“Compared to what?” Needs to be our go to in discussions of the merits of the two candidates - thank you for that and that list of false info that is discouraging people about the aftermath of the conviction. It’s time to stand firm, accept no lies, stay on the high road but call it what it is…sharing
Thank you for reminding everyone that Joe Biden is one of the best Presidents in 75 years. I didn’t know Eisenhower but my experience of subsequent Presidents is that Biden is THE best. Ironically he experienced the same Presidents I did so he knew what to avoid when he became one! And he sure has, in spite of leading during a time of a pandemic massive and a GOP that has lost its mind choosing to follow a deranged sociopath . (I was raised as a Republican). Even my dad knew Reaganism was trouble and switched parties. So here we are. Defending sanity. Getting little or no help from the press and polls and no gratitude for the astonishing bills that have passed under Biden that increase the safety, security, and happiness of most Americans and the rest of the world. Let the GOP own Dobbs fully. I pray it’s their undoing in 2024. Then we can complete Biden’s vision and this time , enlarge the Supreme Court, and reverse it!
A bumper sticker at our western PA Giant Eagle: Jo and the Ho Gotta Go
The MAGAs aren’t worthy to carry their lunch buckets. Where do they come off calling any woman, let alone a Vice President of the USA, such a disgusting name?! It’s too far. Jo’s Gotta Go - I can respect and disagree. But this trash?! Nope. Deplorables.
Overview, per the Brennan Center for Justice Events:
Donald Trump is now the first American president convicted of a crime. The smooth trial process shows — independent of the outcome — that the U.S. justice system can still work, even with a powerful defendant.
But full accountability seems far off. The federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have stalled Trump’s prosecutions for trying to overthrow the 2020 election and for misuse of classified documents and obstruction of justice. His defense in the hush-money trial, including accusations of lies and political motivations, could serve as a blueprint in Trump’s other cases. As loud voices compete to undermine trust in the criminal prosecution of a former president, this moment calls for expert interpretation and explanation.
Join the Brennan Center for Justice virtually to hear leading authorities discuss the trial’s outcome and its implications.
Speakers: Paul Butler, Albert Brick Professor in Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Legal Analyst, MSNBC // Joyce Vance, Former U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Alabama; Distinguished Professor of the Practice of Law, University of Alabama School of Law; Legal Analyst, MSNBC; Senior Fellow, Brennan Center // Michael Waldman, President and CEO, Brennan Center // Moderator: Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Senior Director, Brennan Center Justice Program
I do not believe there is anything reasonable or prudent, much less Constitutionally mandated, by Robert’s refusal to meet with the Senate Judiciary Committee leadership. The “invitation” by Durbin and Whitehouse was not to be refused. Roberts should now be subpoenaed to appear before the Committee. “Separation of powers” and “matter before the Court” are not involved in the polite summons to meet with Durbin and Whitehouse. The issue for discussion is whether there is any legitimate basis for the Judicial Conference’s failure to consider and act on two apparent disqualification requirements.
I am definitely weary, but I am also very very grateful to you for your clear writing and steadfast intelligence, which in itself gives me hope. Thank you as always.
In todaY’s NYTimes, there is an op Ed piece on two opposing views whether Trump should be sentenced. The rationale that the retired judge presents against Trump’s sentencing leads me to the exact opposite conclusion!
She writes: “But the bottom line is this: the factors pointing to imprisonment are outweighed by Mr. Trump’s unique position.”
And. “Besides, Mr. Trump is different, because he was president and could become president again.” To me, these are precisely factors to especially hold him accountable. I think the Constitutional authors would concur that especially someone who espouses to the highest office in the country should be held to the highest standards rather than given a pass.
Thank you, Robert, for this characteristically thoughtful -- and reassuring -- take. I confess that I was taken aback by the "$35 million in Trump donations within 12 hours of the verdict" story -- until I read that that number came from the Trump campaign, the members of which lie about virtually everything.
Also, I hadn't realized that the T campaign actually had billionaire donations in a queue, so they could put those numbers out there immediately regardless of which verdict came down. T found guilty? Outpouring of support for the wrongly persecuted Dear Leader! T found not guilty? Outpouring of support for the inevitably re-elected Dear Leader! Hung jury? Outpouring of support for the Dear Leader because... well, just because! Any outcome would've produced the same results.
The truth is that the guilty verdict did, in fact, hurt Trump, which is why there is such flailing panic among his followers and enablers. He's going down, folks, and we have to keep doing the work to help that happen. One of my projects this week is to work on my batch of 100 (pre-printed -- YAY!!!) postcards, aimed at registering Democrats in Arizona, by Blue Wave Postcards. And while I'm working on them, I'll be listening to two of my favorite songs nowadays: Woody Guthrie's All You Fascists Bound to Lose, and a wonderful musical parody by Magick Man Records called 34 counts (Trump You're Going to Jail) by Babii P.H.A.T. I'll put in links, just in case Substack decides to embed them:
I will say that the stories I read about "can the conviction be overturned" were mostly pretty comforting. Maybe I'm just reading the wrong ones. But most I saw basically said "not likely" and after enough analyses of why various routes won't work, I got bored with further discussion.
Always keep in mind: It is extremely unlikely that any judge at the NY appellate level was appointed by trump.
“Compared to what?” Needs to be our go to in discussions of the merits of the two candidates - thank you for that and that list of false info that is discouraging people about the aftermath of the conviction. It’s time to stand firm, accept no lies, stay on the high road but call it what it is…sharing
Let’s always refer to him as “convicted felon 34” an no other name.
Thank you for reminding everyone that Joe Biden is one of the best Presidents in 75 years. I didn’t know Eisenhower but my experience of subsequent Presidents is that Biden is THE best. Ironically he experienced the same Presidents I did so he knew what to avoid when he became one! And he sure has, in spite of leading during a time of a pandemic massive and a GOP that has lost its mind choosing to follow a deranged sociopath . (I was raised as a Republican). Even my dad knew Reaganism was trouble and switched parties. So here we are. Defending sanity. Getting little or no help from the press and polls and no gratitude for the astonishing bills that have passed under Biden that increase the safety, security, and happiness of most Americans and the rest of the world. Let the GOP own Dobbs fully. I pray it’s their undoing in 2024. Then we can complete Biden’s vision and this time , enlarge the Supreme Court, and reverse it!
Well said and thank you as always!
A bumper sticker at our western PA Giant Eagle: Jo and the Ho Gotta Go
The MAGAs aren’t worthy to carry their lunch buckets. Where do they come off calling any woman, let alone a Vice President of the USA, such a disgusting name?! It’s too far. Jo’s Gotta Go - I can respect and disagree. But this trash?! Nope. Deplorables.
Any thoughts about the changes at WaPo? Guess they’re not even trying to pretend anymore.
TIMELY NOTICE
What: What Comes Next in the Trump Legal Saga?
When: Today, Monday, June 03, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT (1 hour)
Who: Brennan Center Events
Overview, per the Brennan Center for Justice Events:
Donald Trump is now the first American president convicted of a crime. The smooth trial process shows — independent of the outcome — that the U.S. justice system can still work, even with a powerful defendant.
But full accountability seems far off. The federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have stalled Trump’s prosecutions for trying to overthrow the 2020 election and for misuse of classified documents and obstruction of justice. His defense in the hush-money trial, including accusations of lies and political motivations, could serve as a blueprint in Trump’s other cases. As loud voices compete to undermine trust in the criminal prosecution of a former president, this moment calls for expert interpretation and explanation.
Join the Brennan Center for Justice virtually to hear leading authorities discuss the trial’s outcome and its implications.
Speakers: Paul Butler, Albert Brick Professor in Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Legal Analyst, MSNBC // Joyce Vance, Former U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Alabama; Distinguished Professor of the Practice of Law, University of Alabama School of Law; Legal Analyst, MSNBC; Senior Fellow, Brennan Center // Michael Waldman, President and CEO, Brennan Center // Moderator: Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Senior Director, Brennan Center Justice Program
Link to join: https://www.youtube.com/live/I_3Dj2Fim-8
I do not believe there is anything reasonable or prudent, much less Constitutionally mandated, by Robert’s refusal to meet with the Senate Judiciary Committee leadership. The “invitation” by Durbin and Whitehouse was not to be refused. Roberts should now be subpoenaed to appear before the Committee. “Separation of powers” and “matter before the Court” are not involved in the polite summons to meet with Durbin and Whitehouse. The issue for discussion is whether there is any legitimate basis for the Judicial Conference’s failure to consider and act on two apparent disqualification requirements.
Thank you for your common sense thoughts. Excellent.
“FTX Executive (Ryan Salame) Sentenced to 71/2 years”
(see NYT 5/29/24)
Salame was a first time nonviolent white collar offender … if this was his sentence, should Trump be exempt
as a first time (?) nonviolent (?) offender….
I am definitely weary, but I am also very very grateful to you for your clear writing and steadfast intelligence, which in itself gives me hope. Thank you as always.
In todaY’s NYTimes, there is an op Ed piece on two opposing views whether Trump should be sentenced. The rationale that the retired judge presents against Trump’s sentencing leads me to the exact opposite conclusion!
She writes: “But the bottom line is this: the factors pointing to imprisonment are outweighed by Mr. Trump’s unique position.”
And. “Besides, Mr. Trump is different, because he was president and could become president again.” To me, these are precisely factors to especially hold him accountable. I think the Constitutional authors would concur that especially someone who espouses to the highest office in the country should be held to the highest standards rather than given a pass.
You are so right; this foolish judge, once sworn to uphold the law, is basically arguing that Trump is above the law.
Thank you, Robert, for this characteristically thoughtful -- and reassuring -- take. I confess that I was taken aback by the "$35 million in Trump donations within 12 hours of the verdict" story -- until I read that that number came from the Trump campaign, the members of which lie about virtually everything.
Also, I hadn't realized that the T campaign actually had billionaire donations in a queue, so they could put those numbers out there immediately regardless of which verdict came down. T found guilty? Outpouring of support for the wrongly persecuted Dear Leader! T found not guilty? Outpouring of support for the inevitably re-elected Dear Leader! Hung jury? Outpouring of support for the Dear Leader because... well, just because! Any outcome would've produced the same results.
The truth is that the guilty verdict did, in fact, hurt Trump, which is why there is such flailing panic among his followers and enablers. He's going down, folks, and we have to keep doing the work to help that happen. One of my projects this week is to work on my batch of 100 (pre-printed -- YAY!!!) postcards, aimed at registering Democrats in Arizona, by Blue Wave Postcards. And while I'm working on them, I'll be listening to two of my favorite songs nowadays: Woody Guthrie's All You Fascists Bound to Lose, and a wonderful musical parody by Magick Man Records called 34 counts (Trump You're Going to Jail) by Babii P.H.A.T. I'll put in links, just in case Substack decides to embed them:
https://shop.bluewavepostcards.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwcKwGS7OSQ
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=magick+man+records+34+counts
Keep on keeping on!
I will say that the stories I read about "can the conviction be overturned" were mostly pretty comforting. Maybe I'm just reading the wrong ones. But most I saw basically said "not likely" and after enough analyses of why various routes won't work, I got bored with further discussion.
Always keep in mind: It is extremely unlikely that any judge at the NY appellate level was appointed by trump.
Two of "Robert's Rules":
1. "Do not confuse the frequency of stories with their merit."
2. "Again, don't confuse their unbridled hypocrisy with truth."
And that's just from today's newsletter! Eagerly awaiting more tomorrow. Thank you, Robert.
"Compared to What?" Les McCann Lives!