I totally agree! I don’t know why the case has taken so long to bring against trump but it’s high time it is! I too think that convicting him of crimes would help stem the tide but I also think that for his followers it will make no difference! They will call the trial and conviction a lie as well!
I just want to know when humanity went out of fashion!
I was willing to give Garland and the process as much time as necessary, but it's been over a year and a half -- and the window of opportunity it closing. I think everyone who cares about the future of our democracy must now stand up, sound in, and demand a criminal indictment and trial.
Followers. IMHO people who repeat the big lie should be targets. When a few of them have to pay damages, it is an object lesson. After a federal court in Michigan ordered that former Trump’s lawyers pay monetary sanctions for their role in lawsuits challenging the outcome of the 2020 election, which the court stated were frivolous, the nefarious Sidney Powell has had an attitude adjustment. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern the behavior of all federal courts, mandate that attorneys positively attest that their cases were brought forward in good faith and with a factual basis. These rules forbid lawsuits from being filed with “improper purpose.” In other words, these are lawsuits that were primarily designed to delay a certain legal outcome or impose higher legal costs on one side as a means to dissuade them. Lawsuits with this goal are sometimes referred to as “SLAPP” suits, or “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” and various jurisdictions have rules specifically against them. Powell made similar phony arguments in at least 7 states.
18 U.S. Code § 2384 - Seditious conspiracy
If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.
Besides Powell, Rudolph W. Giuliani has been suspended from practicing law in New York and D.C. Lin Wood, was also sanctioned by the federal judge in Michigan for their frivolous suits. A federal judge in Colorado sanctioned two lawyers for bringing their meritless actions. Similar claims were made and rejected by at least 7 state supreme courts.
I have been taken aback at how milquetoast the January 6th interviews have been! With the, and this isn't saying much, exception of Cheney and Raskin, they couldn't be more toothless and down in the mouth. They have MORE than enough evidence to do hearings, where are they? The country will be taken over by the extremists in the party and the people Trump's endorsing will have a real chance of winning because Trump will be totally legitimized. Democracy won't be weakened, this country will become RUSSIA. You would think watching what Russia is doing now in Ukraine would create a backlash to the GOP. But that can't happen with Trump unpunished. The Democratic Party has to get into the fighting ring, GET IN THERE and SAVE THIS COUNTRY!
Claire, I believe the January 6 committee is scared to do more, or be bolder with their interviews, for fear of inspiring a fierce backlash among Trump supporters. I believe Garland is just as fearful. But as I argue, this fear is misplaced and dangerous.
I have long believed you are right about this Robert. However, the right-wing, heavily armed militias have long been planned and put in place by the GOP and will cause violence when we have the mid-terms. VIOLENCE IS UNAVOIDABLE. The country is literally being blackmailed with violence against it if it does not allow a cruel, fascist faction to take it over. THAT really is what is happening here. Ruth ben-Ghiat has an interview in Politico that is a must read. We are headed for violence no matter what Garland does, so he must indict and convict. The evidence is there. I know there are obstructions on the sidelines; fear of interference from foreign countries who will further bankroll him, militia's coming out of the woodwork we don't even know about, court obstruction (must be a big concern), economic dislocation, another big worry. But, there IS NO choice. We all know what the choices are, democracy or vicious autocracy. Our legal system needs to get on with saving this country. There will be no peace, security, freedom or any life as we know it until this toxic cancer in our society is addressed. If Merrick Garland can't face this horrible event in our history someone else must be placed who can. We are in this position today because of the long history of letting the elites off the legal hook. The last time I remember anyone in that class going to jail for wrongdoing is the S & L scandal in 1986-1995. The Democrats failure to hold the banks responsible for the Great Recession was outrageous....and here we are. Yeah, everything got a lot worse. If our laws don't protect this old democracy NOW, it will end.
Would it help if people started PHONE CALLING the offices of the January 6th committee and hound them to do hearings? That's what I feel like doing.
Claire, I agree. Will WE be protected or does any thug get to go around the law because they are scary. I will lose my trust in government if Trump et al are nit SEVERELY punished.
Robert, this just gives permission to let thugs act more out of control to avoid being held accountable. We’ve taken mafia members on. Come on!
If they are that frightening, it is time for military actions or FBi/CIA taking care of business as they have done since WWII. We were attacked! Why aren’t we being protected!?
(Pardon my French) What The Hell! At some point we’re headed for an uprising if this keeps up! I have a couple very alternative and brave kids I fear for. They went to all the Portland riots in helmets with ID info and lawyer’s numbers written on their arms. What they saw happening made me weep. I’m in my seventies and when this happens again I’ll be in the front lines trying to protect the ones I love.
Interesting- I’m 67 and I feel the same way…some drunk guy at a gathering talking Qanon trash challenged my pushback…”you lefties don’t believe in guns, you’re screwed when we come”…. I countered “this grandma isn’t too old to get a gun, when you come for me I’ll be aiming at your d*ck- shut him up but good LOLOL. It just never occurred to him Nana could be that mean.
The problem is that it appears they have no sense of urgency. I’m sure some are working hard on this but Garland gave one quick video clip about their work. And he didn’t come across as having urgent business.
Todd, this is what I wrote to the Dep't. of Justice. I can't help but repeat this very important message you received earlier. Then I pasted your comment in the appropriate box. Attention National Security. Thank you again!
@Dee Long. Thanks for the url. I also sent along a note urging action and giving the best reason. The best reason to put Trump on trial is BECAUSE no previous holder of the highest office has been tried in court and BECAUSE no future holder of that office can be allowed to think they can get away with crimes or that they are above the law!
@Laurie. Call me Randal (middle name). But yeah - a lot of people on the right in this country need to come to an understanding that if they don't support the rights of other people their own rights are next on the chopping block. I just don't know what to do about people who are just stupid or blind ideologues? I am encouraged that only a minority of people in this country are THAT stupid or THAT blind. The blindness is worse than the stupidity because too many of those blind ideologues or religious fanatics sound kind of smart. But they all fail to realize the common situation that all citizens of this country are in - either we have law, decency, rights and equal protection of the laws for everyone OR we don't have them for anyone. This is an important message the Democrats need to get out this election cycle - bring over the reasonable swing voters, even if just this once!
"a lot of people on the right in this country need to come to an understanding that if they don't support the rights of other people their own rights are next on the chopping block"--
An echo of Martin Niemoller's quote:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
And, it being Passover, a valuable question set from the Talmud:
Randall ; Yes, it is a crucial message. What goes around, comes around' 'Do unto others', and all those sayings. I don't know what Fox 'news' is saying, but I would think that most people would not want to be treated like the Russian people, who are misinformed, or if informed, and protesting the brutal war, will be punished severely, sentenced to 15 years in the gulag, IF they survive being beaten, and used as a poster victim so others will be deterred from speaking out. Tucker Carlson has his own show on Russian TV. The only channel that is allowed . Pretty much says it all, doesn't it?
I fully understand how swamped and underfunded you are, but I would like to add my urgent request that it is becoming crucial to hold Trump especially, but also high-ranking members of his insurrection team, fully accountable for their leading rolls in the January 6 attacks on our democracy. The longer it takes, the more likely will be the takeover of the Senate, and thus the complete obstruction of your department and the 1/6 Committee. This is highly likely to result in a functionally autocratic regime in this country.
After almost 80 years in the United States, I (and most of my friends) are extremely scared of what our future generations will face: The destruction of our country and the destruction of our planet.
Thank you for all you do, but PLEASE act quickly and please understand that only you are capable of securing a more perfect union.
I just did: "Until you bring all the charges brought forth by the real investigation of Mueller, your are doing severe damage to your mission in our system and it will have the AG name attached."
The unwillingness to hold him accountable is placing him above the law. The very thing we don’t want. Why are we not upholding the laws of nation? We are becoming indifferent and desensitized to criminal behavior. Could it be more obvious? He’s not God. Moving this slow is illegal and highly dysfunctional. Time to get aggressive and protect our freedom and democracy
I agree with everything except it’s not the support that Trump gets from his followers but the “Wizard” behind the curtain- multi-national corporatism that supports his agenda wherever it fits their goals/ world domination.
I don’t imagine any rational person doubts the perpetuation of false grievances that the 2020 election was stolen will succeed unimpeded if Trump and his coterie are not held accountable for their criminal involvement in laying the groundwork. That said, considering the enormous external pressure that already has been exerted on DOJ, I think it implausible to expect a timely full-blown criminal investigation, let alone an indictment, either of Trump or of other top officials of interest.
Hence, I submit that our vigilance be directed to the media, clearly a most critical factor, as it alone can provide needed context, background, and a sense of which claims hold up and which are misleading, or outright lies. Here I would add that any failure by media to expose deception and get as close as possible to the verifiable truth must be met with a chorus of voices calling out the media rather than our retreating from it.
I agree with you Barbara, we should absolutely be calling out the media! Who, or what entity is organizing a campaign for tracking media offenders that need to be called out, so we can write, citing their specific unjustified press information? I, for one, have not had television for over thirty years, so am at a loss for knowing what network/commentator is providing disinformation, or too much attention to the agitators of democracy. I’m with you and ready to write, if you have a source for the list of who, what and when.
Ada, Thank you for your validating reply. As for your question, I recently donated to Lede Progress (ledeprogress.org) to get on the mailing list. It’s a progressive grassroots organization largely committed to combatting right-wing media lies. Though some of its mailings are requests for contributions, I understand I also will receive requests to deploy letters and sign petitions that will include comment boxes to voice additional views.
Additionally, I would note I watch a fair amount of MSNBC and CNN and write letters whenever a host passes on calling out, even, a misstatement.
Thank you Barbara Jo. I just donated to the ledeprogress.com you mentioned. Will hope for some leads for directing letters. Would be grateful for your sharing of alerting as to who to direct letters to, but how to get my contact information to you?
Ada, Because this is a public space, I need to think about how to get you contact info. Meanwhile, if you revisit Reich’s Thursday, April 14th newsletter, you will be reminded of why it’s critical we pay careful attention to CBS News.
Cliff, As long as organizations are founded to combat media lies, in my view, nothing is impossible. You will note in my initial response to Ada I noted one such organization Lede Progress that I understand regularly calls upon supporters to write letters, sign petitions that include comment boxes for added commentary, and so forth.
Eadie, Though I agree, considering, in the past 15 months, only the foot soldiers have been prosecuted, I remain wary of what we can expect by the midterms. Additionally, if past is prologue, I question whether external pressure will have any impact on Garland.
Obviously a political appointment from Obama people with zero prosecution or organizing or political experience in an organization riddled with corporation and special interest appointments of past.
I agree! What actions can we private citizens take to make prosecution of Trump happen? I want to do more than hope and pray that he never holds or runs for office again!
First report people who repeat the big lie and deny the legitimacy of our government. 18 U.S. Code § 2385 - Advocating overthrow of Government
Whoever knowingly or willfully advocates, abets, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of the United States or the government of any State, Territory, District or Possession thereof, or the government of any political subdivision therein, by force or violence, or by the assassination of any officer of any such government; or
Whoever, with intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of any such government, prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly displays any written or printed matter advocating, advising, or teaching the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any government in the United States by force or violence, or attempts to do so; or
Whoever organizes or helps or attempts to organize any society, group, or assembly of persons who teach, advocate, or encourage the overthrow or destruction of any such government by force or violence; or becomes or is a member of, or affiliates with, any such society, group, or assembly of persons, knowing the purposes thereof—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both, and shall be ineligible for employment by the United States or any department or agency thereof, for the five years next following his conviction.
If two or more persons conspire to commit any offense named in this section, each shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both, and shall be ineligible for employment by the United States or any department or agency thereof, for the five years next following his conviction.
As used in this section, the terms “organizes” and “organize”, with respect to any society, group, or assembly of persons, include the recruiting of new members, the forming of new units, and the regrouping or expansion of existing clubs, classes, and other units of such society, group, or assembly of persons.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 808; July 24, 1956, ch. 678, § 2, 70 Stat. 623; Pub. L. 87–486, June 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 103; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(N), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2148.)
INDEED - Remarkable with all these laws this Obama guy has done nothing. I got a feeling he is a career football tackle given a quarterback position and is frozen
Is it just me, or does no one else think Trump has lost touch with reality. (He lost touch with reality decades ago, but no one cared then, and look where it got us!) He suffers from delusions of grandeur, disassociarion, dementia, paranoia, and a number of other neuroses, and a psychosis or two besides. Anyone else like that would be locked away in an institution, and the DOJ cannot even get him locked up in jail for actual crimes.
As an outsider (non-American) I cannot even laugh anymore at the foibles of American jurisprudence. There is no prudence left in your justice system if Trump is not locked away somewhere other than Mar-a-lago as soon as is humanly, and humanely, possible.
He is a real and present danger to the whole world, not just the USofA, and WE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU to get rid of this insane fool.
Three reasons we know the 2020 election was the cleanest in our history.
1. There were RECOUNTS after recounts.
2. There were AUDITS after audits so baseless that they became known as "fraudits."
3. There were more than 60 lawsuits challenging the integrity of the election all thrown out of court, some by judges appointed by Trump himself, for lack of any evidence to support the senseless allegations.
One surmises an irony here. Before the election Trump, seeing the polls going consistently against him, started screaming, "There will be fraud; the election is going to be stolen" thereby alerting all those responsible for holding and regulating elections to be extra careful to dot all I's and cross all T's pertaining to voting.
This is a simple message that will be effective if only the Democrats will use it.
Yes Trump constitutes a grave danger to democracy: as POTUS, he would not have sent the Ukrainians any help but be cheering Putin on. The question is, who is Garland and the Jan 6th committee afraid of? which groups? why?
The events in New York are highly suspicions. First Cyrus R. Vance does not seek re-election at the end of his term. Wonder what led him to that decision after having been the man who called the Grand Jury into being and pushed the case aggressively? Then this new guy, sorry to say I have little confidence in Mr. Bragg, immediately expresses his hesitance to move forward. I wonder what prompted him to make that decision? THEN, the lead prosecutors resign - a no doubt honorable move on their part when confronted by the political obstruction of the District Attorney. From the outside the whole scene looks like a crime movie illustrating how influence, money and perhaps threats of criminal violence might be working in New York to keep Trump and his organization safely at home in the other most crime-gang infested state...
Benjamin R. ' You nailed it. The mob has been insinuated by many on the air and in books. Fits. This goes beyond the New York mob. (or Fla.) It's international, like our 'multinational' Corporations. The founders banned taking money from foreign actors. They could not forsee what there is today, and now there's unregulated crypto-currency! Look at the Mueller investigation. the two attempts at impeachment. The way tRump openly defied precedents, and got away with it. All the resignations of Republican Senators and Congress members who did not want to run again. They are clearly following a different playbook than Democracy. The wealthy may like it. Any working person of modest means will not. 'Careful for what you ask for', tRump voters! Going after these 'people' will be dangerous.
I agree. I have said this for 6 months, there has been enough evidence to jail him for a year. If you think we should not pursue this because he was a president, than think if the republicans take over congress in the midterms there will be no election, as we know it in the 2024 run, and thereafter you will not have a vote. It will be decided long before voting time. The election for president in 2028 will never be seen, a dictator will have been established. Don’t think this could happen in the USA ? Think again the wheels are already turning to put this in place.
The answer: number one, convict tRump and his mob along with his children. Number two, stop the republicans from taking over the congress. Number three. Put the judicial system back in place by adding more Supreme Court judges. We have sat on our hands for over a year already, pussyfooting with the adversary time is running out, grab the gauntlet, let’s move
My biggest worry is that Garland already knows all of this. He knows the strength and breadth of citizens' concerns. He knows what's in the papers. He knows why the January 6th committee is being careful. He knows that time is running out and that after the midterms there is a chance this "problem" will be taken off his hands. Still, he sits on this. I feel the only thing we can do to get Trump in the docket is to be SURE to have a Democratic majority out of this year's elections.
Agree totally! It’s time to kill the Trump virus before it kills us.
I totally agree! I don’t know why the case has taken so long to bring against trump but it’s high time it is! I too think that convicting him of crimes would help stem the tide but I also think that for his followers it will make no difference! They will call the trial and conviction a lie as well!
I just want to know when humanity went out of fashion!
I was willing to give Garland and the process as much time as necessary, but it's been over a year and a half -- and the window of opportunity it closing. I think everyone who cares about the future of our democracy must now stand up, sound in, and demand a criminal indictment and trial.
Professor, it is heartbreaking to see him playing out the clock... Thanks for calling him on this terrible abdication of his duties.
Abdication of duty is correct!
Randall ; I would not be surprised if his family is threatened. Why else would he not act in the face of this very real threat?
It's necessary if we are to continue with our attempt to have a Democracy.
I'm beginning to wonder if McConnell didn't do us a favor by blocking Garland's nomination to the Court. Hope Garland proves me wrong.
I was thinking about this too, Bill Miller, it’s better that someone like Garland is not on SCOTUS. Frightening to watch & wait.
Indeed professor!
Followers. IMHO people who repeat the big lie should be targets. When a few of them have to pay damages, it is an object lesson. After a federal court in Michigan ordered that former Trump’s lawyers pay monetary sanctions for their role in lawsuits challenging the outcome of the 2020 election, which the court stated were frivolous, the nefarious Sidney Powell has had an attitude adjustment. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern the behavior of all federal courts, mandate that attorneys positively attest that their cases were brought forward in good faith and with a factual basis. These rules forbid lawsuits from being filed with “improper purpose.” In other words, these are lawsuits that were primarily designed to delay a certain legal outcome or impose higher legal costs on one side as a means to dissuade them. Lawsuits with this goal are sometimes referred to as “SLAPP” suits, or “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” and various jurisdictions have rules specifically against them. Powell made similar phony arguments in at least 7 states.
18 U.S. Code § 2384 - Seditious conspiracy
If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 808; July 24, 1956, ch. 678, § 1, 70 Stat. 623; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(N), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2148.)
Besides Powell, Rudolph W. Giuliani has been suspended from practicing law in New York and D.C. Lin Wood, was also sanctioned by the federal judge in Michigan for their frivolous suits. A federal judge in Colorado sanctioned two lawyers for bringing their meritless actions. Similar claims were made and rejected by at least 7 state supreme courts.
These lawyers are "low hanging fruit."
For starters, those lawyers should be disbarred
Disbarred and fined to the legal extent of the law!
Agreed!
Well, it you think about it, you will find it happened when t.rump came down the elevator.
You’re correct! If everyone followed a high moral code with no ‘what ifs’ the world would be a much better place!
I have been taken aback at how milquetoast the January 6th interviews have been! With the, and this isn't saying much, exception of Cheney and Raskin, they couldn't be more toothless and down in the mouth. They have MORE than enough evidence to do hearings, where are they? The country will be taken over by the extremists in the party and the people Trump's endorsing will have a real chance of winning because Trump will be totally legitimized. Democracy won't be weakened, this country will become RUSSIA. You would think watching what Russia is doing now in Ukraine would create a backlash to the GOP. But that can't happen with Trump unpunished. The Democratic Party has to get into the fighting ring, GET IN THERE and SAVE THIS COUNTRY!
Claire, I believe the January 6 committee is scared to do more, or be bolder with their interviews, for fear of inspiring a fierce backlash among Trump supporters. I believe Garland is just as fearful. But as I argue, this fear is misplaced and dangerous.
I have long believed you are right about this Robert. However, the right-wing, heavily armed militias have long been planned and put in place by the GOP and will cause violence when we have the mid-terms. VIOLENCE IS UNAVOIDABLE. The country is literally being blackmailed with violence against it if it does not allow a cruel, fascist faction to take it over. THAT really is what is happening here. Ruth ben-Ghiat has an interview in Politico that is a must read. We are headed for violence no matter what Garland does, so he must indict and convict. The evidence is there. I know there are obstructions on the sidelines; fear of interference from foreign countries who will further bankroll him, militia's coming out of the woodwork we don't even know about, court obstruction (must be a big concern), economic dislocation, another big worry. But, there IS NO choice. We all know what the choices are, democracy or vicious autocracy. Our legal system needs to get on with saving this country. There will be no peace, security, freedom or any life as we know it until this toxic cancer in our society is addressed. If Merrick Garland can't face this horrible event in our history someone else must be placed who can. We are in this position today because of the long history of letting the elites off the legal hook. The last time I remember anyone in that class going to jail for wrongdoing is the S & L scandal in 1986-1995. The Democrats failure to hold the banks responsible for the Great Recession was outrageous....and here we are. Yeah, everything got a lot worse. If our laws don't protect this old democracy NOW, it will end.
Would it help if people started PHONE CALLING the offices of the January 6th committee and hound them to do hearings? That's what I feel like doing.
Claire, I agree. Will WE be protected or does any thug get to go around the law because they are scary. I will lose my trust in government if Trump et al are nit SEVERELY punished.
Robert, this just gives permission to let thugs act more out of control to avoid being held accountable. We’ve taken mafia members on. Come on!
If they are that frightening, it is time for military actions or FBi/CIA taking care of business as they have done since WWII. We were attacked! Why aren’t we being protected!?
(Pardon my French) What The Hell! At some point we’re headed for an uprising if this keeps up! I have a couple very alternative and brave kids I fear for. They went to all the Portland riots in helmets with ID info and lawyer’s numbers written on their arms. What they saw happening made me weep. I’m in my seventies and when this happens again I’ll be in the front lines trying to protect the ones I love.
Interesting- I’m 67 and I feel the same way…some drunk guy at a gathering talking Qanon trash challenged my pushback…”you lefties don’t believe in guns, you’re screwed when we come”…. I countered “this grandma isn’t too old to get a gun, when you come for me I’ll be aiming at your d*ck- shut him up but good LOLOL. It just never occurred to him Nana could be that mean.
I’m with you Nana! I’m 82 an I’m with you!
I feel the same Jan. Must we show our numbers in the streets. It eon’t end well for either side.
fear of trump supporters meaning Dark Money regular contributors to democratic leadership
Look at what CBS is doing; putting the Trump people front and center NOW.
Despicable!
I agree! They need to put on their “big boy” pants and charge Trump!
The problem is that it appears they have no sense of urgency. I’m sure some are working hard on this but Garland gave one quick video clip about their work. And he didn’t come across as having urgent business.
https://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justice every one of us must send a message to the Attorney General at the department's official website demanding that tRump be brought to account for his criminal behavior. PLEASE DO IT TODAY!!
Thank you for the url!
I just sent this message:
Honorable Persons,
Today’s date is 18April2022.
The whole world watched as Donald Trump and his supporters attempted an Insurrection at the US Capitol on 06Jan2021.
When will Donald Trump be charged for his leadership participation in this attempted Insurrection so justice can be served?
Too much time has already passed. Each and every additional day that passes strengthens and further emboldens Donald Trump.
America needs Justice!
America demands Justice!!
Indict Donald Trump today!!!
Same...thanks for the words....
Todd, can I copy this?
Yes
Todd, this is what I wrote to the Dep't. of Justice. I can't help but repeat this very important message you received earlier. Then I pasted your comment in the appropriate box. Attention National Security. Thank you again!
@Dee Long. Thanks for the url. I also sent along a note urging action and giving the best reason. The best reason to put Trump on trial is BECAUSE no previous holder of the highest office has been tried in court and BECAUSE no future holder of that office can be allowed to think they can get away with crimes or that they are above the law!
Ben ; Thousand hearts! Plus no one really wants an autocrat, (even those who think they do!).
@Laurie. Call me Randal (middle name). But yeah - a lot of people on the right in this country need to come to an understanding that if they don't support the rights of other people their own rights are next on the chopping block. I just don't know what to do about people who are just stupid or blind ideologues? I am encouraged that only a minority of people in this country are THAT stupid or THAT blind. The blindness is worse than the stupidity because too many of those blind ideologues or religious fanatics sound kind of smart. But they all fail to realize the common situation that all citizens of this country are in - either we have law, decency, rights and equal protection of the laws for everyone OR we don't have them for anyone. This is an important message the Democrats need to get out this election cycle - bring over the reasonable swing voters, even if just this once!
"a lot of people on the right in this country need to come to an understanding that if they don't support the rights of other people their own rights are next on the chopping block"--
An echo of Martin Niemoller's quote:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
And, it being Passover, a valuable question set from the Talmud:
If I am not for me, who will be?
If I am only for me, who am I?
If not now, when?
Thank you, Randall, for the reminder.
Randall ; Yes, it is a crucial message. What goes around, comes around' 'Do unto others', and all those sayings. I don't know what Fox 'news' is saying, but I would think that most people would not want to be treated like the Russian people, who are misinformed, or if informed, and protesting the brutal war, will be punished severely, sentenced to 15 years in the gulag, IF they survive being beaten, and used as a poster victim so others will be deterred from speaking out. Tucker Carlson has his own show on Russian TV. The only channel that is allowed . Pretty much says it all, doesn't it?
Dee Long ; I just sent that letter to the A.G. Thanks for the url!
Thank you! I'm on it.
Thanks. Done.
Thanks for url. I just did it.
Done and done.
Thank you, Dee. Here's what I sent:
To AG Garland and members of the DOJ:
I fully understand how swamped and underfunded you are, but I would like to add my urgent request that it is becoming crucial to hold Trump especially, but also high-ranking members of his insurrection team, fully accountable for their leading rolls in the January 6 attacks on our democracy. The longer it takes, the more likely will be the takeover of the Senate, and thus the complete obstruction of your department and the 1/6 Committee. This is highly likely to result in a functionally autocratic regime in this country.
After almost 80 years in the United States, I (and most of my friends) are extremely scared of what our future generations will face: The destruction of our country and the destruction of our planet.
Thank you for all you do, but PLEASE act quickly and please understand that only you are capable of securing a more perfect union.
Gary, your urgent tone and big (world) viewpoint win my vote. I hope your words and all those sent today will tip the Justice Dept. into action.
Thanks, George. I suspect that the DOJ site has had an uptick in their messages today! 😃
Gary, very well put. You have articulated my worries and made it clear that action will make a difference.
My only regret is that I am not as eloquent as the rest of you, BUT I did message and will forward your message to all my friends!
Thank you Dee Long. I have just joined in adding a short email to the Department of Justice.
I just did: "Until you bring all the charges brought forth by the real investigation of Mueller, your are doing severe damage to your mission in our system and it will have the AG name attached."
Thanks. Just did it.
Again, Dee thanks for the url. I also sent my views to the Justice Dept.
The unwillingness to hold him accountable is placing him above the law. The very thing we don’t want. Why are we not upholding the laws of nation? We are becoming indifferent and desensitized to criminal behavior. Could it be more obvious? He’s not God. Moving this slow is illegal and highly dysfunctional. Time to get aggressive and protect our freedom and democracy
I agree with everything except it’s not the support that Trump gets from his followers but the “Wizard” behind the curtain- multi-national corporatism that supports his agenda wherever it fits their goals/ world domination.
INDEED !!!!!
I don’t imagine any rational person doubts the perpetuation of false grievances that the 2020 election was stolen will succeed unimpeded if Trump and his coterie are not held accountable for their criminal involvement in laying the groundwork. That said, considering the enormous external pressure that already has been exerted on DOJ, I think it implausible to expect a timely full-blown criminal investigation, let alone an indictment, either of Trump or of other top officials of interest.
Hence, I submit that our vigilance be directed to the media, clearly a most critical factor, as it alone can provide needed context, background, and a sense of which claims hold up and which are misleading, or outright lies. Here I would add that any failure by media to expose deception and get as close as possible to the verifiable truth must be met with a chorus of voices calling out the media rather than our retreating from it.
I agree with you Barbara, we should absolutely be calling out the media! Who, or what entity is organizing a campaign for tracking media offenders that need to be called out, so we can write, citing their specific unjustified press information? I, for one, have not had television for over thirty years, so am at a loss for knowing what network/commentator is providing disinformation, or too much attention to the agitators of democracy. I’m with you and ready to write, if you have a source for the list of who, what and when.
Ada, Thank you for your validating reply. As for your question, I recently donated to Lede Progress (ledeprogress.org) to get on the mailing list. It’s a progressive grassroots organization largely committed to combatting right-wing media lies. Though some of its mailings are requests for contributions, I understand I also will receive requests to deploy letters and sign petitions that will include comment boxes to voice additional views.
Additionally, I would note I watch a fair amount of MSNBC and CNN and write letters whenever a host passes on calling out, even, a misstatement.
Thank you Barbara Jo. I just donated to the ledeprogress.com you mentioned. Will hope for some leads for directing letters. Would be grateful for your sharing of alerting as to who to direct letters to, but how to get my contact information to you?
Ada, Because this is a public space, I need to think about how to get you contact info. Meanwhile, if you revisit Reich’s Thursday, April 14th newsletter, you will be reminded of why it’s critical we pay careful attention to CBS News.
Perhaps that should say 'be careful about CBS News.'
Randy, I wrote it was critically important that we pay close attention so we can call out misstatements, deceptions, and the like.
impossible in todays corporation media in control of all media when dark money is all corporation and devious single issue clans
Cliff, As long as organizations are founded to combat media lies, in my view, nothing is impossible. You will note in my initial response to Ada I noted one such organization Lede Progress that I understand regularly calls upon supporters to write letters, sign petitions that include comment boxes for added commentary, and so forth.
I believe we can do both. No downside risk in putting pressure on the Dep't. of Justice.
Eadie, Though I agree, considering, in the past 15 months, only the foot soldiers have been prosecuted, I remain wary of what we can expect by the midterms. Additionally, if past is prologue, I question whether external pressure will have any impact on Garland.
Merrick Garland is too slow! What’s happening with him?!
Obviously a political appointment from Obama people with zero prosecution or organizing or political experience in an organization riddled with corporation and special interest appointments of past.
… better off with the Supreme Court then, than as attorney general 😍 … joke😂
well think about it a moment - he would be worthless up there but down at AG he is blocking Trump being jailed
I agree! What actions can we private citizens take to make prosecution of Trump happen? I want to do more than hope and pray that he never holds or runs for office again!
First report people who repeat the big lie and deny the legitimacy of our government. 18 U.S. Code § 2385 - Advocating overthrow of Government
Whoever knowingly or willfully advocates, abets, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of the United States or the government of any State, Territory, District or Possession thereof, or the government of any political subdivision therein, by force or violence, or by the assassination of any officer of any such government; or
Whoever, with intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of any such government, prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly displays any written or printed matter advocating, advising, or teaching the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any government in the United States by force or violence, or attempts to do so; or
Whoever organizes or helps or attempts to organize any society, group, or assembly of persons who teach, advocate, or encourage the overthrow or destruction of any such government by force or violence; or becomes or is a member of, or affiliates with, any such society, group, or assembly of persons, knowing the purposes thereof—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both, and shall be ineligible for employment by the United States or any department or agency thereof, for the five years next following his conviction.
If two or more persons conspire to commit any offense named in this section, each shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both, and shall be ineligible for employment by the United States or any department or agency thereof, for the five years next following his conviction.
As used in this section, the terms “organizes” and “organize”, with respect to any society, group, or assembly of persons, include the recruiting of new members, the forming of new units, and the regrouping or expansion of existing clubs, classes, and other units of such society, group, or assembly of persons.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 808; July 24, 1956, ch. 678, § 2, 70 Stat. 623; Pub. L. 87–486, June 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 103; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(N), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2148.)
Second comment: Now apply it to FOX (so-called) News!
Second, stick an I phone in the face of every candidate for office and ask them whether they accept that the Biden administration is legitimate.
Third, send letters to the justice department and cc elected representatives and the media.
Well done. Everyone should copy/paste & keep in a special folder.
INDEED - Remarkable with all these laws this Obama guy has done nothing. I got a feeling he is a career football tackle given a quarterback position and is frozen
Thanks for the info Daniel, 20 years sounds good!
Thank you for the chapter and verse citation.
Is it just me, or does no one else think Trump has lost touch with reality. (He lost touch with reality decades ago, but no one cared then, and look where it got us!) He suffers from delusions of grandeur, disassociarion, dementia, paranoia, and a number of other neuroses, and a psychosis or two besides. Anyone else like that would be locked away in an institution, and the DOJ cannot even get him locked up in jail for actual crimes.
As an outsider (non-American) I cannot even laugh anymore at the foibles of American jurisprudence. There is no prudence left in your justice system if Trump is not locked away somewhere other than Mar-a-lago as soon as is humanly, and humanely, possible.
He is a real and present danger to the whole world, not just the USofA, and WE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU to get rid of this insane fool.
Three reasons we know the 2020 election was the cleanest in our history.
1. There were RECOUNTS after recounts.
2. There were AUDITS after audits so baseless that they became known as "fraudits."
3. There were more than 60 lawsuits challenging the integrity of the election all thrown out of court, some by judges appointed by Trump himself, for lack of any evidence to support the senseless allegations.
One surmises an irony here. Before the election Trump, seeing the polls going consistently against him, started screaming, "There will be fraud; the election is going to be stolen" thereby alerting all those responsible for holding and regulating elections to be extra careful to dot all I's and cross all T's pertaining to voting.
This is a simple message that will be effective if only the Democrats will use it.
I >absolutely< agree.
Yes Trump constitutes a grave danger to democracy: as POTUS, he would not have sent the Ukrainians any help but be cheering Putin on. The question is, who is Garland and the Jan 6th committee afraid of? which groups? why?
The events in New York are highly suspicions. First Cyrus R. Vance does not seek re-election at the end of his term. Wonder what led him to that decision after having been the man who called the Grand Jury into being and pushed the case aggressively? Then this new guy, sorry to say I have little confidence in Mr. Bragg, immediately expresses his hesitance to move forward. I wonder what prompted him to make that decision? THEN, the lead prosecutors resign - a no doubt honorable move on their part when confronted by the political obstruction of the District Attorney. From the outside the whole scene looks like a crime movie illustrating how influence, money and perhaps threats of criminal violence might be working in New York to keep Trump and his organization safely at home in the other most crime-gang infested state...
Just wondering...
Benjamin R. ' You nailed it. The mob has been insinuated by many on the air and in books. Fits. This goes beyond the New York mob. (or Fla.) It's international, like our 'multinational' Corporations. The founders banned taking money from foreign actors. They could not forsee what there is today, and now there's unregulated crypto-currency! Look at the Mueller investigation. the two attempts at impeachment. The way tRump openly defied precedents, and got away with it. All the resignations of Republican Senators and Congress members who did not want to run again. They are clearly following a different playbook than Democracy. The wealthy may like it. Any working person of modest means will not. 'Careful for what you ask for', tRump voters! Going after these 'people' will be dangerous.
I agree. I have said this for 6 months, there has been enough evidence to jail him for a year. If you think we should not pursue this because he was a president, than think if the republicans take over congress in the midterms there will be no election, as we know it in the 2024 run, and thereafter you will not have a vote. It will be decided long before voting time. The election for president in 2028 will never be seen, a dictator will have been established. Don’t think this could happen in the USA ? Think again the wheels are already turning to put this in place.
The answer: number one, convict tRump and his mob along with his children. Number two, stop the republicans from taking over the congress. Number three. Put the judicial system back in place by adding more Supreme Court judges. We have sat on our hands for over a year already, pussyfooting with the adversary time is running out, grab the gauntlet, let’s move
The sooner, the better, and it MUST happen, simply MUST. No one is above the law.
My biggest worry is that Garland already knows all of this. He knows the strength and breadth of citizens' concerns. He knows what's in the papers. He knows why the January 6th committee is being careful. He knows that time is running out and that after the midterms there is a chance this "problem" will be taken off his hands. Still, he sits on this. I feel the only thing we can do to get Trump in the docket is to be SURE to have a Democratic majority out of this year's elections.