Your phrase "nipping at Biden's heels.." reminded me of "les chiens aboient, la caravane passe", that I somehow picked up trying to learn French.
It translates "the dogs bark, the caravan passes on". I love thinking of Republicans running around in circles barking like mad while the Joe's caravan of state serenely moves on across the political landscape.
Let the dogs bark, the caravan is passing them by.
I never heard this one....thank you; it's perfect!!!! I love picture MTG and McCarthy as yapping dogs while our fine President continues onward to do his work.
Feb 22, 2023·edited Feb 22, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I have a tie, given to me by my daughter, that I wear when opening or closing to juries. It is a reproduction of the Preamble to the Constitution. The jurors can’t read the very small writing, but I tell them what it is and remind them that the United States is one of the very few places where an ordinary civil case can be heard by a jury—even in England, where the jury was born, they are rare to nonexistent in such matters. And I tell the jurors what is true: that they are the most important people in the courtroom, because they alone find the facts. And I tell them that they will work very hard, because in my experience they always do. Juries are a treasure.
I've been called for jury duty no less than half a dozen times, only to find the case was settled out of court at the last moment. In short, I have never served, but it is hugely frustrating to take off work and look forward to serving my civic duty only to have to go home at the whim of the lawyers. (In one case, because the attorney had to go to the dentist.) I appreciate what you've written, Jon, but there is the other side, too. After a while it feels like there is very little respect for the jurors.
Hope, I remember sitting for several days through selection and being picked, only to be told that the case had been settled. The judge told us that even though we didn't hear the case, we had served a purpose because knowing there was a jury there to "find the facts," was what made the settlement happen. That felt right to me and helped a little.
At the same time, juror's are supposed to try the facts and, in the case of a grand jury, maintain confidentiality concerning the matters heard and decisions of the grand jury. There is a reason for that: to determine the Truth and to protect those who appear before the grand jury until such time there is sufficient evidence and a determination to issue indictments. This juror, no less the foreperson, of the Grand Jury, has broken that Court ordered code of silence thereby opening up the door for Trump and his co-conspirators to undermine any indictment claiming the grand jury was biased or whatever. While their arguments may not hold up in a court of law, her publicity grabbing interviews make AG Willis' case that much harder. This juror is either stupid, egocentric or a Trump plant. I'm guessing she's all three of the foregoing.
Hosts and guest on local radio talk show had this same opinion. She should have been quiet. She’s given the defense an argument, which may not hold, but will certainly affect/delay possible convictions.
Whoa, that's a lot of speculation. Didn't she only acknowledge that there are several indictments? We knew that from the initial report which stated there are pending indictments. As yet, they are unspecified. Make no mistake, Trump will fling doo-doo at whomever, especially at a women.
Though part of me feels bad for anyone serving on that GJ, I thought the same thing seeing her interviewed on CNN last night. She made a huge mistake coming out now. It was just plain stupid. And TBH, if she was the foreperson, I'm a bit skeptical of the outcome. Time and time again we've seen cases bungled because someone on the jury just couldn't wait for their 15 minutes of fame.
I, too, smell a rat. She said just enough to muddy the water and give defense attorneys some pretexts to seek dismissal, or delay the cases against the indicted.
I wonder how much she was offered for her 15 minutes of shame.
I have another suggestion as well for post card campaigns.
Markers for Democracy (named for the markers they use on their postcards!) is a group started in 2018 with two women getting together in Manhattan to write postcards post TFG, and which, through the gift of Zoom, has since became a nationwide activist group of over 900 members with regular meetings and frequent guests from campaigns all around the country. They now have their own source of addresses which anyone can access. Just go to their website, select postcard campaigns, and follow the prompts. I will definitely be postcarding for Judge Janet in WI!!!
Thanks for the post. Just to be clear, Markers For Democracy will be writing postcards for Wisconsin through Postcards To Voters, Activate America, Indivisible, Swing Blue Alliance, and Indivisible (so many choices!) and we've been writing to young people in Wisconsin to ask them to register to vote through The Civics Center (a great, non-partisan organization focused on registering high school seniors). Markers is working with Concerned Citizens of NY-03, a grassroots group based in NY-03 (the "Santos District") on a postcard campaign to voters in adjacent districts on Long Island. The postcards ask voters to call their representatives (also GOP because we had a red wave in NY in 2022) and ask them to press Kevin McCarthy to place the resolution to expel George Santos on the floor for a vote. If you can help with 5 postcards against Santos before you start your Wisconsin cards, here is the link again: https://postcards.markersfordemocracy.org/
I ams so excited about Judge Janet's nomination! I wrote post cards for her and the other possible liberal candidate. It feels so good to know I had a small part in this victory!!
So now we have a real chance to shape a court that will protect reproductive and other freedoms....not just for WI - the impact will be nationwide.
All of us subscribers should collectively chant for Robert “ Let there be light “ ( Northern light that is). I heard the interview with the forewoman who spoke publicly yesterday. I was amazed how young she was for that responsibility and intrigued by the fact that she did not vote in either the 2016 or 2020 election but thought the grand jury experience was “ cool”. She is representative of a demographic of young voters that need to get engaged and involved and have their presence felt. Maybe this interview and comments will encourage other young people to get involved. I have decided not to read much into her comments or try and read the tea leafs and let Justice slowly grind forward. I don’t want to get too excited until an actual decision is reached. If an indictment is rendered I think you will see a significant shift in Republican support of Trump and a rush of new candidates. More than ever I am willing to wait to make sure it’s an ironclad case and a lock for conviction.
I was also amazed... by the sheer lack of knowledge, that what she was doing has never been done, by holding up a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle popsicle [?] during the hearing?, by her excitement and going out of her way to shake hands with Rudy Guiliani, again ?...
Schools need more money, more teachers, they need BOOKS in the libraries, they need professionals helping the children damaged by life... this young woman is a walking advertisement for what we need to do to improve our schools.
The newsletter "Public Citizen" wrote yesterday about Jimmy Carter and his position on Citizens United which I heartily agree with. I call it "legalized bribery".
"Here is some of what President Carter has said about Citizens United over the years:
Citizens United is an “erroneous ruling” and “the most stupid decision the Supreme Court ever made.”
Citizens United has turned America into an “oligarchy with unlimited political bribery.”
Citizens United “violates the essence” of our democracy and represents “the biggest change in America” since he was elected in 1976.
Citizens United has left everyday Americans “cheated out of” the chance to make their lives better."
Reversing Citizens United should be near or at the top of the list on the People's Agenda to insist it be fixed. Corporations are not People and money is not free speech!!
Lovely photo of Northern Lights! Nice to hear some good news re TFG etc and the election results in VA and WI. I'll be doing postcards to voters re Janet P's election to the WI Supreme Court.
Barbara, I apparently erred in my reply to you. Would you pls provide a link to recommended group for sending postcards to Wi voters re Janet P’s election to Wi SCourt? Thx
Beautiful picture, thanks for sharing it. Given the straightforward success of citizen jurors, perhaps we should seek out citizen prosecutors who can look at evidence and act on it.
Thank you for sharing the photo of the Northern Lights. I grew up in Alaska and spent 40 years there. On the evenings the Northern Lights appeared, I would yell to my children "the Northern Lights are out!" and we would all gather under the dark winter sky and marvel at the wonder above us. I miss those winter nights. So glad you have been gifted with this vision.
Not to needle you, Robert, but in your list of fearless prosecutors, Jack Smith, Fani Willis and Alvin Bragg ( Alvin Bragg ???) you forgot our chief lawman, Merrick Garland. Can we assume that our common disappointment in his inaction continues ? With a copy of the January 6th Committee report on many ordinary American’s coffee table or nightstand ?
Feb 22, 2023·edited Feb 22, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Meanwhile, the Biden Administration's EPA issued orders to Norfolk Southern regarding cleanup, a tangible measure that does more than than a GOP-initiated itinerary. I trust that a Biden visit will occur on his timetable, and that the people can discern the difference between effective action and grandstanding.
Your phrase "nipping at Biden's heels.." reminded me of "les chiens aboient, la caravane passe", that I somehow picked up trying to learn French.
It translates "the dogs bark, the caravan passes on". I love thinking of Republicans running around in circles barking like mad while the Joe's caravan of state serenely moves on across the political landscape.
Let the dogs bark, the caravan is passing them by.
Great perspective. The Republicans look foolish. President Biden carries greatness.
I'd love to see it as a political cartoon.
I never heard this one....thank you; it's perfect!!!! I love picture MTG and McCarthy as yapping dogs while our fine President continues onward to do his work.
I have a tie, given to me by my daughter, that I wear when opening or closing to juries. It is a reproduction of the Preamble to the Constitution. The jurors can’t read the very small writing, but I tell them what it is and remind them that the United States is one of the very few places where an ordinary civil case can be heard by a jury—even in England, where the jury was born, they are rare to nonexistent in such matters. And I tell the jurors what is true: that they are the most important people in the courtroom, because they alone find the facts. And I tell them that they will work very hard, because in my experience they always do. Juries are a treasure.
Well said and I think everyone underestimates the value and the intelligence of the jury members.
I've been called for jury duty no less than half a dozen times, only to find the case was settled out of court at the last moment. In short, I have never served, but it is hugely frustrating to take off work and look forward to serving my civic duty only to have to go home at the whim of the lawyers. (In one case, because the attorney had to go to the dentist.) I appreciate what you've written, Jon, but there is the other side, too. After a while it feels like there is very little respect for the jurors.
Hope, I remember sitting for several days through selection and being picked, only to be told that the case had been settled. The judge told us that even though we didn't hear the case, we had served a purpose because knowing there was a jury there to "find the facts," was what made the settlement happen. That felt right to me and helped a little.
Good to "see" you, Chaplain. Hope you are doing better these days.
At the same time, juror's are supposed to try the facts and, in the case of a grand jury, maintain confidentiality concerning the matters heard and decisions of the grand jury. There is a reason for that: to determine the Truth and to protect those who appear before the grand jury until such time there is sufficient evidence and a determination to issue indictments. This juror, no less the foreperson, of the Grand Jury, has broken that Court ordered code of silence thereby opening up the door for Trump and his co-conspirators to undermine any indictment claiming the grand jury was biased or whatever. While their arguments may not hold up in a court of law, her publicity grabbing interviews make AG Willis' case that much harder. This juror is either stupid, egocentric or a Trump plant. I'm guessing she's all three of the foregoing.
My first thought seeing the CNN interview, was INCREDIBLY stupid.
Hosts and guest on local radio talk show had this same opinion. She should have been quiet. She’s given the defense an argument, which may not hold, but will certainly affect/delay possible convictions.
From what I hear, while prosecutors are not happy that she spoke out, they do not believe that she violated her oath or the law.
Whoa, that's a lot of speculation. Didn't she only acknowledge that there are several indictments? We knew that from the initial report which stated there are pending indictments. As yet, they are unspecified. Make no mistake, Trump will fling doo-doo at whomever, especially at a women.
Though part of me feels bad for anyone serving on that GJ, I thought the same thing seeing her interviewed on CNN last night. She made a huge mistake coming out now. It was just plain stupid. And TBH, if she was the foreperson, I'm a bit skeptical of the outcome. Time and time again we've seen cases bungled because someone on the jury just couldn't wait for their 15 minutes of fame.
I, too, smell a rat. She said just enough to muddy the water and give defense attorneys some pretexts to seek dismissal, or delay the cases against the indicted.
I wonder how much she was offered for her 15 minutes of shame.
et voila https://apnews.com/article/politics-georgia-donald-trump-9938c36b008aaeb7a7b1502b09762bbd
A magnificent newsletter, accompanied by a truly magnificent photograph. Where else on Substack do subscribers get so much for so little?
Please add a link to your recommended group doing postcards to Wi voters re JP’s election to Supreme Court. Thanks!!
Yep! Will do!
https://www.activateamerica.vote/postcards The campaign launches tomorrow. :-D
Thx, Barbara. I will FU and share w/ friends.
Thanks so much, Barbara. Great timing! I was just getting ready to start hunting on the internet for Wisconsin's postcard campaign.
I have another suggestion as well for post card campaigns.
Markers for Democracy (named for the markers they use on their postcards!) is a group started in 2018 with two women getting together in Manhattan to write postcards post TFG, and which, through the gift of Zoom, has since became a nationwide activist group of over 900 members with regular meetings and frequent guests from campaigns all around the country. They now have their own source of addresses which anyone can access. Just go to their website, select postcard campaigns, and follow the prompts. I will definitely be postcarding for Judge Janet in WI!!!
https://markersfordemocracy.org/
Thanks for the post. Just to be clear, Markers For Democracy will be writing postcards for Wisconsin through Postcards To Voters, Activate America, Indivisible, Swing Blue Alliance, and Indivisible (so many choices!) and we've been writing to young people in Wisconsin to ask them to register to vote through The Civics Center (a great, non-partisan organization focused on registering high school seniors). Markers is working with Concerned Citizens of NY-03, a grassroots group based in NY-03 (the "Santos District") on a postcard campaign to voters in adjacent districts on Long Island. The postcards ask voters to call their representatives (also GOP because we had a red wave in NY in 2022) and ask them to press Kevin McCarthy to place the resolution to expel George Santos on the floor for a vote. If you can help with 5 postcards against Santos before you start your Wisconsin cards, here is the link again: https://postcards.markersfordemocracy.org/
Thanks for the clarification, Ellen!
Thanks for this.
I ams so excited about Judge Janet's nomination! I wrote post cards for her and the other possible liberal candidate. It feels so good to know I had a small part in this victory!!
So now we have a real chance to shape a court that will protect reproductive and other freedoms....not just for WI - the impact will be nationwide.
Here's a link to her tweet to join her campaign. https://twitter.com/janetforjustice/status/1628438970215419907?s=20
She appreciates donations to compete with all the dark money that is coming into Wisconsin. Let’s help her win in April!!
All of us subscribers should collectively chant for Robert “ Let there be light “ ( Northern light that is). I heard the interview with the forewoman who spoke publicly yesterday. I was amazed how young she was for that responsibility and intrigued by the fact that she did not vote in either the 2016 or 2020 election but thought the grand jury experience was “ cool”. She is representative of a demographic of young voters that need to get engaged and involved and have their presence felt. Maybe this interview and comments will encourage other young people to get involved. I have decided not to read much into her comments or try and read the tea leafs and let Justice slowly grind forward. I don’t want to get too excited until an actual decision is reached. If an indictment is rendered I think you will see a significant shift in Republican support of Trump and a rush of new candidates. More than ever I am willing to wait to make sure it’s an ironclad case and a lock for conviction.
Good advice!
I was also amazed... by the sheer lack of knowledge, that what she was doing has never been done, by holding up a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle popsicle [?] during the hearing?, by her excitement and going out of her way to shake hands with Rudy Guiliani, again ?...
Schools need more money, more teachers, they need BOOKS in the libraries, they need professionals helping the children damaged by life... this young woman is a walking advertisement for what we need to do to improve our schools.
You still can't make people read them. I cringed seeing her on CNN last night. These are the people whose hands our country is in? Yeesh.
The newsletter "Public Citizen" wrote yesterday about Jimmy Carter and his position on Citizens United which I heartily agree with. I call it "legalized bribery".
"Here is some of what President Carter has said about Citizens United over the years:
Citizens United is an “erroneous ruling” and “the most stupid decision the Supreme Court ever made.”
Citizens United has turned America into an “oligarchy with unlimited political bribery.”
Citizens United “violates the essence” of our democracy and represents “the biggest change in America” since he was elected in 1976.
Citizens United has left everyday Americans “cheated out of” the chance to make their lives better."
Hear it for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDsPWmioSHg&t=35s
Reversing Citizens United should be near or at the top of the list on the People's Agenda to insist it be fixed. Corporations are not People and money is not free speech!!
We, the People, all of us humans this time.
You are right. President Carter was outstanding and honest with us. The New York Times caught his spirit just right today.
Lovely photo of Northern Lights! Nice to hear some good news re TFG etc and the election results in VA and WI. I'll be doing postcards to voters re Janet P's election to the WI Supreme Court.
Barbara, I apparently erred in my reply to you. Would you pls provide a link to recommended group for sending postcards to Wi voters re Janet P’s election to Wi SCourt? Thx
This is a great group https://markersfordemocracy.org
Astonishingly awesome photo!
Like Biden, you always go the extra mile.
Thank you!
My wish for America:
“May quiet intelligence triumph over buffoonery and untruths.”
V.O.
Got the picture, it’s gorgeous, Thank you!
Beautiful picture, thanks for sharing it. Given the straightforward success of citizen jurors, perhaps we should seek out citizen prosecutors who can look at evidence and act on it.
!!!
Thank you for the commentary with the added bonus of my bucket list experience - Northern Lights!
Thank you for sharing the photo of the Northern Lights. I grew up in Alaska and spent 40 years there. On the evenings the Northern Lights appeared, I would yell to my children "the Northern Lights are out!" and we would all gather under the dark winter sky and marvel at the wonder above us. I miss those winter nights. So glad you have been gifted with this vision.
Not to needle you, Robert, but in your list of fearless prosecutors, Jack Smith, Fani Willis and Alvin Bragg ( Alvin Bragg ???) you forgot our chief lawman, Merrick Garland. Can we assume that our common disappointment in his inaction continues ? With a copy of the January 6th Committee report on many ordinary American’s coffee table or nightstand ?
Merrick garland is irrelevant. Dereliction of duty.
Meanwhile, the Biden Administration's EPA issued orders to Norfolk Southern regarding cleanup, a tangible measure that does more than than a GOP-initiated itinerary. I trust that a Biden visit will occur on his timetable, and that the people can discern the difference between effective action and grandstanding.
Your photo of the Northern Lights was a WOW!!
Gorgeous! Enjoy your trip!!