If you read Marcus's WaPo column -- and you should; it is excellent in places, particularly the excerpt quoted in Robert's post -- scroll down past the end of the column far enough to read Theodore Widlanski's comment. He points out, correctly in my view, that Marcus has it "backward" about the idea of prosecuting a former president and current presidential candidate making us "uneasy." As Dr. Widlanski succinctly puts it, the uneasy-making parts are (a) that the country elected a blatantly criminal person and (b) that the country was so hesitant to prosecute "someone who so blatantly and criminally violated the public trust."
If we do not prosecute people who break the law because they are famous or rich or powerful, we are not a nation of laws. And if we are not that, we are not and cannot be a democracy.
If the successful attempt to overturn the result of the 2000 election had been similarly prosecuted, we would probably not have had an attempt to do the same twenty years later. I am very happy to see our right to vote, and have our votes respected, defended.
Why isn't everyone pointing out how TFG Tried to use the DOJ to overturn the election. Gaslight much? AND. I hope there are some congressmen (Jordan, Cruz, Graham) quaking in their shoes
I thank our lucky stars for the dignity with which Jack Smith discharges his duties: his perpetual reminders of the presumption of innocence, especially as regards Donald J. Trump, and the way he departs the podium, never deigning to answer the stupid questions winging his way from the gaggle of stenographers, all of whom lost the right to be called The Press 43 years ago as they commenced their eight-year nap during the Reagan Reign of Terrror.
Aug 2, 2023·edited Aug 2, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I love the exhortations to be more than just a spectator to this historic moment, and to take action. As Robert quotes Tom Nichols, we "must speak up and speak out," and, "we must be willing to speak this truth not only to power but to our fellow citizens."
Heather Cox Richardson did similar in her video chat today on Facebook. She ended by encouraging us to speak up that WE are the patriots upholding the institutions of our liberal democracy, the foundation for self-determination. She said she's going to start wearing an American flag pin. We each can become so conversant in what liberal democracy means, and fly our flag.
I am so glad that you referenced Tom Nichols' column in the Atlantic. I would highly suggest that everyone read it in its' entirety and forward it to everyone that you know. It is a call to action to speak to people about DJT's crimes and the danger that he brings to democracy. Nichols writes:
"The indictment handed down today challenges every American to put a shoulder to the wheel and defend our republic in every peaceful, legal, and civilized way they can."
This work is daily and we all must engage in it. The right has their mouthpieces that are in lock step. They are loud. We must be louder and engage everyone that we know - not just DJT's supporters, but those who sit on the sidelines and say things like "both parties are the same" or "my vote doesn't count what's the point." Frankly, both are dangerous. We cannot let our friends and family look away from what is happening. Real people have been hurt over the last seven years.
We need everyone to vote for Joe Biden and Democrats in 2024. Jack Smith is doing his job with dignity and skill - so must we. May we be determined and happy warriors as we fight for our democracy.
There are two polar opposite ways of reflecting on the occasion of the release and unsealing of the indictments. Firstly, there is overwhelming joy, celebration, if you will, that justice will prevail. As well, there's the 'GOTCHA' aspect, that a perennial scoundrel and crook who has long gotten away with his rackets, is finally being held accountable. And, then the irresistible urge to fist pump, "YES", forgetting that this is not yet over and that all it takes is just one solitary juror to overturn the seeming irrefutable evidence.
Then there is the somber, quiet feeling of gratitude - a deep breath, a calmness, the whole body release that follows long waiting and pondering and living with a sense of foreboding, even threat. It is not so much a sadness that we have had to traverse these murky waters, so much as a realization that Democracy does not come easily to us, and requires a lot of us, and from us. It is less a mournfulness than a deep appreciation for what we have been prized with.
I am cherishing this moment for all of the above reasons.
"And the indictment cuts to the quick of the injury inflicted by Trump: It alleges that Trump engaged in a conspiracy “against the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.”
And yet -----> Gym Jordan just said: "Trump did nothing wrong". So, 2 1/2 years after Jan 6, numerous jail sentences, numerous indictments, the 1/6 investigation, and Jordan's own sense of right and wrong is so deeply flawed that he still sees nothing wrong. I hope that there are a majority of voters in Ohio's 4th who think he's a deeply flawed individual.
Aug 2, 2023·edited Aug 2, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Robert Reich is making a case that invoking Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution is sufficient to disqualify Trump from holding office again. There are two organizations that are appealing to several Secretaries of State to not allow Trump on the ballot as their duty to the U.S. and their state's constitutions. Here is the relevant 14th Amendment text:
"No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
My question, then, is why is the 14th Amendment not being invoked and taking effect? Is it because the Senate failed to convict Trump in the second impeachment? Is it because Trump hasn't yet been convicted of inciting an insurrection in a court of law? Prof. Reich argues that he acted in public and could clearly be seen having "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies" of the United States.
Here's a link to Prof. Reich's relevant post, which includes a link to an organization promoting this approach.
All well said! Thank you! I have just one simple suggestion, and wonder, if it makes sense, how it could be implemented. Could we stop posting photographs of Trump? We all know what he looks like! But wouldn't it make a difference if we continued to report without depicting? Just thinking. And if we think it's a good idea, how do we ask our major news outlets about it?
1. The NY indictment. This is for falsifying business records, one piece of deceitful behavior during the 2016 campaign for election.
2. The DC indictment. This is for fraudulent behavior as part of an effort to steal the 2020 election that Trump lost.
3. The GA indictment to come. This is for one instance of Trump's fraudulent behavior to get others to change the results of the 2020 election.
4. The FL indictment. This is for Trump's illegal behavior after the 2020 election was clearly decided regarding classified document he had as a result of having been President.
My first reaction to last nights indictment was “ finally “ when hearing about the indictment but what was interesting to me was the fact that the J6th hearings chaired by Liz Chaney set the stage and and introduced the public to what was really going on that we were unaware of. Even more importantly the information and revelations were mostly provided by Republicans. The American public per se probably was not surprised by the indictments only the magnitude of the scope and timing of the coup attempt and the willing participants. There will be accountability in multiple jurisdictions for a multitude of willing participants and I predict that even with the denials and attempts to misdirect the American voting public regardless of party affiliation will be the ultimate judge and jury and will find Trump guilty as charged.
Let’s think about Mike Pence for a moment, distasteful as that may be. Clearly, he will be an important witness for the prosecution—likely the most important, apart from Trump’s endless admissions of guilt. That puts Trump, at least, in an uncomfortable position. If Pence is eliminated early from the 2024 race (as seems likely), he will have much less reason to trim his sails or be nice to Trump at the trial. So, in an odd way, it will be in Trump’s interest to keep Pence’s spectral campaign alive as long as possible. OK, enough about Mike Pence.
Only the judge and the jury are required to presume that Donald Trump is innocent. The rest of us have the right to presume that
1) what we saw is what happened,
2) what we have learned about what we saw is true, and
3) Donald Trump is guilty as charged.
.
If you read Marcus's WaPo column -- and you should; it is excellent in places, particularly the excerpt quoted in Robert's post -- scroll down past the end of the column far enough to read Theodore Widlanski's comment. He points out, correctly in my view, that Marcus has it "backward" about the idea of prosecuting a former president and current presidential candidate making us "uneasy." As Dr. Widlanski succinctly puts it, the uneasy-making parts are (a) that the country elected a blatantly criminal person and (b) that the country was so hesitant to prosecute "someone who so blatantly and criminally violated the public trust."
If we do not prosecute people who break the law because they are famous or rich or powerful, we are not a nation of laws. And if we are not that, we are not and cannot be a democracy.
If the successful attempt to overturn the result of the 2000 election had been similarly prosecuted, we would probably not have had an attempt to do the same twenty years later. I am very happy to see our right to vote, and have our votes respected, defended.
Why isn't everyone pointing out how TFG Tried to use the DOJ to overturn the election. Gaslight much? AND. I hope there are some congressmen (Jordan, Cruz, Graham) quaking in their shoes
I thank our lucky stars for the dignity with which Jack Smith discharges his duties: his perpetual reminders of the presumption of innocence, especially as regards Donald J. Trump, and the way he departs the podium, never deigning to answer the stupid questions winging his way from the gaggle of stenographers, all of whom lost the right to be called The Press 43 years ago as they commenced their eight-year nap during the Reagan Reign of Terrror.
I love the exhortations to be more than just a spectator to this historic moment, and to take action. As Robert quotes Tom Nichols, we "must speak up and speak out," and, "we must be willing to speak this truth not only to power but to our fellow citizens."
Heather Cox Richardson did similar in her video chat today on Facebook. She ended by encouraging us to speak up that WE are the patriots upholding the institutions of our liberal democracy, the foundation for self-determination. She said she's going to start wearing an American flag pin. We each can become so conversant in what liberal democracy means, and fly our flag.
https://fb.watch/m9OeKra8N2/
I am so glad that you referenced Tom Nichols' column in the Atlantic. I would highly suggest that everyone read it in its' entirety and forward it to everyone that you know. It is a call to action to speak to people about DJT's crimes and the danger that he brings to democracy. Nichols writes:
"The indictment handed down today challenges every American to put a shoulder to the wheel and defend our republic in every peaceful, legal, and civilized way they can."
This work is daily and we all must engage in it. The right has their mouthpieces that are in lock step. They are loud. We must be louder and engage everyone that we know - not just DJT's supporters, but those who sit on the sidelines and say things like "both parties are the same" or "my vote doesn't count what's the point." Frankly, both are dangerous. We cannot let our friends and family look away from what is happening. Real people have been hurt over the last seven years.
We need everyone to vote for Joe Biden and Democrats in 2024. Jack Smith is doing his job with dignity and skill - so must we. May we be determined and happy warriors as we fight for our democracy.
There are two polar opposite ways of reflecting on the occasion of the release and unsealing of the indictments. Firstly, there is overwhelming joy, celebration, if you will, that justice will prevail. As well, there's the 'GOTCHA' aspect, that a perennial scoundrel and crook who has long gotten away with his rackets, is finally being held accountable. And, then the irresistible urge to fist pump, "YES", forgetting that this is not yet over and that all it takes is just one solitary juror to overturn the seeming irrefutable evidence.
Then there is the somber, quiet feeling of gratitude - a deep breath, a calmness, the whole body release that follows long waiting and pondering and living with a sense of foreboding, even threat. It is not so much a sadness that we have had to traverse these murky waters, so much as a realization that Democracy does not come easily to us, and requires a lot of us, and from us. It is less a mournfulness than a deep appreciation for what we have been prized with.
I am cherishing this moment for all of the above reasons.
"And the indictment cuts to the quick of the injury inflicted by Trump: It alleges that Trump engaged in a conspiracy “against the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.”
And yet -----> Gym Jordan just said: "Trump did nothing wrong". So, 2 1/2 years after Jan 6, numerous jail sentences, numerous indictments, the 1/6 investigation, and Jordan's own sense of right and wrong is so deeply flawed that he still sees nothing wrong. I hope that there are a majority of voters in Ohio's 4th who think he's a deeply flawed individual.
Robert Reich is making a case that invoking Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution is sufficient to disqualify Trump from holding office again. There are two organizations that are appealing to several Secretaries of State to not allow Trump on the ballot as their duty to the U.S. and their state's constitutions. Here is the relevant 14th Amendment text:
"No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
My question, then, is why is the 14th Amendment not being invoked and taking effect? Is it because the Senate failed to convict Trump in the second impeachment? Is it because Trump hasn't yet been convicted of inciting an insurrection in a court of law? Prof. Reich argues that he acted in public and could clearly be seen having "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies" of the United States.
Here's a link to Prof. Reich's relevant post, which includes a link to an organization promoting this approach.
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/you-cant-be-president-if-youve-tried
A huge weight has been lifted, and I feel better about the state and future of our democracy than I have since Biden was elected.
I'd add to the list of bulleted points of gratitude Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney's magnificent persistence in the January 6 hearings.
All well said! Thank you! I have just one simple suggestion, and wonder, if it makes sense, how it could be implemented. Could we stop posting photographs of Trump? We all know what he looks like! But wouldn't it make a difference if we continued to report without depicting? Just thinking. And if we think it's a good idea, how do we ask our major news outlets about it?
Look at the big picture:
1. The NY indictment. This is for falsifying business records, one piece of deceitful behavior during the 2016 campaign for election.
2. The DC indictment. This is for fraudulent behavior as part of an effort to steal the 2020 election that Trump lost.
3. The GA indictment to come. This is for one instance of Trump's fraudulent behavior to get others to change the results of the 2020 election.
4. The FL indictment. This is for Trump's illegal behavior after the 2020 election was clearly decided regarding classified document he had as a result of having been President.
My first reaction to last nights indictment was “ finally “ when hearing about the indictment but what was interesting to me was the fact that the J6th hearings chaired by Liz Chaney set the stage and and introduced the public to what was really going on that we were unaware of. Even more importantly the information and revelations were mostly provided by Republicans. The American public per se probably was not surprised by the indictments only the magnitude of the scope and timing of the coup attempt and the willing participants. There will be accountability in multiple jurisdictions for a multitude of willing participants and I predict that even with the denials and attempts to misdirect the American voting public regardless of party affiliation will be the ultimate judge and jury and will find Trump guilty as charged.
Robert, this is one of your best commentaries and a call to every patriot to Act!
Let’s think about Mike Pence for a moment, distasteful as that may be. Clearly, he will be an important witness for the prosecution—likely the most important, apart from Trump’s endless admissions of guilt. That puts Trump, at least, in an uncomfortable position. If Pence is eliminated early from the 2024 race (as seems likely), he will have much less reason to trim his sails or be nice to Trump at the trial. So, in an odd way, it will be in Trump’s interest to keep Pence’s spectral campaign alive as long as possible. OK, enough about Mike Pence.