Robert, thank you for parsing out the legal problems Trump faces and the tough problems faced by those prosecuting him. I am gobsmacked again at Trump’s arrogance with the lies and veiled threats. I understand how reluctant any judge would be to jail Trump. But the man is painting a target on military personnel, judges and prosecutors. Time to remove his access to the media at the very least.
Thanks also for the photos of the air show and highlighting the young military families. I am the daughter, sister and widow of WWII and Vietnam veterans. My late husband died of ALS, which sadly is a service-related illness - upwards of 20% of people diagnosed with ALS in any one year are current or former military. When Trump called disabled veterans “losers” and demanded that he never again see any wounded warriors, well I won’t say what I said about him. You’ve asked us to keep our language clean and I respect that.
What I would like though is for Trump to be forced to silently walk through any VA hospital in the country. To see the broken, mangled bodies in wheel chairs, to hear the gasps of pain from those undergoing physical therapy, and to have to listen to the anxious, bored young kids in the waiting rooms- who would much rather be outside playing but instead sit with a parent or grandparent in the waiting room while the other parent gets the medical care they need. I will issue a special invitation that he be forced to go to the spinal care unit at the Minneapolis VA where my husband and I spent many hours. He should be forced to watch the slow, painful, devastating progression of ALS all the while knowing that the only outcome is death. And to witness the incredible competence of the entire staff of that unit including the legless Vietnam Vet who greeted Glen and me to ensure we were masked up and used the hand sanitizer before we entered - he would gently pick up Glen’s useless hands, rub the sanitizer over them, and thank us for our service to our country.. Made our day better. Every time.
That same VA hospital is now treating many wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Regardless whether McCarthy survives, I sincerely hope we find a way to continue to support the fight against Putin and autocracy. MAGAts be damned.
Oh my goodness. God bless you and your husband. I can't imagine all he and you have suffered. He was a true hero, and you are as well for the care you gave him.
You are unfortunately assuming that Trump has any compassion for anyone under any circumstance; and therefore giving him too much credit. He also doesn't know how to do anything except make threats instead of thanking people for their service to our country. America, however, thanks you for your service in spite of all the attention we continue to give an awful autocrat.
He is incapable of compassion. That's how narcissistic sociopaths are wired. I NEVER watch his nonsense, but I took a minute to watch what he did at the courthouse yesterday and all I saw was a sad, deranged, shell of a human that only wanted his father to love him. He didn't even have to show up because it's a civl trial and 2 1/3 of the case has already been decided. He showed for the media and they fawned over him like they always do. The best way to shut down bullies is not to give them the time of day.
Bless you and yours for their support of our Democracy. May we NEVER forget what your husband gave for us to be here and carry on. We have formed a Vet Support group dedicated to doing just that.
The picture you shared with us fantastic and if you were not an attorney you could have been a professional photographer. My reflections on the Trump trial is his constant attacks clearly demonstrates he has no defense or he would talk about it. I don’t like Kevin McCarthy but anything that rids the House of Matt Gaetz I support and I don’t trust Clarence Thomas and I think his recusal was more for show than anything substantial and as the saying goes for Trump, McCarthy and Thomas “ you can’t change the stripes on a zebra”
Thanks Robert as always. The recusal of Judge Thomas is an admission of guilt both of him and his wife Ginni. What Hakeem Jeffries does in the next two days ( with I am sure advice from Ms. Pelosi) will be critical. I think regardless of what happens the Democratic Party must like Joe Biden and General Milley must continue to speak up loudly as to the clear choices for 2024. There are no guarantees, every moment is critical.
Mr. Hubbell, I very much appreciate your and your managing editor’s efforts to produce such intelligent commentary. I have been a listener for three years and this is my first comment. It refers to day’s phrase, “whatever you think of the military.” I understand the need to include the phrase but when I heard it, I thought of General Mark Milley’s recent comment: “My duty and responsibility is to the Constitution, that’s where my loyalty is.” Two of my three children and my husband serve or served their country in the military. I believe this is why they vote for democracy and the rule of law. When we say: “Thank you for your service, their selfless service is to the constitution and democracy. We can all sleep better knowing that these smart, patriotic citizens put democracy above self and tyranny. Thank you. Jan G.
Hi, Janet. Thanks for your comment. I wasn't criticizing the military, as my subsequent comments make clear. I knew when I posted the picture, I would receive comments critical of the military, so I was attempting to preempt arguments critical of military personnel. I have two notes in my inbox this morning from readers criticizing a photo they believe glorifies the military / war. My response to one of them was that even if you believe that the military budget should be diverted entirely to social programs, that is no reason to blame the young me and women who volunteer to protect us.
A work colleague who had served as a Colonel in the US Air Force, once said to me that our military is not here to make war - it is here to keep the peace! Always thought that said so much. And, because the military makes an oath to the Constitution and its values of freedom and rights we have a military of very high integrity and commitment to those values. The generals I have met through the Nimitz Foundation show that the finest people rise to the top of our military. Just go listen to General Milley's speech again!
Thanks for that photo. I grew up in the Air Force. My father flew B52’s, C130’s and many other fighter jets I can’t remember. I am very proud of him and the life I lived back then. I loved being on the tarmac (not called that for decades now) and watching the big planes come and go. Even though they are really loud! I have been on a C130 myself, in a jump seat with all the cargo in the back. How cool that was! Even cooler was watching my Dad walking towards me from that HUGE plane in his flight suit with all those zippers (!) and his awesome aviator sunglasses. I love seeing Biden in his; great memory! I consider myself lucky to have seen all this.
I even have B52 images as wallpaper on my Mac. Love Love Love
Oh, BTW, I married a Navy officer who flew A7’s off the Enterprise. Apples don’t fall far.
Hello Janet. I don’t often comment these days, at least not within ‘Today’s Edition.’ Oftentimes, I find myself responding to Mr. Hubbell’s commentary and to insightful reader comments—in my mind. Given your thoughtful message, I feel inclined to express myself. First and foremost, to recognize and honor your selfless service and sacrifice (as Bob Morgan suggests), and that of your loved ones who have “put democracy above self and tyranny.”
As for General Mark Milley’s speech, I remain in awe. I have read a good part of it. And I want to sit down, be still, and take it all in as he speaks his powerful words, reflective of a life of personal courage and service to the Constitution, and to the freedoms of the American people. I intend to watch and listen today, courtesy of C-Span, https://www.c-span.org/connect/ given your heartfelt reminder of it.
Another thing I’d like to share is that when Mr. Hubbell writes “whatever you may think of the military” he allows me, one who has the luxury of pontificating about how there’s no room for a “just war,” to soften some. To listen in, rather than turn away. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t share how struck I am by your wisdom to “understand the need to include the phrase.” I’d suggest ‘the need’ responds to those such as me.
Perhaps related somehow, no wonder I find myself embarrassed to admit that I have difficulty with US funding against the Russian aggression and atrocities, the war crimes inflicted upon the Ukrainian people, and humanity. There are some moments of awareness when I am open to the extraordinary and unfathomable courageousness and sacrifice of a whole people, on behalf of sovereignty, their own, and arguably the whole of Europe, and far beyond it. And in rare moments, I pause to be open to the fact that this current-day calamity mirrors the desecration of life and spirit of the Jewish people in the 1930s and 40s. And, that antisemitism exists until today, a remaining heartbreak, and, if I dare, a recognition of this as a manifestation of silence, and inaction.
My father immigrated from Italy as a boy in the 1920s with his sister and their guardian to the US, later became a US citizen, to return to his homeland and Germany as a member of the US Army during WW II. He never spoke of his experience. I wish he had though I cannot imagine how painful that would have been for him. So that which took place for my papa remains only in my imagination, even the unimaginable.
Forgive my diversion, when more importantly, my intention here is to acknowledge, and honor you and your loved ones. I suppose it could have been said more simply, though it seems, like most of life, I am a complicated mix.
May you and yours be held in great reverence for your life offering on behalf of many, near and far.
"Putting a presidential candidate in jail for violating the pretrial conditions of release would be a traumatic event for the nation." The intimidation of judges, prosecutors, and witnesses is particularly dangerous. We have already seen acts of violence that could be identified as a product of Trump's comments. A judge might jail Deranged Donald for an hour. That would mean welcoming the press watching him go to jail and be released. If that does not stop him from trying cases in public, a judge might try two hours. And so on.
The courts continue to treat Trump like he is special. This is detrimental to us all. When another citizen defendant "wants what he's having," have the courts set new, dangerously low bars for permissible pre-trial conduct?
The Guardian had an article yesterday on the damage of verbal abuse on children, how children don't understand hyperbole until their second decade, They take statements literally.
Here it is: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/02/shouting-children-verbal-abuse-self-harm-anxiety "Using words to intimidate, shame and control may appear less obviously harmful than bodily threat, but the same risks accompany this misuse of language: low self-esteem, increased nicotine, alcohol and substance use, increased risk of anxiety, depression, even psychotic disorders. We know from hundreds of studies and this new systematic review that exposure to verbal abuse profoundly affects children, and is associated with persistent psychological distress; complex emotional and relational difficulties; physical as well as mental disorders; increased likelihood of recreating abusive situations in their lives (eg finding a partner who is abusive to them); and finding themselves repeating the abuse with others."
Trump was probably a victim of this - his use of verbal abuse is escalating.
I thought Trump's threat against General Milley, a likely witness in the DC trial, was clearly contempt of court and should have landed the bastard in jail.
"Putting a presidential candidate in jail for violating the pretrial conditions of release would be a traumatic event for the nation." And as you point out, let's hope the comments and fits of rage from Trump don't inspire violence.
But I would like to ask this:
Haven't we been living in a continuous state of trauma - trauma after trauma - as we watch and listen to someone who led our country speak like the truly "deranged" actor? The majority of Americans are traumatized daily by this monster. His threats should be shut down now. To not do so is to be intimidated by a minority of fascists. Lock him up and silence him for the safety of the public servants who risk their lives for us. Can you imagine what the judges and prosecutors lives are like right now? Protect them as they attempt to protect us from the Wannabe Dictator. And give us all a break from this insanity.
I agree, Bill! I'm sick of him doing damage on a daily basis and getting away with it. We are already traumatized! Something should be done. He is petrified of going to jail. Perhaps a few days IN jail would shut him up.
I completely agree. My wife and I were discussing how traumatic it is to see Trump's latest outrage as the lead item on the news every morning. I recognize that in a free society, it is the press's responsibility to cover whatever is significantly important to the country, so that means that the ex-p will continue to get lots of coverage. But I think most people in this country would agree that we have had to suffer the outrages, threats, insults, personal attacks, and indignities daily broadcast by this petulant would-be dictator. I think the courts are more than justified, perhaps even mandated, to shut up him now, whatever that requires. I say he's already more than justified judicial action, so lock him up and damn the consequences. We've had enough.
I'd say at this point I think our press, or whatever is left of it, is mainly following Trump for the ratings. He is a complete spectacle, and the press is not being discerning at all in their coverage. Essentially they are giving him free publicity for his every deranged rant, to the detriment of our country. If we are so fortunate to have him locked up, the govt. needs to make sure they take his phone so he can't post to his social media outlet.
Wouldn't it be nice if the press gave as much time to following President Biden's day-to-day accomplishments and doing little specials on all the good he has done for the country as it gives to the ex-p?
Hakeem Jeffries is playing 3 dimensional chess. To support McCarthy now ensures dealing with the devil you know. But, at the end of the day, McCarthy is still a feckless politician in it for the money, power, corner office, and Fox News appearances. I'd much prefer a serious and patriotic Republican who represents the majority of Republicans and not the Jim Jordan Freedom Caucus of of unpatriotic and immoral grandstanders.
However this speaker vote turns out please keep in mind that McCarthy takes daily orders from only one person - the former guy...so there's that to consider.
I was inspired by Kathy Rawle's call to action to urge my own town's public library to join. We are a mighty tiny library, but every little bit helps! Thank you, Robert, for highlighting Kathy's comment. Also, thanks for the photo with beautiful beachfront included!
Nice to see that Huntington Beach show is back. Was there in 2019 before the pnademic. The RAF Red Arrows were there on their anniversary world tour - never ever thought I'd see them. The Canadian Snowbirds were there. And the Thunderbirds. I wish they'd get a new jet - they've had the F-16 for 40 years now. Having first seen them at age 10 when they were in "plank wing" F-84s, and in the five different types in between before the F-16, the show was different with the different airplanes. The best for a show was the T-38, since it was maneuverable enough it didn't have to fly into the next county to turn around.
Oct 3, 2023·edited Oct 3, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Great pic, Robert! ✈️ My family,including active duty and aging vets, enjoyed a day at the beach with Thunderbirds at April air show. Perhaps you saw AF Capt “ MAD” Lindsay Johnson,A10 demo pilot, a local millennial making us proud. 👩✈️
Oct 3, 2023·edited Oct 3, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
First of all, that Huntington Beach shot is a great moment in photojournalism! And as for Trump, holding the fraudulent wannabe dictator accountable for the many times he has violated the pretrial conditions of release may be traumatic for him, the other miscreants in his family and the legions of MAGA fascists who worship him, but it would be salutary for the nation. The former president's threat to have General Milley executed was the last straw for me and many of my fellow brothers in arms, causing us to wonder about Judge Chutkan's integrity as Trump continues to terrorize officials and witnesses and publicly express his contempt for the rule of law. It's time to outfit the Tangerine- Tainted Terror in an orange jumpsuit!
What is taking the judge so long to decide? If it were you or me the decision would be made in a nanosecond. She must understand that someone may be assassinated and her reluctance to act would be something she will have to live with the rest of her life.
I hope that Gaetz's shenanigans end the reign of Subwoofer McCarthy, and the Republicans are forced to replace him with someone the Democrats can work with. In my opinion, the Dems should not help him, either passively or actively without some ironclad concessions.
As I wrote yesterday in my own piece on the subject :
"For their part, I don’t believe the Democrats should support McCarthy in his bid to remain Speaker. He has shown that he can’t be trusted, and his criticisms of Democrats and President Biden in the wake of his surrender do not inspire confidence that he’s suddenly become a moderate who seeks to find middle ground. Referring back to the House Practice guide, “The Speaker's role as presiding officer is an impartial one, and his rulings serve to protect the rights of the minority.” McCarthy has been anything but impartial, and has relentlessly attacked the rights of the minority.
"Matt Gaetz has promised to move to vacate the chair this week. While he’s been significantly weakened by McCarthy’s about-face, he’s also sufficiently vindictive enough to punish McCarthy for his betrayal. Such a move at this time would bring the House to a halt (as if it would be noticed), but delaying it runs the risk of causing chaos again in 6 weeks, just before the holidays. Democrats would do well to leave McCarthy twisting in the wind, unless they can extract ironclad agreements from him for power-sharing, conciliation, shutting down the sham impeachment inquiry, and revising the House Rules.
"The dysfunction that the House under Subwoofer McCarthy has wrought has come to a head at a critical time for our country. With the 2023 election a month from now, and the need for the budget to be resolved quickly, the pressure should be on the Republicans to move toward the middle. If they do, they may be able to find common ground with Democrats to actually solve the problems of immigration, the deficit, and holding funding recipients accountable for waste and fraud. By doing so, they would be fulfilling their legislative duty, rather than forcing President Biden to act in their stead and then criticizing him for their failure.
"Ending McCarthy’s reign would provide the House with the opportunity to fill the de facto vacancy of the chair that occurred at the beginning of this Congress. The House has reached a fork in the road. It remains to be seen if the House has the wisdom and the courage to take it."
All good points. "“The Speaker's role as presiding officer is an impartial one, and his rulings serve to protect the rights of the minority.” McCarthy dropped the continuing resolution on Democrats with zero minutes' notice for a vote. Who does that?
And then he railed against Dems for a motion to adjourn and Jeffries for his magic minute address, both intended to give them a brief period to review the bill to make sure it didn't have anything hidden in it, like a pay raise for themselves!
When I think back to McCarthy’s response to Trump storing stolen documents in the bathroom: “…at least the bathroom doors have locks”.
In what world would anyone help Kevin – with his bottomless bucket of ridiculous excuses for a criminal, caving to freedom caucus wack jobs, going against his agreed upon deals, and bringing sham impeachment to a good and decent President. In the language of the arts:
I believe that Thomas recused himself because Eastman WAS THOMAS’ CLERK - not because of his wife’s connection to the events of Jan 6. We can expect him to continue to sit on those cases.
I don't agree with your conclusion, but I should have mentioned that possibility in the newsletter. That was an oversight on my part. Thanks for raising it.
As a very new Air Force enlisted man in 1957 I saw the Thunderbirds perform at Kessler Air Force Base, Mississippi. I have seen them several times since. They always make me proud to be an American and proud to be an Air Force veteran.
We have so often been disappointed but today reading you and HCR I feel as if the tide has really turned, the dam has broken. Traitor Trump is finally getting his just desserts. I won’t be surprised if he is soon locked up and removed of his cell phone.
Robert, thank you for parsing out the legal problems Trump faces and the tough problems faced by those prosecuting him. I am gobsmacked again at Trump’s arrogance with the lies and veiled threats. I understand how reluctant any judge would be to jail Trump. But the man is painting a target on military personnel, judges and prosecutors. Time to remove his access to the media at the very least.
Thanks also for the photos of the air show and highlighting the young military families. I am the daughter, sister and widow of WWII and Vietnam veterans. My late husband died of ALS, which sadly is a service-related illness - upwards of 20% of people diagnosed with ALS in any one year are current or former military. When Trump called disabled veterans “losers” and demanded that he never again see any wounded warriors, well I won’t say what I said about him. You’ve asked us to keep our language clean and I respect that.
What I would like though is for Trump to be forced to silently walk through any VA hospital in the country. To see the broken, mangled bodies in wheel chairs, to hear the gasps of pain from those undergoing physical therapy, and to have to listen to the anxious, bored young kids in the waiting rooms- who would much rather be outside playing but instead sit with a parent or grandparent in the waiting room while the other parent gets the medical care they need. I will issue a special invitation that he be forced to go to the spinal care unit at the Minneapolis VA where my husband and I spent many hours. He should be forced to watch the slow, painful, devastating progression of ALS all the while knowing that the only outcome is death. And to witness the incredible competence of the entire staff of that unit including the legless Vietnam Vet who greeted Glen and me to ensure we were masked up and used the hand sanitizer before we entered - he would gently pick up Glen’s useless hands, rub the sanitizer over them, and thank us for our service to our country.. Made our day better. Every time.
That same VA hospital is now treating many wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Regardless whether McCarthy survives, I sincerely hope we find a way to continue to support the fight against Putin and autocracy. MAGAts be damned.
Hi, Sheila. Thanks for your moving comment. Thank you for the tremendous sacrifice you and your family have made for our country.
Oh my goodness. God bless you and your husband. I can't imagine all he and you have suffered. He was a true hero, and you are as well for the care you gave him.
You are unfortunately assuming that Trump has any compassion for anyone under any circumstance; and therefore giving him too much credit. He also doesn't know how to do anything except make threats instead of thanking people for their service to our country. America, however, thanks you for your service in spite of all the attention we continue to give an awful autocrat.
He is incapable of compassion. That's how narcissistic sociopaths are wired. I NEVER watch his nonsense, but I took a minute to watch what he did at the courthouse yesterday and all I saw was a sad, deranged, shell of a human that only wanted his father to love him. He didn't even have to show up because it's a civl trial and 2 1/3 of the case has already been decided. He showed for the media and they fawned over him like they always do. The best way to shut down bullies is not to give them the time of day.
Way way way too much ALS in the lives of my extended circle. That disease is just horrible. My sympathies and my thanks.
May you be blessed, Sheila
Bless you and yours for their support of our Democracy. May we NEVER forget what your husband gave for us to be here and carry on. We have formed a Vet Support group dedicated to doing just that.
The picture you shared with us fantastic and if you were not an attorney you could have been a professional photographer. My reflections on the Trump trial is his constant attacks clearly demonstrates he has no defense or he would talk about it. I don’t like Kevin McCarthy but anything that rids the House of Matt Gaetz I support and I don’t trust Clarence Thomas and I think his recusal was more for show than anything substantial and as the saying goes for Trump, McCarthy and Thomas “ you can’t change the stripes on a zebra”
It’s pretty once a person or group violates trust it’s almost impossible to get it back.
Thanks Robert as always. The recusal of Judge Thomas is an admission of guilt both of him and his wife Ginni. What Hakeem Jeffries does in the next two days ( with I am sure advice from Ms. Pelosi) will be critical. I think regardless of what happens the Democratic Party must like Joe Biden and General Milley must continue to speak up loudly as to the clear choices for 2024. There are no guarantees, every moment is critical.
Mr. Hubbell, I very much appreciate your and your managing editor’s efforts to produce such intelligent commentary. I have been a listener for three years and this is my first comment. It refers to day’s phrase, “whatever you think of the military.” I understand the need to include the phrase but when I heard it, I thought of General Mark Milley’s recent comment: “My duty and responsibility is to the Constitution, that’s where my loyalty is.” Two of my three children and my husband serve or served their country in the military. I believe this is why they vote for democracy and the rule of law. When we say: “Thank you for your service, their selfless service is to the constitution and democracy. We can all sleep better knowing that these smart, patriotic citizens put democracy above self and tyranny. Thank you. Jan G.
Hi, Janet. Thanks for your comment. I wasn't criticizing the military, as my subsequent comments make clear. I knew when I posted the picture, I would receive comments critical of the military, so I was attempting to preempt arguments critical of military personnel. I have two notes in my inbox this morning from readers criticizing a photo they believe glorifies the military / war. My response to one of them was that even if you believe that the military budget should be diverted entirely to social programs, that is no reason to blame the young me and women who volunteer to protect us.
A work colleague who had served as a Colonel in the US Air Force, once said to me that our military is not here to make war - it is here to keep the peace! Always thought that said so much. And, because the military makes an oath to the Constitution and its values of freedom and rights we have a military of very high integrity and commitment to those values. The generals I have met through the Nimitz Foundation show that the finest people rise to the top of our military. Just go listen to General Milley's speech again!
Thanks for that photo. I grew up in the Air Force. My father flew B52’s, C130’s and many other fighter jets I can’t remember. I am very proud of him and the life I lived back then. I loved being on the tarmac (not called that for decades now) and watching the big planes come and go. Even though they are really loud! I have been on a C130 myself, in a jump seat with all the cargo in the back. How cool that was! Even cooler was watching my Dad walking towards me from that HUGE plane in his flight suit with all those zippers (!) and his awesome aviator sunglasses. I love seeing Biden in his; great memory! I consider myself lucky to have seen all this.
I even have B52 images as wallpaper on my Mac. Love Love Love
Oh, BTW, I married a Navy officer who flew A7’s off the Enterprise. Apples don’t fall far.
Thank you, Jan, for your heartfelt comments, and even more for YOUR service and sacrifice.
Hello Janet. I don’t often comment these days, at least not within ‘Today’s Edition.’ Oftentimes, I find myself responding to Mr. Hubbell’s commentary and to insightful reader comments—in my mind. Given your thoughtful message, I feel inclined to express myself. First and foremost, to recognize and honor your selfless service and sacrifice (as Bob Morgan suggests), and that of your loved ones who have “put democracy above self and tyranny.”
As for General Mark Milley’s speech, I remain in awe. I have read a good part of it. And I want to sit down, be still, and take it all in as he speaks his powerful words, reflective of a life of personal courage and service to the Constitution, and to the freedoms of the American people. I intend to watch and listen today, courtesy of C-Span, https://www.c-span.org/connect/ given your heartfelt reminder of it.
Another thing I’d like to share is that when Mr. Hubbell writes “whatever you may think of the military” he allows me, one who has the luxury of pontificating about how there’s no room for a “just war,” to soften some. To listen in, rather than turn away. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t share how struck I am by your wisdom to “understand the need to include the phrase.” I’d suggest ‘the need’ responds to those such as me.
Perhaps related somehow, no wonder I find myself embarrassed to admit that I have difficulty with US funding against the Russian aggression and atrocities, the war crimes inflicted upon the Ukrainian people, and humanity. There are some moments of awareness when I am open to the extraordinary and unfathomable courageousness and sacrifice of a whole people, on behalf of sovereignty, their own, and arguably the whole of Europe, and far beyond it. And in rare moments, I pause to be open to the fact that this current-day calamity mirrors the desecration of life and spirit of the Jewish people in the 1930s and 40s. And, that antisemitism exists until today, a remaining heartbreak, and, if I dare, a recognition of this as a manifestation of silence, and inaction.
My father immigrated from Italy as a boy in the 1920s with his sister and their guardian to the US, later became a US citizen, to return to his homeland and Germany as a member of the US Army during WW II. He never spoke of his experience. I wish he had though I cannot imagine how painful that would have been for him. So that which took place for my papa remains only in my imagination, even the unimaginable.
Forgive my diversion, when more importantly, my intention here is to acknowledge, and honor you and your loved ones. I suppose it could have been said more simply, though it seems, like most of life, I am a complicated mix.
May you and yours be held in great reverence for your life offering on behalf of many, near and far.
Well I a may be your equally complicated doppelgänger. We are sisters in our love of country and others. And, that, Jean, is enough. Jan G.
That you, Jan, would honor me as perhaps your doppelgänger, as your sister. Truly, that is enough. Jean
Earlier today, I attempted to draft a message to you. Only now am I realizing there are no words. (I’m a slow learner.)
May this be enough ... 💙
"Putting a presidential candidate in jail for violating the pretrial conditions of release would be a traumatic event for the nation." The intimidation of judges, prosecutors, and witnesses is particularly dangerous. We have already seen acts of violence that could be identified as a product of Trump's comments. A judge might jail Deranged Donald for an hour. That would mean welcoming the press watching him go to jail and be released. If that does not stop him from trying cases in public, a judge might try two hours. And so on.
I like this! Maybe have him sit in an electric timeout chair for his hour or two...
… and here we are, talking about making that petulant little man baby stand in the corner! I knew it was only a matter of time.
The sooner the better. He needs to keep that big mouth shut!!
Yes, yes!! then he could have something more to whine about :)
The courts continue to treat Trump like he is special. This is detrimental to us all. When another citizen defendant "wants what he's having," have the courts set new, dangerously low bars for permissible pre-trial conduct?
He's not special. Lock him up, lock him up already!!
The Guardian had an article yesterday on the damage of verbal abuse on children, how children don't understand hyperbole until their second decade, They take statements literally.
Here it is: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/02/shouting-children-verbal-abuse-self-harm-anxiety "Using words to intimidate, shame and control may appear less obviously harmful than bodily threat, but the same risks accompany this misuse of language: low self-esteem, increased nicotine, alcohol and substance use, increased risk of anxiety, depression, even psychotic disorders. We know from hundreds of studies and this new systematic review that exposure to verbal abuse profoundly affects children, and is associated with persistent psychological distress; complex emotional and relational difficulties; physical as well as mental disorders; increased likelihood of recreating abusive situations in their lives (eg finding a partner who is abusive to them); and finding themselves repeating the abuse with others."
Trump was probably a victim of this - his use of verbal abuse is escalating.
To my mind, there is nothing random (“stochastic”) about Trump’s actions.
I thought Trump's threat against General Milley, a likely witness in the DC trial, was clearly contempt of court and should have landed the bastard in jail.
Yes, please hurry. Enough of his nonsense and big mouth full of lies
"Putting a presidential candidate in jail for violating the pretrial conditions of release would be a traumatic event for the nation." And as you point out, let's hope the comments and fits of rage from Trump don't inspire violence.
But I would like to ask this:
Haven't we been living in a continuous state of trauma - trauma after trauma - as we watch and listen to someone who led our country speak like the truly "deranged" actor? The majority of Americans are traumatized daily by this monster. His threats should be shut down now. To not do so is to be intimidated by a minority of fascists. Lock him up and silence him for the safety of the public servants who risk their lives for us. Can you imagine what the judges and prosecutors lives are like right now? Protect them as they attempt to protect us from the Wannabe Dictator. And give us all a break from this insanity.
I agree, Bill! I'm sick of him doing damage on a daily basis and getting away with it. We are already traumatized! Something should be done. He is petrified of going to jail. Perhaps a few days IN jail would shut him up.
I completely agree. My wife and I were discussing how traumatic it is to see Trump's latest outrage as the lead item on the news every morning. I recognize that in a free society, it is the press's responsibility to cover whatever is significantly important to the country, so that means that the ex-p will continue to get lots of coverage. But I think most people in this country would agree that we have had to suffer the outrages, threats, insults, personal attacks, and indignities daily broadcast by this petulant would-be dictator. I think the courts are more than justified, perhaps even mandated, to shut up him now, whatever that requires. I say he's already more than justified judicial action, so lock him up and damn the consequences. We've had enough.
I'd say at this point I think our press, or whatever is left of it, is mainly following Trump for the ratings. He is a complete spectacle, and the press is not being discerning at all in their coverage. Essentially they are giving him free publicity for his every deranged rant, to the detriment of our country. If we are so fortunate to have him locked up, the govt. needs to make sure they take his phone so he can't post to his social media outlet.
It is 2016 redux. And it is disgusting.
Wouldn't it be nice if the press gave as much time to following President Biden's day-to-day accomplishments and doing little specials on all the good he has done for the country as it gives to the ex-p?
Yes, indeed lock him up for a day or two at least. He needs a long time out.............
Hakeem Jeffries is playing 3 dimensional chess. To support McCarthy now ensures dealing with the devil you know. But, at the end of the day, McCarthy is still a feckless politician in it for the money, power, corner office, and Fox News appearances. I'd much prefer a serious and patriotic Republican who represents the majority of Republicans and not the Jim Jordan Freedom Caucus of of unpatriotic and immoral grandstanders.
However this speaker vote turns out please keep in mind that McCarthy takes daily orders from only one person - the former guy...so there's that to consider.
Definitely. He's not the worst, but he's a long way from the best
Yes, and we know he also flip flops a lot...............
Tough duty, but Hakeem is in the seat right now. I'd just rather see any Democrat there myself...
I was inspired by Kathy Rawle's call to action to urge my own town's public library to join. We are a mighty tiny library, but every little bit helps! Thank you, Robert, for highlighting Kathy's comment. Also, thanks for the photo with beautiful beachfront included!
Nice to see that Huntington Beach show is back. Was there in 2019 before the pnademic. The RAF Red Arrows were there on their anniversary world tour - never ever thought I'd see them. The Canadian Snowbirds were there. And the Thunderbirds. I wish they'd get a new jet - they've had the F-16 for 40 years now. Having first seen them at age 10 when they were in "plank wing" F-84s, and in the five different types in between before the F-16, the show was different with the different airplanes. The best for a show was the T-38, since it was maneuverable enough it didn't have to fly into the next county to turn around.
Great pic, Robert! ✈️ My family,including active duty and aging vets, enjoyed a day at the beach with Thunderbirds at April air show. Perhaps you saw AF Capt “ MAD” Lindsay Johnson,A10 demo pilot, a local millennial making us proud. 👩✈️
And how bout these teens! ⬇️. 📚
https://www.wusf.org/education/2023-09-14/miami-now-has-banned-books-club-founded-by-16-year-old
Thanks, Kathy. The article refers to a 16-year old Miami teen who founded a banned book club!
First of all, that Huntington Beach shot is a great moment in photojournalism! And as for Trump, holding the fraudulent wannabe dictator accountable for the many times he has violated the pretrial conditions of release may be traumatic for him, the other miscreants in his family and the legions of MAGA fascists who worship him, but it would be salutary for the nation. The former president's threat to have General Milley executed was the last straw for me and many of my fellow brothers in arms, causing us to wonder about Judge Chutkan's integrity as Trump continues to terrorize officials and witnesses and publicly express his contempt for the rule of law. It's time to outfit the Tangerine- Tainted Terror in an orange jumpsuit!
I don't worry about Judge Chutkan's integrity, though it is taking her a long time to act on Jack Smith's request.
I love your alliteration - Tangerine-tainted terror! Keep 'em coming!
I agree! Does someone have to be ‘offed’, "accidentally' fall out a window, or have their brakes ‘fail’! Mob style.
Do we really have to wait for that before Judge Chutkan jails him? I realize the horror show it will cause, but it is not worth a life.
What is taking the judge so long to decide? If it were you or me the decision would be made in a nanosecond. She must understand that someone may be assassinated and her reluctance to act would be something she will have to live with the rest of her life.
it would be better for him to have a heart attack before being jailed, but I will take what I can get...........
I hope that Gaetz's shenanigans end the reign of Subwoofer McCarthy, and the Republicans are forced to replace him with someone the Democrats can work with. In my opinion, the Dems should not help him, either passively or actively without some ironclad concessions.
As I wrote yesterday in my own piece on the subject :
"For their part, I don’t believe the Democrats should support McCarthy in his bid to remain Speaker. He has shown that he can’t be trusted, and his criticisms of Democrats and President Biden in the wake of his surrender do not inspire confidence that he’s suddenly become a moderate who seeks to find middle ground. Referring back to the House Practice guide, “The Speaker's role as presiding officer is an impartial one, and his rulings serve to protect the rights of the minority.” McCarthy has been anything but impartial, and has relentlessly attacked the rights of the minority.
"Matt Gaetz has promised to move to vacate the chair this week. While he’s been significantly weakened by McCarthy’s about-face, he’s also sufficiently vindictive enough to punish McCarthy for his betrayal. Such a move at this time would bring the House to a halt (as if it would be noticed), but delaying it runs the risk of causing chaos again in 6 weeks, just before the holidays. Democrats would do well to leave McCarthy twisting in the wind, unless they can extract ironclad agreements from him for power-sharing, conciliation, shutting down the sham impeachment inquiry, and revising the House Rules.
"The dysfunction that the House under Subwoofer McCarthy has wrought has come to a head at a critical time for our country. With the 2023 election a month from now, and the need for the budget to be resolved quickly, the pressure should be on the Republicans to move toward the middle. If they do, they may be able to find common ground with Democrats to actually solve the problems of immigration, the deficit, and holding funding recipients accountable for waste and fraud. By doing so, they would be fulfilling their legislative duty, rather than forcing President Biden to act in their stead and then criticizing him for their failure.
"Ending McCarthy’s reign would provide the House with the opportunity to fill the de facto vacancy of the chair that occurred at the beginning of this Congress. The House has reached a fork in the road. It remains to be seen if the House has the wisdom and the courage to take it."
All good points. "“The Speaker's role as presiding officer is an impartial one, and his rulings serve to protect the rights of the minority.” McCarthy dropped the continuing resolution on Democrats with zero minutes' notice for a vote. Who does that?
Considering that McCarthy’s CR turned out to be acceptable to the House Democrats, I wonder why he dropped it with an essentially instant deadline.
Also, kudos to Hakeem Jeffries for his stalling tactic that enabled Democrats to speed-check the CR.
Zero-brained a$$holes
And then he railed against Dems for a motion to adjourn and Jeffries for his magic minute address, both intended to give them a brief period to review the bill to make sure it didn't have anything hidden in it, like a pay raise for themselves!
Thank you for saying ‘all’ of that!
When I think back to McCarthy’s response to Trump storing stolen documents in the bathroom: “…at least the bathroom doors have locks”.
In what world would anyone help Kevin – with his bottomless bucket of ridiculous excuses for a criminal, caving to freedom caucus wack jobs, going against his agreed upon deals, and bringing sham impeachment to a good and decent President. In the language of the arts:
F^ck that Sh!t!
I believe that Thomas recused himself because Eastman WAS THOMAS’ CLERK - not because of his wife’s connection to the events of Jan 6. We can expect him to continue to sit on those cases.
I don't agree with your conclusion, but I should have mentioned that possibility in the newsletter. That was an oversight on my part. Thanks for raising it.
As a very new Air Force enlisted man in 1957 I saw the Thunderbirds perform at Kessler Air Force Base, Mississippi. I have seen them several times since. They always make me proud to be an American and proud to be an Air Force veteran.
We have so often been disappointed but today reading you and HCR I feel as if the tide has really turned, the dam has broken. Traitor Trump is finally getting his just desserts. I won’t be surprised if he is soon locked up and removed of his cell phone.