Override the House and use Mark DeSaulnier’s (my congressman) suggestion to use the discharge petition. That’s what I would tell Joe. I believe he will do just that. He’s got Lawrence Tribe whispering in his ear too. He will go down to the wire because I really feel he wants Qevin to look as big as a clown as he can.
Trump should be toast fairly soon. Jack Smith has delved deeply into quite a number of areas. It he can prove that Trump shared those documents with, oh let’s say, the Saudi Prince, then treason could be added along with sedition and obstruction of justice. I am just planning my wish list. Thanks, Robert!
When I called my congresswoman (R-MO2) yesterday to suggest that she support the discharge petition the attitude of her staffer changed remarkably when I mentioned that if I failed to get my Social Security check on the 14th of June there was not a force on earth that would persuade me it wasn't her responsibility. I honestly don't believe that the majority of the House have been made aware of their potential electoral liability in the event of a default. Maybe this is because the majority of SocSec recipients aren't aware of or disbelieve the possibility that they won't get the money they depend on in the event of a default.
I poke as often as I can, but it's a veil made of pretty heavy plastic and hard to penetrate. There's no doubt that your reinforcement helps give your reps the will and stamina to keep going against what sometimes seems a very deep tide of very malodorous sludge.
The Democrats should be flooding the nation with warnings that Republicans are endangering payments from Social Security, Military retirements, Federal pensions, and more.
They should do so now: Waiting for a default will enable Republicans to (try to) blame Democratic intransigence for the shut-off of the payments.
Exactly. I don't understand why the entire Biden team and every member of Congress isn't talking about this to the exclusion of everything else other than support for Ukraine. It's almost as though they don't think it's any big deal or they don't believe it will happen either.
Coping with the frightening horrible dystopian GOP revenge politics, every day more dark, is a struggle.
The encouragement and support of this community, writing postcards incessantly with the energy, learning and support of Markers For Democracy, learning from this community, Simon Rosenberg, Joyce Vance, Jessica Craven, all the wonderful Democrat grassroots - action and Solidarity are the way to keep Hope alive.
There's the additional fact that Trump is planning a second term based on revenge against the American people for making him the Biggest Loser in 2020. Calling for default, knowing what it means for the average American, is part of his rage-fueled need for revenge.
It’s much more than that. The only way Trump can save himself from going to jail is to get elected and pardon himself and the only way he can get elected is have the economy crash and burn and have voters blame Biden. Very self serving.
Yes, but the bottom-line emotion running him is "you fuck with me? I'll fuck with you ten times!!!" Chaos has always been his go-to, like every other authoritarian.
I really suspect and understand from Trump’s track record to date that he will behave in whatever manner he thinks suits him. The man does not care about those who support him or those who do not, he is driven by one big ego and while certainly is a self-destructive personality I’d put my bets on the fact that he would not hesitate in any way to blow up the nation or global community to serve his ends.
There are so many bad actors on so many different fronts right now that it seems inevitable to wonder how they gained so much power. The easy answer, stupidity and gullibility of the public, ignores the cynicism of dark politics. Now is a very good time for all of us to assess our complacency with modernity: the ubiquity of media, the financial tsunami created by Citizens United, and especially, the passivity of many voters to the importance of education in the functioning of democracy. Thanks as always for your fighting spirit.
May 23, 2023·edited May 24, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Here's a speech I'd like to hear President Biden deliver tonight:
"My Fellow Americans,
“As you know, the global economy is perilously close to collapsing due to our national debt limit set by Congress. The failure of the Republican-led House of Representatives to do its job and provide for funding a budget it has previously approved has brought us to this moment. I'm here to assure you that I will do everything in my power to sustain the economic recovery we've achieved over the past two years, and save the global economy from the catastrophic effects that a debt default would bring.
“Some Republicans believe, and have said publicly, that they are willing to crash the global economy in order to stop my Administration from cleaning up the mess left behind by my predecessor. They believe that by destroying our economy, and the rest of the world's with it, they can hang their destructive deeds around my neck. Indeed, my predecessor, who is running against me in 2024, is inexplicably and irresponsibly advocating just that.
“I'm here to tell you I'm not gonna let that happen. Over the past several weeks, I've given Congress every opportunity to do its job. I've even negotiated with the House leadership to try to help them. But it's clear that they have a different agenda, one that does not serve the vast majority of Americans.
“Today I am announcing that I am fulfilling my duty under the Constitution of the United States of America, to which I swore a solemn oath to protect and defend, in committing our government to paying its bills by removing an artificial roadblock known as the debt ceiling. It’s a relic of a bygone era, superseded by the budget and appropriation process.
“In accordance with Section 4 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, I am instructing the US Treasury to provide the necessary funds to pay for existing obligations by incurring additional debt to the extent necessary to do so. This action does not in any way restrict Congress from passing legislation to increase the debt ceiling, but it does render it unnecessary.
“I take this action reluctantly, and with full knowledge that I will be chastised by many and challenged in court by a few. I do so without regard for what it may cost me personally, but understanding what not doing so would cost our country and indeed the world.
“I pledge to work with Congress to responsibly balance the budget so that we can reduce the debt going forward. We can do that through a sensible combination of revenue increases and expense reductions, both of which can be achieved substantially by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. But I will not allow our government to fail the American people, not on my watch.
“May God bless America, and may God protect our troops."
I sent it thru the White House website. Probably won't make a splash. If there's anything good in it, I'm hoping someone a few degrees of separation closer to the speechwriters will pick it up.
Standing with you standing with President Biden, Robert.
People over on Joyce Vance's Civil Discourse are advocating that 45 have his properties "seized" to pay for the $5 million and other amounts from future lawsuits. Thoughts?
Collection of a judgment debt is a fairly technical but routine procedure. Trump can appeal, in which case he must post a bond that he will forfeit to E. Jean Carroll if he loses the appeal. If Trump does not post an appeal bond, then he must sit for a debtor's examination. At that examination he would have to disclose information regarding bank accounts, real property and other assets subject to seizure or lien. He would not go through that procedure in a million years, but would instead pay the judgment amount to avoid the required disclosures. But, if all else fails, E Jean Carroll can attach liens to Trump's real property and seize his US bank accounts.
Trump would never pay a dime, his pac would. Trump has never paid a dime for anything. Why start now? I always like to say, the number is; 1-800-SUC-KERS
According to the NY AG charges, the $5M would vary widely whether he was reporting a property's value for tax purposes or for (his grossly inflated "brand") valuation when he's applying for a loan.
Wonder what it would take for E. Jean Carroll to end up owning Mar-A-Lago?
Personally, if I were E. Jean Carroll, I'd prefer the cash (and I'd bet his estate is so tied up in legal technicalities any debtor would have a hard time recovering anything). Why would any woman abused as she was want to own the place her abuser lived in? Think about that: constant triggers right in your face.
I have been in Carroll's shoes, but got nothing out of it. My abuser continued to stalk and harass me. Lies, inuendo, and intimidation were only part of his pattern. I considered a lawsuit, but he had tied up his holdings in such a way that they couldn't even be sold to cover his other debts. Different times, almost no support. In fact, I ended up having to move to another state to get away from my abuser, and my location protected. I didn't feel completely safe until he died. I have no desire to return, let alone try to acquire one of his properties.
My immediate thoughts went to how positively cathartic it would be to turn right around and sell Mar L and donate a significant portion of the proceeds to Democratic candidates who had most vigorously opposed him, various legal funds providing support for environmental and environmental justice causes, women's rights groups, etc.
I find it interesting that all we read about is the doom and gloom of the debt ceiling situation with headlines screaming out about Biden giving away too much and how he has boxed himself in etc. I asked some people I came into contact with recently if they knew or understood what defaulting on the debt meant to them and our country. They did not and my point is the Democrats have to make it personal and detail what the default means to voters , their jobs , insurance and many other services like Medicare and Social Security. No one understand the real impacts beside the implied impact on our credit rating. We need to scare “ the crap” out of voters and make Republicans feel the pain.
Firstly, I never understand how so many people choose not to learn about what’s going on in the government which directly impacts their lives. What happened to the idea of “consent of the governed.” It’s why we are here today. And then there is the problem of our political discourse and the media which are awash in disinformation.
So I agree… I’d like to see the Biden administration and Dems get a lot noisier, and that the FACTS get a lot more of the honest media coverage that they deserve.
Maybe there is a lot more going on behind the scenes…I hope so, because it really irks me that Biden (seems to be.. I hope I’m wrong) playing into the hostage takers’ hands by negotiating” on a destructive and manufactured debt ceiling crisis which is hurting us, our credit rating, and our standing in the world every day it continues.
I'm terrified! I'm trying to retire in the next couple of years and I don't need an economic meltdown or anything bad to happen with Soc Sec or Medicare. If the 14th Amendment is actually a solution, invoke it already Biden! But I doubt he will, or that it's even a solution, at least not with this Supreme Court, which only invokes it on behalf of corporate human rights.
How much money are the 45 Cult followers willing to throw down the drain (into E. Jean Carroll's accounts as punitive damages) for his inability to either admit he is wrong or to keep his mouth shut?
His violation of the Hatch Act (don't "at" me, I understand the President and apparently Vice President are exempt) in using his political position to make money was outrageously evident throughout his term and extends to the family "brand."
Every rally he held gathered the contact information of people for "free tickets" and he aggressively and relentlessly uses the data to solicit donations. Usually it is for his "defense fund." I hear the lawyers are demanding to be paid up front, due to his notoriety of not paying his bills. MAGA still means "Making Attorneys Get Attorneys."
I trust Joe Biden. And that means I also think he is surrounded by very fine legal advice. Politically he can say he tried very hard to work with McCarthy. If that fails, he can support the DeSaulnier discharge petition. Democrats become national saviors. If that fails, he can say he has worked with Congress, but now he will take the action the vast majority of Americans support.
He will direct Treasury Secretary Yellen to continue to pay our debts and bills - because we can. The "debt ceiling" will be explained as an antique law that was created for other reasons. Therefore, this is a manufactured problem. The 14th Amendment requires that the full faith and credit of the US be honored.
To the outraged Republicons, he should say "sue me". Go ahead and take me to court. You can claim that YOU and YOUR party wants to bring chaos and collapse to the American economy. That YOU, the GOP wants to destroy Social Security and Military benefits. That YOU, the GOP wants to see millions of Americans out of work because of an unconstitutional law. Let's see how that works out in 2024.
Robert, you closed with "I don’t know how the debt ceiling negotiations will resolve. I know that there is no one I trust more than Joe Biden at this perilous moment in our nation’s history." For my part, there is no one I trust less than Kevin McCarthy at this perilous moment. Without a back bone or demonstrable morals, Biden is forced to negotiate with a human jelly fish. These negotiations will end badly.
Robert, many thanks for your analysis on the debt ceiling crisis - it is a teeth-rattling conundrum to watch Biden stand up to the domestic terrorists, while also acknowledging that said terrorists are fellow Americans whose goal is to destroy the economy. Why? To regain power for the Biggest Loser!
Truly, beyond reprehensible; unbearably immoral.
I’m one of those people who is really struggling with all this at the moment. Grateful Joe Biden is President, grateful for your legal insights, and also grateful to learn about Field Team 6’s efforts in Montana.
I live downwind from the wildfires currently blazing in Canada. Our air quality is dangerous and I have asthma. And I spent my career working on the climate, why?
To the Montana legislature: It’s the climate, stupid! You are fiddling and you too will burn!
As before, grateful for your insights, Sheila. While I don't know the particulars of your career; I would suggest since you worked on the climate, I owe you a debt of gratitude.
About the dangerous air quality and you having asthma, I am sorry.
It’s not only Nebraska, but Florida and several other states, who are banning gender-affirming care for trans children, in spite of the parents’ and the doctors’ recommendations. How are these laws even allowed? They are so blatantly discriminatory! Where are all the lawsuits? I continue to believe that the idea of states’ rights is a death knell to our democracy. We are now divided into two different countries-where blue states offer its citizens all the rights of an American citizen, and red states which are denying rights of anyone they hate. The founding fathers could not possibly have intended individual states to make life and death decisions for its people. That makes NO sense. And that very much includes deciding about the birth process! We are NOT the United States under this abused concept of states’ rights. At one time, having left England, our ancestors may have feared that a central government would take them over. Now, in 2023, it’s rogue red states who believe they have the power of life and death in their hateful, bigoted hands. It simply cannot stand. Would the Supreme Court not reject their decisions to discriminate against people for race and sex?
Think of how much money has been spent to undo and prove Trump and Repugs wrongs since 2016. Court proceedings, special counsels and panels, lawsuits, recounts, etc. The number has to be ginormous. Plus we have little faith in the current Supreme Court to act in good faith in my opinion.
Good to know! On top of everything else, these red states are abusing the legislative and judicial system. Ruining lives and damaging democracy - the new slogan for the GQP. I wish Biden would issue all kinds of illegal executive orders just to “own the MAGA.” Who knows? Maybe he’ll get away with a few of these…………
Good to know that the party of limited government is exactly the opposite when it comes to what they want, or claim to want, or claim to want to control.
To amend my earlier post, doesn’t the 14th Amendment clearly state that no state shall deny rights to its citizens??? Somehow, every time the 14th is mentioned, it never seems to have the weight of other amendments - such as the 2nd Amendment - which the GQP believes we can’t touch! I feel the same way about the 14th Amendment, and that it should never have been overlooked when the fascist SC justices overturned Roe. The founding fathers put it there for a reason - as a check against their damn states’ rights, in case individual states went off the rails. They all have !
Yesterday I was thinking the debt ceiling negotiations were “Lucy and the football” over and over. But today as you point out it’s clear Trump and Magas have major motivation to crash the economy. Will anyone step up to thwart this impending disaster?
Meanwhile Garland and Jack Smith drag their heels and Trump will keep defaming E Jean Carroll no matter the cost because he doesn’t care about anything except being the center of the hurricane.
I just cannot fathom how a person could possibly ruin the economy for their own benefit and take the entire country through the disaster that will occur. Not to mention the economies of numerous other countries on the planet.
Why won’t people stand up to this low life?!!!
I’d face a firing squad if it would make him and his cronies just go away for f’s sake!
Override the House and use Mark DeSaulnier’s (my congressman) suggestion to use the discharge petition. That’s what I would tell Joe. I believe he will do just that. He’s got Lawrence Tribe whispering in his ear too. He will go down to the wire because I really feel he wants Qevin to look as big as a clown as he can.
Trump should be toast fairly soon. Jack Smith has delved deeply into quite a number of areas. It he can prove that Trump shared those documents with, oh let’s say, the Saudi Prince, then treason could be added along with sedition and obstruction of justice. I am just planning my wish list. Thanks, Robert!
When I called my congresswoman (R-MO2) yesterday to suggest that she support the discharge petition the attitude of her staffer changed remarkably when I mentioned that if I failed to get my Social Security check on the 14th of June there was not a force on earth that would persuade me it wasn't her responsibility. I honestly don't believe that the majority of the House have been made aware of their potential electoral liability in the event of a default. Maybe this is because the majority of SocSec recipients aren't aware of or disbelieve the possibility that they won't get the money they depend on in the event of a default.
I suspect that many Americans, including VA pensioners and SS recipients are just tuned out.
I’m glad I live in Deep Blue West Coast, but somehow I’m jealous of you Dave. You can poke a hole in their Republican veil.
When I contact my representative and Senator, it’s the choir preaching to them…We’re in agreement.
I feel though, they appreciate the support.
I poke as often as I can, but it's a veil made of pretty heavy plastic and hard to penetrate. There's no doubt that your reinforcement helps give your reps the will and stamina to keep going against what sometimes seems a very deep tide of very malodorous sludge.
Better than having to call Cruz, Cornyn and Chip Roy who don’t care at all what I have to say.
The Democrats should be flooding the nation with warnings that Republicans are endangering payments from Social Security, Military retirements, Federal pensions, and more.
They should do so now: Waiting for a default will enable Republicans to (try to) blame Democratic intransigence for the shut-off of the payments.
Exactly. I don't understand why the entire Biden team and every member of Congress isn't talking about this to the exclusion of everything else other than support for Ukraine. It's almost as though they don't think it's any big deal or they don't believe it will happen either.
Good for you, Dave. Great strategy all callers should employ.
Thanks John.
Brilliant!
Coping with the frightening horrible dystopian GOP revenge politics, every day more dark, is a struggle.
The encouragement and support of this community, writing postcards incessantly with the energy, learning and support of Markers For Democracy, learning from this community, Simon Rosenberg, Joyce Vance, Jessica Craven, all the wonderful Democrat grassroots - action and Solidarity are the way to keep Hope alive.
I am thankful.
Please add Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water to the list.
Absolutely, Jessica Craven belongs on the Democrat grassroots list.
Yes, she has become my other “go to”!
Rock on! Nancy. Our substack friends have continued to provide calming reports and resources to fight these horrific goons.
Me too. The community helps so much!
I agree: I am SO GRATEFUL that Joe Biden is president right now.
Re: Donnie One Term and default.
There's the additional fact that Trump is planning a second term based on revenge against the American people for making him the Biggest Loser in 2020. Calling for default, knowing what it means for the average American, is part of his rage-fueled need for revenge.
It’s much more than that. The only way Trump can save himself from going to jail is to get elected and pardon himself and the only way he can get elected is have the economy crash and burn and have voters blame Biden. Very self serving.
Yes, but the bottom-line emotion running him is "you fuck with me? I'll fuck with you ten times!!!" Chaos has always been his go-to, like every other authoritarian.
I really suspect and understand from Trump’s track record to date that he will behave in whatever manner he thinks suits him. The man does not care about those who support him or those who do not, he is driven by one big ego and while certainly is a self-destructive personality I’d put my bets on the fact that he would not hesitate in any way to blow up the nation or global community to serve his ends.
You got that absolutely right!
As one esteemed contributor wrote: "Donald Dick."
Another good 'un.
You are so right about trusting Joe, Robert.
There are so many bad actors on so many different fronts right now that it seems inevitable to wonder how they gained so much power. The easy answer, stupidity and gullibility of the public, ignores the cynicism of dark politics. Now is a very good time for all of us to assess our complacency with modernity: the ubiquity of media, the financial tsunami created by Citizens United, and especially, the passivity of many voters to the importance of education in the functioning of democracy. Thanks as always for your fighting spirit.
So well encapsulated, Jim.
Thank you, Robert. I am so grateful for you and President Biden. Keep writing. Keep us hopeful.....
Wish there were a
‘double like ‘ button!
Here's a speech I'd like to hear President Biden deliver tonight:
"My Fellow Americans,
“As you know, the global economy is perilously close to collapsing due to our national debt limit set by Congress. The failure of the Republican-led House of Representatives to do its job and provide for funding a budget it has previously approved has brought us to this moment. I'm here to assure you that I will do everything in my power to sustain the economic recovery we've achieved over the past two years, and save the global economy from the catastrophic effects that a debt default would bring.
“Some Republicans believe, and have said publicly, that they are willing to crash the global economy in order to stop my Administration from cleaning up the mess left behind by my predecessor. They believe that by destroying our economy, and the rest of the world's with it, they can hang their destructive deeds around my neck. Indeed, my predecessor, who is running against me in 2024, is inexplicably and irresponsibly advocating just that.
“I'm here to tell you I'm not gonna let that happen. Over the past several weeks, I've given Congress every opportunity to do its job. I've even negotiated with the House leadership to try to help them. But it's clear that they have a different agenda, one that does not serve the vast majority of Americans.
“Today I am announcing that I am fulfilling my duty under the Constitution of the United States of America, to which I swore a solemn oath to protect and defend, in committing our government to paying its bills by removing an artificial roadblock known as the debt ceiling. It’s a relic of a bygone era, superseded by the budget and appropriation process.
“In accordance with Section 4 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, I am instructing the US Treasury to provide the necessary funds to pay for existing obligations by incurring additional debt to the extent necessary to do so. This action does not in any way restrict Congress from passing legislation to increase the debt ceiling, but it does render it unnecessary.
“I take this action reluctantly, and with full knowledge that I will be chastised by many and challenged in court by a few. I do so without regard for what it may cost me personally, but understanding what not doing so would cost our country and indeed the world.
“I pledge to work with Congress to responsibly balance the budget so that we can reduce the debt going forward. We can do that through a sensible combination of revenue increases and expense reductions, both of which can be achieved substantially by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. But I will not allow our government to fail the American people, not on my watch.
“May God bless America, and may God protect our troops."
Sounds like a great speech. Hope to hear it soon. GOP will never agree to anything reasonable and Biden promised not to negotiate on this.
Nice😊
Great! Did you send it to the White House? If not, get on it - air mail, special delivery, certified.
I sent it thru the White House website. Probably won't make a splash. If there's anything good in it, I'm hoping someone a few degrees of separation closer to the speechwriters will pick it up.
Me too. Joe is so so aware of things no one around him thinks about due to his amazing time of service, I think the 14th this round. Go Joe.
Standing with you standing with President Biden, Robert.
People over on Joyce Vance's Civil Discourse are advocating that 45 have his properties "seized" to pay for the $5 million and other amounts from future lawsuits. Thoughts?
Collection of a judgment debt is a fairly technical but routine procedure. Trump can appeal, in which case he must post a bond that he will forfeit to E. Jean Carroll if he loses the appeal. If Trump does not post an appeal bond, then he must sit for a debtor's examination. At that examination he would have to disclose information regarding bank accounts, real property and other assets subject to seizure or lien. He would not go through that procedure in a million years, but would instead pay the judgment amount to avoid the required disclosures. But, if all else fails, E Jean Carroll can attach liens to Trump's real property and seize his US bank accounts.
Trump would never pay a dime, his pac would. Trump has never paid a dime for anything. Why start now? I always like to say, the number is; 1-800-SUC-KERS
According to the NY AG charges, the $5M would vary widely whether he was reporting a property's value for tax purposes or for (his grossly inflated "brand") valuation when he's applying for a loan.
Wonder what it would take for E. Jean Carroll to end up owning Mar-A-Lago?
Personally, if I were E. Jean Carroll, I'd prefer the cash (and I'd bet his estate is so tied up in legal technicalities any debtor would have a hard time recovering anything). Why would any woman abused as she was want to own the place her abuser lived in? Think about that: constant triggers right in your face.
I have been in Carroll's shoes, but got nothing out of it. My abuser continued to stalk and harass me. Lies, inuendo, and intimidation were only part of his pattern. I considered a lawsuit, but he had tied up his holdings in such a way that they couldn't even be sold to cover his other debts. Different times, almost no support. In fact, I ended up having to move to another state to get away from my abuser, and my location protected. I didn't feel completely safe until he died. I have no desire to return, let alone try to acquire one of his properties.
Trying again to reply:
Annie, I am sorry to hear about your experience and hope that you are safe and healthy.
I am truly sorry that happened to you!
Oh, Annie. Considering your experience, I too would not want to have any of his properties. My thought was to sell them as soon as possible.
That said, I am in hopes that you don't have too many recurring thoughts about such a tragic time in your life.
My immediate thoughts went to how positively cathartic it would be to turn right around and sell Mar L and donate a significant portion of the proceeds to Democratic candidates who had most vigorously opposed him, various legal funds providing support for environmental and environmental justice causes, women's rights groups, etc.
What a great thought - E Jean takes control of Mar-a-lago! Sweet idea.
That place needs to be burned to the ground. There is not enough sage in the world to get rid of that juju.
Well, if he is devaluing for tax purposes, Beverly, more property could be seized?
Great idea about MAL!
Not a bad idea. Yam Face has been a very costly mistake.
I find it interesting that all we read about is the doom and gloom of the debt ceiling situation with headlines screaming out about Biden giving away too much and how he has boxed himself in etc. I asked some people I came into contact with recently if they knew or understood what defaulting on the debt meant to them and our country. They did not and my point is the Democrats have to make it personal and detail what the default means to voters , their jobs , insurance and many other services like Medicare and Social Security. No one understand the real impacts beside the implied impact on our credit rating. We need to scare “ the crap” out of voters and make Republicans feel the pain.
Firstly, I never understand how so many people choose not to learn about what’s going on in the government which directly impacts their lives. What happened to the idea of “consent of the governed.” It’s why we are here today. And then there is the problem of our political discourse and the media which are awash in disinformation.
So I agree… I’d like to see the Biden administration and Dems get a lot noisier, and that the FACTS get a lot more of the honest media coverage that they deserve.
Maybe there is a lot more going on behind the scenes…I hope so, because it really irks me that Biden (seems to be.. I hope I’m wrong) playing into the hostage takers’ hands by negotiating” on a destructive and manufactured debt ceiling crisis which is hurting us, our credit rating, and our standing in the world every day it continues.
I think the term “low information voters” certainly applies here.
I'm terrified! I'm trying to retire in the next couple of years and I don't need an economic meltdown or anything bad to happen with Soc Sec or Medicare. If the 14th Amendment is actually a solution, invoke it already Biden! But I doubt he will, or that it's even a solution, at least not with this Supreme Court, which only invokes it on behalf of corporate human rights.
The 14th Amendment would be challenged in court and we do t have the luxury of the time it would take.
But in the meantime, we would be paying our bills.
And, to be fair, the Supreme Court is in the pockets of the GOP. So they won't support a Biden work-around.
Good strategy. I think you’re right. It needs to be spelled out clearly and succinctly.
How much money are the 45 Cult followers willing to throw down the drain (into E. Jean Carroll's accounts as punitive damages) for his inability to either admit he is wrong or to keep his mouth shut?
His violation of the Hatch Act (don't "at" me, I understand the President and apparently Vice President are exempt) in using his political position to make money was outrageously evident throughout his term and extends to the family "brand."
Every rally he held gathered the contact information of people for "free tickets" and he aggressively and relentlessly uses the data to solicit donations. Usually it is for his "defense fund." I hear the lawyers are demanding to be paid up front, due to his notoriety of not paying his bills. MAGA still means "Making Attorneys Get Attorneys."
Let’s face facts he is a money making machine
I trust Joe Biden. And that means I also think he is surrounded by very fine legal advice. Politically he can say he tried very hard to work with McCarthy. If that fails, he can support the DeSaulnier discharge petition. Democrats become national saviors. If that fails, he can say he has worked with Congress, but now he will take the action the vast majority of Americans support.
He will direct Treasury Secretary Yellen to continue to pay our debts and bills - because we can. The "debt ceiling" will be explained as an antique law that was created for other reasons. Therefore, this is a manufactured problem. The 14th Amendment requires that the full faith and credit of the US be honored.
To the outraged Republicons, he should say "sue me". Go ahead and take me to court. You can claim that YOU and YOUR party wants to bring chaos and collapse to the American economy. That YOU, the GOP wants to destroy Social Security and Military benefits. That YOU, the GOP wants to see millions of Americans out of work because of an unconstitutional law. Let's see how that works out in 2024.
Robert, you closed with "I don’t know how the debt ceiling negotiations will resolve. I know that there is no one I trust more than Joe Biden at this perilous moment in our nation’s history." For my part, there is no one I trust less than Kevin McCarthy at this perilous moment. Without a back bone or demonstrable morals, Biden is forced to negotiate with a human jelly fish. These negotiations will end badly.
Ew… first we had Mitch the human worm and now this: Kev the human jelly fish. Gawd!
The invertebrate caucus
Inveterate Invertibrates!
Robert, many thanks for your analysis on the debt ceiling crisis - it is a teeth-rattling conundrum to watch Biden stand up to the domestic terrorists, while also acknowledging that said terrorists are fellow Americans whose goal is to destroy the economy. Why? To regain power for the Biggest Loser!
Truly, beyond reprehensible; unbearably immoral.
I’m one of those people who is really struggling with all this at the moment. Grateful Joe Biden is President, grateful for your legal insights, and also grateful to learn about Field Team 6’s efforts in Montana.
I live downwind from the wildfires currently blazing in Canada. Our air quality is dangerous and I have asthma. And I spent my career working on the climate, why?
To the Montana legislature: It’s the climate, stupid! You are fiddling and you too will burn!
As before, grateful for your insights, Sheila. While I don't know the particulars of your career; I would suggest since you worked on the climate, I owe you a debt of gratitude.
About the dangerous air quality and you having asthma, I am sorry.
It’s not only Nebraska, but Florida and several other states, who are banning gender-affirming care for trans children, in spite of the parents’ and the doctors’ recommendations. How are these laws even allowed? They are so blatantly discriminatory! Where are all the lawsuits? I continue to believe that the idea of states’ rights is a death knell to our democracy. We are now divided into two different countries-where blue states offer its citizens all the rights of an American citizen, and red states which are denying rights of anyone they hate. The founding fathers could not possibly have intended individual states to make life and death decisions for its people. That makes NO sense. And that very much includes deciding about the birth process! We are NOT the United States under this abused concept of states’ rights. At one time, having left England, our ancestors may have feared that a central government would take them over. Now, in 2023, it’s rogue red states who believe they have the power of life and death in their hateful, bigoted hands. It simply cannot stand. Would the Supreme Court not reject their decisions to discriminate against people for race and sex?
Think of how much money has been spent to undo and prove Trump and Repugs wrongs since 2016. Court proceedings, special counsels and panels, lawsuits, recounts, etc. The number has to be ginormous. Plus we have little faith in the current Supreme Court to act in good faith in my opinion.
Laura,
The lawsuits are starting in Fl.Good thing the legislature budgeted almost 16 million! for legal defense.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/19/florida-parents-trans-children-gender-affirming-care-desantis-ban
Good to know! On top of everything else, these red states are abusing the legislative and judicial system. Ruining lives and damaging democracy - the new slogan for the GQP. I wish Biden would issue all kinds of illegal executive orders just to “own the MAGA.” Who knows? Maybe he’ll get away with a few of these…………
Good to know that the party of limited government is exactly the opposite when it comes to what they want, or claim to want, or claim to want to control.
To amend my earlier post, doesn’t the 14th Amendment clearly state that no state shall deny rights to its citizens??? Somehow, every time the 14th is mentioned, it never seems to have the weight of other amendments - such as the 2nd Amendment - which the GQP believes we can’t touch! I feel the same way about the 14th Amendment, and that it should never have been overlooked when the fascist SC justices overturned Roe. The founding fathers put it there for a reason - as a check against their damn states’ rights, in case individual states went off the rails. They all have !
Call it what it is! Fascism
Yesterday I was thinking the debt ceiling negotiations were “Lucy and the football” over and over. But today as you point out it’s clear Trump and Magas have major motivation to crash the economy. Will anyone step up to thwart this impending disaster?
Meanwhile Garland and Jack Smith drag their heels and Trump will keep defaming E Jean Carroll no matter the cost because he doesn’t care about anything except being the center of the hurricane.
I just cannot fathom how a person could possibly ruin the economy for their own benefit and take the entire country through the disaster that will occur. Not to mention the economies of numerous other countries on the planet.
Why won’t people stand up to this low life?!!!
I’d face a firing squad if it would make him and his cronies just go away for f’s sake!