A group of us have a healthy habit of reading both Robert’s newsletter and Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American. We see more and more clearly that toxic Republican legislation starts with state legislatures. They have restricted voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, access to healthcare and public education, and lifted controls on gun violence.
Robert interviewed Melissa Walker of The States Project, which has identified pivotal states where Democratic majorities in state house chambers can be saved or gained. The States Project’s vehicle is Giving Circles to raise funds for good Democratic candidates in these pivotal states, and these candidates need our financial support by October 3rd to be freed to focus on meeting their voters to help them win on November 8th.
We can do our part in response to the alarms. Some people live in safe blue states or nearly hopeless red states, but all of us want to help where we can make a difference. Please check out our Tending to Democracy Giving Circle: https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-To-Democracy
Together, our small dollars can make the winning difference! THANK YOU!
What initially struck me upon hearing the news of the FBI’s search of Trump’s Florida’s residence was that August 8th was the date nearly 50 years ago when President Richard Nixon was forced to resign the office of the Presidency because of the evidence of crimes that had been discovered by investigators.
Throughout the evening, I particularly was struck, contrary to today, that back in 1974 the Republican Party did not rise to protect President Nixon when evidence of crimes was revealed. Fast-forward to today’s political world, wherein the top Republican in the House of Representatives threatened AG Garland, intimating, when Republicans retake the House, that House subpoenas would be coming his way.
Could we possibly need further convincing that this fall, aside from running on their accomplishments, Democrats, up and down the ballot, need to amply the opposing party’s lack of regard for the rule of law, for the balance of powers, and, last but not least, for truth itself?
Regarding the search warrant: I saw one of the pundits say that there’s a chance Trump would not be indicted unless there is more evil afoot than just stashing documents. That made me start wondering what else they know. They mentioned classified information that unfriendly nations would want. So then I put that together with the very act of obtaining the search warrant and I thought, wow, if they know he’s in contact with foreign adversaries, he’s in a lot of trouble. And wouldn’t that make the whole thing urgent? Lordy, I hope he at least can’t run for President again.
Here are two interesting items of speculation to relay regarding today's warranted search of Trump's residence, reportedly for classified documents:
1. To which federal court did DOJ apply for the search warrant? Lucian Truscott reader Mary Hilton raises the possibility of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA--don't know why not "FISC"): because the target documents were so top secret:
"The FISA court is a tribunal established in 1978 that decides whether to approve wiretaps, data collection and government requests to monitor suspected terrorists and spies.
...Officials won’t say exactly where the FISA courtroom is located inside the bunker-like complex. It’s so secretive, the room is tightly sealed to prevent eavesdropping.
...Eleven federal district judges serve on a rotating basis, usually for one week at a time. All judges have a maximum term of seven years with the FISA court.
And only one person has the power to appoint the judges: Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts.
...The judges come from across the country – in fact, they have to come from at least seven of the US judicial circuits."
2. Why was ex-wife Ivana Trump's coffin so heavy and why buried on Trump's golf course? (and how did her body get released to him instead of her adult children?) HCR Facebook reader Melissa Quilter wondered, "I want to know why Ivana’s coffin appeared to be almost too heavy for ten beefy pallbearers to carry, when she was ostensibly cremated. Could there be additional (boxes of) state secrets buried with her cremains?"
It's hard to imagine how low Kevin McCarthy (R-23rd) has sunk, how absent his sence of morality and propriety has become that, upon learning of the FBI raid at MaraLago, he would threaten the DOJ and Garland. He'll shut them down through endless investigations. What a complete and utter disgrace to our country he is. The thought of Kevin McCarthy and his pit bull Gym Jordan running things in the House has me filled with despair. And gratitude that Schumer and Pelosi have actually accomplished so much for the common man/woman.
Aug 9, 2022·edited Aug 9, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Outstanding letter, Robert. Thank you.
I do worry about the McCarthy threat re DOJ and Garland.
I want to add a couple of thoughts. The news commentary today is full of the predictable hand-wringing about how the FBI action at Trump’s tax-haven home will be divisive and will energize his base. Even if true, so what? His base doesn’t need energizing. In fact they are energizer bunnies. Let’s stop worrying about them and focus on independents and moderates and get them to the polls. And by the way: Let’s also think about how discouraging it will be if Trump is NOT indicted. I certainly am not suggesting that the indictment decision should turn on voting considerations. But for those who worry about divisiveness, I only say it cuts both ways.
My mind always goes to the rural Americans-Black, Latino, Indigenous and White, with five or six kids, and either unemployed or barely employed, who are the most victimized by the nation's prescription drug pricing policy. Yes, the long-term solution is personal wellness and healthy lifestyles, but in the run-up to all that, a price cap on insulin and prescription medication is essential.
Here is a question that runs through my head on occasion. Imagining that hardcore Trump supporters will never believe any search or eventual legal accountability, and reading the disgraceful response of Minority Leader McCarthy the question(s) is: Will this deep divide eventually end in an explosive and violent moment for our country? How does this end in a way that brings about accountability and justice as well as healing for our nation?
I am far more concerned actually by the revelations of the New Yorker article than anything being speculated about the FBI / DOJ search warrant and execution of the search of Mar-a-Lago. Frankly Trump's disregard for careful handling of classified documents and preservation of records is old news. If this is a surprise to anyone they have not been paying attention. We are already aware that 15 boxes of documents were previously removed from Mar-a-Lago, some classified, quite some time ago. What else may have shown up now is speculation. There are far more serious crimes Trump has committed openly and this is but a trifle compared to a failed coup attempt. It is also not unprecedented and very much analogous to the search of Hillary Clinton's email server and that investigation. I suggest everyone, Republicans, Democrats, and the media all take a step back and wait for real facts and information before speculating on what this search warrant means and its implications.
On 8/4/2022 in a hearing Senator Whitehouse clearly established after the testimony from the FBI that the investigation of Bret Kavanaugh was a sham. NO INVESTIGATION WAS DONE. All the “tips” were ignored. Please listen to the video recording on a spam. This is a stain on our Supreme Court. Another insult to women as rape and abuse were ignored. please demand that this wrong is rectified.
I went straight to Kevin McCarthys twitter account and told him how ridiculous I thought he was to threaten the Attorney General...Maybe Kevin will have to keep his documents and and clear his calendar now that he is threatening the big boys. Trump got away with these things for awhile but his followers are not proving to be so lucky.
‘……. .his reassurances (Milley) were enough to sustain the fragile coalition of military, intelligence, DOJ, and career officials who maintained constitutional order during the perilous few days surrounding January 6th.’
Suggest ‘surrounding’ be replaced with After J6!
Indeed, considering what Milley wrote in his not delivered resignation letter, it would be reasonable to conclude that he believed trump was not acting in a lawful manner before and during Jan 6. If so, he had an obligation to step up and become ‘the lead link’ in the chain of command!
Capitol police personnel died as a result of the trump led coup! They died!
The so called security plan for that day approved by the very people who maintained constitutional order was inept, corrupt and abysmal! Capitol police personnel died because of this non existent security plan!
We now know that people at each department charged with national security violated their oath of office!
Republicans and their media mouthpieces sought to eviscerate Hillary Clinton for using her personal email for official business. These same folks should now be called to task for dismissing or excusing Trump's treatment of public records. Expose the hypocrisy in clear and certain terms!
In 1954, Thurgood Marshall "had" to include four words to his Brown v Board of Education decision to have it approved. Those words were "with all deliberate speed." While that landmark decision helped thousands of children gain access to schools, ten years passed before "with all deliberate speed" became a reality. Hats off to Robert B. Hubble for including and reminding us about "deliberate speed" in today's newsletter. Given that the wheels of justice turn rather slowly, I suggest we supercharge our legislative "engines" and support the 1/6 committee to insure Mafia Don Trump is indicted sooner than later.
I know this doesn't exactly pertain to today's newsletter, but I think it's useful to highlight how closely DeSantis is following Trump's autocratic tendencies. This appeared in today's Tampa Bay Times and discusses the illegality of DeSantis' removal of the state attorney.: https://tampabaytimes-fl.newsmemory.com/?publink=13c03c459_13485ad
From reader Dorie Lemieux:
A group of us have a healthy habit of reading both Robert’s newsletter and Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American. We see more and more clearly that toxic Republican legislation starts with state legislatures. They have restricted voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, access to healthcare and public education, and lifted controls on gun violence.
Robert interviewed Melissa Walker of The States Project, which has identified pivotal states where Democratic majorities in state house chambers can be saved or gained. The States Project’s vehicle is Giving Circles to raise funds for good Democratic candidates in these pivotal states, and these candidates need our financial support by October 3rd to be freed to focus on meeting their voters to help them win on November 8th.
We can do our part in response to the alarms. Some people live in safe blue states or nearly hopeless red states, but all of us want to help where we can make a difference. Please check out our Tending to Democracy Giving Circle: https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-To-Democracy
Together, our small dollars can make the winning difference! THANK YOU!
What initially struck me upon hearing the news of the FBI’s search of Trump’s Florida’s residence was that August 8th was the date nearly 50 years ago when President Richard Nixon was forced to resign the office of the Presidency because of the evidence of crimes that had been discovered by investigators.
Throughout the evening, I particularly was struck, contrary to today, that back in 1974 the Republican Party did not rise to protect President Nixon when evidence of crimes was revealed. Fast-forward to today’s political world, wherein the top Republican in the House of Representatives threatened AG Garland, intimating, when Republicans retake the House, that House subpoenas would be coming his way.
Could we possibly need further convincing that this fall, aside from running on their accomplishments, Democrats, up and down the ballot, need to amply the opposing party’s lack of regard for the rule of law, for the balance of powers, and, last but not least, for truth itself?
Regarding the search warrant: I saw one of the pundits say that there’s a chance Trump would not be indicted unless there is more evil afoot than just stashing documents. That made me start wondering what else they know. They mentioned classified information that unfriendly nations would want. So then I put that together with the very act of obtaining the search warrant and I thought, wow, if they know he’s in contact with foreign adversaries, he’s in a lot of trouble. And wouldn’t that make the whole thing urgent? Lordy, I hope he at least can’t run for President again.
Here are two interesting items of speculation to relay regarding today's warranted search of Trump's residence, reportedly for classified documents:
1. To which federal court did DOJ apply for the search warrant? Lucian Truscott reader Mary Hilton raises the possibility of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA--don't know why not "FISC"): because the target documents were so top secret:
"The FISA court is a tribunal established in 1978 that decides whether to approve wiretaps, data collection and government requests to monitor suspected terrorists and spies.
...Officials won’t say exactly where the FISA courtroom is located inside the bunker-like complex. It’s so secretive, the room is tightly sealed to prevent eavesdropping.
...Eleven federal district judges serve on a rotating basis, usually for one week at a time. All judges have a maximum term of seven years with the FISA court.
And only one person has the power to appoint the judges: Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts.
...The judges come from across the country – in fact, they have to come from at least seven of the US judicial circuits."
https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/08/politics/fisa-court-explainer-trnd/index.html
2. Why was ex-wife Ivana Trump's coffin so heavy and why buried on Trump's golf course? (and how did her body get released to him instead of her adult children?) HCR Facebook reader Melissa Quilter wondered, "I want to know why Ivana’s coffin appeared to be almost too heavy for ten beefy pallbearers to carry, when she was ostensibly cremated. Could there be additional (boxes of) state secrets buried with her cremains?"
https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson
It's hard to imagine how low Kevin McCarthy (R-23rd) has sunk, how absent his sence of morality and propriety has become that, upon learning of the FBI raid at MaraLago, he would threaten the DOJ and Garland. He'll shut them down through endless investigations. What a complete and utter disgrace to our country he is. The thought of Kevin McCarthy and his pit bull Gym Jordan running things in the House has me filled with despair. And gratitude that Schumer and Pelosi have actually accomplished so much for the common man/woman.
Outstanding letter, Robert. Thank you.
I do worry about the McCarthy threat re DOJ and Garland.
I want to add a couple of thoughts. The news commentary today is full of the predictable hand-wringing about how the FBI action at Trump’s tax-haven home will be divisive and will energize his base. Even if true, so what? His base doesn’t need energizing. In fact they are energizer bunnies. Let’s stop worrying about them and focus on independents and moderates and get them to the polls. And by the way: Let’s also think about how discouraging it will be if Trump is NOT indicted. I certainly am not suggesting that the indictment decision should turn on voting considerations. But for those who worry about divisiveness, I only say it cuts both ways.
My mind always goes to the rural Americans-Black, Latino, Indigenous and White, with five or six kids, and either unemployed or barely employed, who are the most victimized by the nation's prescription drug pricing policy. Yes, the long-term solution is personal wellness and healthy lifestyles, but in the run-up to all that, a price cap on insulin and prescription medication is essential.
I took your advice to subscribe to Chop Wood, Carry Water and am glad I did. I love that she gives specific things we can do to further our goals. Beyond that, the link to this article was heartening: https://www.thedailybeast.com/dark-brandon-or-how-the-left-stopped-worrying-and-learned-to-love-joe-bidens-alter-ego-lets-go-brandon?ref=scroll We are on the offense! Let's keep running up the score!
Here is a question that runs through my head on occasion. Imagining that hardcore Trump supporters will never believe any search or eventual legal accountability, and reading the disgraceful response of Minority Leader McCarthy the question(s) is: Will this deep divide eventually end in an explosive and violent moment for our country? How does this end in a way that brings about accountability and justice as well as healing for our nation?
I am far more concerned actually by the revelations of the New Yorker article than anything being speculated about the FBI / DOJ search warrant and execution of the search of Mar-a-Lago. Frankly Trump's disregard for careful handling of classified documents and preservation of records is old news. If this is a surprise to anyone they have not been paying attention. We are already aware that 15 boxes of documents were previously removed from Mar-a-Lago, some classified, quite some time ago. What else may have shown up now is speculation. There are far more serious crimes Trump has committed openly and this is but a trifle compared to a failed coup attempt. It is also not unprecedented and very much analogous to the search of Hillary Clinton's email server and that investigation. I suggest everyone, Republicans, Democrats, and the media all take a step back and wait for real facts and information before speculating on what this search warrant means and its implications.
On 8/4/2022 in a hearing Senator Whitehouse clearly established after the testimony from the FBI that the investigation of Bret Kavanaugh was a sham. NO INVESTIGATION WAS DONE. All the “tips” were ignored. Please listen to the video recording on a spam. This is a stain on our Supreme Court. Another insult to women as rape and abuse were ignored. please demand that this wrong is rectified.
I went straight to Kevin McCarthys twitter account and told him how ridiculous I thought he was to threaten the Attorney General...Maybe Kevin will have to keep his documents and and clear his calendar now that he is threatening the big boys. Trump got away with these things for awhile but his followers are not proving to be so lucky.
‘……. .his reassurances (Milley) were enough to sustain the fragile coalition of military, intelligence, DOJ, and career officials who maintained constitutional order during the perilous few days surrounding January 6th.’
Suggest ‘surrounding’ be replaced with After J6!
Indeed, considering what Milley wrote in his not delivered resignation letter, it would be reasonable to conclude that he believed trump was not acting in a lawful manner before and during Jan 6. If so, he had an obligation to step up and become ‘the lead link’ in the chain of command!
Capitol police personnel died as a result of the trump led coup! They died!
The so called security plan for that day approved by the very people who maintained constitutional order was inept, corrupt and abysmal! Capitol police personnel died because of this non existent security plan!
We now know that people at each department charged with national security violated their oath of office!
Republicans and their media mouthpieces sought to eviscerate Hillary Clinton for using her personal email for official business. These same folks should now be called to task for dismissing or excusing Trump's treatment of public records. Expose the hypocrisy in clear and certain terms!
In 1954, Thurgood Marshall "had" to include four words to his Brown v Board of Education decision to have it approved. Those words were "with all deliberate speed." While that landmark decision helped thousands of children gain access to schools, ten years passed before "with all deliberate speed" became a reality. Hats off to Robert B. Hubble for including and reminding us about "deliberate speed" in today's newsletter. Given that the wheels of justice turn rather slowly, I suggest we supercharge our legislative "engines" and support the 1/6 committee to insure Mafia Don Trump is indicted sooner than later.
I know this doesn't exactly pertain to today's newsletter, but I think it's useful to highlight how closely DeSantis is following Trump's autocratic tendencies. This appeared in today's Tampa Bay Times and discusses the illegality of DeSantis' removal of the state attorney.: https://tampabaytimes-fl.newsmemory.com/?publink=13c03c459_13485ad