I have been taking Joyce Vance’s opening paragraphs of the last few days and putting them on Facebook. She clearly is stating this is a coup! I was scratching my head when I saw the title of a segment on Rachel tonight thinking I had to listen as I was not sure just what an “aristocratic breakthrough” is or was. Main question tonight: are others aware of a National Day of Protest on next Monday Presidents’ Day? I saw a graphic about it this morning but nothing since. And I had been thinking that that would be a great day for a Protest! Thank you Robert for introducing me to the wonderful grassroots movement Downhome North Carolina and Movement Briefing last night. So inspiring!!! I hope you get completely well soon!!!
Robert, you mentioned Sen. Warren, which reminds me to ask the legal-eagles out there about her suggestion on Rachel's show last night that if Trump-Musk decide to ignore court rulings, underlings who fail to observe court orders (e.g., by failing to push whatever buttons release held-up federal funds, etc.) can be held in contempt and (presumably) jailed. I wonder whether this makes sense. Who would go after them and toss them in jail? The FBI? Federal marshals? Don't they work for Trump-Musk? And can Trump just pardon them if they follow his orders to defy the courts? Just asking for a quick lesson in how contempt-of-court works... Thanks! And I hope you're already feeling better, Robert.
my question is what can we actually DO? we need to be in the streets but who is saying "go to your state capitol or reps office or own town hall on X date and protest" ???
I say, Go For It! If nothing else it will be something the OI has to respond to.
While we are at it, since the OI is trying to reduce government "waste", Gov Newsom should declare CA redundant to the US and order all companies who have employees in CA to henceforth forward what would be Federal Tax withholdings to the State of CA. The OI obviously has no need for that revenue as The Musk Idiot can cover any losses handily.
We have already waited too long. We have to find a way to get ALL of the groups together to call for massive protests & marches. The longer we delay the stronger Musk & Trump get. If Trump survives democracy dies, the rule of law dies, and the Constitution dies.
"We must all hang together, or assuredly we will all hang separately".
Yes, the courts’ rulings are good overall, but without a strategy for enforcement, they’re useless. People rising up, though necessary, is not enough. Robert, can you explain why warrants for arrest can’t be issued and arrests enacted, if the rulings are violated? I’m not a lawyer, but it makes common sense that that should be happening. Please explain why it’s not. Thank you.
Well, another one bites the dust. I have had contracts with the DOE for years, doing silly, unnecessary things like assessing school kids, monitoring performance, etc. Just got word that my contract that was to begin in March has been cancelled. Surprise surprise. I am needless to say, seething. Children and their education. What do they matter?
I just spoke with a liason from the American Bar Association. I thanked the ABA for their statement on the importance of the rule of law. I also then states, "Vice President JD Vance should be disbarred based on his comments."
The liason seemed surprised but she promised she would share my comments with the correct party.
Are you sure a standing member of the bar can be disbarred for questionable comments made on social media? While I commend you calling the ABA to denounce JDV's conduct, which I agree 100% is damaging and should not be tolerated, it is also possible that if you spoke to an attorney at the ABA, they may have been surprised, because disbarment is more common for egregious activity within a judicial forum (such as making misrepresentations to the court, or direct violations).
Also, JDV was sneaky in his phrasing. He said "legitimate power," suggesting that the powers of the executive could in fact be legally changed. Maybe attorneys here could clarify.
Whatever we want to call an illegal takeover of the government isn't as critical to me as what can be done about it. Before the people rise up, shouldn't we expect our elected representatives in Congress to exercise their Constitutional responsibility and authority to bring articles of impeachment against a president who has violated laws and refuses to comply with court orders? I know that the House, as currently constituted, is highly unlikely to pass articles of impeachment , and even if it did, the Senate wouldn't vote to impeach. Nevertheless, I believe that process has to occur before the people rise up.
"If the rule of law does not apply to the leaders, it does not apply to the people."
Republicans are having conniptions at the possibility that Democrats may possibly not bale them out on budget/debt ceiling legislation. Democrats need to hang tough and hang together (Looking at you John Fetterman and Jared Golden.)
While we push our elected officials to slow down the GOP juggernaught by every procedural means, yes, we need to have strikes and protests. That may be difficult. As we may literally be putting our lives on the line. This is the time for older people (like me) especially to put ourselves on the front lines. And to start training in non-violent resistance. There are legal ways to make it more difficult for cops to carry you off - legally and physically safer for you.
"The coup is against the Constitution and the rule of law, not against Joe Biden or the Democratic Party."
You are right, Robert. Call it what it is: IT IS A COUP!
I have been taking Joyce Vance’s opening paragraphs of the last few days and putting them on Facebook. She clearly is stating this is a coup! I was scratching my head when I saw the title of a segment on Rachel tonight thinking I had to listen as I was not sure just what an “aristocratic breakthrough” is or was. Main question tonight: are others aware of a National Day of Protest on next Monday Presidents’ Day? I saw a graphic about it this morning but nothing since. And I had been thinking that that would be a great day for a Protest! Thank you Robert for introducing me to the wonderful grassroots movement Downhome North Carolina and Movement Briefing last night. So inspiring!!! I hope you get completely well soon!!!
Robert, you mentioned Sen. Warren, which reminds me to ask the legal-eagles out there about her suggestion on Rachel's show last night that if Trump-Musk decide to ignore court rulings, underlings who fail to observe court orders (e.g., by failing to push whatever buttons release held-up federal funds, etc.) can be held in contempt and (presumably) jailed. I wonder whether this makes sense. Who would go after them and toss them in jail? The FBI? Federal marshals? Don't they work for Trump-Musk? And can Trump just pardon them if they follow his orders to defy the courts? Just asking for a quick lesson in how contempt-of-court works... Thanks! And I hope you're already feeling better, Robert.
my question is what can we actually DO? we need to be in the streets but who is saying "go to your state capitol or reps office or own town hall on X date and protest" ???
ICYMI - Public Girl is spot on:https://youtube.com/shorts/keNw6CtcGYE?si=j5JmhaaLN-xigTzO
As Timothy Snyder implores, “Be Kind to Our Language.” “On Tyranny,” Lesson 9.
I have been eating the equivalent of chipped beef on toast too. Take care of yourself. We need you.
Let's turn the tables on the Orange Idiot. Here is an article about Denmark citizens signing a petition to buy California from the US.
https://www.kget.com/news/state-news/thousands-of-danes-sign-petition-to-buy-california-from-u-s/
I say, Go For It! If nothing else it will be something the OI has to respond to.
While we are at it, since the OI is trying to reduce government "waste", Gov Newsom should declare CA redundant to the US and order all companies who have employees in CA to henceforth forward what would be Federal Tax withholdings to the State of CA. The OI obviously has no need for that revenue as The Musk Idiot can cover any losses handily.
We have already waited too long. We have to find a way to get ALL of the groups together to call for massive protests & marches. The longer we delay the stronger Musk & Trump get. If Trump survives democracy dies, the rule of law dies, and the Constitution dies.
"We must all hang together, or assuredly we will all hang separately".
Benjamin Franklin
Yes, the courts’ rulings are good overall, but without a strategy for enforcement, they’re useless. People rising up, though necessary, is not enough. Robert, can you explain why warrants for arrest can’t be issued and arrests enacted, if the rulings are violated? I’m not a lawyer, but it makes common sense that that should be happening. Please explain why it’s not. Thank you.
Well, another one bites the dust. I have had contracts with the DOE for years, doing silly, unnecessary things like assessing school kids, monitoring performance, etc. Just got word that my contract that was to begin in March has been cancelled. Surprise surprise. I am needless to say, seething. Children and their education. What do they matter?
So give me my marching orders!
At 83 how do I backstop the courts? Tell me what to Do other than give money, and call or write my Congress People? Should I refuse to pay my taxes?
I just spoke with a liason from the American Bar Association. I thanked the ABA for their statement on the importance of the rule of law. I also then states, "Vice President JD Vance should be disbarred based on his comments."
The liason seemed surprised but she promised she would share my comments with the correct party.
Are you sure a standing member of the bar can be disbarred for questionable comments made on social media? While I commend you calling the ABA to denounce JDV's conduct, which I agree 100% is damaging and should not be tolerated, it is also possible that if you spoke to an attorney at the ABA, they may have been surprised, because disbarment is more common for egregious activity within a judicial forum (such as making misrepresentations to the court, or direct violations).
Also, JDV was sneaky in his phrasing. He said "legitimate power," suggesting that the powers of the executive could in fact be legally changed. Maybe attorneys here could clarify.
You are right.
Whatever we want to call an illegal takeover of the government isn't as critical to me as what can be done about it. Before the people rise up, shouldn't we expect our elected representatives in Congress to exercise their Constitutional responsibility and authority to bring articles of impeachment against a president who has violated laws and refuses to comply with court orders? I know that the House, as currently constituted, is highly unlikely to pass articles of impeachment , and even if it did, the Senate wouldn't vote to impeach. Nevertheless, I believe that process has to occur before the people rise up.
I never served in the military, but we used the term SOS to describe chipped beef on toast in my Boy Scout troop, too.
"If the rule of law does not apply to the leaders, it does not apply to the people."
Republicans are having conniptions at the possibility that Democrats may possibly not bale them out on budget/debt ceiling legislation. Democrats need to hang tough and hang together (Looking at you John Fetterman and Jared Golden.)
While we push our elected officials to slow down the GOP juggernaught by every procedural means, yes, we need to have strikes and protests. That may be difficult. As we may literally be putting our lives on the line. This is the time for older people (like me) especially to put ourselves on the front lines. And to start training in non-violent resistance. There are legal ways to make it more difficult for cops to carry you off - legally and physically safer for you.