Professor Reich: i am utterly totally confused as to why this is even an issue. as you say, trump incited a coup attempt to overthrow the US government and is ineligible to ever hold public or military office as a result. AS WE ALL WITNESSED LIVE ON TV/STREAMING. so please, tell me, WHY ARE WE ALLOWING TRUMP'S CHARADE TO GO FORWARD? WHY ARE WE TEMPTING FATE? do our public officials not take this situation seriously? do our authorities not understand the constitution?
Unfortunately GrrlScientist, Republican officials care more about proximity to power, than anything else, indeed, their Constitutional oath. If otherwise, they would, as you point out, make clear, there is no place in public life, for a lawless seditionist low life. The democracy equation isn't absolute!
If the 14th amendment to the constitution specifically says a person cannot be in politics let alone the president if they have tried to overthrow democracy! I don't understand why this is not absolute?
Doesn’t he have to be found guilty in court? There is no one more than me (1000%) that agrees with Robert and all evidence points to guilty, but I haven’t seen a guilty verdict on the insurrection charge and it scares me to death that he’ll get away with it again.
The professor's point is that the 14th Amendment says anyone who took an oath the support the Constitution and engaged in insurrection (not found criminally guilty). The New Mexico commissioner lost his job because he had probably taken an oath as well. I've long suspected that Donald Trump has never read the Constitution in its entirety, but he did take an oath, which was televised just like his talk on the Mall where he promised to be with the armed protestors at the Capitol.
I am the proud owner of an elderly Female Weinheimer named Annabel. This lovely truly loyal friend possesses a level of intelligence found in very few members of the animal kingdom. In her later years, she developed a small skin tag on the left temporal region of her head. As time passed this dangly thing grew in size until today it looks like a little finger extending from my dog's face. The vet warned me of the dangers associated with Autistic shock on a dog her age and I should just leave it alone because aside from being unsightly it wasn't bothering anything. The abnormal growth serves absolutely no function, in fact, it's an annoyance and it does bother me. It possesses an obvious danger, due to the risks involved in the procedure to remove the thing, besides it just looks stupid being there. The question is posed, how do we get rid of something totally useless and a danger to everyone concerned? It's easy, don't vote for the jerk. The easiest game bid in Bridge is in "No- Trump." The man is a human skin tag, useless from head to toe.
President Biden just signed an excutive order which will establish three National Monuments all dedicated to the memory of a 14 year old boy who was brutally murdered in 1955 by a group of Southern white men. The horrific nature of his death was accentuated by his mother's insistences on having an open casket at his funeral, so the world could see what hatred had done to her child. This racial poison that feeds upon ignorance and division is still with us today, it hasn't gone anywhere. What happened to that boy of 14 years should never be forgotten, we as a culture, should remember "Emmitt un-Till" there is nothing left worth remembering. How do we ever get past that level of hatred, as a nation? Man's inhumanity to man seems to be endless.
To this day, I can’t understand why you did not have the skin tag removed early on in its appearance on Annabel?? I suppose the answer is in line with how we did not remove Trump early on. Just musing.
Thank you for the link. Very informative. More so than other links I’ve checked. Think I’ll bookmark it.
Since we know the GOP and some weak Democrats won’t do this and no trial is needed, maybe we should call for a fast general election (heck, the U. K. Changes PM once a week, how do they do it?) No voter Id except proof of citizenship, everone eligible (no state laws can be enforced or created to prevent eligible voters). We have to get T**** the soon-to-be-thrice-indicted twice-impeached popular-vote-losing insurrection-leading serial-sexual-predating draft-dodging casino-bankrupting hush-money-paying real-estate-scamming ketchup-hurling classified-war-plan-thieving weather-map-defacing tax-cheating charity-defrauding money-laundering fluorescent tangerine jackass spent the day filling one diaper after another and panic-posting on his crappy app. Off the ‘holding up’ the vote. Say 30 days.
Yeah, but the whole point is that Trump and his band of conspirators are arguing that they did NOT incite an insurrection or fail to stop it. That's been their position all along. That's why we need a trial to present incontrovertible evidence and witness testimony to refute their claims of innocence.
Carol, That is not what Amendment 14, Section 3 says. It says "engaged" not charged, indicted, or found guilty. And as GrrlScientist points out, millions of us were eye witness to his summoning them to DC, encouraging them to march to the Capitol and "fight like hell" then praising them for their damage to life and property. Who among us, did not witness a police officer's head being crushed in a door? Breaking into private offices, OUR legislators fleeing for their lives?
I think so too, but it would be a civil trial, not a criminal one, so the DOJ would only have to meet the "preponderance of the evidence" standard, not "beyond a reasonable doubt" for a jury or judge to decide if Trump "engaged" in the insurrection.
Like you Peggy, I think this seems such a simple, straightforward case to make. However, listening to experts dissect the 14th, their opinions seems to hinge on the 'free speech' aspect, & the difficulty in isolating what was protected speech, & what erred into criminal territory. I still hope Jack Smith has gathered sufficient evidence, that will make a clear, convincing case, sufficient to find him guilty & remove him from any future election equations.
Hi, A Ellis-Dunn, The First Amendment refers to Freedom of Speech, not freedom to incite insurrection, or even riot. Amendment 14, Section 3 specifically supersedes this. Trump was given freedom of speech, Internationally televised, and he used that freedom to incite an insurrection to attempt to stop the lawful counting of the Electoral College. That is what prevents him from attaining ANY office, civil, or military in he United States. He still has the right to bleat any lie he chooses to bleat, he forfeited his right to hold office.
I was listening to #Sisters in Law today, & Barb McQuade discussed this issue in some detail. Specifically, the rights afforded under the First, which goes some way to explaining how he can enjoy such latitude, but, as you point out, isn't absolute. Just where the line between free-speech & incitement lies, is open for debate, & it seems, this may be why Jack Smith may steer clear of this charge. Not entirely satisfying, but i'd rather he brought solid, unambiguous charges, that would stick, rather than try & prove a somewhat opaque issue. I'm hoping if the evidence is so overwhelming, that jury tainting won't be an issue. That said, i agree with everything you said.
at this point, Trump has not even been indicted [much less convicted] of insurrection etc. If elected before hes convicted he'll simply pardon himself. I doubt the 14th A. Section 3 would come into play. before a conviction.
I believe the standard of proof applicable to the 14th A., Sec.3 which concerns the standard for disqualification for a federal office is preponderance of the evidence, not clear and convincing.
My suspicion is that either a majority of Congress, SCOTUS or some combination of the two is needed to enforce this. If so, it's impossible. The Harlan Crow justices; HoR with Gosar, Johnson, Greene, McCarthy, Stefanik, Boebert, Gaetz, Jordan, Johnson etc; a senate with Hawley, McConnell, Graham, Cruz etc. won't do it. This is especially true as many of the people named above aided in the insurrection themselves and shouldn't be in Congress in the first place.
Right now, our country looks screwed unless every sensible one of us VOTES FOR DEMOCRATS ACROSS THE BOARD!! Yes, it's a matter of our nation's life or death and the end of that last sentence needed to be capitalized.
What gives 'Republican' officials (the real ones have been driven out of office), the right or power to install a fascist dictator to serve their own greedy agenda that has nothing to do with our Constitution or the rule of law!?
Laurie, Unfortunately their semi-literate voters give them that right. It is our job to convince these semi-literates that fascism is not the boon it has been made out to be.
Hi Laurie. I'm sure they would, but by then, short of a shooting war, it's too late. That's the problem with all forms of authoritarianism, once in control, they stay. Unlike Democracy, you don't have the options of voting them out. That's why I'd prefer to see Florida and Texas secede rather than the rest of us being held captive in fascism.
Stop blaming Republicans. Where are the Democrat voices on this? They too are failing America. The man who stole a chicken to feed his family has been jailed. Why are those who tried and continue to attempt to steal the country walking free? A Democracy must protect itself from such tyranny. Off with his head.
"What about-ism" doesn't cut it. trump did what he did and must stand trial for it.
There is no equivalency between Republicans and Democrats on this.
Republicans have showcased the blame they deserve for standing in silence while trump trashed our constitution, our institutions, our local, state and federal government, and the poorest and least educated of us who live lives of "not so quiet" desperation.
Republicans will never be able to recover from their lily-livered lack of character and action as this sick attempt at tyranny by an orange, demented despotic sociopath rolled from his elevator in 2016 until today.
Blaming!? Uh, it's better to be accomplishing things, that sitting there doing nothing but collecting money from corporations and rich people. And making up unsubstantiated lies to fill the NEWS time.
I have said for several years, the democrats we voted for and put in office failed us. On the other hand the more I learn about what the republicans have been up to and very few if any really thought their ultimate goal was to eliminate the federal government, they didn’t nor I ever thought it was to eliminate our rights and protections as they are doing. We didn’t see the forest for the tress- I was one “ignorant” person thinking “there they go again with their silly antics and didn’t take them seriously enough. Asleep at the wheel we were!
Stephen Kaufman, I wonder if it is a matter of who has the better press-machine, the better Public Relations (even if lies), churning out? A lowly teacher I watched our department head go hat-in-hand, year-after-year, to ask for a budget increase, and got none, honest, honorable, self-conscious. Then a different personality asked for more in his first term--and got money and genuine interest in his vision (not much different than before, but better optics on same-old desirable budget items) ... are the Democrats just too, "Gosh, darn," earnest?, and honorable? I think so.
The bad-boy bands of, say, the 60s versus the nice-boy bands--a lot of money gets thrown at being a perceived rebel, a chaos leader, anarchist even. The better speechwriter, mouth-piece, persuader, visionary (instead of the better scorner, liar, manipulator, sneerer). MAGA Republicans are fools (make the MAGA distinction) but a lot of otherwise smart people got drawn-in?? How?
Democrats, as you suggest--need to do a better job of selling. Forget debating and explaining. The simple, angry-types, who want to feel they have a place in the sun by patting the likes of stupid-Trump on the shoulders--do they require a similar Fog-Horn-Leg-Horn type mouth piece to DRAW them into this other circle?
People that are simply "anti anything" are motivated by something; what is it? Membership? Social media has given those a platform to foam at the mouth about petty annoyances, and the Democrats need someone as good or better--a better big-mouthed, laughing cowboy. Find them, a person that glad-hands with the best of them. Find that person and, like John Lennon said, as he pushed Paul McCartney out, in front of screaming fans, "He's the cute one."
Yes, but Republicans no longer run our executive branch, including the Justice Department. Someone who has committed such a treasonous act & who poses such a clear & ongoing risk to public & national security as Trump does should be languishing in prison while awaiting trial. No other nation would tolerate this.
I agree. Beyond inexplicable, but the Garland Justice Dept is the current driver. I suspect when the next round of indictments land for 1/6, with DC being responsible for the trial, the pre-trial conditions for Trump will be vastly different. He will be given reasonable opportunity to rein in the threatening rhetoric, but if he doesn't, he will be detained. I believe he will be treated like everyone else when he gets to DC.
Exactly. AG Droop E. Dog slow-walked justice. Now, democracy is up against the clock racing to avoid a crook from strong-arming himself into the presidency. I understand that DOJ needed to be thorough, but it is possible to be thorough and work expeditiously.
Hi Jaime, unfortunately other nations do, Israel, Russia, China, North Korea, Turkey. Those Americans supporting Trump, DeSantis, and the MAGA crowd seen blissfully unaware of the company they keep
Nor is there a place in the House or Senate for Fascists who openly admit by word and deed that they don't support the Constitution and will ignore it completely when they have complete power. Perhaps Republicans, need to be removed immediately if they state or act in non-support of the Constitution...it sounds like perjury and violation of the 14th amendment for many Republicans...would this belong to Garland for an action?
Yes, I agree. Trump's actions disqualify him from holding office. But the actions themselves will not stop him from running for or even holding office. Someone needs to find that these actions amounted to insurrection and apply the law. I am guessing that the Secretaries of State are the appropriate people to make that finding. I agree, Grrl, they need to do their jobs.
I communicated with my SOS in Michigan. She stated she cannot legally withhold his name from the ballot because he has not been successfully charged with insurrection in a court of law.
Secretary Jocelyn Benson, like AG Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, will prove worthy of the trust reposed in them by the voters of Michigan.
I, too, have written to Secretary Benson. In my letter, I argue that the Congress of 1868 apparently did not consider it necessary to require a conviction in court to invoke the Section 3 disqualification. They weren't thinking in legalistic terms. They had just emerged from a bloody four-year-long test of the political integrity of the United States.
Section 3 of Amendment XIV is entirely political. Note the last sentence, allowing Congress to remove the disability. Note also that application of Section 3 sends no one to prison. It posits a purely political consequence for a political act.
Just last week, our Attorney General, Dana Nessel, demonstrated her courage and integrity by taking the initiative to indict the sixteen false electors. I think she and Secretary Benson will ultimately do the right thing.
Just keep the faith. Organize more people to write and press the issue.
While it is frustrating to those who feel that Trump is a seditionist, Biden and Garland need to show that the Department of Justice IS an independent institution that cannot be influenced by the President. Notice Trump calls the DOJ "Biden's DOJ". That is called transference. The DOJ need not and should not be loyal to the President.
Yes. There's this idea that you shouldn't seek powers you don't want your opponent to have, because some day, they'll have that office. This is why, frustrating as it is, we need a due process determination that Trump engaged in insurrection. The alternative is that Republican Secretaries of State will just go around disqualifying Democrats.
Trump calls the DOJ "Biden's DOJ" because that is how Trump perceives it. He has never understood or cared to learn about, the separation of powers in our government. Trump believes once a person is President everything belongs only to him. He must never be allowed near the White House again.
What is at least stopping the Democrat Secretaries of State? I hear too many Republicans who share that if Trump is on the ticket they are voting Biden.
The most obvious answers to your questions are two fold:
1) This current administration has not been aggressive enough to stop trumpty- and his insane , and extremely dangerous SS followers who he freed from Pandora’s Box.
We all know what a snake oil salesman he is, and most of the country are buying his snake oil in mass numbers.
Years ago, before he stole the throne, he had said that he was Pro Choice, and , here’s a good one: he was quoted as saying that “If anyone takes the 5th amendment, they are guilty, and there is no other reason someone would take the 5th.”🤔
2) Also, How many Democrats do you see running for office against him?
The main reason is the many, many death threats, promises of a civil war which his millions of dangerous followers said they are “ locked and loaded”, and they promise bodies will be stacked up” if anyone one dares to get in trumpty’s way of stealing the throne again and not kissing his ring.
There are many, many decent republicans -and Democrats who out of fear for their, and their family’s lives , have been intimidated enough to jump ship, and refuse to run for office again .
I have taken pictures of one or two death threat letters sent to high up politicians who dare to not play nice in trump’s proverbial sand box, or kiss the dictator’s ring .
If he gets into the White House again, it will no longer be the White House.
Let's hope Jack Smith's juries agree with you, me, RR, and most people here, GrrlScientist. Till then, Man From Queens hasn't been convicted of any violation that would ban him from office. I'm grateful for a judicial system based on law, not on what we saw on a screen.
Like other parts of the Constitution, this one seems to leave out the actual mechanism by which this rule would be applied. Who determines the applicability and how? The Senate? By vote? The House? By vote? The US Supreme Court upon petition? From who? It seems like a conviction is needed in a Court of Law before the rule applies.
Denial is one of human beings most powerful but unconscious drives. Most members of the GOP are in deep denial. A cult of deniers attend MAGA rallies and support Trump. I am not sure that his conviction would shake some of their beliefs. I wish I knew how to convince these individuals that they are prisoners of their beliefs.
Janet, I understand the frustration, but let’s be very clear they care and they care very much but not about the constitution or democracy!
They care about power and money which in their minds are synonymous. Power helps them get/keep money and vise versa. It’s a deeply seated mistrust of democracy and a primal urge to dominate.
They’ll go along with the crazy steak sales/conman so long as he is useful in their pursuit of dominance.
Understood 🥴 They will continue to ignore the concept of a democratic community that takes responsibility for caring for everyone who contributes as well as those who can’t due to age or illness or wounded veterans. They will always seek advantage over cooperation.
They don’t take the Democrats seriously because Democrats play by the rules police our own and behave like adults. The Republicans don’t care for the rules their promises or their oaths (personal or otherwise) the older ones just roll their eyes at the blatant disregard for decorum and intelligence the younger ones display allowing them to take time away from actual business and leave when it is actually happening. It’s awful. Meanwhile the speaker of the house wants to try and impeach Biden because of things his son did maybe.
Excellent summary of events as we all recall. The language of the 14th. Amendment is clear. Let’s go for it! No time like the present. Agonizing over court calendars and conflicting rallies is beyond absurd. Makes sense only to TFG. Thank you, Professor! ❤️🇺🇸🕊️
Unless Trump drops dead or skips town to avoid jail, I think that the 14th Amendment issue will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, even though it is obvious to a layman like me that Trump is disqualified. Or am I missing something?
I watched when Marjory Taylor Greene was charged as an insurrectionist in the 2022 race under Georgia law. The standard was "preponderance of the evidence" and not "beyond the shadow of a doubt" and IMHO Trump can not testify (and lie) on his own behalf as MTG did, when she alleged she couldn't remember the facts. .
But look who he has placed on the Supreme Court- his LOYALISTS, his PUPPETS. You think they are going to go against Trump who proudly takes credit for their position?
Roberts plus the 3 liberal justices is possible. Need one more vote for a majority. Thomas and Alito no way, but maybe one of the rest might put the country above loyalty to Trump.
Thanks Daniel for your continued resources. Most significant piece of the Colorado reporting on this is “The most prominent litigation aiming to disqualify Trump, brought by Republican presidential candidate John Anthony Castro in Florida, is under appeal after his standing in the case was contested by Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon, a central figure in the federal classified documents case involving the former president.”
Yup. Why should she if the SCOTUS’s don’t recuse for conflict or perceived conflict. Love your sarcasm Daniel. So appreciate your knowledge, legal experience and sarcasm.
Not to distract, but this applies to members of Congress as well. Their oath is worded as follows: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
And now many, many congress people who joined the trump movement are now just keeping quiet, hoping nobody knows how they joined into said insurrection on the sidelines. Even Pence is carefully threading his way thru the thickets of lies to just be on whichever side of this becomes the 'winner'. That very thing that makes pols so despised !
Mike Pence is one of the most "snakelike" of the republican candidates. He says how he and his wife "prayed and prayed" to make these political decisions. He is treading that line so closely, he will fall over. He won't speak up for what is right for our country, (heck, he doesn't speak up for anything in reality) and he evidently prays to a much different God than I ever have. He is "milk toast." Yikes
Actually, many of the worst haven't been quiet at all. They tweet all day long calling for the impeachment of Biden & other Democrats or prosecutors. This is to try to divert attention not only from Trump's trials, but their own complicity.
Any representative or senator who voted against confirming the plain Electoral College results is at least a candidate for disqualification under Section 3 of Amendment XIV. Their respective state election authorities need to hear from enlightened citizens. Then they will know what to do when the time comes -- the next time those faithless officeholders ask to be placed on the ballot.
Wasn’t there talk about the number of members of Congress who should be disqualified through the 14th amendment right after January 6? So many Aidee, abetted and supported.
For those who still support trump, all I can think is that they also want to overthrow the U.S. government. Are their role models for ideal governments Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nazi Germany, not to mention the USSR and Putin’s version. Who in their right mind wants to live under such governments?
Kristin, clearly scared white Republicans do. I guess they think living in a fascist state looks good to them because in that kind of environment, those scary people of color can be either isolated, imprisoned, or done away with as Hitler and Stalin did. I think a lot of Trumpers and Trumpettes would be OK with that. How christian of them!
I sure as heck wouldn't live under a Fascist Government under no circumstances. I had already planned to get a passport with intentions of going to Canada with intentions of applying Candian citizenship before my 6 month stay up there and living there if i get approved for citizenship. I may or may not stay there if Democrats win in 2024, but if a Fascist Rethug wins, i will be staying if i get approved. I will not live under an Authoritarian, Fascist government.
Indeed. I bet folken here think folken there (wherever "there" is) would rush to welcome millions of US refugees with open arms and love in their hearts.
Initially they might. But after that, as the hordes keep coming AND continuing their fight (MAGA vs Human) on their shores, those other folken may start to feel differently.
Might be like having the in-laws by for dinner, they show up with a bunch of folken that you don't know, and then they engage in fights and a shoot-out with each other in your house!
Yes, Trump is not the only Republican who is subservient to Russia. Ron Johnson, Rand Paul, Cawthorn, Massie & MTG are clearly pro-Russian & I suspect Kevin McCarthy is, too. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
I want to know which self appointed American Oligarchs have chosen to pour millions into Trump and other arch conservatives and what do they expect to gain by doing so? What deal has Trump made with them to make Trump so confident he is above the law? I agree that he should not be allowed to run for president, but why does the GOP still allow him to run? There has GOT to be a reason they’re investing so much in Trump. His bully and bluster isn’t that great! Follow the money. I hope Jack Smith convicts Trump for Jan 6, but I feel it won’t stop him.
It’s not just tax money. They will become richer by abolishing rules and regulations for fair pay, polluting our land and water, safety, you name it... they’ll bust unions, get rid of safety nets like social security and Medicare and “steal” as much as they can for themselves while they make anyone not in their class suffer.
Donna, isn't that the point, to do as much harm as they can to THOSE people without looking sadistic (which they are). For the very rich as well as for many Republicans, cruelty is the point. Not a thing Republicans have initiated in the past 50 years or so has been a positive for anyone but rich white people and corporations. They may latch onto some Democratic ideas so they can be called bipartisan, but only when they think they can get more benefit from it than they put into it. That should not be the equation when dealing with human lives, but for the rich and rich wannabees, it is. Make more people poor, ill, and unable to have any say in what happens to them, and then blame them for their situation. I think that is their motto, that is as long as We the people permit it.
That's my impression as well, Ruth. We know the names of oligarchs like the Kochs, Leonard Leo and Harlan Crow, but then there are all those public corporations, many of which pay millions to executives most of us never heard of. And countless low-profile wealthy individuals are looking for a tax break. While my husband underwent surgery last year, I sat in the hospital lobby as someone led a group of expensively clad people through the space to see the donated works of art and, I suppose, encouraged them to give from their own collections. It's a huge "non-profit", but it has enormous discretion over the lives of patients and employees. And sure enough, news stories appeared about the same time about a higher tier of emergency care for donors.
You may be interested in this web link to email I got from these people a few minutes ago. I've never heard of this organization and who knows how they knew to contact me, but they identify a couple of other wing-nut clergy to keep an eye on and include on your list, as well. I know >I< certainly will! : https://act.faithfulamerica.org/sign/vigano-twitter/?t=2&akid=8472%2E915193%2ETsEE5b
Faithful America is a progressive Christian organization, and I get their emails too, even though I am not a theist any more (There must be a song for that!) They are probably a good organization to take on these errant Roman Catholics, who claim Pope Francis is not legitimate. It's interesting to me how many Trump-loving Catholics cast doubt on him, not to mention on Biden and Nancy Pelosi, who are pro-choice.
Thanks for the update. I figured you'd have something useful to add. In return, please accept this "song for that." It's a classic: https://youtu.be/-gCvQRM62EU
It really reflects the "what's confusing you is the nature of my game" aspect of today's political environment! Besides, it's a genius setting and orchestration of the original.
Class warfare. If they keep the “lower class” uneducated and wanting, they are easy to manipulate and, in financial straits, will accept poor paying and dangerous jobs
But who are they? What are their names? What businesses are theirs? How can we take away support like our dollars if these people are kept hidden? How can we refuse to work for them if we don't know their names? How can we refuse to buy their products and services if we can't name them?
Thanks for reminding me of Open Secrets. The Sands doesn't surprise me, but Adelson Clinic and Disney!? And every petition I'm asked to sign ends with a "donate" at the end of it. Please list your expenses, and then I'll decide if you need my money more than we do. I know Reich says don't be cynical, but how can we help it?
Thank you, Daniel. I found the Salon article particularly disturbing. Very rich people throwing $Millions into election campaigns without the annoying thought or consideration of its impact on our democracy. With that much money and power, they can buy the votes they need to advance the outcomes they want. Overturning 'Citizens United' doesn't have a chance.
Virginia, you are right that it's always about the money. I think the oligarchs love their Baby Donnie because he is so pliable and dependable. Those things should not be said together, but in reality, they can get Donnie to say and do whatever they want while they make it look like it is his idea, then they can depend on him to keep spewing whatever BS they have fed him until they slightly change it so he does not sound as though he is experiencing the dementia he is experiencing. When Donnie proves unmanageable, they will pick up on someone else who has the same characteristics, probably equally loathsome to take his place. We need to work on the oligarchs at the same time we are taking down Baby Donnie if any positive change will happen. Then we need subtle ads showing how those rich white guys are trying to control their lives, the lives of those people who think they are so free if it weren't for the Democrats. It is rich men who are manipulating state and local legislatures, school boards, and even our Supreme Court. They have far too much money and far too much influence in a democracy. Powerful taxing could make a difference, but Republicans are basically cowards and just can't seem to manage properly taxing their biggest donors, the ones who control what they say and so, you know, the puppetmasters. The rich guys are pulling their strings and they don't even realize it, or, perhaps, even actually like it because it means they don't have to think, while they have a job potentially for life if they don't try to move independently.
The GOP are simply defending their pay check. They couldn’t care less about the United States. what respectable business would hire someone who supported the likes of Swump?
Lots of kompromat Trump is using against Republicans, partly what Putin has shared with him from Russian hacking, & partly from what Trump has gleaned from classified documents he stole.
It's clear that Trump incited the insurrection and should not be on the ballot. I DO NOT understand how the Trump supporting Republicans in office are allowed to remain in office. If they agree with Trump in any manner, they agree with his insurrection. They also took an oath to uphold the Constitution.
I completely agree. BUT I think we need a vast groundswell of citizens strongly supporting this position. We need to make it so clear that millions of us will not stand for Trump running for office again that voices for the other side will be drowned out. I've been mystified that this argument hasn't been advanced forcefully by the Democratic Party, though they seem just too weak to fight hard for anything important. Professor Reich, please step up and LEAD THIS EFFORT. It's clear the Dems won't do it. I think MILLIONS of us will follow.
Here is my question to Republican Members of Congress
Is this really how you want your children and grandchildren to remember you? As one of Trump’s flying monkeys. One who took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law. How do you sleep at night knowing that this guy will destroy our democracy if he is given a second chance? Is that what you want for your children and their children?
Personally I would be ashamed to be anywhere near Donald Trump!
Thank God not all Republicans are cowards. There are a few that continue to call out Trump for the loser he is. Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Miles Taylor, Cassidy Hutchinson, Pam Hemphill, Rick Wilson, Reed Galen, Stephanie Grisham, Alexander Vindman, Marie Yovanovitch, to name a few.
It’s time for all true Republicans to rid yourselves of this tyrannical monster!
Wouldn’t be nice to get back to a normal way of life where we actually care about one another?
Keith, excellent thoughts! I do wonder about Republicans and whether they care about their children and grandchildren, supporting Trump is one piece of it, but "denying" global warming (OK, it's really lying about it because they know the truth), letting greedy rich folks control our lives when they don't even have the skill to control themselves and the way they move through life, tell a critical story. Caring for one another does not seem to be a Republican trait or value. The fact that you can name the major Republicans who don't support Trumpism is sad, and so many of them do not have positions of power any longer because they didn't go along with the insurrection. I love that so many Republicans tie their anti-future behavior to their "christian" faith and want to push that uncaring, loveless faith on all of us. How do we get the rank and file Republicans to start to actually think about the future without paralyzing fear so they can actually do something to help their children and grandchildren, thus our whole nation? Maybe some effective ads like the one the Johnson campaign used in 1964 with a little girl with a flower "he loves me, he loves me not" while an atomic bomb explodes behind her might work to get the complacent to see what is going on. Maybe instead of the bomb, it can be a flooded town,a burned-out forest, or Nazis marching in the streets as the background. Maybe children of all races and experiences could be dancing in a circle in front of the disaster. The message, "what kind of future do you want for your children and grandchildren? If love, family, community, and happiness are what you want for them, vote Democrat."
I cannot stand the sight of him. I watch TV programs that show him briefly, and i put my hand over my eyes and mute the TV so i can't hear his rusty, raspy, nasty voice. Speaking of rust, his putrid face looks like it is covered with rust. My daughter asked me what i was talking about when i yelled, '' old rust face is on TV'' I told her a rust face baboon was on TV. Donald TUMP. I would also be ashamed to be within 50 miles of that career criminal.
John, I can't stand to hear that voice either. Nearly every day for the past more than 8 years, our newscasts have been filled with Trump and more Trump. He is and has always been a disgrace, but alas, American people have proven they will buy anything, even that an ignorant hateful lying ass is worthy to be president or anything else, and still think so. I use the mute button too. I don't remember what he looks like, but his voice has always grated on my nerves, even from the 70s when I remember first hearing him. It has gotten worse, more toddleresque. Our media are all fascinated with a man who claimed with no evidence that he was richer than he said (where were the investigative reporters then?) and lied every time he opened his mouth in public. Don't we tell our kids that lying is wrong? Then those who tell their kids that vote for and support a serial liar, someone who does not know how to care for anyone, while they claim to be "christian." The split in what people say they believe or value and what they support is incredible, and Baby Donnie is the center of that disconnect.
Thanks so much your great reply. Every day i try to comprehend what is so great about TUMP. I see nothing but a life long criminal, corrupt, racist, lying, arrogant creep that disgusts me to no end. The worship of him by people just appalls me to the brink of losing my mind. It makes me wonder what these people were taught while growing up? Do they not know right from wrong?? Or could it be they are so insecure that they need someone like TUMP to reassure them that he is going fix everything that is wrong about the world with a magic wand or something?? I have seen that everything that comes out TUMP's filthy mouth is a blatant, bold faced lie. It drives me nuts to just witness they way they act out when someone attacks TUMP. Just over the weekend, a large crowd of these ''Proud Boy'' types gathered in the parking lot of the town i live close to, the town i was born and raised in. They started causing a ruckus with their big 4 WD Trucks doing ''burnouts'' and disturbance in the parking lot of a shopping center, the Police were called, and when they arrived the police told them to disburse, but they refused and starting pushing and struggling with the officers. Finally a Swat Team arrived and order was restored, and i know of at least 10 of them were arrested and sent to jail.. I saw a picture of those arrested, and guess what?? They looked the part, ''dumb, white hillbilly, ignorant, racist trash. That incident could have gotten out of hand, some of them had big TUMP flags on their trucks. That thing could have gotten out of hand in a hurry. This is the kind of despicable acts that Donald TUMP incites in these kind of sorry people. And the kind of people that claim to be ''Christian.'' I am totally fed up with this insanity.. I am wanting to move away from here.
John, you are right about Baby Donnie being a lifelong criminal. He has nothing to offer anyone, but people with little or no hope because they have had it drained from them care nothing for what the Baby says, just that he says something that sounds tough. They no longer even hear what he is saying because it makes no sense anyway. The crazies that brought their trucks to your nearby town are men desperate to be/feel important. They too, have nothing to offer anyone, but unlike Baby Donnie, they know it, so they are trying to hitch their trucks to someone they think can get power and will lete them in on a little of it. He won't, but they can hope, right. Intimidation is the game they play since they can't really do anything else to get themselves out of the non-jobs they are doing. I suspect none of them is in a union which could help them get better wages and working conditions. They probably claim to hate unions because their ignorance has allowed them to listen to fools who care even less for tham than Baby Donnie does and he cares nothing for them.
Thank you again, Ruth. Those people hate unions. In fact, the entire county, is anti-union. The company i worked for was Union, and i was the accountant officer for the union for 15 of my 35 years with membership of the union, The company closed down in 2007 i worked for, but the union got us a very good severance payout from the company plus a retirement bonus.
I don't know of but one company that has a union in the county now, it's a Poultry processing plant. Those proud boy hicks did try to intimidate the Police in that incident over the weekend, but they failed miserably. I am glad that thing didn't escalate into a full blown riot. And TUMP doesn't give a darn about those people, but it seems no one can get that through their thick skulls to their tiny brains. It is unnerving that these are the kind of people that i am surrounded by. They don't like me either because a while back they tried to stop me from going down a gravel road by their house, but you know what, i went down it anyway. They just stared at me, and I gave them a go to ''H'' look and went on my merry way...They have never did that again... in reality, they are COWARDS..
They waited too long to say something. It's easy to go against the grain well after all is said and done but where were they early on? I can appreciate that they are doing something now but they and all the others needed to be critical, honest, and stand up for their constituents much earlier. Perhaps some did...but I think they were too afraid of losing their place, which some did, however, if they had all stood together against him and the other loud mouth morons maybe we would not be quite so bad off as we are now. How anyone can follow and support that lout who equates to nothing more than human excrement - of no use to anyone, putrid and toxic - is beyond comprehension.
Emotionally, intellectually and from a fairness point, I totally agree and would sincerely hope for that outcome. I do see one difference between Trump and the case cited here, though: A conviction in a court of law. That's what has happened in New Mexico but has not yet happened for the orange grifter. I know everybody saw what happened, but just saying so does not make it so — at least in the eyes of he orange one's desciples. In their minds, Jan. 6 was a tourist group visit to a sightseeing destination. I don't have high hopes of ever reconnecting those people with reality, but it raises the question of how to proceed if we don't share the same facts?
I completely agree with you. I cannot stand the idea that Trump could get elected, again. There needs to be a conviction regarding his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection. We cannot be the Judge and Jury for this. And until there is a conviction, he is still eligible for the office.
So WHY isn't dRUMPf in Jail? HOW is this allowed to go as far as it has? He was heard--on the phone trying to coerce Rafsinger (sp?) into "finding 11,000 votes!!! He was seen on TV by MILLIONS of people inciting a riot!!!
Donald, I think you are right, but Baby Donnie can't really articulate anything positive he wants to do. It is all about hurting people, getting even, getting rid of anyone who gets in his way. He proved he has no idea how to govern anything, even himself. He surrounds himself with goons who will do anything to get and keep power and to get back at those they resent or want what they have. We should be investigating those around Baby Donnie as well as himself because they are the ones running the show and using their Baby Donnie to get what they want. Trump thinks he is in charge, but he can't even remember what he talked about yesterday let alone what he needs to do tomorrow. He speaks in talking points and whines of discontent that everyone does not love him even though he has contempt for all of us. Disgusting! We need to fight this with everything we have!
Donald, thanks, that is kind, but I would be a terrible general. Heck, I couldn't even run my classroom like a troop. I am a present the material, then figure out how to learn it together. That would never work in any military I am aware of. I could be a consultant, a minor one, but not more. Even my sermons are a means of encouraging people to consider a topic and live with it, making their own decision about how or if to respond in their lives.
I didn't notice that Defendant Trump started much of anything while he was "President", unless one considers those horrible "rallies", grifting cons on his MAGA fans, innumerable rounds of golf and lots of sketchy, secret plans to subvert a free and fair election.
The simple fact that Trump has promised to pardon convicted insurrectionists makes him ineligible to run. Why can’t this be brought up every day by every congressman Republican or Democrat, every newscaster, every citizen? It does not need to be proven in a court of law, surely!
Who will enforce the Constitution? In this case? It’s great that we have that safeguard, but why hasn’t it been invoked? A Republican Congress. That stops everything.
The proper place for the action to invoke and enforce Section 3 of Amendment XIV is in the offices of state elections officials. The burden is on us to persuade them that they have the authority -- and duty -- to deny neo-Confederate insurrectionists a place on the ballot.
Professor Reich can't do that all by himself. Talk to your neighbors. Get them together and present the case to your secretary of state. Be polite. Respect the office. Be firm.
So each state has the power to keep Trump off the ballot? The federal presidential ballot? Well, I’m guessing that’s not going be hard to do in Massachusetts but I’m on it. Thanks for the clarification.
Duh! Why is this still an issue? Because fascism is based on lies. Fascist can’t even recognize reality any longer because it would cause their nervous system to crash and burn.
Beyond, I know you are right. The Nazis who perpetrated the atrocities or just watched, often did turn their brain off so they could continue doing what they were doing. Had they stopped to think, many would have been non-functioning, therefore targets of the others whose brains were not functioning. There is, however, a critical mass of people who thrive on the suffering of others. The "freedom Caucus" in the House is a collection of such people. Each day they come up with proposals that will do harm to Americans and others from a few to millions. They can't think of anything possitive because they won't get the same orgasmic pleasure if they vote for something that will help someone in need. Authoritarian societies depend on that group of sadists in power to keep things going. They surround the dictator and will do whatever that dictator orders, often just for the fun of hurting another human being. Why are We the People willing to tolerate that in this country? We have seen what those people do here: lynching, massacres, driving vehicles into crowds, mass shootings, cutting Medicaid and other critical programs, and on and on. Baby Donnie is their poster boy. He's definitely one of those warped people and needs to be in charge of nothing ever. That is in addition to his insurrectionist credentials. He needs to be isolated to his little plantation until the courts decide what happens to him permanently.
I doubt whether these so called representatives read anything they vote for or against. They are bought and paid for and act like characters in a bad play. Their bills are written by so called legal minds that are also bought and paid for by the highest bidder. These are not the sharpest knives--they care about winning at all cost and keeping their lucrative sales persons.
“Why are We the People willing to tolerate that in this country?”
Because sadists require masochists, and we have just as many of those in this country and many of them are Democrats who see themselves as having a superior perspective in bothsidesism, aka false equivalencies.
Bullies and Victims are not equivalent, that is why it is called authoritarianism.
Professor Reich: i am utterly totally confused as to why this is even an issue. as you say, trump incited a coup attempt to overthrow the US government and is ineligible to ever hold public or military office as a result. AS WE ALL WITNESSED LIVE ON TV/STREAMING. so please, tell me, WHY ARE WE ALLOWING TRUMP'S CHARADE TO GO FORWARD? WHY ARE WE TEMPTING FATE? do our public officials not take this situation seriously? do our authorities not understand the constitution?
NOTE: edited to correct a typo.
Unfortunately GrrlScientist, Republican officials care more about proximity to power, than anything else, indeed, their Constitutional oath. If otherwise, they would, as you point out, make clear, there is no place in public life, for a lawless seditionist low life. The democracy equation isn't absolute!
If the 14th amendment to the constitution specifically says a person cannot be in politics let alone the president if they have tried to overthrow democracy! I don't understand why this is not absolute?
Doesn’t he have to be found guilty in court? There is no one more than me (1000%) that agrees with Robert and all evidence points to guilty, but I haven’t seen a guilty verdict on the insurrection charge and it scares me to death that he’ll get away with it again.
The professor's point is that the 14th Amendment says anyone who took an oath the support the Constitution and engaged in insurrection (not found criminally guilty). The New Mexico commissioner lost his job because he had probably taken an oath as well. I've long suspected that Donald Trump has never read the Constitution in its entirety, but he did take an oath, which was televised just like his talk on the Mall where he promised to be with the armed protestors at the Capitol.
Skin tag--
Donald Hodgins <silencenotbad@gmail.com>
10:47 AM (0 minutes ago)
to Thomas, carol, Barbara, Bob, Marilyn
I am the proud owner of an elderly Female Weinheimer named Annabel. This lovely truly loyal friend possesses a level of intelligence found in very few members of the animal kingdom. In her later years, she developed a small skin tag on the left temporal region of her head. As time passed this dangly thing grew in size until today it looks like a little finger extending from my dog's face. The vet warned me of the dangers associated with Autistic shock on a dog her age and I should just leave it alone because aside from being unsightly it wasn't bothering anything. The abnormal growth serves absolutely no function, in fact, it's an annoyance and it does bother me. It possesses an obvious danger, due to the risks involved in the procedure to remove the thing, besides it just looks stupid being there. The question is posed, how do we get rid of something totally useless and a danger to everyone concerned? It's easy, don't vote for the jerk. The easiest game bid in Bridge is in "No- Trump." The man is a human skin tag, useless from head to toe.
A new national monument--
Donald Hodgins <silencenotbad@gmail.com>
1:09 PM (0 minutes ago)
President Biden just signed an excutive order which will establish three National Monuments all dedicated to the memory of a 14 year old boy who was brutally murdered in 1955 by a group of Southern white men. The horrific nature of his death was accentuated by his mother's insistences on having an open casket at his funeral, so the world could see what hatred had done to her child. This racial poison that feeds upon ignorance and division is still with us today, it hasn't gone anywhere. What happened to that boy of 14 years should never be forgotten, we as a culture, should remember "Emmitt un-Till" there is nothing left worth remembering. How do we ever get past that level of hatred, as a nation? Man's inhumanity to man seems to be endless.
Dogs. Othe than whales, I adore dogs. No dog isn’t cute. Same we can’t say that about the people in government.
To this day, I can’t understand why you did not have the skin tag removed early on in its appearance on Annabel?? I suppose the answer is in line with how we did not remove Trump early on. Just musing.
... UNTIL RE-ELECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CREW
https://www.citizensforethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230714_CREW_Report_Final.pdf
Thanks for the link Daniel.
Great article, but I still saw no explanation of mechanics. How is it done? The content in that article is the best I've seen - thanks.
Thank you for the link. Very informative. More so than other links I’ve checked. Think I’ll bookmark it.
Since we know the GOP and some weak Democrats won’t do this and no trial is needed, maybe we should call for a fast general election (heck, the U. K. Changes PM once a week, how do they do it?) No voter Id except proof of citizenship, everone eligible (no state laws can be enforced or created to prevent eligible voters). We have to get T**** the soon-to-be-thrice-indicted twice-impeached popular-vote-losing insurrection-leading serial-sexual-predating draft-dodging casino-bankrupting hush-money-paying real-estate-scamming ketchup-hurling classified-war-plan-thieving weather-map-defacing tax-cheating charity-defrauding money-laundering fluorescent tangerine jackass spent the day filling one diaper after another and panic-posting on his crappy app. Off the ‘holding up’ the vote. Say 30 days.
Thanks so much!!
Yeah, but the whole point is that Trump and his band of conspirators are arguing that they did NOT incite an insurrection or fail to stop it. That's been their position all along. That's why we need a trial to present incontrovertible evidence and witness testimony to refute their claims of innocence.
Yes. Thanks. I have been so informed. There is a great link in the 14th amendment that I bookmarked.
If Trumpy had come any closer to insurrection, he would be in jail!
Close enough. And even way over the line.
So jail it is.
Watching the 1/6 Coup and laughing about it, is not what we expect from a prez.
Carol, That is not what Amendment 14, Section 3 says. It says "engaged" not charged, indicted, or found guilty. And as GrrlScientist points out, millions of us were eye witness to his summoning them to DC, encouraging them to march to the Capitol and "fight like hell" then praising them for their damage to life and property. Who among us, did not witness a police officer's head being crushed in a door? Breaking into private offices, OUR legislators fleeing for their lives?
Yes. Thanks. I have been so informed. There is a great link in the 14th amendment that I bookmarked.
There is no insurrection charge so far, including, unaccountably, in Jack Smith’s target letter.
I think so too, but it would be a civil trial, not a criminal one, so the DOJ would only have to meet the "preponderance of the evidence" standard, not "beyond a reasonable doubt" for a jury or judge to decide if Trump "engaged" in the insurrection.
Like you Peggy, I think this seems such a simple, straightforward case to make. However, listening to experts dissect the 14th, their opinions seems to hinge on the 'free speech' aspect, & the difficulty in isolating what was protected speech, & what erred into criminal territory. I still hope Jack Smith has gathered sufficient evidence, that will make a clear, convincing case, sufficient to find him guilty & remove him from any future election equations.
Hi, A Ellis-Dunn, The First Amendment refers to Freedom of Speech, not freedom to incite insurrection, or even riot. Amendment 14, Section 3 specifically supersedes this. Trump was given freedom of speech, Internationally televised, and he used that freedom to incite an insurrection to attempt to stop the lawful counting of the Electoral College. That is what prevents him from attaining ANY office, civil, or military in he United States. He still has the right to bleat any lie he chooses to bleat, he forfeited his right to hold office.
I was listening to #Sisters in Law today, & Barb McQuade discussed this issue in some detail. Specifically, the rights afforded under the First, which goes some way to explaining how he can enjoy such latitude, but, as you point out, isn't absolute. Just where the line between free-speech & incitement lies, is open for debate, & it seems, this may be why Jack Smith may steer clear of this charge. Not entirely satisfying, but i'd rather he brought solid, unambiguous charges, that would stick, rather than try & prove a somewhat opaque issue. I'm hoping if the evidence is so overwhelming, that jury tainting won't be an issue. That said, i agree with everything you said.
Look into stochastic terrorism. He went far beyond free speech.
at this point, Trump has not even been indicted [much less convicted] of insurrection etc. If elected before hes convicted he'll simply pardon himself. I doubt the 14th A. Section 3 would come into play. before a conviction.
I believe the standard of proof applicable to the 14th A., Sec.3 which concerns the standard for disqualification for a federal office is preponderance of the evidence, not clear and convincing.
Of course you're correct Robert, simple wordsmithing on my part.
Yes. Thanks. I have been so informed. There is a great link in the 14th amendment that I bookmarked. Read the link by Daniel further up the replies
My suspicion is that either a majority of Congress, SCOTUS or some combination of the two is needed to enforce this. If so, it's impossible. The Harlan Crow justices; HoR with Gosar, Johnson, Greene, McCarthy, Stefanik, Boebert, Gaetz, Jordan, Johnson etc; a senate with Hawley, McConnell, Graham, Cruz etc. won't do it. This is especially true as many of the people named above aided in the insurrection themselves and shouldn't be in Congress in the first place.
Right now, our country looks screwed unless every sensible one of us VOTES FOR DEMOCRATS ACROSS THE BOARD!! Yes, it's a matter of our nation's life or death and the end of that last sentence needed to be capitalized.
Yes. Thanks. I have been so informed. There is a great link in the 14th amendment that I bookmarked.
What gives 'Republican' officials (the real ones have been driven out of office), the right or power to install a fascist dictator to serve their own greedy agenda that has nothing to do with our Constitution or the rule of law!?
It’s their “MO”. McCarthy is another one following the “POWER” and not the Constitution or what is just RIGHT & in the best interest of our country
PUTIN, Saudi Arabia, corrupt Republican Fascists. That is my answer Laurie.
Laurie, Unfortunately their semi-literate voters give them that right. It is our job to convince these semi-literates that fascism is not the boon it has been made out to be.
Fay Reid ; If they lived under fascism for awhile, they might change their minds.
Hi Laurie. I'm sure they would, but by then, short of a shooting war, it's too late. That's the problem with all forms of authoritarianism, once in control, they stay. Unlike Democracy, you don't have the options of voting them out. That's why I'd prefer to see Florida and Texas secede rather than the rest of us being held captive in fascism.
Stop blaming Republicans. Where are the Democrat voices on this? They too are failing America. The man who stole a chicken to feed his family has been jailed. Why are those who tried and continue to attempt to steal the country walking free? A Democracy must protect itself from such tyranny. Off with his head.
You give yourself away when you refer to the “Democrat” party.
Go away
Exactly Jen. Trolls always out themselves.
AMEN!!!!!
"What about-ism" doesn't cut it. trump did what he did and must stand trial for it.
There is no equivalency between Republicans and Democrats on this.
Republicans have showcased the blame they deserve for standing in silence while trump trashed our constitution, our institutions, our local, state and federal government, and the poorest and least educated of us who live lives of "not so quiet" desperation.
Republicans will never be able to recover from their lily-livered lack of character and action as this sick attempt at tyranny by an orange, demented despotic sociopath rolled from his elevator in 2016 until today.
You express my sentiments perfectly!!
Blaming!? Uh, it's better to be accomplishing things, that sitting there doing nothing but collecting money from corporations and rich people. And making up unsubstantiated lies to fill the NEWS time.
I have said for several years, the democrats we voted for and put in office failed us. On the other hand the more I learn about what the republicans have been up to and very few if any really thought their ultimate goal was to eliminate the federal government, they didn’t nor I ever thought it was to eliminate our rights and protections as they are doing. We didn’t see the forest for the tress- I was one “ignorant” person thinking “there they go again with their silly antics and didn’t take them seriously enough. Asleep at the wheel we were!
Stephen Kaufman, I wonder if it is a matter of who has the better press-machine, the better Public Relations (even if lies), churning out? A lowly teacher I watched our department head go hat-in-hand, year-after-year, to ask for a budget increase, and got none, honest, honorable, self-conscious. Then a different personality asked for more in his first term--and got money and genuine interest in his vision (not much different than before, but better optics on same-old desirable budget items) ... are the Democrats just too, "Gosh, darn," earnest?, and honorable? I think so.
The bad-boy bands of, say, the 60s versus the nice-boy bands--a lot of money gets thrown at being a perceived rebel, a chaos leader, anarchist even. The better speechwriter, mouth-piece, persuader, visionary (instead of the better scorner, liar, manipulator, sneerer). MAGA Republicans are fools (make the MAGA distinction) but a lot of otherwise smart people got drawn-in?? How?
Democrats, as you suggest--need to do a better job of selling. Forget debating and explaining. The simple, angry-types, who want to feel they have a place in the sun by patting the likes of stupid-Trump on the shoulders--do they require a similar Fog-Horn-Leg-Horn type mouth piece to DRAW them into this other circle?
People that are simply "anti anything" are motivated by something; what is it? Membership? Social media has given those a platform to foam at the mouth about petty annoyances, and the Democrats need someone as good or better--a better big-mouthed, laughing cowboy. Find them, a person that glad-hands with the best of them. Find that person and, like John Lennon said, as he pushed Paul McCartney out, in front of screaming fans, "He's the cute one."
Yes, but Republicans no longer run our executive branch, including the Justice Department. Someone who has committed such a treasonous act & who poses such a clear & ongoing risk to public & national security as Trump does should be languishing in prison while awaiting trial. No other nation would tolerate this.
I agree. Beyond inexplicable, but the Garland Justice Dept is the current driver. I suspect when the next round of indictments land for 1/6, with DC being responsible for the trial, the pre-trial conditions for Trump will be vastly different. He will be given reasonable opportunity to rein in the threatening rhetoric, but if he doesn't, he will be detained. I believe he will be treated like everyone else when he gets to DC.
Exactly. AG Droop E. Dog slow-walked justice. Now, democracy is up against the clock racing to avoid a crook from strong-arming himself into the presidency. I understand that DOJ needed to be thorough, but it is possible to be thorough and work expeditiously.
Hi Jaime, unfortunately other nations do, Israel, Russia, China, North Korea, Turkey. Those Americans supporting Trump, DeSantis, and the MAGA crowd seen blissfully unaware of the company they keep
Nor is there a place in the House or Senate for Fascists who openly admit by word and deed that they don't support the Constitution and will ignore it completely when they have complete power. Perhaps Republicans, need to be removed immediately if they state or act in non-support of the Constitution...it sounds like perjury and violation of the 14th amendment for many Republicans...would this belong to Garland for an action?
NOT just limited to women, in fact men are the worst offenders.
Yes, I agree. Trump's actions disqualify him from holding office. But the actions themselves will not stop him from running for or even holding office. Someone needs to find that these actions amounted to insurrection and apply the law. I am guessing that the Secretaries of State are the appropriate people to make that finding. I agree, Grrl, they need to do their jobs.
We need to apply political pressure on them to take action. The reason for Mr. Reich's petition.
I communicated with my SOS in Michigan. She stated she cannot legally withhold his name from the ballot because he has not been successfully charged with insurrection in a court of law.
Marlo:
Dont give up!
Secretary Jocelyn Benson, like AG Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, will prove worthy of the trust reposed in them by the voters of Michigan.
I, too, have written to Secretary Benson. In my letter, I argue that the Congress of 1868 apparently did not consider it necessary to require a conviction in court to invoke the Section 3 disqualification. They weren't thinking in legalistic terms. They had just emerged from a bloody four-year-long test of the political integrity of the United States.
Section 3 of Amendment XIV is entirely political. Note the last sentence, allowing Congress to remove the disability. Note also that application of Section 3 sends no one to prison. It posits a purely political consequence for a political act.
Just last week, our Attorney General, Dana Nessel, demonstrated her courage and integrity by taking the initiative to indict the sixteen false electors. I think she and Secretary Benson will ultimately do the right thing.
Just keep the faith. Organize more people to write and press the issue.
Correct Mario. The same point I am trying to make in my post. Let's not get the cart before the horse. Let's get a conviction.
While it is frustrating to those who feel that Trump is a seditionist, Biden and Garland need to show that the Department of Justice IS an independent institution that cannot be influenced by the President. Notice Trump calls the DOJ "Biden's DOJ". That is called transference. The DOJ need not and should not be loyal to the President.
Yes. There's this idea that you shouldn't seek powers you don't want your opponent to have, because some day, they'll have that office. This is why, frustrating as it is, we need a due process determination that Trump engaged in insurrection. The alternative is that Republican Secretaries of State will just go around disqualifying Democrats.
Trump calls the DOJ "Biden's DOJ" because that is how Trump perceives it. He has never understood or cared to learn about, the separation of powers in our government. Trump believes once a person is President everything belongs only to him. He must never be allowed near the White House again.
What is at least stopping the Democrat Secretaries of State? I hear too many Republicans who share that if Trump is on the ticket they are voting Biden.
The fate of the nation may depend on exactly that kind of Republican.
GrrlScientist - Excellent question. Thank you.
The most obvious answers to your questions are two fold:
1) This current administration has not been aggressive enough to stop trumpty- and his insane , and extremely dangerous SS followers who he freed from Pandora’s Box.
We all know what a snake oil salesman he is, and most of the country are buying his snake oil in mass numbers.
Years ago, before he stole the throne, he had said that he was Pro Choice, and , here’s a good one: he was quoted as saying that “If anyone takes the 5th amendment, they are guilty, and there is no other reason someone would take the 5th.”🤔
2) Also, How many Democrats do you see running for office against him?
The main reason is the many, many death threats, promises of a civil war which his millions of dangerous followers said they are “ locked and loaded”, and they promise bodies will be stacked up” if anyone one dares to get in trumpty’s way of stealing the throne again and not kissing his ring.
There are many, many decent republicans -and Democrats who out of fear for their, and their family’s lives , have been intimidated enough to jump ship, and refuse to run for office again .
I have taken pictures of one or two death threat letters sent to high up politicians who dare to not play nice in trump’s proverbial sand box, or kiss the dictator’s ring .
If he gets into the White House again, it will no longer be the White House.
During trump's entire occupancy it wasn't really the White House either...it was the nut house.
Let's hope Jack Smith's juries agree with you, me, RR, and most people here, GrrlScientist. Till then, Man From Queens hasn't been convicted of any violation that would ban him from office. I'm grateful for a judicial system based on law, not on what we saw on a screen.
It’s not just trump. Every GOP, from tourist guide Rep Boebert to objectionist Josh Hawley were in on it.
Like other parts of the Constitution, this one seems to leave out the actual mechanism by which this rule would be applied. Who determines the applicability and how? The Senate? By vote? The House? By vote? The US Supreme Court upon petition? From who? It seems like a conviction is needed in a Court of Law before the rule applies.
- IMAGERY AND LEGACY OF 1/6:
https://youtu.be/9PPu2pVKfuU
I too am baffled that we the people (including the mainstream media) are allowing Trump to continue gaslighting us
I am totally with you!
Denial is one of human beings most powerful but unconscious drives. Most members of the GOP are in deep denial. A cult of deniers attend MAGA rallies and support Trump. I am not sure that his conviction would shake some of their beliefs. I wish I knew how to convince these individuals that they are prisoners of their beliefs.
It's a paradox. the system that protects the innocent sometimes protects the guilty.
We are allowing it because the majority of citizens have not voted for your proposal.
We have to keep fighting for justice! SUPPORT THE PETITION!
Janet, I understand the frustration, but let’s be very clear they care and they care very much but not about the constitution or democracy!
They care about power and money which in their minds are synonymous. Power helps them get/keep money and vise versa. It’s a deeply seated mistrust of democracy and a primal urge to dominate.
They’ll go along with the crazy steak sales/conman so long as he is useful in their pursuit of dominance.
Understood 🥴 They will continue to ignore the concept of a democratic community that takes responsibility for caring for everyone who contributes as well as those who can’t due to age or illness or wounded veterans. They will always seek advantage over cooperation.
They don’t take the Democrats seriously because Democrats play by the rules police our own and behave like adults. The Republicans don’t care for the rules their promises or their oaths (personal or otherwise) the older ones just roll their eyes at the blatant disregard for decorum and intelligence the younger ones display allowing them to take time away from actual business and leave when it is actually happening. It’s awful. Meanwhile the speaker of the house wants to try and impeach Biden because of things his son did maybe.
Excellent summary of events as we all recall. The language of the 14th. Amendment is clear. Let’s go for it! No time like the present. Agonizing over court calendars and conflicting rallies is beyond absurd. Makes sense only to TFG. Thank you, Professor! ❤️🇺🇸🕊️
Block Trump at the state level.
https://freespeechforpeople.org/take-action/?fbclid=IwAR2M_fQholUtslnUEuSEnl4eNHLgWYqnjr9yu57CPc-FjHiScApUzMyQGF4
Colorado.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/colorado-responds-to-pressure-to-block-donald-trump-from-2024-run/ar-AA1dPJAZ?ocid=socialshare&pc=U531&cvid=d7cc146033444b059312fbe9c93fe83f&ei=10&fbclid=IwAR2KFQRCauGZLwaTo-mBUwnGysfLpj4d9J2a8TgrNv_y4no_mz0mt5RvMJg
Unless Trump drops dead or skips town to avoid jail, I think that the 14th Amendment issue will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, even though it is obvious to a layman like me that Trump is disqualified. Or am I missing something?
I watched when Marjory Taylor Greene was charged as an insurrectionist in the 2022 race under Georgia law. The standard was "preponderance of the evidence" and not "beyond the shadow of a doubt" and IMHO Trump can not testify (and lie) on his own behalf as MTG did, when she alleged she couldn't remember the facts. .
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/22/us/politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-jan-6-insurrectionist.html
Will the DOJ charge Trump as an insurrectionist? Seems appropriate to me!
Me, too. May find out today.
But Garland is a wuss.
Daniel, Garland should also be investigated for his dereliction of duty!
One would think that 'not being able to remember the facts ' would disqualify her as well!
Out here on Colorado we call her Empty Gee. You might prefer it.
They are all running on empty!
'Theater of the absurd!'.
Why the Supreme Court? They will just misinterpret it like the second amendment.
Manuel Gonzalez : especially the 6 Rogue partisan judges!
But look who he has placed on the Supreme Court- his LOYALISTS, his PUPPETS. You think they are going to go against Trump who proudly takes credit for their position?
Roberts plus the 3 liberal justices is possible. Need one more vote for a majority. Thomas and Alito no way, but maybe one of the rest might put the country above loyalty to Trump.
Thanks Daniel for your continued resources. Most significant piece of the Colorado reporting on this is “The most prominent litigation aiming to disqualify Trump, brought by Republican presidential candidate John Anthony Castro in Florida, is under appeal after his standing in the case was contested by Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon, a central figure in the federal classified documents case involving the former president.”
You'd think that she has a conflict.
Yup. Why should she if the SCOTUS’s don’t recuse for conflict or perceived conflict. Love your sarcasm Daniel. So appreciate your knowledge, legal experience and sarcasm.
Unlike SCOTUS, she is governed by the Judicial Conference.
https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/governance-judicial-conference
Daniel, We must take ALL options since DOJ-Garland failed us due to delay of justice.
Not to distract, but this applies to members of Congress as well. Their oath is worded as follows: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
And now many, many congress people who joined the trump movement are now just keeping quiet, hoping nobody knows how they joined into said insurrection on the sidelines. Even Pence is carefully threading his way thru the thickets of lies to just be on whichever side of this becomes the 'winner'. That very thing that makes pols so despised !
Mike Pence is one of the most "snakelike" of the republican candidates. He says how he and his wife "prayed and prayed" to make these political decisions. He is treading that line so closely, he will fall over. He won't speak up for what is right for our country, (heck, he doesn't speak up for anything in reality) and he evidently prays to a much different God than I ever have. He is "milk toast." Yikes
Hope he's just toast
True! 👏
Actually, many of the worst haven't been quiet at all. They tweet all day long calling for the impeachment of Biden & other Democrats or prosecutors. This is to try to divert attention not only from Trump's trials, but their own complicity.
Bruce:
Not a distraction at all.
Any representative or senator who voted against confirming the plain Electoral College results is at least a candidate for disqualification under Section 3 of Amendment XIV. Their respective state election authorities need to hear from enlightened citizens. Then they will know what to do when the time comes -- the next time those faithless officeholders ask to be placed on the ballot.
Wasn’t there talk about the number of members of Congress who should be disqualified through the 14th amendment right after January 6? So many Aidee, abetted and supported.
For those who still support trump, all I can think is that they also want to overthrow the U.S. government. Are their role models for ideal governments Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nazi Germany, not to mention the USSR and Putin’s version. Who in their right mind wants to live under such governments?
Kristin, clearly scared white Republicans do. I guess they think living in a fascist state looks good to them because in that kind of environment, those scary people of color can be either isolated, imprisoned, or done away with as Hitler and Stalin did. I think a lot of Trumpers and Trumpettes would be OK with that. How christian of them!
Nazis and "proud" boys. KKK members without their hoods.
Apparently the anticommunist Christian, patriotic right!
That should be "Christian" since they do not measure up to what we all know Christianity stands for !
Troll! Patriotic only in your dreams!
I was being sarcastic.
Ok: that's better!
Christiane, suggestion: always indicate sarcasm with an emoji rolling its eyes upwards or the abbrev SARC.
Lots of people think that way and we can’t determine sarcasm if we don’t know you.
I sure as heck wouldn't live under a Fascist Government under no circumstances. I had already planned to get a passport with intentions of going to Canada with intentions of applying Candian citizenship before my 6 month stay up there and living there if i get approved for citizenship. I may or may not stay there if Democrats win in 2024, but if a Fascist Rethug wins, i will be staying if i get approved. I will not live under an Authoritarian, Fascist government.
Well times change...........Americans will become immigrants! Should all Country's just accept you?
You know, that is a harsh question. But however harsh, it's entirely appropriate.
I don't want to find out how it would feel to be a person "immigrating" from the US.
Yes it is BUT necessary I think.
Indeed. I bet folken here think folken there (wherever "there" is) would rush to welcome millions of US refugees with open arms and love in their hearts.
Initially they might. But after that, as the hordes keep coming AND continuing their fight (MAGA vs Human) on their shores, those other folken may start to feel differently.
Might be like having the in-laws by for dinner, they show up with a bunch of folken that you don't know, and then they engage in fights and a shoot-out with each other in your house!
HA!
We have seen trump act with deference to Putin. Could the GOP simply be subservient to Putin and are trying to make the US into another Russian state?
Yes, Trump is not the only Republican who is subservient to Russia. Ron Johnson, Rand Paul, Cawthorn, Massie & MTG are clearly pro-Russian & I suspect Kevin McCarthy is, too. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
They are uneducated and not thinking, let alone thinking ahead.
Who are they?
Leave Germany out of this.
Trump must not be allowed to run for office in any state.
He is a Traitor, plain and simple.
I want to know which self appointed American Oligarchs have chosen to pour millions into Trump and other arch conservatives and what do they expect to gain by doing so? What deal has Trump made with them to make Trump so confident he is above the law? I agree that he should not be allowed to run for president, but why does the GOP still allow him to run? There has GOT to be a reason they’re investing so much in Trump. His bully and bluster isn’t that great! Follow the money. I hope Jack Smith convicts Trump for Jan 6, but I feel it won’t stop him.
It’s not just tax money. They will become richer by abolishing rules and regulations for fair pay, polluting our land and water, safety, you name it... they’ll bust unions, get rid of safety nets like social security and Medicare and “steal” as much as they can for themselves while they make anyone not in their class suffer.
Donna, isn't that the point, to do as much harm as they can to THOSE people without looking sadistic (which they are). For the very rich as well as for many Republicans, cruelty is the point. Not a thing Republicans have initiated in the past 50 years or so has been a positive for anyone but rich white people and corporations. They may latch onto some Democratic ideas so they can be called bipartisan, but only when they think they can get more benefit from it than they put into it. That should not be the equation when dealing with human lives, but for the rich and rich wannabees, it is. Make more people poor, ill, and unable to have any say in what happens to them, and then blame them for their situation. I think that is their motto, that is as long as We the people permit it.
That's my impression as well, Ruth. We know the names of oligarchs like the Kochs, Leonard Leo and Harlan Crow, but then there are all those public corporations, many of which pay millions to executives most of us never heard of. And countless low-profile wealthy individuals are looking for a tax break. While my husband underwent surgery last year, I sat in the hospital lobby as someone led a group of expensively clad people through the space to see the donated works of art and, I suppose, encouraged them to give from their own collections. It's a huge "non-profit", but it has enormous discretion over the lives of patients and employees. And sure enough, news stories appeared about the same time about a higher tier of emergency care for donors.
Ick!
You may be interested in this web link to email I got from these people a few minutes ago. I've never heard of this organization and who knows how they knew to contact me, but they identify a couple of other wing-nut clergy to keep an eye on and include on your list, as well. I know >I< certainly will! : https://act.faithfulamerica.org/sign/vigano-twitter/?t=2&akid=8472%2E915193%2ETsEE5b
Faithful America is a progressive Christian organization, and I get their emails too, even though I am not a theist any more (There must be a song for that!) They are probably a good organization to take on these errant Roman Catholics, who claim Pope Francis is not legitimate. It's interesting to me how many Trump-loving Catholics cast doubt on him, not to mention on Biden and Nancy Pelosi, who are pro-choice.
Thanks for the update. I figured you'd have something useful to add. In return, please accept this "song for that." It's a classic: https://youtu.be/-gCvQRM62EU
It really reflects the "what's confusing you is the nature of my game" aspect of today's political environment! Besides, it's a genius setting and orchestration of the original.
Class warfare. If they keep the “lower class” uneducated and wanting, they are easy to manipulate and, in financial straits, will accept poor paying and dangerous jobs
But who are they? What are their names? What businesses are theirs? How can we take away support like our dollars if these people are kept hidden? How can we refuse to work for them if we don't know their names? How can we refuse to buy their products and services if we can't name them?
Completely agree. Start with Fox advertisers and follow the money or Supreme Court cases. They’re being paid to overturn laws these days.
Donna : Then they whine when it costs money for security for prosecutors, Judges and others opposing tRump who are threatened by the tRump mob!
YES! Follow their money! They got trump to lessen a tax burden I guess they thought they couldn't afford...
Trump
https://www.opensecrets.org/2020-presidential-race/donald-trump/contributors?id=N00023864
Republican Party
https://www.salon.com/2023/05/04/peter-thiel-top-megadonors-2024/
Thanks for reminding me of Open Secrets. The Sands doesn't surprise me, but Adelson Clinic and Disney!? And every petition I'm asked to sign ends with a "donate" at the end of it. Please list your expenses, and then I'll decide if you need my money more than we do. I know Reich says don't be cynical, but how can we help it?
And btw, I'm done with Disney after I heard Iger say the union is being unreasonable; at least until the writers are satisfied.
Thank you, Daniel. I found the Salon article particularly disturbing. Very rich people throwing $Millions into election campaigns without the annoying thought or consideration of its impact on our democracy. With that much money and power, they can buy the votes they need to advance the outcomes they want. Overturning 'Citizens United' doesn't have a chance.
The goal is to stop Trumpism, the brand of American fascism. It is a brand more than anything and an utterly tarnished one. Filthy lucre.
Virginia, you are right that it's always about the money. I think the oligarchs love their Baby Donnie because he is so pliable and dependable. Those things should not be said together, but in reality, they can get Donnie to say and do whatever they want while they make it look like it is his idea, then they can depend on him to keep spewing whatever BS they have fed him until they slightly change it so he does not sound as though he is experiencing the dementia he is experiencing. When Donnie proves unmanageable, they will pick up on someone else who has the same characteristics, probably equally loathsome to take his place. We need to work on the oligarchs at the same time we are taking down Baby Donnie if any positive change will happen. Then we need subtle ads showing how those rich white guys are trying to control their lives, the lives of those people who think they are so free if it weren't for the Democrats. It is rich men who are manipulating state and local legislatures, school boards, and even our Supreme Court. They have far too much money and far too much influence in a democracy. Powerful taxing could make a difference, but Republicans are basically cowards and just can't seem to manage properly taxing their biggest donors, the ones who control what they say and so, you know, the puppetmasters. The rich guys are pulling their strings and they don't even realize it, or, perhaps, even actually like it because it means they don't have to think, while they have a job potentially for life if they don't try to move independently.
The GOP are simply defending their pay check. They couldn’t care less about the United States. what respectable business would hire someone who supported the likes of Swump?
Lots of kompromat Trump is using against Republicans, partly what Putin has shared with him from Russian hacking, & partly from what Trump has gleaned from classified documents he stole.
It's clear that Trump incited the insurrection and should not be on the ballot. I DO NOT understand how the Trump supporting Republicans in office are allowed to remain in office. If they agree with Trump in any manner, they agree with his insurrection. They also took an oath to uphold the Constitution.
Exactly right Ellen. Maybe we should start going after the enablers. But the way to do that is to make their voters ashamed of these shysters....
I completely agree. BUT I think we need a vast groundswell of citizens strongly supporting this position. We need to make it so clear that millions of us will not stand for Trump running for office again that voices for the other side will be drowned out. I've been mystified that this argument hasn't been advanced forcefully by the Democratic Party, though they seem just too weak to fight hard for anything important. Professor Reich, please step up and LEAD THIS EFFORT. It's clear the Dems won't do it. I think MILLIONS of us will follow.
Here is my question to Republican Members of Congress
Is this really how you want your children and grandchildren to remember you? As one of Trump’s flying monkeys. One who took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law. How do you sleep at night knowing that this guy will destroy our democracy if he is given a second chance? Is that what you want for your children and their children?
Personally I would be ashamed to be anywhere near Donald Trump!
Thank God not all Republicans are cowards. There are a few that continue to call out Trump for the loser he is. Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Miles Taylor, Cassidy Hutchinson, Pam Hemphill, Rick Wilson, Reed Galen, Stephanie Grisham, Alexander Vindman, Marie Yovanovitch, to name a few.
It’s time for all true Republicans to rid yourselves of this tyrannical monster!
Wouldn’t be nice to get back to a normal way of life where we actually care about one another?
Keith, excellent thoughts! I do wonder about Republicans and whether they care about their children and grandchildren, supporting Trump is one piece of it, but "denying" global warming (OK, it's really lying about it because they know the truth), letting greedy rich folks control our lives when they don't even have the skill to control themselves and the way they move through life, tell a critical story. Caring for one another does not seem to be a Republican trait or value. The fact that you can name the major Republicans who don't support Trumpism is sad, and so many of them do not have positions of power any longer because they didn't go along with the insurrection. I love that so many Republicans tie their anti-future behavior to their "christian" faith and want to push that uncaring, loveless faith on all of us. How do we get the rank and file Republicans to start to actually think about the future without paralyzing fear so they can actually do something to help their children and grandchildren, thus our whole nation? Maybe some effective ads like the one the Johnson campaign used in 1964 with a little girl with a flower "he loves me, he loves me not" while an atomic bomb explodes behind her might work to get the complacent to see what is going on. Maybe instead of the bomb, it can be a flooded town,a burned-out forest, or Nazis marching in the streets as the background. Maybe children of all races and experiences could be dancing in a circle in front of the disaster. The message, "what kind of future do you want for your children and grandchildren? If love, family, community, and happiness are what you want for them, vote Democrat."
I cannot stand the sight of him. I watch TV programs that show him briefly, and i put my hand over my eyes and mute the TV so i can't hear his rusty, raspy, nasty voice. Speaking of rust, his putrid face looks like it is covered with rust. My daughter asked me what i was talking about when i yelled, '' old rust face is on TV'' I told her a rust face baboon was on TV. Donald TUMP. I would also be ashamed to be within 50 miles of that career criminal.
John, I can't stand to hear that voice either. Nearly every day for the past more than 8 years, our newscasts have been filled with Trump and more Trump. He is and has always been a disgrace, but alas, American people have proven they will buy anything, even that an ignorant hateful lying ass is worthy to be president or anything else, and still think so. I use the mute button too. I don't remember what he looks like, but his voice has always grated on my nerves, even from the 70s when I remember first hearing him. It has gotten worse, more toddleresque. Our media are all fascinated with a man who claimed with no evidence that he was richer than he said (where were the investigative reporters then?) and lied every time he opened his mouth in public. Don't we tell our kids that lying is wrong? Then those who tell their kids that vote for and support a serial liar, someone who does not know how to care for anyone, while they claim to be "christian." The split in what people say they believe or value and what they support is incredible, and Baby Donnie is the center of that disconnect.
Thanks so much your great reply. Every day i try to comprehend what is so great about TUMP. I see nothing but a life long criminal, corrupt, racist, lying, arrogant creep that disgusts me to no end. The worship of him by people just appalls me to the brink of losing my mind. It makes me wonder what these people were taught while growing up? Do they not know right from wrong?? Or could it be they are so insecure that they need someone like TUMP to reassure them that he is going fix everything that is wrong about the world with a magic wand or something?? I have seen that everything that comes out TUMP's filthy mouth is a blatant, bold faced lie. It drives me nuts to just witness they way they act out when someone attacks TUMP. Just over the weekend, a large crowd of these ''Proud Boy'' types gathered in the parking lot of the town i live close to, the town i was born and raised in. They started causing a ruckus with their big 4 WD Trucks doing ''burnouts'' and disturbance in the parking lot of a shopping center, the Police were called, and when they arrived the police told them to disburse, but they refused and starting pushing and struggling with the officers. Finally a Swat Team arrived and order was restored, and i know of at least 10 of them were arrested and sent to jail.. I saw a picture of those arrested, and guess what?? They looked the part, ''dumb, white hillbilly, ignorant, racist trash. That incident could have gotten out of hand, some of them had big TUMP flags on their trucks. That thing could have gotten out of hand in a hurry. This is the kind of despicable acts that Donald TUMP incites in these kind of sorry people. And the kind of people that claim to be ''Christian.'' I am totally fed up with this insanity.. I am wanting to move away from here.
John, you are right about Baby Donnie being a lifelong criminal. He has nothing to offer anyone, but people with little or no hope because they have had it drained from them care nothing for what the Baby says, just that he says something that sounds tough. They no longer even hear what he is saying because it makes no sense anyway. The crazies that brought their trucks to your nearby town are men desperate to be/feel important. They too, have nothing to offer anyone, but unlike Baby Donnie, they know it, so they are trying to hitch their trucks to someone they think can get power and will lete them in on a little of it. He won't, but they can hope, right. Intimidation is the game they play since they can't really do anything else to get themselves out of the non-jobs they are doing. I suspect none of them is in a union which could help them get better wages and working conditions. They probably claim to hate unions because their ignorance has allowed them to listen to fools who care even less for tham than Baby Donnie does and he cares nothing for them.
Thank you again, Ruth. Those people hate unions. In fact, the entire county, is anti-union. The company i worked for was Union, and i was the accountant officer for the union for 15 of my 35 years with membership of the union, The company closed down in 2007 i worked for, but the union got us a very good severance payout from the company plus a retirement bonus.
I don't know of but one company that has a union in the county now, it's a Poultry processing plant. Those proud boy hicks did try to intimidate the Police in that incident over the weekend, but they failed miserably. I am glad that thing didn't escalate into a full blown riot. And TUMP doesn't give a darn about those people, but it seems no one can get that through their thick skulls to their tiny brains. It is unnerving that these are the kind of people that i am surrounded by. They don't like me either because a while back they tried to stop me from going down a gravel road by their house, but you know what, i went down it anyway. They just stared at me, and I gave them a go to ''H'' look and went on my merry way...They have never did that again... in reality, they are COWARDS..
They waited too long to say something. It's easy to go against the grain well after all is said and done but where were they early on? I can appreciate that they are doing something now but they and all the others needed to be critical, honest, and stand up for their constituents much earlier. Perhaps some did...but I think they were too afraid of losing their place, which some did, however, if they had all stood together against him and the other loud mouth morons maybe we would not be quite so bad off as we are now. How anyone can follow and support that lout who equates to nothing more than human excrement - of no use to anyone, putrid and toxic - is beyond comprehension.
I doubt if there’s time to wait until Republicans and Dems find their backbone. Off with his head.
Emotionally, intellectually and from a fairness point, I totally agree and would sincerely hope for that outcome. I do see one difference between Trump and the case cited here, though: A conviction in a court of law. That's what has happened in New Mexico but has not yet happened for the orange grifter. I know everybody saw what happened, but just saying so does not make it so — at least in the eyes of he orange one's desciples. In their minds, Jan. 6 was a tourist group visit to a sightseeing destination. I don't have high hopes of ever reconnecting those people with reality, but it raises the question of how to proceed if we don't share the same facts?
I completely agree with you. I cannot stand the idea that Trump could get elected, again. There needs to be a conviction regarding his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection. We cannot be the Judge and Jury for this. And until there is a conviction, he is still eligible for the office.
Hopefully DOJ will get on with it.
So WHY isn't dRUMPf in Jail? HOW is this allowed to go as far as it has? He was heard--on the phone trying to coerce Rafsinger (sp?) into "finding 11,000 votes!!! He was seen on TV by MILLIONS of people inciting a riot!!!
The reason why Trump wants to be President is he has a deep desire to finish what he started. "And the walls came tumbling down."
The horns Trump is using can't be blown because they are attached to the top of his head.
Donald, the devil you say!
Ruth--We say.
On an aside, I would like to note that there should be enough (hot) air at that same place...
Donald, I think you are right, but Baby Donnie can't really articulate anything positive he wants to do. It is all about hurting people, getting even, getting rid of anyone who gets in his way. He proved he has no idea how to govern anything, even himself. He surrounds himself with goons who will do anything to get and keep power and to get back at those they resent or want what they have. We should be investigating those around Baby Donnie as well as himself because they are the ones running the show and using their Baby Donnie to get what they want. Trump thinks he is in charge, but he can't even remember what he talked about yesterday let alone what he needs to do tomorrow. He speaks in talking points and whines of discontent that everyone does not love him even though he has contempt for all of us. Disgusting! We need to fight this with everything we have!
Ruth--With your eloquent understanding of the problem I know where we can find at least one good "General."
Donald, thanks, that is kind, but I would be a terrible general. Heck, I couldn't even run my classroom like a troop. I am a present the material, then figure out how to learn it together. That would never work in any military I am aware of. I could be a consultant, a minor one, but not more. Even my sermons are a means of encouraging people to consider a topic and live with it, making their own decision about how or if to respond in their lives.
Ruth--When the door opens all we have to do is walk through to the other side. With any luck it will be a place where Trump can't go.
I didn't notice that Defendant Trump started much of anything while he was "President", unless one considers those horrible "rallies", grifting cons on his MAGA fans, innumerable rounds of golf and lots of sketchy, secret plans to subvert a free and fair election.
T L--That's a good start, keep going you're on the right track.
The simple fact that Trump has promised to pardon convicted insurrectionists makes him ineligible to run. Why can’t this be brought up every day by every congressman Republican or Democrat, every newscaster, every citizen? It does not need to be proven in a court of law, surely!
Who will enforce the Constitution? In this case? It’s great that we have that safeguard, but why hasn’t it been invoked? A Republican Congress. That stops everything.
Susan:
The proper place for the action to invoke and enforce Section 3 of Amendment XIV is in the offices of state elections officials. The burden is on us to persuade them that they have the authority -- and duty -- to deny neo-Confederate insurrectionists a place on the ballot.
Professor Reich can't do that all by himself. Talk to your neighbors. Get them together and present the case to your secretary of state. Be polite. Respect the office. Be firm.
So each state has the power to keep Trump off the ballot? The federal presidential ballot? Well, I’m guessing that’s not going be hard to do in Massachusetts but I’m on it. Thanks for the clarification.
Yeh, the states where Trump will lose, anyway, will be happy to take him off the ballot, which will undoubtedly outrage Trumpsters.
Clear thinking at last! Thank you, Professor!
Duh! Why is this still an issue? Because fascism is based on lies. Fascist can’t even recognize reality any longer because it would cause their nervous system to crash and burn.
Beyond, I know you are right. The Nazis who perpetrated the atrocities or just watched, often did turn their brain off so they could continue doing what they were doing. Had they stopped to think, many would have been non-functioning, therefore targets of the others whose brains were not functioning. There is, however, a critical mass of people who thrive on the suffering of others. The "freedom Caucus" in the House is a collection of such people. Each day they come up with proposals that will do harm to Americans and others from a few to millions. They can't think of anything possitive because they won't get the same orgasmic pleasure if they vote for something that will help someone in need. Authoritarian societies depend on that group of sadists in power to keep things going. They surround the dictator and will do whatever that dictator orders, often just for the fun of hurting another human being. Why are We the People willing to tolerate that in this country? We have seen what those people do here: lynching, massacres, driving vehicles into crowds, mass shootings, cutting Medicaid and other critical programs, and on and on. Baby Donnie is their poster boy. He's definitely one of those warped people and needs to be in charge of nothing ever. That is in addition to his insurrectionist credentials. He needs to be isolated to his little plantation until the courts decide what happens to him permanently.
I doubt whether these so called representatives read anything they vote for or against. They are bought and paid for and act like characters in a bad play. Their bills are written by so called legal minds that are also bought and paid for by the highest bidder. These are not the sharpest knives--they care about winning at all cost and keeping their lucrative sales persons.
Agreed.
“Why are We the People willing to tolerate that in this country?”
Because sadists require masochists, and we have just as many of those in this country and many of them are Democrats who see themselves as having a superior perspective in bothsidesism, aka false equivalencies.
Bullies and Victims are not equivalent, that is why it is called authoritarianism.