Bravo, Robert! Love the way you called out Putin's lies then tied Trump and McCarthy to him and then the lack of ethics of any of this to the Supreme Court and the case for the DOJ to hold Trump accountable and finally the loss of all our rights in states under the GOP. And, I was worried that no one would notice or report on the GOP doing more dastardly things while we held our breath and said prayers for the people of Ukraine. I turned off one news program today that started their analysis of the invasion of Ukraine with has President Biden been outmaneuvered by Putin -- and that's MSNBC! Thank you for pointing out President Biden's brilliance in foreign policy and this particular situation. I was thanking our stars that we had competence in the Executive Branch right now and see the light and hope in the NATO countries pulling together for world where thugs like Putin are held accountable! The key to a positive future starts with accountability. We the People, ALL OF US THIS TIME!
P.S. As a fun note, Barbara McQuade talked about Trump wouldn't go to jail because he has Secret Service still and therefore would be held under home confinement. Maybe they can fit him with a fake gold ankle bracelet.
Robert has good refinement of bullet points for corporate accountability action:
- Cite the corporation's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) mission
- Challenge conducting meetings or retreats in Florida
- Demand no more donations to Republican members of Florida’s legislature or governor
As Robert posted last week, the good people of Civic Sundays have launched a campaign for corporate accountability--calling out donations in 2021 to the Sedition Caucus. But the contact information can be used as well to protest any support for DeSantis' “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
P.S. Minor fact check: The Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline for natural gas, not oil, from Russia to Germany. Incidentally, Russia designed it to circumvent the Ukraine.
Hi, Jeri (and Gary, below). This story has received a lot of attention in the last two years. I have refrained from commenting on it because I we must be careful about telling women that their careers must take second place to that of their husband's. Judicial spouses are entitled to engage in political advocacy . . . But at some point it crosses the line. Ginni Thomas crossed that line a long time ago when she began leveraging her marriage to promote conservative causes. She left the line in the distance when she began to support the insurrection.
I believe one of her tweets (or messages) to her supporters on J6 was encouragement to watch the insurrection unfold (she didn't use those words.) This leads me to wonder what else the J6 committee may have discovered in her communications, especially with the WH on that horrific day. Would they subpoena her? Would they indict her as a co-conspirator? What would Clarence then do? We can almost guarantee he would never recuse himself should a case like that be brought before the court.
My sole problem with her actions has to do with that support for the insurrection. Having been my late wife's greatest supporter, in her distinguished career, I would never tell a woman to subordinate her goals to those of her husband.
I am amazed that this is the first time anyone has called out Dame Ginni. Surely the January 6 Committee is at least contemplating calling her before it.
Loved the directness of today’s edition. Bullet points of facts. Biden’s experience in foreign affairs, his knowledgeable and insightful team, and his personal character and transparent communication during this major threat to Ukraine and NATO nations is such a welcomed and appreciated response that all Americans regardless of party should appreciate. The big question for me is do average voters appreciate and understand what President Biden is doing and have they thought about where we would be if Trump were President? Let’s hope so.
As before WWII, average Americans may not appreciate why foreign policy matters. I hope that Democrats can make the case that it does. The US is the only superpower remaining after the Cold War (and I include China in that statement). if we exit the international stage, we will be forced to re-enter when things are really bad. We don't want that. It is stunning that Republicans have forgotten the lessons of isolationism that preceded WWII and the disastrous consequences of that policy. Thank God for Britain, which held the fort until America finally woke up.
...“'government' is the name we give to ourselves when we come together for the common good." Repeat and repeat and repeat. How I long to live in a country that provides free dental care for seniors, low prescription drug costs, tuition-free community colleges, and protection of rights for all its citizens (I could go on). Rugged individualism can only do so much for so few.
Boris Johnson, the Minister Prime of Great Britain, recently proclaimed the end to masking, with the declaration that the kingdom would now rely on "individual reponsibility," a much abused term here in the states as well. "Rugged individualism-lite"? Aka, I'm good, the hell with you, the guiding ethic of anarchic Libertarianism.
I agree with Robert that Resistbot is a very useful tool except for those of us in Florida whose two senators are the aforementioned despicable Rick Scott and the other nincompoop Marco Rubio. I am reading Jamie Raskin's book "Unthinkable", and he says that Rubio couldn't be bothered paying attention to the 13-minute impeachment video that Raskin used as introduction to the abominations of the insurrectionists. Sending anything to them is a complete waste of time and energy.
And seriously…Where is Merrick? I appreciated his sincere emotion on national news last night for the Arbery family…but would like to see that same emotion from him on our Democracy and the corrupt Trump Empire.
New Yorker article you mean? I read that one and was surprised that the NYT published an article on the same topic, but if it means that more people are aware of Clarence and Ginny’s actions, I’m all for it!
So Florida voters in all their wisdom made him their governor and then their senator. So true to form, incompetence and deceit are the platforms of the GQP. And Florida Republicans offer a repeat performance with uber bigot DeSantis.
Florida is living proof that fooling people who don’t bother to inform themselves is easier than we here on this forum think it should be. No one has ever gone broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public, Florida especially. There ain’t no dumbass vaccine. SIGH 😞
Such a strong column! Thank you for sharing your resolve, which is badly needed right now. I sent out message via Resistbot to my senators, and am encouraging others to do the same.
Judd Legum's "Popular Information" newsletter published an updated list of the corporate backers of the politicians behind Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill yesterday. The whole newsletter is very informative and a must-read.
Thanks again for a splendid analysis. My worry, however, is that vast numbers of people are NOT rational, and will not pay attention to what the Democrats offer vs. what the GOP complains and snipes about. When this country was founded it was said (by whom? I can't remember) that the success of democracy depended on an educated population. We have vast numbers who are not. Who know no history, in particular. Putin's actions now reflect quite precisely those of Hitler in the Sudetenland, for example.
After carefully reading and considering Barbara McQuade’s “Model Prosecution Memo” thoroughly here are my own considered thoughts.
This model prosecution memo is quite thorough, carefully examines the case in a balanced format, and is documented by extensive footnotes. It presents both sides of the arguments for and against prosecution. I strongly suggest reading it carefully in its entirety before coming to your own conclusion on the issue of prosecution or not. It is important on an issue as important as this to be well informed with the facts and the views of knowledgeable sources.
Unlike the Mueller Report, which McQuade properly also classifies as a prosecution memo, McQuade’s on this case does present a final opinion in its Concluding Thoughts section here:
“VI. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
A final factor would need to be considered that is absent in most cases – whether the country would be best served by a criminal prosecution. On the one hand, as discussed above, a substantial federal interest is served by prosecuting a leader who attempted to overturn an election. On the other hand, criminal charges against Trump could have a dangerously divisive effect on the country. Trump’s unrelenting rhetoric about a stolen election no doubt contributed to the violent response that occurred on Jan. 6. DOJ would need to consider the backlash that would likely follow the filing of criminal charges against him. Violent protests and civil unrest should be expected. We might even anticipate loss of life.
The other potential negative consequence that would need to be considered would be an acquittal. If Trump were charged and acquitted at trial, then he and his violent extremist followers would be emboldened. A sober and clear-eyed assessment of prosecution must consider that charging Trump criminally could have profoundly negative consequences for our country.
The only thing worse would be not charging him.”
I feel her concluding thoughts accurately reflect my own after reading and considering all the information the memo presents.
In considering history’s lessons of Watergate the “prosecution memo” that would have been assembled for that case by DOJ attorneys would likely have been equally as damning as this one and equally as controversial in its conclusion. The differences between then and now were then honorable Republican political leaders in Congress who went to the White House and persuaded a disgraced but ultimately Constitution and Rule of Law respecting President to resign. At that time we also had a Vice President who stepped into the Presidency who likely negotiated behind the scenes with that former President a controversial pardon in exchange for that former President’s departure from office and the political stage. It seems all of those comparable players in the current play lack the wisdom and grace displayed in Nixon’s departure.
McQuade’s dark scenario described in her concluding thoughts is what we are left with and quite likely. However, I fear her concluding line and final thought is also quite accurate:
“The only thing worse would be not charging him.”
For those searching for the memo in its entirety it may be found here:
Perhaps a first step would be indicting those in Congress who are complicit. If they were taken out of the equation (not able to vote or hold office again - forcing states to scramble to find replacements), the power of both the House and Senate would change. I doubt there would be an armed uprising in Texas if Cruz is called out. He's only "popular" because of his party affiliation and no one likes the guy - no one.
The duplicity of Trump, Pompeo, and their sycophants in the Republican Party is exceeded only by their stupidity. Are there none amongst them who will call this out for what it truly is? Useful idiots is too kind a characterization.
Bravo, Robert! Love the way you called out Putin's lies then tied Trump and McCarthy to him and then the lack of ethics of any of this to the Supreme Court and the case for the DOJ to hold Trump accountable and finally the loss of all our rights in states under the GOP. And, I was worried that no one would notice or report on the GOP doing more dastardly things while we held our breath and said prayers for the people of Ukraine. I turned off one news program today that started their analysis of the invasion of Ukraine with has President Biden been outmaneuvered by Putin -- and that's MSNBC! Thank you for pointing out President Biden's brilliance in foreign policy and this particular situation. I was thanking our stars that we had competence in the Executive Branch right now and see the light and hope in the NATO countries pulling together for world where thugs like Putin are held accountable! The key to a positive future starts with accountability. We the People, ALL OF US THIS TIME!
P.S. As a fun note, Barbara McQuade talked about Trump wouldn't go to jail because he has Secret Service still and therefore would be held under home confinement. Maybe they can fit him with a fake gold ankle bracelet.
I missed McQuade's comments, but home confinement would be fine--as long as Trump is cut off from social media and the internet!
Robert has good refinement of bullet points for corporate accountability action:
- Cite the corporation's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) mission
- Challenge conducting meetings or retreats in Florida
- Demand no more donations to Republican members of Florida’s legislature or governor
As Robert posted last week, the good people of Civic Sundays have launched a campaign for corporate accountability--calling out donations in 2021 to the Sedition Caucus. But the contact information can be used as well to protest any support for DeSantis' “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Check out their Zoom meeting this coming Sunday. The sign-up link is here: https://www.mobilize.us/civicsundays/event/426019/
P.S. Minor fact check: The Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline for natural gas, not oil, from Russia to Germany. Incidentally, Russia designed it to circumvent the Ukraine.
Thanks for all of your notes, Ellie. And I should have fact checked Nordstream 2's supply.
Yes, and as I understand it Nord Stream 2 is essentially complete - just awaiting certification.
I guess one degree of our escalation might be to assist Ukraine forces in any efforts to "adjust" that pipeline?
“Justice Thomas is an extremist married to an insurrectionist.” Damn, I’m glad somebody finally noticed.
Hi, Jeri (and Gary, below). This story has received a lot of attention in the last two years. I have refrained from commenting on it because I we must be careful about telling women that their careers must take second place to that of their husband's. Judicial spouses are entitled to engage in political advocacy . . . But at some point it crosses the line. Ginni Thomas crossed that line a long time ago when she began leveraging her marriage to promote conservative causes. She left the line in the distance when she began to support the insurrection.
I believe one of her tweets (or messages) to her supporters on J6 was encouragement to watch the insurrection unfold (she didn't use those words.) This leads me to wonder what else the J6 committee may have discovered in her communications, especially with the WH on that horrific day. Would they subpoena her? Would they indict her as a co-conspirator? What would Clarence then do? We can almost guarantee he would never recuse himself should a case like that be brought before the court.
My sole problem with her actions has to do with that support for the insurrection. Having been my late wife's greatest supporter, in her distinguished career, I would never tell a woman to subordinate her goals to those of her husband.
I am amazed that this is the first time anyone has called out Dame Ginni. Surely the January 6 Committee is at least contemplating calling her before it.
Loved the directness of today’s edition. Bullet points of facts. Biden’s experience in foreign affairs, his knowledgeable and insightful team, and his personal character and transparent communication during this major threat to Ukraine and NATO nations is such a welcomed and appreciated response that all Americans regardless of party should appreciate. The big question for me is do average voters appreciate and understand what President Biden is doing and have they thought about where we would be if Trump were President? Let’s hope so.
As before WWII, average Americans may not appreciate why foreign policy matters. I hope that Democrats can make the case that it does. The US is the only superpower remaining after the Cold War (and I include China in that statement). if we exit the international stage, we will be forced to re-enter when things are really bad. We don't want that. It is stunning that Republicans have forgotten the lessons of isolationism that preceded WWII and the disastrous consequences of that policy. Thank God for Britain, which held the fort until America finally woke up.
...“'government' is the name we give to ourselves when we come together for the common good." Repeat and repeat and repeat. How I long to live in a country that provides free dental care for seniors, low prescription drug costs, tuition-free community colleges, and protection of rights for all its citizens (I could go on). Rugged individualism can only do so much for so few.
As to Tom Nichols article, “…the man knows how to hold a grudge”. Well, well, the tie that binds chump and Putin. Well, one of them.
Boris Johnson, the Minister Prime of Great Britain, recently proclaimed the end to masking, with the declaration that the kingdom would now rely on "individual reponsibility," a much abused term here in the states as well. "Rugged individualism-lite"? Aka, I'm good, the hell with you, the guiding ethic of anarchic Libertarianism.
I agree with Robert that Resistbot is a very useful tool except for those of us in Florida whose two senators are the aforementioned despicable Rick Scott and the other nincompoop Marco Rubio. I am reading Jamie Raskin's book "Unthinkable", and he says that Rubio couldn't be bothered paying attention to the 13-minute impeachment video that Raskin used as introduction to the abominations of the insurrectionists. Sending anything to them is a complete waste of time and energy.
Sane here with Cruz and Cornyn.
The Atlantic article by Jane Mayer from January was another great delve into the insanity of the Thomas’.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/01/31/is-ginni-thomas-a-threat-to-the-supreme-court
And seriously…Where is Merrick? I appreciated his sincere emotion on national news last night for the Arbery family…but would like to see that same emotion from him on our Democracy and the corrupt Trump Empire.
Yes; I am planning to address this evening. Thanks!
New Yorker article you mean? I read that one and was surprised that the NYT published an article on the same topic, but if it means that more people are aware of Clarence and Ginny’s actions, I’m all for it!
Oops. Thanks for the catch. And I totally agree…the more that mainstream highlights this…the better!
Rick Scott has no moral standing to say anything.
Rick Scott 'oversaw the largest Medicare fraud' in U.S. history, Florida Democratic Party says:
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2014/mar/03/florida-democratic-party/rick-scott-rick-scott-oversaw-largest-medicare-fra/
So Florida voters in all their wisdom made him their governor and then their senator. So true to form, incompetence and deceit are the platforms of the GQP. And Florida Republicans offer a repeat performance with uber bigot DeSantis.
Florida is living proof that fooling people who don’t bother to inform themselves is easier than we here on this forum think it should be. No one has ever gone broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public, Florida especially. There ain’t no dumbass vaccine. SIGH 😞
Such a strong column! Thank you for sharing your resolve, which is badly needed right now. I sent out message via Resistbot to my senators, and am encouraging others to do the same.
Judd Legum's "Popular Information" newsletter published an updated list of the corporate backers of the politicians behind Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill yesterday. The whole newsletter is very informative and a must-read.
https://popular.info/p/florida-representative-proposes-requiring
Thanks! I will include a reference this evening!
Thanks again for a splendid analysis. My worry, however, is that vast numbers of people are NOT rational, and will not pay attention to what the Democrats offer vs. what the GOP complains and snipes about. When this country was founded it was said (by whom? I can't remember) that the success of democracy depended on an educated population. We have vast numbers who are not. Who know no history, in particular. Putin's actions now reflect quite precisely those of Hitler in the Sudetenland, for example.
The parallel deserves to be noted again and again . . . .
Thank you Robert. I like
After carefully reading and considering Barbara McQuade’s “Model Prosecution Memo” thoroughly here are my own considered thoughts.
This model prosecution memo is quite thorough, carefully examines the case in a balanced format, and is documented by extensive footnotes. It presents both sides of the arguments for and against prosecution. I strongly suggest reading it carefully in its entirety before coming to your own conclusion on the issue of prosecution or not. It is important on an issue as important as this to be well informed with the facts and the views of knowledgeable sources.
Unlike the Mueller Report, which McQuade properly also classifies as a prosecution memo, McQuade’s on this case does present a final opinion in its Concluding Thoughts section here:
“VI. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
A final factor would need to be considered that is absent in most cases – whether the country would be best served by a criminal prosecution. On the one hand, as discussed above, a substantial federal interest is served by prosecuting a leader who attempted to overturn an election. On the other hand, criminal charges against Trump could have a dangerously divisive effect on the country. Trump’s unrelenting rhetoric about a stolen election no doubt contributed to the violent response that occurred on Jan. 6. DOJ would need to consider the backlash that would likely follow the filing of criminal charges against him. Violent protests and civil unrest should be expected. We might even anticipate loss of life.
The other potential negative consequence that would need to be considered would be an acquittal. If Trump were charged and acquitted at trial, then he and his violent extremist followers would be emboldened. A sober and clear-eyed assessment of prosecution must consider that charging Trump criminally could have profoundly negative consequences for our country.
The only thing worse would be not charging him.”
I feel her concluding thoughts accurately reflect my own after reading and considering all the information the memo presents.
In considering history’s lessons of Watergate the “prosecution memo” that would have been assembled for that case by DOJ attorneys would likely have been equally as damning as this one and equally as controversial in its conclusion. The differences between then and now were then honorable Republican political leaders in Congress who went to the White House and persuaded a disgraced but ultimately Constitution and Rule of Law respecting President to resign. At that time we also had a Vice President who stepped into the Presidency who likely negotiated behind the scenes with that former President a controversial pardon in exchange for that former President’s departure from office and the political stage. It seems all of those comparable players in the current play lack the wisdom and grace displayed in Nixon’s departure.
McQuade’s dark scenario described in her concluding thoughts is what we are left with and quite likely. However, I fear her concluding line and final thought is also quite accurate:
“The only thing worse would be not charging him.”
For those searching for the memo in its entirety it may be found here:
https://www.justsecurity.org/80308/united-states-v-donald-trump-model-prosecution-memo/
Perhaps a first step would be indicting those in Congress who are complicit. If they were taken out of the equation (not able to vote or hold office again - forcing states to scramble to find replacements), the power of both the House and Senate would change. I doubt there would be an armed uprising in Texas if Cruz is called out. He's only "popular" because of his party affiliation and no one likes the guy - no one.
As a fellow Texan and strong opponent of Cruz, starting with Ted "my kids made me go to Cancun" Cruz sounds like a great place to start. 🙏
The duplicity of Trump, Pompeo, and their sycophants in the Republican Party is exceeded only by their stupidity. Are there none amongst them who will call this out for what it truly is? Useful idiots is too kind a characterization.