175 Comments
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Karen Cartwright's avatar

It is unspeakable that the rest of us tax paying, law abiding citizens must toil and live under the rule and yet this one human does and says what he wants, breaks the laws-one after the other! It’s disheartening that if any of us slobs were accused of a fraction of what he has done we’d be hung or never see the light of day.

Jill Green's avatar

I agree but hope Bragg comes through and smith too no hope for do nothing garland

LaurieOregon's avatar

Robert, I LOVE your rants! I'm beyond angry watching the timidity w/ which prosecutors go after Big Grifters and Major Rule-breakers in banking, politics, real estate, pharma, etc., including the former guy and his cronies. Listening to you rant lowers my blood pressure and somehow increases my optimistic activism. Thank you!

Carol M's avatar

I agree with Jill Green - rant on. I also join her in wishing Harris was AG.

I join you in eschewing AXIOS - what a disappointment

I wonder what you think about the story about P. Thiel causing SVG demise AND I am horrified that the government is bailing out SVG.

Jill Green's avatar

What’s with Macron?????

Mercedes's avatar

I find it mind-boggling that judges who are religious fanatics, who swear an oath, lie like rugs! And, sorry to say, I believe there will be no indictments of the orange menace. EVER. It's so upsetting that the law doesn't extend to any of the "higher ups".

retired software engineer's avatar

You are giving voice to thoughts I have had for a long time. It is imperative that Trump be brought to justice, if for no other reason than to deter his many imitators.

Ela Pete's avatar

Saw this article today by Matt Stoller. Thought it made lots of sense. (https://open.substack.com/pub/mattstoller/p/fire-the-fed?r=emxa4&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email). I who know nothing about the Fed and banking have wondered exactly this about the Fed and banks. Way too cozy! And why on earth is Jerome Powell still around?? Time for some real regulation? What do you think, Bob Hubbell?

Leonard Lubinsky's avatar

"having made a special exception for depositors of Silicon Valley Bank who willingly accepted the risk of SVB’s failure, the US government must now do the same for depositors in other institutions that fail in the future. In one action, we have converted a limited FDIC insurance program into a US-backed program that protects the deposits of every depositor even when those depositors maintain fund balances that are reckless because they exceed FDIC insurance levels."

During my 25 years as a school superintendent, I made the occasionally bad, even softheaded decision. As I realized the implications of my decision, I made clear that it was not a precedent. FDIC should be capable of doing the same.

Jill Green's avatar

Thank you all for your comments. I just have no faith in Garland none at all.

Yehawes (VA)'s avatar

I agree "the opponents of reproductive liberty do not want to return those decisions to the “people’s representatives” because they don't want politicians in power to represent the majority of the people, they want them to represent themselves. If they were so keen on ensuring the will of the people is followed, they would return the decisions to the people themselves - the women directly affected.

By your analysis of Judge Kacsmaryk's questioning, he is actually so incompetent he is unable to focus properly on the issues or he is actually sending a message, and I wonder which it is.

With respect to the SVB crutch being offered depositors above the federally insured amount, I agree entirely that it's a terrible precedent. I don't think though that terrible precedents in terms of actions need necessarily be followed in responses to future events. Regardless of any increase they may bring about in expectations, hopes and outcry when a precedent is ignored, doing so and learning from experience is the heart of improvement. Point out differences in circumstances, argue them blue in the face, but don't throw good money after bad.

As to the the Willow mistake, I agree there too. It was a dreadful decision and environmental groups are already gearing up to fight. "See you in court" indeed! One of the things we've learned from the Trump administration and denouement is that justice delayed can be justice denied. If so, then let's make sure damage delayed is also damage prevented. If fossil fuel industry investment is delayed long enough for alternative energy options to become more economically desirable, more mainstream, and provide more jobs than at present, the Willow project will become less profitable. These folks aren't in it to lose money. Finally a situation where delay is our friend.

I believe everyone should copy your "Come on, Axios" paragraph and email, text and tweet it to them. I'm going to run off and look for an avenue to do just that.

And the rant - Wow! Good rant! Great rant! Extra satisfying rant! I read it out loud to my mother and I think I worked up some real rhythm and sway. I have a solution to the conclusion limit: Put your heading back five paragraphs and presto! We get to keep the delightful rant - win win!

Merrill's avatar

Thanks Robert,

We can take a lesson from the Israelis who ares out marching against their everyday against the facist, religious zealoty of the Netanyahu government who is trying to emasculate the Israeli judiciary.

Last weekend 500,000 Israelis were marching and blocing roads across the country. Its the equivalant of 15-20 million American marching. (And why isn't the NYTs and other MSM covering this story??)