Thanks for the summary of what to expect this week. It helps to see it in advance and to have an opportunity to temper our expectations. We'll likely see a lot of legal maneuvering, but I have faith that TFG will be held accountable for something and denied another stay in the White House. Only the latter is within our control, so let's make it count!
I started writing comments for the newsletter late in the game, and I must confess that I do not know what the letters "TFG" mean. I'm assuming they include at least one curse word, but could you identify the first and third letters? I have an idea, but I need to know!
The Former Guy, but I like the way you think! He certainly does inspire colorful language!
When he was the occupant of the Oval Office, I noted that he'd completely changed the presidency. He changed POTUS to mean "Piece Of Totally Useless $#!+"
Pres Biden made a comment about Trump and referred to him as "The Former Guy." TFG became a meme, and perhaps a way of not mentioning Trump by name so much.
Like grace from God your essays never leave us in despair but rather motivation to continue the struggle for the promises of the Declaration of Independence. Thank you Robert.
Dear Robert- I read your reports and they all are a font of information that we do need desperately in this perilous time for our country- but my one question is "do you think the tfg will really ever serve time in jail" or is it magical thinking for those who do long to see him in an orange suit to match his face?
Would it be fair to expect that in confinement, even if at Mar-a-Lago, he would still be expected to lead the life of a prisoner…measured computer time, limited telephone time, etc.?
As I've said elsewhere, confine him to a single room in Bedminster with his only exercise going out to mow Ivana's grave.
Isn't there a rule about not being able to profit from one's crimes? I don't know how that fits with the First Amendment, but can a condition of his sentence be that all profits from any book or article he writes goes to some sort of trust for use in increasing the number of public defenders so that they aren't too swamped to be effective?
He will never serve jail time has been my prediction as someone who was raised with him in my backyard (GenX). We told the world who he is, but we're just liberal snowflakes.
I'm not sure that jail is practical given the security concerns and fairness to the Secret Service detail, but maybe a brief incarceration followed by house arrest, confinement, and loss of freedom and privileges for the rest of his sentence. I'd like to see him spend a little time at the Fulton County Jail. But first, we've gotta get thru some trials and appeals.
Sad, but I agree that he'll probably get by with something like ankle bracelet and house arrest. Then we as taxpayers get to continue paying for his bodyguards.
I'll happily pay say $10 more in federal taxes every year to see Trump in house arrest for 10+ years. That would be the best bargain I've ever run across!
If we could only get by with $10 more; I'd prefer he lose his SS detail altogether as a convicted criminal...........and rot in jail like anyone other bad actor
This DemLabs infographic looks at ten recent hate crimes including the one in Florida. The role of DeSantis is stoking racism while removing gun safety regulations. The role of FOX, Facebook and Twitter have in amplifying the hate speech. From Texas to Kansas, the story is the same: "Political hate speech grooms killers". https://thedemlabs.org/2023/08/27/political-hate-speech-grooms-killers-jacksonville-shooting-dollar-general/
On the 60th anniversary of the “ I had a dream” speech “ a armed racists killed three people of color in a Dollar General store. I reread the speech and saw the speech on television and have asked myself how far have we come from that day and that speech and yet how far do we still need to go. Racism is still alive and well and lives in the minds and actions of many Republicans and unfortunately is a cornerstone of the appeal of MAGA Republicans. The armed lone killer in the Dollar General store was armed with a legally obtained assault weapon with Nazi swastika symbols on the weapon , dressed in battle fatigue and armor and was spouting racists rhetoric as he attacked innocent shoppers. Our society, all of us are responsible because we made it possible for messages of hate to be freely distributed and promoted and made it easy for haters to get access to assault weapons. When will be learn and elect people who are willing to make the hard decisions to bring these situations under control.?
There is a dark and deadly movement, inspired by militant whites to have a "revolution" a la the Civil War. Cleverly, they inspire individual "soldiers" i.e. lone gunment to be the frontrunners. Racism, misogyny, anti-immigration, gun freedoms, and anti-government militias (the Proud Boys are an example,) are their goals. They've been popping up for a few decades and are stengthened by the "free speech" of the media. Needless to say, they are pro-Republican, and pro-Trump. May they fail! It is difficult to put a finger on responsibility since it appears that unbalanced "loners" are the perpetrators.
Here's a link to today's Thom Hartman's sub stack with a very interesting take on this phenomena:
There is an interesting book out that I am reading entitled “The First Ladies”. It is historical fiction based on fact. The lead characters are Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. I knew nothing about Mrs. Bethune until reading this book. She started a boarding school in Daytona Beach, Florida for young Black girls back in the very early 1900s. She became a member of Roosevelt’s “Black Cabinet”, a vice president of the NAACP, leader of the National Youth Association Black children’s arm. She developed her original school and it became Bethune-Cookman College. This woman was a power house. She was close friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, who supported her accomplishments through their friendship. She brought the Black vote to Roosevelt. Prior to the New Deal, Black’s support Lincoln’s Republican Party. Of course we all know what has happened to that party. I write this because at the 60 year mark of MLKs speech, I feel that this woman needs to be acknowledged.
Here is what I visualize when I need to calm my nerves for a while: Trump, in a jail cell, paying for his hostile and abusive posts, by having all electronic devices taken away..... 😀 Unlikely? Perhaps, but it soothes my mind...... ah, the peace and quiet.....
Errors stick their tongues out at me and go nyah, and I didn't see any, so I suspect they were absent. Wishing you energy for preparing the cabin, and a pleasant time despite having to attend to those preparations.
Off topic perhaps, but reflecting on Robert’s list of things which are likely to happen, my mind skips ahead to trial and sentencing. Oddly enough I find myself agreeing with judge Aileen Cannon that Trump deserves special attention— but not necessarily the kind he wants and she tried to give him. With power comes responsibility, as President, he swore on a bible in front of millions to uphold the constitution. Instead he trampled on it. He flagrantly flouted federal and state laws and he did it in public in front of others. Moreover, he continues to do so. He has forfeited the right to be treated as a former President. If convicted, he should be treated like other convicted criminals.
Good points. What also occurred to me, reading Robert's piece today, is this other gigantic special consideration: What other defendants, if convicted , might gain the power to pardon themselves?? None, to my knowledge, except those running for President or Governor.
Because that pardoning power is contingent on winning an election, and the results of the election may well be contingent on the results of these trials, the public has a MUCH greater right to a speedy trial in these cases than is normal. Yes, an individual's right to a fair trial is hugely important, but (I presume) must always be weighed against the public's right to a safe and stable community. In this case, that's a nation of 330 million people. (Also, aren't speedy trials and "not coddling criminals" what the Right has been clamoring for the last few decades?)
I hope each judge is considering this special quality to Trump's cases and makes sure the cases start by next spring.
The latest cold blooded murder in the name of hate was another loud cry for banning of the sale of the AR-15, the weapon of choice for mass murderers. It was created to kill as many people as possible in the shortest time on the battlefield. It has no use in hands of normal citizens. Let’s hold lawmakers’ feet to the fire and force them to do what is right to save countless lives. Thoughts and prayers are not getting the job done.
March on Washington, August 27, 1963. "The city of Washington, D.C., banned liquor sales for the first time since Prohibition, hospitals stocked blood plasma and canceled elective surgeries, and the Pentagon amassed 19,000 troops in the suburbs, just in case things got violent." Not a single arrest. I went down with health workers from Boston City Hospital, our bus led by Louis Sullivan MD, later head of Health and Human Services. We sang the whole way, feeling brave, of course.
Thanks for the summary of what to expect this week. It helps to see it in advance and to have an opportunity to temper our expectations. We'll likely see a lot of legal maneuvering, but I have faith that TFG will be held accountable for something and denied another stay in the White House. Only the latter is within our control, so let's make it count!
Good luck at the cabin!
I started writing comments for the newsletter late in the game, and I must confess that I do not know what the letters "TFG" mean. I'm assuming they include at least one curse word, but could you identify the first and third letters? I have an idea, but I need to know!
Meanwhile, I agree with you!
The Former Guy, but I like the way you think! He certainly does inspire colorful language!
When he was the occupant of the Oval Office, I noted that he'd completely changed the presidency. He changed POTUS to mean "Piece Of Totally Useless $#!+"
I was way off!
Thanks for asking Kathleen. I've been assuming "The F'ing Grifter". Nice to have an acronym that can mean both!
Tyler, that was my guess exactly!
Pres Biden made a comment about Trump and referred to him as "The Former Guy." TFG became a meme, and perhaps a way of not mentioning Trump by name so much.
Thank you. Now I recall Biden calling him that.
It took me a while to figure it out...I like all the possibilities shared here! My early guess was That F'ing Guy - not as original as Grifter!
Like grace from God your essays never leave us in despair but rather motivation to continue the struggle for the promises of the Declaration of Independence. Thank you Robert.
“Like grace from God”..the very words I wished I had said. Tho always encapsulated by
a trust worthiness, your words always manages to ease me into the day.
Immune to the laws of gravity. THAT explains 215!!!
Ha!
Loved your quips of “immune to the laws of gravity and the US criminal code” and “eleventy-never...!” Those hearty laughs felt good!
I, too, enjoyed "eleventy-never". My usual go to is the 12th of Never, but I kinda like "mumble eleventy-never mumble".
Dear Robert- I read your reports and they all are a font of information that we do need desperately in this perilous time for our country- but my one question is "do you think the tfg will really ever serve time in jail" or is it magical thinking for those who do long to see him in an orange suit to match his face?
Jail, no. confinement yes.
Would it be fair to expect that in confinement, even if at Mar-a-Lago, he would still be expected to lead the life of a prisoner…measured computer time, limited telephone time, etc.?
Yes. No social media, no guests.
As I've said elsewhere, confine him to a single room in Bedminster with his only exercise going out to mow Ivana's grave.
Isn't there a rule about not being able to profit from one's crimes? I don't know how that fits with the First Amendment, but can a condition of his sentence be that all profits from any book or article he writes goes to some sort of trust for use in increasing the number of public defenders so that they aren't too swamped to be effective?
And no more opportunities to “win” golf tournaments, like he did this weekend because he considers himself a wonderful golfer/athlete.
You mean cheat at golf tournaments.
Trump cheat?
I still prefer banishment to an uninhabited island a la Napoleon. Anywhere he cannot access media.
He will never serve jail time has been my prediction as someone who was raised with him in my backyard (GenX). We told the world who he is, but we're just liberal snowflakes.
Really? Even with the unlikelihood of his obeying the various judges' warnings. Shucks!
Possible plea deal?
I'm not sure that jail is practical given the security concerns and fairness to the Secret Service detail, but maybe a brief incarceration followed by house arrest, confinement, and loss of freedom and privileges for the rest of his sentence. I'd like to see him spend a little time at the Fulton County Jail. But first, we've gotta get thru some trials and appeals.
Sad, but I agree that he'll probably get by with something like ankle bracelet and house arrest. Then we as taxpayers get to continue paying for his bodyguards.
I'll happily pay say $10 more in federal taxes every year to see Trump in house arrest for 10+ years. That would be the best bargain I've ever run across!
If we could only get by with $10 more; I'd prefer he lose his SS detail altogether as a convicted criminal...........and rot in jail like anyone other bad actor
You are so right unfortunately!!!
This DemLabs infographic looks at ten recent hate crimes including the one in Florida. The role of DeSantis is stoking racism while removing gun safety regulations. The role of FOX, Facebook and Twitter have in amplifying the hate speech. From Texas to Kansas, the story is the same: "Political hate speech grooms killers". https://thedemlabs.org/2023/08/27/political-hate-speech-grooms-killers-jacksonville-shooting-dollar-general/
Looking forward to DemLabs content on Threads...🙂
On the 60th anniversary of the “ I had a dream” speech “ a armed racists killed three people of color in a Dollar General store. I reread the speech and saw the speech on television and have asked myself how far have we come from that day and that speech and yet how far do we still need to go. Racism is still alive and well and lives in the minds and actions of many Republicans and unfortunately is a cornerstone of the appeal of MAGA Republicans. The armed lone killer in the Dollar General store was armed with a legally obtained assault weapon with Nazi swastika symbols on the weapon , dressed in battle fatigue and armor and was spouting racists rhetoric as he attacked innocent shoppers. Our society, all of us are responsible because we made it possible for messages of hate to be freely distributed and promoted and made it easy for haters to get access to assault weapons. When will be learn and elect people who are willing to make the hard decisions to bring these situations under control.?
There is a dark and deadly movement, inspired by militant whites to have a "revolution" a la the Civil War. Cleverly, they inspire individual "soldiers" i.e. lone gunment to be the frontrunners. Racism, misogyny, anti-immigration, gun freedoms, and anti-government militias (the Proud Boys are an example,) are their goals. They've been popping up for a few decades and are stengthened by the "free speech" of the media. Needless to say, they are pro-Republican, and pro-Trump. May they fail! It is difficult to put a finger on responsibility since it appears that unbalanced "loners" are the perpetrators.
Here's a link to today's Thom Hartman's sub stack with a very interesting take on this phenomena:
thomhartmann+daily-rant@substack.co. "Chaos" seems to be the commonality.
There is an interesting book out that I am reading entitled “The First Ladies”. It is historical fiction based on fact. The lead characters are Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. I knew nothing about Mrs. Bethune until reading this book. She started a boarding school in Daytona Beach, Florida for young Black girls back in the very early 1900s. She became a member of Roosevelt’s “Black Cabinet”, a vice president of the NAACP, leader of the National Youth Association Black children’s arm. She developed her original school and it became Bethune-Cookman College. This woman was a power house. She was close friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, who supported her accomplishments through their friendship. She brought the Black vote to Roosevelt. Prior to the New Deal, Black’s support Lincoln’s Republican Party. Of course we all know what has happened to that party. I write this because at the 60 year mark of MLKs speech, I feel that this woman needs to be acknowledged.
Here is what I visualize when I need to calm my nerves for a while: Trump, in a jail cell, paying for his hostile and abusive posts, by having all electronic devices taken away..... 😀 Unlikely? Perhaps, but it soothes my mind...... ah, the peace and quiet.....
Reading all the ins and outs of the week to come, the characters, the permutations, reminds me of the words of Sergeant Pepper’s barker:
🎵 What a scene!
Over men and horses, hoops and garters,
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!
Errors stick their tongues out at me and go nyah, and I didn't see any, so I suspect they were absent. Wishing you energy for preparing the cabin, and a pleasant time despite having to attend to those preparations.
Off topic perhaps, but reflecting on Robert’s list of things which are likely to happen, my mind skips ahead to trial and sentencing. Oddly enough I find myself agreeing with judge Aileen Cannon that Trump deserves special attention— but not necessarily the kind he wants and she tried to give him. With power comes responsibility, as President, he swore on a bible in front of millions to uphold the constitution. Instead he trampled on it. He flagrantly flouted federal and state laws and he did it in public in front of others. Moreover, he continues to do so. He has forfeited the right to be treated as a former President. If convicted, he should be treated like other convicted criminals.
Good points. What also occurred to me, reading Robert's piece today, is this other gigantic special consideration: What other defendants, if convicted , might gain the power to pardon themselves?? None, to my knowledge, except those running for President or Governor.
Because that pardoning power is contingent on winning an election, and the results of the election may well be contingent on the results of these trials, the public has a MUCH greater right to a speedy trial in these cases than is normal. Yes, an individual's right to a fair trial is hugely important, but (I presume) must always be weighed against the public's right to a safe and stable community. In this case, that's a nation of 330 million people. (Also, aren't speedy trials and "not coddling criminals" what the Right has been clamoring for the last few decades?)
I hope each judge is considering this special quality to Trump's cases and makes sure the cases start by next spring.
The latest cold blooded murder in the name of hate was another loud cry for banning of the sale of the AR-15, the weapon of choice for mass murderers. It was created to kill as many people as possible in the shortest time on the battlefield. It has no use in hands of normal citizens. Let’s hold lawmakers’ feet to the fire and force them to do what is right to save countless lives. Thoughts and prayers are not getting the job done.
March on Washington, August 27, 1963. "The city of Washington, D.C., banned liquor sales for the first time since Prohibition, hospitals stocked blood plasma and canceled elective surgeries, and the Pentagon amassed 19,000 troops in the suburbs, just in case things got violent." Not a single arrest. I went down with health workers from Boston City Hospital, our bus led by Louis Sullivan MD, later head of Health and Human Services. We sang the whole way, feeling brave, of course.
“I will be back in civilization on Tuesday.” –
Thank you for today’s ‘uncivilized’ Newsletter.
As Robert always says, we are lucky to have Joe Biden as our President: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/27/joe-biden-king-march-on-washington-jobs-freedom/