hillary best, as he worked with her in the White House. So I would suggest asking him.
Hard to locate the thread, but I think this was to me, re: ironic that Hillary is not showing up in Epstein context. I do give Hillary credit for the health care efforts: ground-breaking for a First Lady and got nothing but sexist grief for it. My "ironic" comment was sympathetic to her over the bizarre propaganda slime on her Presidential campaign, some of it about (infant?) trafficking. I have never forgiven her for what I still view as a cynical pander vote to support the invasion of Iraq, when she of all people was connected to knowledge that the Bush gang were committing the most costly and horrific gaslight on We the People ever.
I’m shocked that a reader of this substack would advise listening to a politician’s words instead of evaluating their actions. To each their own. Peace out.
IMHO, she damaged her own agency. I read her first memoir, and a friend of mine in DC wondered why I would even bother. I give people the benefit of the doubt but she remains 'doubtful' and I am glad she's not my mother!
Mmerose, would that be a good or bad thing in your mind? It seems to me that is pretty good. Hillary was maligned at every turn by folks outside New York, but was not in the gang of Trumpstein. I bet a lot of the guys who did the maligning were though!
I'm embarrassed that I didn't see the ambiguity. My comment was in sympathy with the bizarre propaganda blighting she endured, and now it looks like if anyone is "vindicated," it's Hillary. It's hard to follow the threads, but interesting there are Hillary boosters and detractors here. Me, I never have forgiven her for what I read as a cynical pander vote for the Iraq invasion. But the baby-trafficking and oh she's so sick and Trump doing that weird stalking thing and abusive lying through the debate: I respect her dignity through all that. (Same with Kamala!)
mMerose, I suspect the Iraq vote was based on what constituents wanted at the time. The Republican/Bush/Cheyney push for war with Iraq so Georgie Bush could do what his daddy hadn't been able to do (chose not to do) was hanging over everything and so many people were sure they had weapons of mass destruction. I believe those Democrats who voted for it did not believe the administration would actually go to war, still being at war in Afghanistan. Clinton has acknowledged it was not one of her best decisions, seen in retrospect. It's so sad when one mistake is used to color an entire career. Then Clinton was blamed for what happened in Ben Gazi when she had nothing directly to do with what happened. The people of Libya did come out to protect the people in the embassy while the attack was happening and got too little credit for that effort. Then there were the emails, a whole bunch of BS that was put out to slime Democrats while Republicans did the very same thing, you know, hypocrisy. So Clinton was maligned for nothing while her opponent was lying, cheating, enlisting the help of Russia in our election, and so much more. Yep, misogyny reigns in the good old US of A.
Unfortunately, the 'Epstein Class' has existed throughout the ages. Back to Rome and earlier. It's good to see the exposure to a ruthless practice against youth.
When it comes to Trump's economic policies, it boils down to #ProSTRIFE for 99% of us and pillage and plunder for the top 1%.
And Trump feels satisfaction in inflicting needless economic hardships such as ludicrous tariffs, squeezing the life out of SNAP, and letting the ACA subsidies die on the vine.
He sees our despair as likely stagnation. Not on your life, Donald! Your malevolent overreach will trigger the end of the #RepubloFascism that the Project 2025 billionaires tasked you with establishing.
Sadly, the fight is just starting and far, far from over. We don't know the extent to rebuilding nor what outcome will happen at this juncture in history. We reversed 250 years!
We, as Americans, are not the original inhabitants. Remember, native Americans have been here much much longer. So, we are the immigrants. All of us. That's what has made us great. Now all we need to do is clean up this mess.
Countries like Germany, France, and Sweden have established comprehensive public financing systems for starters. Many countries offer some sort of subsidy to counter any private donors. But one must realize bribery works anywhere and everywhere still! But at least these countries have an upfront desire to prevent abuse.
Thank you, Heather and Robert, for another great Coffee klatch. The Epstein class has shown once more how lawless and uncaring they can be, with the defiance of the law by refusing to allow the truth to be revealed, defying the law. with Pam Bondi saying, when asked to look at the survivors " I won't stoop into the gutter" when asked to do so. such hateful arrogance.
It's clear that the US is being run by a criminal gang. Just like Nazi Germany. Mass arrests are justified and resisting arrest should be dealt with severely. Many should go to prison and some of the prime movers should get a lifetime in a supermax with restrictions on visits etc.
As soon a 47 is removed Bondi should be arrested and the DOJ should go to work under an attorney who knows what he/she is doing.
But the regime will continue under JD and others unless they too are held accountable. All this will take a generation to resolve no matter who wins elections in the near term. That's what we are facing.
"President, Vice President and ALL civil Officers of the United States" shall be removed from office if convicted in an impeachment trial of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." Article II, Section 4
I have always hated "reality" shows. It seems that American television is fixated on reality shows to the exclusion of really good tv! When Mrs. Lofthouse explained how the orange man was casting the people to run our governmental departments, it was like a light bulb went on over my head! That was exactly what he was doing! For him, he is running our government like a reality tv show! Maybe that is one of the reasons I hate this regime so much! These wealthy Epstein Class people are not going to be brought down easily; however, We the People will not let this go. We want justice for these victims! Magas have twisted so far as to blame these women and even their parents for what happened to them. That is just so sick! I understand they have to defend the orange stain at all cost, but this is beyond the pale! I agree with Mrs. Lofthouse and Professor Reich that AG bondi was providing talking points for the maga base because they are already parroting back in the comments on MSM exactly what she said in that meeting. I also understand that we cannot sit back and claim victory over ICE in Minnesota, but I do want to do a little hip, hip hooray! Those Minnesota citizens united and stood together against the brutal, inhumane treatment by ICE goons. I was so very proud of their actions. In fact, so much so that I signed and sent a note to the Nobel Peace Prize committee letting them know why I think the Minneapolis community deserves that prize! What was even better was the White House said how ICE was leaving because Minnesota was "safe" now because of them being there! That made me laugh because this was a victory for the Minnesota people! Their state is safe now because they ran ICE out of their state! I have noticed that maga wanted to use President Obama and President Biden's deportations and how we were just suffering from TDS and that is why the orange stain is being targeted. All of us that go on MSM with comments about these news medias lies, misinformation and propaganda are very quick to point out that the difference between President Obama and President Biden's deportation and that of the orange POS is that the former presidents completed deportations using our laws and giving immigrants due process. The orange man has sent in very violent thugs with no identification, covered faces and guns ablazing grabbing anyone and everyone that fits their idea of an illegal immigrant! He does not provide due process to these people! Everything that orange man does is for his "reality" show and performative! The more he does, the angrier we get! Thank you for a great Coffee Klatch, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse! I really enjoyed it! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
After hearing this: "Trumpstein Files" that's how I've been thinking of all this. And have heard that boys and young men were also victims of that pedo~ watched an interview with one of them to find out what was up ~ Robert mentioned djt saying - ridding the USA of the worst of the worst, I think djt actually was hiring the 'worst of the worst' for his DHS and ICE goon squad ! The only criteria being - ability to bully full time ~
I also have always disliked reality shows and felt the majority of people voting for Trump thought they were voting for the most outrageous character on a reality show. Too bad that has become our reality!
You are closing in: this regime does not govern, it is a television show.
That might give inspiration: not only rightwingers are good at making theatre, progressives can make theatre as well. The comedians do a good job with satire and black humor.
But I see something else: let us imitate what is done to us, 180 degrees turned.
Make a shadow Supreme Court and let it produce serious decisions on every suitable subject. Organise public cabinet meetings on the subjects that matter globally.
That is: serious, not ridicule.
Do it with care, find writers who can help with the theatrical aspects. Do not fight the thoughts that can be ascribed to this regime, because they don't have any. Communicate with the people convincingly about what the are missing, what is withheld from them.
Sometimes a song pops into my head — sometimes it’s a lyrical line or two, but sometimes it is the emotion of the song that evokes the memory.
In 1967 we lost 11,000 Americans in Vietnam; in 1968 we lost 17,000 more. Martin Luther King was murdered in April, 1968, and Bobby Kennedy was killed in June. Gold star service flags appeared in the windows of homes on our streets. We heard the death toll every night on the news. It was a miserable year and our nation was tearing itself apart. The desperation people felt was palpable. Angry people protested in the streets and on college campuses. University buildings were occupied by students, ROTC buildings were bombed, a police riot erupted outside the Democratic National Convention.
Some of the songs of the day were sentimental pablum. Or they might seem that way to the younger generation of today. But the songs helped. And oftentimes we sang them together and that helped, too. This song popped into my head while I was watching today’s KaffeeKlatch, a song I haven’t thought about in ages. It is typical of many the songs of the day — a simple melody, beautiful harmonies, a quick hook, and under 3 minutes for maximum airplay on the AM radio.
The preacher talked with me and he smiled
Said, "Come and walk with me, come and walk one more mile
Now for once in your life you're alone
But you ain't got a dime, there's no time for the phone."
I thought today’s KaffeeKlatch was quite good. I left me feeling better, hope restored, a light at the end of the tunnel. Heather, beautiful as always. Professor, you’re beautiful, too. You are both some of the best of America.
Me, too. Dylan wrote so many great songs. And also some just plain indecipherable lyrics. I don't know if he wrote anything "sentimental" though. Maybe.
Those in charge are into capitalism on steroids--they forget the principle of 'do no harm'! Money talks. So that's why we truly need universal health care in the U.S. but it's a dream with the present elites running the show.
Exercise that immeasurable right granted by the Founders.
The right to vote for governmental change is in your best interest.
Do not allow another election with 30 to 40% participation rates by the voting population.
That only suits republicans and leads to close margins in the house and senate that do not allow change for the benefit of the working class.
Economic degradation is being imposed upon young men who voted for the current administration. They have been deceived so far as it might improve their finances and pocket book.
Relevantly, the current administration has invaded Venezuela to remove a dictator, but leave that dictator’s vice president in charge. So 30 to 50 million of refined crude oil barrels could be placed in an adjacent shipping lane and sold. The funds are being held in a Qatar account: not the U.S. Federal Reserve.
As an aside, Venezuela has been destabilised and the oil companies see it as un investable.
The reason is because the extraction points for unrefined crude oil are located inland amidst a gureilla war between cartels.
The administration ought to have foreseen that : but they were blinded by money now in a Qatar account.
However, young people whether as army or private contractors will need to stabilise that country.
In particular, young men in the main.
Please consider your next vote carefully and participate: the Founders fought the War of Independence for equality at the Ballot Box : so “we the people” could decide their governance.
Leave the couch and do not waste that right as a “protest vote”. The winds of change are in your grasp: so use them to act in your best interest.
Of course, the Grand Jury would refuse the indictment of Democratic law makers who re-stated the military code of justice. Illegal orders must not be followed.
Indeed, the Southern Commander, a four star general, resigned after being given orders as to the Venezuelan operation.
There are so many rights. Remember to use your immeasurable right, that is to say, the right to vote.
"Wellll...Trump is leaving Minnesota...leaving Minneapolis..it seems like the whole Trump thing is over with...we can relax now." WHATTTTT? Geez, I don't even want what that one is drinking! This is NOT the time to relax! This is the time to double down and keep the pressure up. Pam Bondi always looks like a dunce but I'm certain she comes by it honestly. Her antics took up much time this week...I had to keep rewinding so I could really verify what she'd just said. What a fool!
Fool or theatrics? I live in Minnesota and ICE is not leaving, perhaps, just CBP agents who are so militaristic. We'll see how this all unfolds...eyes tell the truth.
Looks like Qanon was right all along about a cabal of wealthy and famous pedophiles, now known as the “Epstein Class”.
Several issues are haunting me in regards to the Epstein death. Epstein supposedly hanged himself in a basement jail cell. There were no operating cameras. No witnesses in other cells, no witnesses at all. Epstein reportedly hanged himself with a sheet; no physical evidence was collected. No sheet. No piece of rope. No suicide note. No farewell. No confession. And no fingerprints taken to see who else might have assisted Epstein’s
“suicide.”
It sounds just like the deaths of many Russian dissidents in the UK. It's obvious it wasn't a suicide but no one knows how it happened. A lot of people don't think it was suicide and I don't either. A lot of highly placed people wanted him silenced.
Yup. He could have embarrassed or blackmailed a lot of moneyed people. He had to be eliminated.
Hello Whereabouts... Starting with Best Friend DJT, and Melania... Allegedly DJT is mentioned over a 1,000,000 times in the Epstein Files... Jeffrey Epstein allegedly thought that DJT was even more perverted than himself....
Wow! Two pervs competing for first place!
If his cell had a balcony, we'd know for sure what happened to him.
... and I've seen no discussion of a cellmate. Who? What? Why?
Off thread--
Men who indulge in illegal activities such as the one "on going" in Arizona, usually aren't good cooks. I'd look at food deliveries or carry-outs of a repetitive nature that would feed at least 3 people within a 50 mile radius of the kidnapping. It's a shot!! Also--look at the sale of medical supplies that might be used to treat a severe wound of a broken nose. Remember, the oaf at Nancy's door was just the muscle, the brains probably waited in the car. If the guy was alone, what he might have been carrying in his backpack could have been a nap sack large enough to put Nancy in, a cheap control mechanism. That large cloth sack would have been purchased at the same time as the backpack.
Excellent suggestion!
Dr..-- During my younger years I worked very closely with a few local police departments. The individuals I met during that time were consummate professionals, a little of them rubbed off on a little bit of me. Thanks.
You should contact the police department with your ideas since they are seeking clues all the time!
Excellent ideas, Donald! Why won't these investigators do that? It seems to me like they just don't know what they are doing!
Peggy--Much of what we're witnessing is just the tip of the ice berg--My suggestions were probably the first things that crossed their minds.
Donald, I doubt they were. I suspect that if the FBI is involved, the quality of the investigation is not top notch. They fired so many of the quality FBIers and others left not wanting to work with the ignoramus Kash Patel. I would drop a suggestion to the Arizona folks, though.
ICE remind me of those people in first person shooter games who go hhuuh when they sustain injury. I think that thinking of this kind is beyond them. They would be better employed going through lists of known criminals and checking that they have the right to be in the US.
The Irishman who was in the US for 16 years and found himself in a ICE concentration camp is a case in point. Married to a US citizen and with a green card he though he was safe. He did have a conviction for drug dealing from 2009 in Ireland. He may not have declared it. But none of that justifies what happened to him. Sometimes letting sleeping dogs lie is better.
If action was taken them a fine might be better. he would also have to apply for residency. What happened is a overreaction.
I find it disturbing that we see no searches on horseback in Arizona. That's a first thing in the West and many rural areas. It's as if someone knows don't bother.
Don't know if you remember this but when it happened there was someone who said immediately after this incident that it was not a suicide and that was squashed immediately. So is it a cover up - I think so but that's based on what I heard immediately after Epstein's death. I don't remember the name of the person who stated this. Wish I could. Sounds to me like a cover-up.
Murdered, no doubt about it.
And well planned without cameras on.
I was wondering if they might “suicide” Trump is he becomes too ineffective.
Gordon.......he did say if he goes down he's taking everyone with him!
It's wonderful to see your name. We were hoping you are well. Scary times!
Gordon.....I get behind in my reading at times......💙💙💙🇺🇸
Interesting point. Is anyone keeping track of sheets in the White House? Didn’t Trump call for lynching his VP?
That was Pence, the first VP, but yes.
The coroner said it was strangulation & AG Wm Barr is in the Epstein Files, & closed the investigation abruptly.
Barr's father hired Epstein in 74.
Epstein is an Israeli & Russian Superspy.
The prison shut off the videos & moved the guards
Dna was never done
I think you’re right about Epstein being a spy.
Dr. Iris, I suspect as most people now do that this was no suicide but a hit to keep Epstein from revealing what he knows, maybe in exchange for something. It was also set as a warning to others to make sure they don't "share" any information or the same will happen to them. Trump wants so badly to be a mob boss and has acted that way so often. The connections he has, and I don't understand it, he could easily have waved a hand and the deed was done. Too many weird conditions at the time of the supposed suicide that it looks a lot more like a hit than anything else.
I absolutely agree with you, Ruth. A whole cafeteria of people had their lives on the line if Epstein ever testified, not least of them Trump.
More people are getting sick, not least because of RFK Jr's anti-vaccination idiocy.
Celia......why would anyone listen to RFK Jr??? He is not a.doctor or scientists! It boggles the mind!!!
We all know this Trump lies all the time. I'm glad you are still as incensed as I am -- we can never get inured to their lying; keep calling it out!
I remember reading that he used sheets and the bed frame to strangle himself. Recently I watched a YT about and "orange figure" coming up the stairs to his room as if Trump killed him. Anyway I don't think we will ever find out. All that we can hope for justice for the victims.
It was way too convenient for him to kill himself. There are others who have suspicious suicides. Mr. Massey just announced he is in good health, mentally and physically, suggesting if anything happens to him, it should be suspect.
DR. ---St. John is a family name.
Can you imagine what would’ve happened if Epstein took a plea deal to turn witness for the prosecution? He was the one who could’ve linked empirical evidence with the testimony. Yeah, exactly.
I believe a British operative was sent to make sure Epstein himself couldn't ever spill anything about who he consorted with, especially the former Prince.
Ask his brother !
Some irony that Hillary Clinton is one political elite still not detected in all that mess.
Robert should let Heather finish a sentence. Especially because he repeats what hes said.
JBR, AGREED, AGREED, AGREED! I have been saying that ever since I first came across the Coffee Klatch. It is the sign of "age" that people do that. Beware, RR . . . Your age AND bad manners are showing!
They both interrupt each other, it happens in a stimulating discussion. I don't believe he is being intentionally disrespectful, and neither is she. If one of them complains about it, then it would be an issue, but they obviously enjoy and respect each other. Also they aren't in the same room, so it's harder to pick up that one is already talking or about to speak. It's a little easier to do that when you are in each other's physical presence.
You are being kind and accurate to a point but RR does this more often--not age related but just excited!
It’s his show.
We should comment on content not style…time and space are short.
Ok, as a fellow old person, that is not the problem. She is deferring to him because he has the information to add. His study, work and practical knowledge of how the government works is needed. She is bringing him in on the discussion. She holds her own. We tend to see "ad ins" or "interruptions" as a sign of manners. In todays world, information moves fast! No one has time for "After you's".
Agree with you one hundred per cent. I see it as a robust conversation in an interview style. She prompts him and his wealth of experience. She directs the course of the dialogue, unless Robert asks permission to say something off topic. I love their interaction. As for the age comments - may they all live long lives so they can reflect upon their words. ;)
Yes! Communication is an adaptive dance strategy. I think they dance quite well together using each other's strengths and weaknesses to draw out the best points and deliver enlightening thoughts and info into our Saturday mornings.
I like "adaptive dance strategy." I particularly listened for "interruption" once I saw the comments, and don't get it. More like, she serves the ball and he returns it, following her cue of the next subject for discussion. Hey, Heather, your new nickname is Johnny! (Carson, like that...)
As are yours.
For your information, Sellwood, I never listen to the Coffee Klatch. I consider it a waste of time. I am entitled to my opinion. Frankly, I wish they would discontinue it. I see their swaying back and forth as childish and silly. I like and admire RR, and I like and admire Heather, but between RR's columns and his IEM column almost daily, I think we hear from him enough.
Then, why are you on this post? I am sorry but I don't get why you are here.
Klare, so you won't watch the Coffee Clatch, but are sure it needs to be discontinued. Hmmm! Why do you think that is something to share with those of us who do watch/listen and find it interesting and informative? You certainly have the right to share, but why would you in this case?
It’s his show.
Please comment on content not style… time and space is short.
HRC is in a different mess, one of her own making. The wives of Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, and Danny Masterson divorced their husbands but Hillary stayed, even after Michelle Goldberg’s NYT op-ed “I believe Juanita.” To survivors of sexual violence, HRC’s actions were the opposite of “gutsy feminism.” She’s no longer relevant, imho. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/13/opinion/juanita-broaddrick-bill-clinton.html. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/11/what-hillary-knew/546170/. https://www.vox.com/2016/1/6/10722580/bill-clinton-juanita-broaddrick.
Agree. I really felt she was a competent leader, however this character flaw is deadly. It appears to be just another "transactional" relationship.
💯 By failing to pick a lane, she made herself irrelevant.
Cheryl, how do you know Hillary and Bill's relationship is transactional? It seems people do throw out a whole lot of assumptions that may or may not be true as though they are true. Is that the new feminism? I doubt it!
ISOequanimity, so when a spouse has infidelities, that should mean automatic divorce? A whole lot of married people stay together after such an event or events. How does that make a person not a feminist or whatever? It seems to me it would not have mattered what Hillary did or didn't do; she would still be maligned by a whole lot of people. It is feminist to stick to one's morals when it comes to working hard for people as Hillary did and has continued to do. It seems to me she makes her own decisions, an independence a lot of women aspire to.
Rape is not an infidelity. Peace out.
In 2007-2008, much of America was suffering from Bush-Clinton fatigue. The nation went for a junior senator from Illinois by wide margins. Obama won Iowa twice, Ohio twice, Florida twice, and all of the battleground states EASILY.
So what did the Democrats do in their wisdom when it came to pick a new standard bearer?
Thomas, it seems that America would prefer any man, even a Black man over any woman, even one of the most qualified candidates in a long time. That's what was proven by the 2016 campaign and that Russia's interference screwed with our elections in a variety of ways. Oh yes, Hillary won the popular vote by nearly 3 million. Trump didn't even come close in 2024, and there may have been election interference on Trump's behalf in 2024, running against a woman of color. Misogyny and racism are strong with this nation, misogyny even stronger than racism!
Does it even matter now? Errors done, so we must move on to reclaim America.
It only matters if people demonstrate they learned something. Not much evidence of that.
Thomas, I agree with you. The DNC helped destroy our country without a doubt in my mind--no true primary campaign last round! Despicable. What's next?
Thomas, so what are people supposed to have learned, that misogyny means a male will win every presidential election, even if he has dementia and is a toddleresque ignoramus?
I’ve heard that argument used regarding Epstein perpetrators and even the current administration. It’s a slippery slope imho.
Unfortunately, this type of behavior has been going on for centuries! But with all the communication now in the 21 century things may be corrected since little is left in the dark these days albeit the truth of it must be discerned. I am mildly optimistic.
Gosh, I’m stunned by what a smear job MAGA and Fox did on Hillary Clinton. Surely you must be aware that Hillary fought hard to build a national health care program for all of us, long before Obama Care. Actually, it’s Robert who knows Hillary best, as he worked with her in the White House. So I would suggest asking him.
Hard to locate the thread, but I think this was to me, re: ironic that Hillary is not showing up in Epstein context. I do give Hillary credit for the health care efforts: ground-breaking for a First Lady and got nothing but sexist grief for it. My "ironic" comment was sympathetic to her over the bizarre propaganda slime on her Presidential campaign, some of it about (infant?) trafficking. I have never forgiven her for what I still view as a cynical pander vote to support the invasion of Iraq, when she of all people was connected to knowledge that the Bush gang were committing the most costly and horrific gaslight on We the People ever.
You’ve been watching Fox “News.” It’s a shame. You might try reading
Hillary’s books.
I’m shocked that a reader of this substack would advise listening to a politician’s words instead of evaluating their actions. To each their own. Peace out.
IMHO, she damaged her own agency. I read her first memoir, and a friend of mine in DC wondered why I would even bother. I give people the benefit of the doubt but she remains 'doubtful' and I am glad she's not my mother!
Mmerose, would that be a good or bad thing in your mind? It seems to me that is pretty good. Hillary was maligned at every turn by folks outside New York, but was not in the gang of Trumpstein. I bet a lot of the guys who did the maligning were though!
I'm embarrassed that I didn't see the ambiguity. My comment was in sympathy with the bizarre propaganda blighting she endured, and now it looks like if anyone is "vindicated," it's Hillary. It's hard to follow the threads, but interesting there are Hillary boosters and detractors here. Me, I never have forgiven her for what I read as a cynical pander vote for the Iraq invasion. But the baby-trafficking and oh she's so sick and Trump doing that weird stalking thing and abusive lying through the debate: I respect her dignity through all that. (Same with Kamala!)
mMerose, I suspect the Iraq vote was based on what constituents wanted at the time. The Republican/Bush/Cheyney push for war with Iraq so Georgie Bush could do what his daddy hadn't been able to do (chose not to do) was hanging over everything and so many people were sure they had weapons of mass destruction. I believe those Democrats who voted for it did not believe the administration would actually go to war, still being at war in Afghanistan. Clinton has acknowledged it was not one of her best decisions, seen in retrospect. It's so sad when one mistake is used to color an entire career. Then Clinton was blamed for what happened in Ben Gazi when she had nothing directly to do with what happened. The people of Libya did come out to protect the people in the embassy while the attack was happening and got too little credit for that effort. Then there were the emails, a whole bunch of BS that was put out to slime Democrats while Republicans did the very same thing, you know, hypocrisy. So Clinton was maligned for nothing while her opponent was lying, cheating, enlisting the help of Russia in our election, and so much more. Yep, misogyny reigns in the good old US of A.
We should now call them the "Trump-Epstein" files. I guess that would make the cabal the "Trump-Epstein class".
Pamela, I have heard the affair now called "the Trumpstein Files." I like it.
I like it too! Spread the word!
They include many of their heroes like Musk, Theil and others. Q anon = shit for brains.
Unfortunately, the 'Epstein Class' has existed throughout the ages. Back to Rome and earlier. It's good to see the exposure to a ruthless practice against youth.
Except Q said they were Democrats, the radical and evil. I guess Trump was a registered Democrat twice in his life.
That wouldn’t surprise me, especially since the prince had to pay off one of his victims. I hope she got LOTS of money!
Hello Mike... "Epstein Class". aka "Mar-a-Lago Crowd"...
For now.
When it comes to Trump's economic policies, it boils down to #ProSTRIFE for 99% of us and pillage and plunder for the top 1%.
And Trump feels satisfaction in inflicting needless economic hardships such as ludicrous tariffs, squeezing the life out of SNAP, and letting the ACA subsidies die on the vine.
He sees our despair as likely stagnation. Not on your life, Donald! Your malevolent overreach will trigger the end of the #RepubloFascism that the Project 2025 billionaires tasked you with establishing.
He also takes extreme pleasure in inflicting the pain and hardship on anyone or any group he dislikes. That's our boy, hateful and vindictive Trump.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
don't the Brits say "Hear hear hear"?
That applies as well, Rich!
Sadly, the fight is just starting and far, far from over. We don't know the extent to rebuilding nor what outcome will happen at this juncture in history. We reversed 250 years!
We, as Americans, are not the original inhabitants. Remember, native Americans have been here much much longer. So, we are the immigrants. All of us. That's what has made us great. Now all we need to do is clean up this mess.
100% agree!
Yes, thank you.
Outlawing "Climate Change"????? Bring back fossil fuels???? Please talk about this!!!
All about more money for billionaire corp friends and DISTRACTION!
It must start with getting money out of politics.
Thanks, kate, good anchor to the bottom line.
I would like to learn about how other nations pay for their elections. We in the USA rely on big money. How might we change?
Countries like Germany, France, and Sweden have established comprehensive public financing systems for starters. Many countries offer some sort of subsidy to counter any private donors. But one must realize bribery works anywhere and everywhere still! But at least these countries have an upfront desire to prevent abuse.
Thank you, Joan.
We must do something in the US to counter the ravages of big money.
Pam Bondi looks like a reject barbie doll. permanent scowl.
A nasty bitch!
Or brilliant actress!
Yeah, I'm sure she's really a sweetheart. Hee-hee!
Anatomically correct?
Thank you, Heather and Robert, for another great Coffee klatch. The Epstein class has shown once more how lawless and uncaring they can be, with the defiance of the law by refusing to allow the truth to be revealed, defying the law. with Pam Bondi saying, when asked to look at the survivors " I won't stoop into the gutter" when asked to do so. such hateful arrogance.
It's clear that the US is being run by a criminal gang. Just like Nazi Germany. Mass arrests are justified and resisting arrest should be dealt with severely. Many should go to prison and some of the prime movers should get a lifetime in a supermax with restrictions on visits etc.
As soon a 47 is removed Bondi should be arrested and the DOJ should go to work under an attorney who knows what he/she is doing.
But the regime will continue under JD and others unless they too are held accountable. All this will take a generation to resolve no matter who wins elections in the near term. That's what we are facing.
"President, Vice President and ALL civil Officers of the United States" shall be removed from office if convicted in an impeachment trial of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." Article II, Section 4
I have always hated "reality" shows. It seems that American television is fixated on reality shows to the exclusion of really good tv! When Mrs. Lofthouse explained how the orange man was casting the people to run our governmental departments, it was like a light bulb went on over my head! That was exactly what he was doing! For him, he is running our government like a reality tv show! Maybe that is one of the reasons I hate this regime so much! These wealthy Epstein Class people are not going to be brought down easily; however, We the People will not let this go. We want justice for these victims! Magas have twisted so far as to blame these women and even their parents for what happened to them. That is just so sick! I understand they have to defend the orange stain at all cost, but this is beyond the pale! I agree with Mrs. Lofthouse and Professor Reich that AG bondi was providing talking points for the maga base because they are already parroting back in the comments on MSM exactly what she said in that meeting. I also understand that we cannot sit back and claim victory over ICE in Minnesota, but I do want to do a little hip, hip hooray! Those Minnesota citizens united and stood together against the brutal, inhumane treatment by ICE goons. I was so very proud of their actions. In fact, so much so that I signed and sent a note to the Nobel Peace Prize committee letting them know why I think the Minneapolis community deserves that prize! What was even better was the White House said how ICE was leaving because Minnesota was "safe" now because of them being there! That made me laugh because this was a victory for the Minnesota people! Their state is safe now because they ran ICE out of their state! I have noticed that maga wanted to use President Obama and President Biden's deportations and how we were just suffering from TDS and that is why the orange stain is being targeted. All of us that go on MSM with comments about these news medias lies, misinformation and propaganda are very quick to point out that the difference between President Obama and President Biden's deportation and that of the orange POS is that the former presidents completed deportations using our laws and giving immigrants due process. The orange man has sent in very violent thugs with no identification, covered faces and guns ablazing grabbing anyone and everyone that fits their idea of an illegal immigrant! He does not provide due process to these people! Everything that orange man does is for his "reality" show and performative! The more he does, the angrier we get! Thank you for a great Coffee Klatch, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse! I really enjoyed it! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
After hearing this: "Trumpstein Files" that's how I've been thinking of all this. And have heard that boys and young men were also victims of that pedo~ watched an interview with one of them to find out what was up ~ Robert mentioned djt saying - ridding the USA of the worst of the worst, I think djt actually was hiring the 'worst of the worst' for his DHS and ICE goon squad ! The only criteria being - ability to bully full time ~
Agreed, Dale!
I also have always disliked reality shows and felt the majority of people voting for Trump thought they were voting for the most outrageous character on a reality show. Too bad that has become our reality!
I agree, David! It's bad enough to hate those type of shows, but to actually be in one infuriates me!
You are closing in: this regime does not govern, it is a television show.
That might give inspiration: not only rightwingers are good at making theatre, progressives can make theatre as well. The comedians do a good job with satire and black humor.
But I see something else: let us imitate what is done to us, 180 degrees turned.
Make a shadow Supreme Court and let it produce serious decisions on every suitable subject. Organise public cabinet meetings on the subjects that matter globally.
That is: serious, not ridicule.
Do it with care, find writers who can help with the theatrical aspects. Do not fight the thoughts that can be ascribed to this regime, because they don't have any. Communicate with the people convincingly about what the are missing, what is withheld from them.
Excellent idea. A shadow Supreme Court !!!!
When you do it with theatrical and material quality, ….
Sadly, there's a wider international group orchestrating all of what's happening here. So it will be a tough slog ahead to return to freedom!
I don’t understand. I suggest an activist reply, that does not needs much…
Sometimes a song pops into my head — sometimes it’s a lyrical line or two, but sometimes it is the emotion of the song that evokes the memory.
In 1967 we lost 11,000 Americans in Vietnam; in 1968 we lost 17,000 more. Martin Luther King was murdered in April, 1968, and Bobby Kennedy was killed in June. Gold star service flags appeared in the windows of homes on our streets. We heard the death toll every night on the news. It was a miserable year and our nation was tearing itself apart. The desperation people felt was palpable. Angry people protested in the streets and on college campuses. University buildings were occupied by students, ROTC buildings were bombed, a police riot erupted outside the Democratic National Convention.
Some of the songs of the day were sentimental pablum. Or they might seem that way to the younger generation of today. But the songs helped. And oftentimes we sang them together and that helped, too. This song popped into my head while I was watching today’s KaffeeKlatch, a song I haven’t thought about in ages. It is typical of many the songs of the day — a simple melody, beautiful harmonies, a quick hook, and under 3 minutes for maximum airplay on the AM radio.
The preacher talked with me and he smiled
Said, "Come and walk with me, come and walk one more mile
Now for once in your life you're alone
But you ain't got a dime, there's no time for the phone."
I've just gotta get a message to you
Hold on, hold on
One more hour and my life will be through
Hold on, hold on
The Bee Gees, August 1968
https://youtu.be/SNogtHUNllc
I thought today’s KaffeeKlatch was quite good. I left me feeling better, hope restored, a light at the end of the tunnel. Heather, beautiful as always. Professor, you’re beautiful, too. You are both some of the best of America.
These days I think of Bob Dylands song, "The Answer is Blowin' In the Wind." Often song by Peter, Paul, and Mary too!
Me, too. Dylan wrote so many great songs. And also some just plain indecipherable lyrics. I don't know if he wrote anything "sentimental" though. Maybe.
Homecare is staffed by immigrants.
Offer the jobs at higher wages and your own citizens will do them.
There's repeated lies from this Regime.
Can we really trust truth from the current Regime? I don't. They lie routinely. Healthcare is nursing, always short staffed.
Low staffing and high premiums mean big profits. It's a disgrace. Staffing levels should reflect workload and safety.
Those in charge are into capitalism on steroids--they forget the principle of 'do no harm'! Money talks. So that's why we truly need universal health care in the U.S. but it's a dream with the present elites running the show.
Please vote in the mid-terms.
Exercise that immeasurable right granted by the Founders.
The right to vote for governmental change is in your best interest.
Do not allow another election with 30 to 40% participation rates by the voting population.
That only suits republicans and leads to close margins in the house and senate that do not allow change for the benefit of the working class.
Economic degradation is being imposed upon young men who voted for the current administration. They have been deceived so far as it might improve their finances and pocket book.
Relevantly, the current administration has invaded Venezuela to remove a dictator, but leave that dictator’s vice president in charge. So 30 to 50 million of refined crude oil barrels could be placed in an adjacent shipping lane and sold. The funds are being held in a Qatar account: not the U.S. Federal Reserve.
As an aside, Venezuela has been destabilised and the oil companies see it as un investable.
The reason is because the extraction points for unrefined crude oil are located inland amidst a gureilla war between cartels.
The administration ought to have foreseen that : but they were blinded by money now in a Qatar account.
However, young people whether as army or private contractors will need to stabilise that country.
In particular, young men in the main.
Please consider your next vote carefully and participate: the Founders fought the War of Independence for equality at the Ballot Box : so “we the people” could decide their governance.
Leave the couch and do not waste that right as a “protest vote”. The winds of change are in your grasp: so use them to act in your best interest.
Of course, the Grand Jury would refuse the indictment of Democratic law makers who re-stated the military code of justice. Illegal orders must not be followed.
Indeed, the Southern Commander, a four star general, resigned after being given orders as to the Venezuelan operation.
There are so many rights. Remember to use your immeasurable right, that is to say, the right to vote.
It all hinges on what happens regarding the voting process within the next weeks. We must be prepared to observe and protest if things go south.
"Wellll...Trump is leaving Minnesota...leaving Minneapolis..it seems like the whole Trump thing is over with...we can relax now." WHATTTTT? Geez, I don't even want what that one is drinking! This is NOT the time to relax! This is the time to double down and keep the pressure up. Pam Bondi always looks like a dunce but I'm certain she comes by it honestly. Her antics took up much time this week...I had to keep rewinding so I could really verify what she'd just said. What a fool!
Fool or theatrics? I live in Minnesota and ICE is not leaving, perhaps, just CBP agents who are so militaristic. We'll see how this all unfolds...eyes tell the truth.
She a nasty beatch!