There could have been no greater gift for Donald Trump on his 77th birthday than to be celebrated with saturation television coverage. Over and over again, cable news anchors stressed the historic nature of the day. There was, of course, the overhead images of Donald Trump’s ludicrous motorcade slowly advancing across Miami. It was a sinister phalanx of black SUVs festooned with flashing lights, imitating OJ’s Bronco chase with a dash of King Charles’s coronation parade.
Yes, he wants to be a dictator like Putin, but I fear it’s more than that. I think Putin owns him and Trump and his henchmen have far exceeded Putins wildest expectations. The Fox propaganda machine masquerading as a “straight” news channel, has been and remains a critical key to these authoritarian revolutionaries success. Patriotic Americans who believe in democracy and egalitarianism and our cherished traditions of free, honest, and open elections need to take the gloves off, roll up our sleeves and put Trump and his inner circle of reactionaries in jail where they belong, relegated to the ash bin of history. Then we need to turn our attention to his deep pocketed financial supporters.
Trump is the super star in Putin’s play book. We all have to make sure that the mad MAGA along with Putin’s gang arrive at their own ends without dragging down the entire democratic world.
There are real tangible solutions to achieving just what you are articulating..My question is who has the will to deploy the kind of actions necessary to make it happen? Because being prosecuted for his crimes while absolutely correct is just not going to be enough..
People have always held back. He could have been taken out by the 25th ammendment, he's been impeached and could have been found guilty and removed - twice. Someone who is in position needs to pull the trigger. Don't wait for someone else to do it.
In both his audio and written remarks, Steve calls out Trump's post indictment speech as a declaration of war upon the country that removed him from his job..However, as I see it, that happened on January 6th, 2021..Yet, we are not on a war footing, there is no federal statute defining domestic terrorism a crime and those who participated in the planning of that attempted coup are walking free and sitting in Congress..Yes, many of the foot soldiers have been put away..prosecuted for very serious crimes, Sedition or Seditious Conspiracy..and others..But in reality the mechanics of the government's responsive approach is not unlike prosecuting a bank robbery..The gravity and severity of what is happening in this moment is just not being dealt with..Gisele, your point is important, however, the solution options that I have observed being tossed around are far more permanent than the city jail..And would involve a broader collection of traitors to our country..Our government to whom we have placed our stewardship, to borrow a word from Steve, has yet to step up and crush the war declared on Jan 6 and the growing Fascist cancer led by Donald Trump..Here's a question for you all..Why are Steve Bannon, Rodger Stone, John Eastman, Rudy Giuliani et al not being held as enemy combatants in Leavenworth Prison or better yet Gitmo?
Anybody who was part of the J-6 violence attack on our capital, the United States of America, should be in jail and banned from having anything to do with our politics. They should be shut up, shut in, and shut down completely. That these people, including Bannon, Stone, Eastman, Giuliani are running around free and continuing their domestic terrorism is a message to them and others that they are above the law and can do and say whatever they want to, as is evident to all of us on this thread. Without justice and accountability it is a free-for all. I personally feel that the insurrectionists who attacked the capital with weapons should have been shot on the spot, after having been told to back away. What in the hell happened? Because these people have not been held accountable could mean that we're in a civil war, are we? We have the strongest military in the world, have taken down foreign terrorists, but we cannot seem to protect our own country from domestic terrorists.
A woman after my own heart..I feel exactly as you so succinctly articulated..There should have been snipers on the roof of the Capitol all around the perimeter to defend against the act of war that was brought down on our seat of Government..
Putin most likely has something on him. Probably more then just pee tapes. I believe-does the Saudi Prince. If we don’t hold these bastards accountable we will lose our democracy.
Why do criminals like Trump make the Merrick Garland look so weak? Serious question. Is justice that vulnerable that we treat the wealthy and powerful so outrageously different when it comes to exercising the rule of law? Hasn’t this spectacle gone on long enough? Why ? Even the worst of natural disasters have a quicker finale then this travesty. So is the two tier justice system, Republicans latest projection of protection for Trump crimes, really a truth to further weaken our democratic institutions? Why did it take Garland this long to exercise justice?
The R projection is actually their fear. They support Trump (and it could be for any number of reasons, their own ambitions, blackmail or fear of retaliation). The R attempts to undermine DOJ is to keep themselves from being swept away in the flood.
I would agree it does appear as a two-tier system, and yes, if this had been anyone but a former President, they would have been in jail awaiting trial.
Justice, when the case must be built out of diamond (forget iron-clad--that can rust) it takes a long time. In this case, it must be hard, clear and transparent for all to see. Garland wants a diamond case. The US and the world deserve a diamond case.
I certainly see your point especially about diamonds. This brings me to another concern,
what new laws will come out of congress based upon the 'Jan 6 Investigation'? Diamond cutting is a master skilled art, as is years of building upon our constitution and laws. R's have too many fundamentalist arranging the tools to exercise justice. What's another wrench in the tool box?
They could, but as our friend MTG forgets on a regular basis, you need two house of Congress and a Presidential signature to put it into law. Yes, the R's could throw sand in the works, but real change, it takes a few more than the threats they're making. JDVance may be waiving his arms over his head, but real change requires two parts of government.
Jennifer Rubin today helped me understand “building the case” - that, for example on sedition, first prosecuting others directly involved in the insurrection into the Capitol then shows it was in fact seditious acts. And many who uphold real justice are not bombastic; ARE reasonable. I think of other justice-seekers who calmly explain v scream and I have greater assurance.
The media spends all day talking about an orange narcissistic xenophobic sociopath when the should be talking about the accomplishments of the Biden administration.
That video is awesome, and it is exactly the sermon everyone needs to hear. In 2016, I voted for Trump. I was a lifelong Republican and my attitude was that we needed to shake things up. What was the worst that could happen? Then, I visited the Holocaust museum in Washington for the first time and went through the exhibit showing Hitler’s rise to power. Demagoguery, victimization, demonizing immigrants, and lying...the exact same playbook that Trump was working from. I saw the light that day and haven’t looked back since. I don’t understand why the media is afraid of making this same now-obvious connection, especially as the rhetoric is getting more ridiculous. And Biden, or someone else, needs to play the role of country preacher and remind us of the truth and what the Devil can do if we let him do it. This fear of somehow offending people may result in our downfall. Keep up the good fight, Brother Steve!
What a snake he is, what a con. And soon I hope a conVICT. Those pseudo-soft threatening hisses “remember they aren’t coming for me, they’re coming for you” “I alone can save this nation” ... he keeps sinking lower into the bottomless pit as he turns this around as a plot against the American people, and even against his loyal sycophants. I used to just get angry at the sound of his voice now it makes my skin crawl as well. He is every adjective you use Steve and then some. So glad you keep turning up the heat daily on this evil. He truly is a monster and must be stopped.
Steve is turning up the heat, daily. Today he has 110K subscribers to his 'Warning' youtube videos and 21k 'likes' already on today's 'Declaration of War' video. Steve's presence and powerful delivery in these videos is truly encouraging to me. He is fighting so hard for us! xo
I don’t think it’s a solid 40% but it is still a solid 1/3. Pay attention to who conducted the poll because many of these poll questions are rigged. Only go with the polls by very reputable and well known organizations and even then check how their results compare with other reputable polling organizations.
Yes. The crowd may have been small in Miami - I think high air fares kept many away - but the overall feeling in the US is of support of these ideas not just the man,or men since DeSantis repeats the same. Yes. I’m afraid.
I think what kept them away was what is happening in the courts to the J6 defendants, jail time, with no help from the Orange Monster. He uses that word "Pardon" to fleece the flock into doing his bidding........just another way of his grifting. The "King of Grifting" should be his title.
Putin-like or Putin-lite? Trump is ruled by his passions--be it for McDonald's, women (sorry--disgusting but do believe accurate), or praise by sycophants when cheating on the golf-course. I believe Putin is ruled by cold, calculating vision and ambition.
Tuesday's show was interesting in three ways: 1. the motorcade (watched end to end the Charles III coronation, and did not see a horse or a gold-state coach, as much as Trump would have loved that); 2. the truly limited number of MAGA supporters outside (gather Miami wasn't sure if it would be 5,000 or 50,000--turned into a few hundred), 3. the absolute lunacy of Bedminster. If the courtroom reporting is to be believed, Trump played to his MAGA crowd and the cameras.
As much as the Tuesday show was just that, a show, it has to be viewed when looking at the fear level on the Hill. I think everyone knows, much like NYC and Alvin Bragg, this is the second of at least three other trials (GA, NY, J6). Possibly 4 if the rumors about a Bedminster indictment come to light. As much as Tuesday was spectacle, yesterday's reactions by Sen. Graham indicate much more is at stake. I believe fear is taking hold on the Hill, and those supporting Trump know what is coming.
Justice, true justice, carrying scales and sword, is coming closer.
I’m also breathlessly waiting for that Grand Jury indictment in Georgia. Trump may be able issue himself a federal pardon but he can’t pardon himself for crimes committed in the states.
I think DC is imminent. Too many pieces going into place. My question is if this will be announced before or after Congress goes into August recess. DC in August is a ghost town (joke about tumbleweeds blowing down Pennsylvania Ave), but think this year it will be different.
Why isn’t this entire shitshow distilled into three words? To be repeated over and over and over till it becomes our National Mantra? Till it opens a pathway into the minds of the apathetic and unconvinced. To replicate the messaging that Rs do so well. To instill a feeling of fear about the loss of our way of life, one papercut at a time.
War On Democracy.
Hell, I’ll bet CNN could even put some ominous music to it.
What did I read earlier today that these are the same things DeSantis says he will do: tear down DoJ, the FBI, other basic functions of this country. Like my ancestors in Eastern Europe, I too, in my head as I look around DC where I live think “naw. Not here.” Then I remember.
Thank you for writing "stolen". I keep hearing the TV/radio commentators say he has been accused of "mishandling" classified documents. Nope, he stole them, hid them and refused to given them back. Plain and simple.
I heard Donald has asked OJ if he would serve as Attorney General. It makes sense OJ got away with murder and Donald wants to get away with treason. A perfect union that even Putin would approve. The DOJ has gotten its ducks in a row in Florida in time for summer. The rest of us true American citizens are waiting until the other shoe drops in Washington DC. I have a notion that Jack Smith is waiting until Trump and his mob lawyers ask for extensive time before trial to bring the charge of sedition against Trump. Now that will be worth the wait to counter their every move with more indictments. Bury Trump with the mess he has created. The perfect ending to a shameless crime boss.
If Trump is reelected, he’s going to eliminate the justice department and fire most civil servants. He will decimate our system of government and no one will stop him. I never really understood the power of the presidency until Trump. There really is no restraint or check other than impeachment. And if one party refuses to do it, a president can be a dictator. All of this language sounds dystopic, but it is possible.
Well yes it is dystopic but also very possible. If you know people of good conscience in your life that don't vote we need them now like never before to do their civic duty.
Thanks for this great summation of the threat, the consequences and ideas for the solution. As a democracy, we trust our institutions elected to represent us by our populace to “take care of” our way of life. Not just the courts, but all branches of the Government. The legislative branch, especially on state levels, is failing to represent the sentiments of the majority. The executive branch, now following the norms established over 250 years has returned to going about its business as it should. But it’s a”process“. Perhaps what we feel is a plodding complacency is really how the system works. Swift Justice has often lead to mistakes that make matters worse.
But the purposeful crawl of our system in order to get it right is why we cannot just allow the DOJ to do everything. Mr. Schmidt and his like minded democracy defenders with an audience, and us in our local communities, must shout from the rooftops over and over the risks we face. This video should be played every few minutes to the American people instead of commercials for Prevagen and car repair plans.
"This video should be played every few minutes to the American people instead of commercials for Prevagen and car repair plans." Yes, we need to share this video non-stop!
Yes, he wants to be a dictator like Putin, but I fear it’s more than that. I think Putin owns him and Trump and his henchmen have far exceeded Putins wildest expectations. The Fox propaganda machine masquerading as a “straight” news channel, has been and remains a critical key to these authoritarian revolutionaries success. Patriotic Americans who believe in democracy and egalitarianism and our cherished traditions of free, honest, and open elections need to take the gloves off, roll up our sleeves and put Trump and his inner circle of reactionaries in jail where they belong, relegated to the ash bin of history. Then we need to turn our attention to his deep pocketed financial supporters.
Trump is the super star in Putin’s play book. We all have to make sure that the mad MAGA along with Putin’s gang arrive at their own ends without dragging down the entire democratic world.
Dana,
There are real tangible solutions to achieving just what you are articulating..My question is who has the will to deploy the kind of actions necessary to make it happen? Because being prosecuted for his crimes while absolutely correct is just not going to be enough..
My fear Sam is that by the time the right people in the right place grow a pair it will be too late.
People have always held back. He could have been taken out by the 25th ammendment, he's been impeached and could have been found guilty and removed - twice. Someone who is in position needs to pull the trigger. Don't wait for someone else to do it.
That is my daily fear for the Seven years..
True. The put Hitler in jail, and he emerged more popular than ever.
In both his audio and written remarks, Steve calls out Trump's post indictment speech as a declaration of war upon the country that removed him from his job..However, as I see it, that happened on January 6th, 2021..Yet, we are not on a war footing, there is no federal statute defining domestic terrorism a crime and those who participated in the planning of that attempted coup are walking free and sitting in Congress..Yes, many of the foot soldiers have been put away..prosecuted for very serious crimes, Sedition or Seditious Conspiracy..and others..But in reality the mechanics of the government's responsive approach is not unlike prosecuting a bank robbery..The gravity and severity of what is happening in this moment is just not being dealt with..Gisele, your point is important, however, the solution options that I have observed being tossed around are far more permanent than the city jail..And would involve a broader collection of traitors to our country..Our government to whom we have placed our stewardship, to borrow a word from Steve, has yet to step up and crush the war declared on Jan 6 and the growing Fascist cancer led by Donald Trump..Here's a question for you all..Why are Steve Bannon, Rodger Stone, John Eastman, Rudy Giuliani et al not being held as enemy combatants in Leavenworth Prison or better yet Gitmo?
Anybody who was part of the J-6 violence attack on our capital, the United States of America, should be in jail and banned from having anything to do with our politics. They should be shut up, shut in, and shut down completely. That these people, including Bannon, Stone, Eastman, Giuliani are running around free and continuing their domestic terrorism is a message to them and others that they are above the law and can do and say whatever they want to, as is evident to all of us on this thread. Without justice and accountability it is a free-for all. I personally feel that the insurrectionists who attacked the capital with weapons should have been shot on the spot, after having been told to back away. What in the hell happened? Because these people have not been held accountable could mean that we're in a civil war, are we? We have the strongest military in the world, have taken down foreign terrorists, but we cannot seem to protect our own country from domestic terrorists.
A woman after my own heart..I feel exactly as you so succinctly articulated..There should have been snipers on the roof of the Capitol all around the perimeter to defend against the act of war that was brought down on our seat of Government..
Bravo to you Sam and to Lisa keep
Commenting!
Marsha
Putin most likely has something on him. Probably more then just pee tapes. I believe-does the Saudi Prince. If we don’t hold these bastards accountable we will lose our democracy.
Anyone else wondering if good ol’ Boris Epshteyn is Donnie’s handler?
I think that is entirely possible.
Why do criminals like Trump make the Merrick Garland look so weak? Serious question. Is justice that vulnerable that we treat the wealthy and powerful so outrageously different when it comes to exercising the rule of law? Hasn’t this spectacle gone on long enough? Why ? Even the worst of natural disasters have a quicker finale then this travesty. So is the two tier justice system, Republicans latest projection of protection for Trump crimes, really a truth to further weaken our democratic institutions? Why did it take Garland this long to exercise justice?
The R projection is actually their fear. They support Trump (and it could be for any number of reasons, their own ambitions, blackmail or fear of retaliation). The R attempts to undermine DOJ is to keep themselves from being swept away in the flood.
I would agree it does appear as a two-tier system, and yes, if this had been anyone but a former President, they would have been in jail awaiting trial.
Justice, when the case must be built out of diamond (forget iron-clad--that can rust) it takes a long time. In this case, it must be hard, clear and transparent for all to see. Garland wants a diamond case. The US and the world deserve a diamond case.
I certainly see your point especially about diamonds. This brings me to another concern,
what new laws will come out of congress based upon the 'Jan 6 Investigation'? Diamond cutting is a master skilled art, as is years of building upon our constitution and laws. R's have too many fundamentalist arranging the tools to exercise justice. What's another wrench in the tool box?
They could, but as our friend MTG forgets on a regular basis, you need two house of Congress and a Presidential signature to put it into law. Yes, the R's could throw sand in the works, but real change, it takes a few more than the threats they're making. JDVance may be waiving his arms over his head, but real change requires two parts of government.
Jennifer Rubin today helped me understand “building the case” - that, for example on sedition, first prosecuting others directly involved in the insurrection into the Capitol then shows it was in fact seditious acts. And many who uphold real justice are not bombastic; ARE reasonable. I think of other justice-seekers who calmly explain v scream and I have greater assurance.
Sorry to not have posted the link with this. Here 'tis: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/06/15/trump-jan-6-indictment-jack-smith/
Fear..
The only answer that comes to mind is this may all be by design I am very aware of how conspiritorial that sounds but it's the one I keep arriving at.
The media spends all day talking about an orange narcissistic xenophobic sociopath when the should be talking about the accomplishments of the Biden administration.
Yes. Amen.
We need daily coverage of both.
That video is awesome, and it is exactly the sermon everyone needs to hear. In 2016, I voted for Trump. I was a lifelong Republican and my attitude was that we needed to shake things up. What was the worst that could happen? Then, I visited the Holocaust museum in Washington for the first time and went through the exhibit showing Hitler’s rise to power. Demagoguery, victimization, demonizing immigrants, and lying...the exact same playbook that Trump was working from. I saw the light that day and haven’t looked back since. I don’t understand why the media is afraid of making this same now-obvious connection, especially as the rhetoric is getting more ridiculous. And Biden, or someone else, needs to play the role of country preacher and remind us of the truth and what the Devil can do if we let him do it. This fear of somehow offending people may result in our downfall. Keep up the good fight, Brother Steve!
A cogent argument for jailing his fat ass until trial.
Thank you Steve for warning our tired minds that a drip of seven long years will result in a flood of epic proportions. Stopping it is up to us.
I’m to the point of giving free rides to the polls!! (For only Dems hee hee)
Oh Donna I have been saying that myself since 2017!
I am so disturbed by all this, I might make a plan so a bunch of us can do it. Anything to save ourselves from HIM again!! :)
Let me in on it please!
What a snake he is, what a con. And soon I hope a conVICT. Those pseudo-soft threatening hisses “remember they aren’t coming for me, they’re coming for you” “I alone can save this nation” ... he keeps sinking lower into the bottomless pit as he turns this around as a plot against the American people, and even against his loyal sycophants. I used to just get angry at the sound of his voice now it makes my skin crawl as well. He is every adjective you use Steve and then some. So glad you keep turning up the heat daily on this evil. He truly is a monster and must be stopped.
Steve is turning up the heat, daily. Today he has 110K subscribers to his 'Warning' youtube videos and 21k 'likes' already on today's 'Declaration of War' video. Steve's presence and powerful delivery in these videos is truly encouraging to me. He is fighting so hard for us! xo
That is awesome, the amount of followers Steve has and those numbers will grow! Thank you for posting that info Lisa! XO
That he has a base of at least 40% of the electorate no matter what he says/does speaks volumes (in a terrible way) about our country right now.
I don’t think it’s a solid 40% but it is still a solid 1/3. Pay attention to who conducted the poll because many of these poll questions are rigged. Only go with the polls by very reputable and well known organizations and even then check how their results compare with other reputable polling organizations.
Yes. The crowd may have been small in Miami - I think high air fares kept many away - but the overall feeling in the US is of support of these ideas not just the man,or men since DeSantis repeats the same. Yes. I’m afraid.
I think what kept them away was what is happening in the courts to the J6 defendants, jail time, with no help from the Orange Monster. He uses that word "Pardon" to fleece the flock into doing his bidding........just another way of his grifting. The "King of Grifting" should be his title.
Yes. That too.
We will now watch the ongoing show to try to gauge .. support? interest? Will poll numbers translate to attendance?
Putin-like or Putin-lite? Trump is ruled by his passions--be it for McDonald's, women (sorry--disgusting but do believe accurate), or praise by sycophants when cheating on the golf-course. I believe Putin is ruled by cold, calculating vision and ambition.
Tuesday's show was interesting in three ways: 1. the motorcade (watched end to end the Charles III coronation, and did not see a horse or a gold-state coach, as much as Trump would have loved that); 2. the truly limited number of MAGA supporters outside (gather Miami wasn't sure if it would be 5,000 or 50,000--turned into a few hundred), 3. the absolute lunacy of Bedminster. If the courtroom reporting is to be believed, Trump played to his MAGA crowd and the cameras.
As much as the Tuesday show was just that, a show, it has to be viewed when looking at the fear level on the Hill. I think everyone knows, much like NYC and Alvin Bragg, this is the second of at least three other trials (GA, NY, J6). Possibly 4 if the rumors about a Bedminster indictment come to light. As much as Tuesday was spectacle, yesterday's reactions by Sen. Graham indicate much more is at stake. I believe fear is taking hold on the Hill, and those supporting Trump know what is coming.
Justice, true justice, carrying scales and sword, is coming closer.
I hope there’s a Bedminster or DC indictment to back up the Florida proceedings which has many hurdles to jump in that court.
I’m also breathlessly waiting for that Grand Jury indictment in Georgia. Trump may be able issue himself a federal pardon but he can’t pardon himself for crimes committed in the states.
I think DC is imminent. Too many pieces going into place. My question is if this will be announced before or after Congress goes into August recess. DC in August is a ghost town (joke about tumbleweeds blowing down Pennsylvania Ave), but think this year it will be different.
Well said, Liz. I agree
Why isn’t this entire shitshow distilled into three words? To be repeated over and over and over till it becomes our National Mantra? Till it opens a pathway into the minds of the apathetic and unconvinced. To replicate the messaging that Rs do so well. To instill a feeling of fear about the loss of our way of life, one papercut at a time.
War On Democracy.
Hell, I’ll bet CNN could even put some ominous music to it.
.
What did I read earlier today that these are the same things DeSantis says he will do: tear down DoJ, the FBI, other basic functions of this country. Like my ancestors in Eastern Europe, I too, in my head as I look around DC where I live think “naw. Not here.” Then I remember.
Thanks Steve for your clarity and insight. The former president and now federal defendant is a man like Putin and Putin's man.
Thank you for writing "stolen". I keep hearing the TV/radio commentators say he has been accused of "mishandling" classified documents. Nope, he stole them, hid them and refused to given them back. Plain and simple.
I heard Donald has asked OJ if he would serve as Attorney General. It makes sense OJ got away with murder and Donald wants to get away with treason. A perfect union that even Putin would approve. The DOJ has gotten its ducks in a row in Florida in time for summer. The rest of us true American citizens are waiting until the other shoe drops in Washington DC. I have a notion that Jack Smith is waiting until Trump and his mob lawyers ask for extensive time before trial to bring the charge of sedition against Trump. Now that will be worth the wait to counter their every move with more indictments. Bury Trump with the mess he has created. The perfect ending to a shameless crime boss.
If Trump is reelected, he’s going to eliminate the justice department and fire most civil servants. He will decimate our system of government and no one will stop him. I never really understood the power of the presidency until Trump. There really is no restraint or check other than impeachment. And if one party refuses to do it, a president can be a dictator. All of this language sounds dystopic, but it is possible.
Yes, we're undoubtably experiencing a War on Democracy by domestic terrorists. Reality.
Well yes it is dystopic but also very possible. If you know people of good conscience in your life that don't vote we need them now like never before to do their civic duty.
If Trump is re-elected America is toast! Burnt toast.
Thanks for this great summation of the threat, the consequences and ideas for the solution. As a democracy, we trust our institutions elected to represent us by our populace to “take care of” our way of life. Not just the courts, but all branches of the Government. The legislative branch, especially on state levels, is failing to represent the sentiments of the majority. The executive branch, now following the norms established over 250 years has returned to going about its business as it should. But it’s a”process“. Perhaps what we feel is a plodding complacency is really how the system works. Swift Justice has often lead to mistakes that make matters worse.
But the purposeful crawl of our system in order to get it right is why we cannot just allow the DOJ to do everything. Mr. Schmidt and his like minded democracy defenders with an audience, and us in our local communities, must shout from the rooftops over and over the risks we face. This video should be played every few minutes to the American people instead of commercials for Prevagen and car repair plans.
"This video should be played every few minutes to the American people instead of commercials for Prevagen and car repair plans." Yes, we need to share this video non-stop!