Traitorous bastards like Graham have lived off the largesse of taxpayers like me, only to wipe their feet on the rule of law. Well, enforcing the rule of law IS how I want my tax dollars spent. There is no alternative.
Fervently hoping that Merrick Garland will be the savior of Democracy. Perhaps it was meant to be that he was denied the Supreme Court only to become the most decisive AG in our history. He is a man of everything that DT is not. For this I pray.
I truly want to believe that about AG Garland. Unfortunately, I think he is moving way to slow and ultimately won't have the courage to indict. I don't think Sally Yates would have that problem, had she been appointed the AG. I think she would have moved with lightening speed and gotten the job done, the indictments handed down, and be ready to go to trial, with the facts on the side of the United States v. DJT. I fear that Garland is more afraid of the "rioting in the streets" than he is of the ultimate end of our Constitution and Democracy if he does nothing.
Steve! Steve! Steve! I want to stand in “the town square” and read this post from a scroll so everyone can hear it. This mistake masquerading as a human must be arrested and brought to justice. Like chattel slavery, he is a stain on American history. Americans can right this wrong with the power of a vote. I pray to God we have the strength to do so.
I seriously love your writing. I look forward to reading everything you write. Thank you for doing what you are doing, speaking the truth, calling it out the hard way, and saying the things people are too shy to say out loud. Thank you.
Ridiculous that Lindsey is lying prostrate on his fainting couch fanning his face with his hankie, full of fear and consternation at the horrifying thought that Donald the Great and Powerful would be held to account like a common criminal. Give me a f*cking break. If there are violent right wing fascists rioting in the streets of American cities, so be it. Fears of Trumpist violence must not be the deciding factor of the Department of Justice.
The kompromat that Trump (via Putin) has on Graham is existential. I suspect Trump is threatening Graham with exposure, hence the lap dog BS we saw over the weekend. There will be more of it. The best part is that Trump will eventually turn on Graham and we'll all find out anyway.
You're giving Graham more credit than due, that he would have to be faced with an existential threat to give up all his good reputation. The truth is the man has been scum since before he went to law school. He is a pilot fish, attaching himself to whichever powerful "shark" he perceives can take him where he wants to go. The only reason he is seen as having any integrity was because he basked in the glow of John McCain (who actually had less integrity than he was credited with, but in comparison to every other member of that party, he was The Man of The Most Integrity - most integrity of those who had none). I hate to get into his sexual preference, but what he shows is he is someone who is self-hating, due to the way he was raised and the opinions he learned about people like himself, who thus thinks poorly of himself in his heart of hearts, but cannot admit that, so he must attach himself to those he sees are powerful and bask in their sun, regardless of what kind of "sunlight" that is.
Taking no prisoners as usual, Mr Schmidt - my fellow NJ rooted amigo. Especially appreciate the well deserved swipes to Mattis, Kelly and Haberman. So so many enablers.
And what of the next generation of candidates with malice? Ron DeSantis smarter than Trump by a mile with full fascist tendencies. So dangerous.
Senator Graham's words had all the markings of those mob boss words from the movies of the past (and I'm paraphrasing here); "You know, it would be a shame if something happened............"
The weird thing is, I don't know that he's wrong. I fully expect violence IF the Orange Asscactus is indicted. I fully expect his cultish supporters to try and dox the members of any grand jury that issues the indictment, and to then begin threatening their lives and the lives of their family members. That's what brainwashed people in a cult do. This country is in deep, deep trouble.
There are more sane citizens than MAGA crazies, misfits, outcasts and non-critical thinkers in these US. Don’t underestimate the common man in reaction to these crazies.
True enough, at least for now. The figure often quoted by many folks who track this - as I hope we all do - is that Trump has a 35% base of the voter population. If you look at the link below, in 2021, those who claimed to be outright Republicans ended the year as 28% of voters, as did Democrats. Yes, they were tied. But it's the elusive Independents, who now constitute the other 44%, where the battles are fought and won today. In short, us folks who care about the Constitution, the rule of law, our rights to vote without illegal machinations and our democratic republic writ large cannot let our guards down.
I heard someone use that term in reference to our illustrious former President back when he was elected in 2016, and I knew right then and there that it would forever be my favorite descriptive term for him!
The DOJ's process of starting with the J6 small fry traitors, then flipping the wanna be bigtime insurrectionists has silenced (and imprisoned) a sizeable chunk of the cult leadership. That gives me hope. But a new one is born every tweet.
It is soooooo refreshing to read your work and all the intelligent comments as well. It is not an understatement that democracy is at stake if Garland does not prosecute DT. If not for the crimes at Mar-a-Lago, then the next time it will be for murder and as a traitor!
All are equal under the law. Bedrock of our Constitution . If there is sufficient cause for charges and arrests, then the law is followed . No more, no less. We honor our oaths and our history, the defend the Constitution.
Violence, however it occurs, and I believe the possibility is there, will be short lived. ( no, not 1914 short war, just size and belief in a localized insurgency). Violence does not deflect us from the path. Resolve keeps us on the path. Will some people be angry, yes. It will be , for some, the 21 st C “lost cause”.
Our role , and that of DOJ, and the third branch of government, is to ensure it is a lost cause. Whatever the cost, it is worth the final outcome. At the end, We will be a stronger nation
Why is there even any discussion that a criminal who incited an armed rebellion against the US Government, stole US national security secrets and left them lying around his gauche hotel complex should not be indicted for all his crimes? Any person (politician, pundit etc) suggesting that Trump be given a free pass from his crimes for the Good of the Country) should be shamed and excoriated. We can perhaps start with the Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal, once an esteemed newspaper).The phrase "Liberty and Justice For All" in the Pledge of Allegiance states emphatically that NO!! individual is denied justice (both positive and harsh in consequence). To excuse the former president's actions due to his position and the size and potential lawlessness of his so called base is antithetical to the American system of justice. Look back no further than the 1920s and early 1930's Germany to see the potential catastrophic consequences of not disposing of violent and criminal behaviour. Such action will not result in any Good to the Country!!
Well the recent news about DJT’s “Truth Social “ platform just supports the real “truth” about DJT. He is at it again. Stiffing platform vendor for $1,600,000 so far. He has little or no money invested. Truth Social is failing and DJT is not helping. What is new here? Nothing. Same leopard same spots. His red hat brigade is either oblivious or just don’t care. My bet is both.
So Lindsey Graham is warning or threatening violence if DJT is held accountable? Well folks here is our chance to actually be the troops we all support from the comfort of our homes Who will step forward?
The only interest the red hat brigade has in preserving the American way of life is to turn back the clock while eliminating democratic practices such as fair elections and honoring and building on our diversity.
It is insane for the RHB. To think their pitiful militias can stand against the force of the American law enforcement plus our military. What they are counting on is the arm chair troop supporters will opt for appeasement of the RHB bullies.
DJT cynically tried to send a message to AG Garland that he knows there is serious unrest in his RHB minions and wants to know “how he can help”. What a joke and pathetic attempt to intimidate America.
DJT has mislead his followers with lies, time for him to employ truth… good luck with that folks.
Steve - I would love for you to write more about why good people like Mattis, Kelly, Milley, etc., watched it all happening but said nothing in the moment - when it potentially would have resonated more loudly. I don’t think it was about future book deals. I think it is a more fundamental element of “human behavior in groups” that suppresses dissent. I will agree that some of them were motivated by future book deals. But it is (and was) too prevalent of a behavior. Would love your thoughts on it.
Perhaps the Generals and others understood that in dealing with narcissists and sociopaths one must operate under the radar in an asymmetrical mode. It is impossible to win a direct confrontation with someone like Trump. He will totally destroy anyone who acts in the moment. Hopefully, the Generals were able to prevent him from doing even worse behaviors than he would have done otherwise.
I agree with what you say here, Robert. We will have a lot of work to do in government, education, etc. for there to be a 'Never Again' -due to human behavior in groups, which history clearly shows. After generations of people who have lived through this, will it all start again? We have a lot of work to do now and in the future! Wake-up call! Thank you.
As usual, excellent piece. I tried to write something noteworthy, but as I tried these words came to me which are so profound, and fitting for our time. I truly hope we don't have a Gettysbugh moment, but Lincolns words are nonetheless prescient to what our collective response should be.
****************
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
We don't negotiate with terrorists. End stop.
Traitorous bastards like Graham have lived off the largesse of taxpayers like me, only to wipe their feet on the rule of law. Well, enforcing the rule of law IS how I want my tax dollars spent. There is no alternative.
Trump is a terrorist Full STOP ….
Merrick Garland is an honorable citizen
Believe we CHARGE And PUNISH any and all these liars TRAITORS…treasonous behavior need consequences Stand for Truth
People belong in court …we can preserve our Democracy VOTE …
We are getting the Best from the AG
Let them know we support our country
Freedom !!!STOP THIS INSANE CRAZY
Lawless terrorist group of Bastards
I’m for freedom, truth, integrity! STEVE
I’m PROUD to Subscribe to The Warning ..I’m grateful at this moment
To be willing to stand up for Democracy
We can save our Freedom We CAN
Together We Can ❤️VOTE ✅Marsha
💙
Blessings 💙 from my soul for your
Kindness …thank you, Marsha
MDS just reread what you wrote…
Very Powerful you are making a difference with your thoughts and words like Steve does ! Thanks,Marsha
I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!
PATRIOTISM - THESE COLORS DO NOT RUN ....
LET'S GET OUR CLEATES ON AND QUIT SLIDING DOWN THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
DEMOCRACY IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT!
Fervently hoping that Merrick Garland will be the savior of Democracy. Perhaps it was meant to be that he was denied the Supreme Court only to become the most decisive AG in our history. He is a man of everything that DT is not. For this I pray.
I truly want to believe that about AG Garland. Unfortunately, I think he is moving way to slow and ultimately won't have the courage to indict. I don't think Sally Yates would have that problem, had she been appointed the AG. I think she would have moved with lightening speed and gotten the job done, the indictments handed down, and be ready to go to trial, with the facts on the side of the United States v. DJT. I fear that Garland is more afraid of the "rioting in the streets" than he is of the ultimate end of our Constitution and Democracy if he does nothing.
I sincerely hope that I am proven wrong.
ME 2
This is very informative in reply to your comment:
Why is the DOJ taking so long with the investigation into the January 6 insurrection?
FAQs - Teri Kanefield
https://terikanefield.com/all-new-doj-investigation-faqs/
Steve! Steve! Steve! I want to stand in “the town square” and read this post from a scroll so everyone can hear it. This mistake masquerading as a human must be arrested and brought to justice. Like chattel slavery, he is a stain on American history. Americans can right this wrong with the power of a vote. I pray to God we have the strength to do so.
I seriously love your writing. I look forward to reading everything you write. Thank you for doing what you are doing, speaking the truth, calling it out the hard way, and saying the things people are too shy to say out loud. Thank you.
This Lake Michigan Aging Hippie agrees!
Ridiculous that Lindsey is lying prostrate on his fainting couch fanning his face with his hankie, full of fear and consternation at the horrifying thought that Donald the Great and Powerful would be held to account like a common criminal. Give me a f*cking break. If there are violent right wing fascists rioting in the streets of American cities, so be it. Fears of Trumpist violence must not be the deciding factor of the Department of Justice.
The kompromat that Trump (via Putin) has on Graham is existential. I suspect Trump is threatening Graham with exposure, hence the lap dog BS we saw over the weekend. There will be more of it. The best part is that Trump will eventually turn on Graham and we'll all find out anyway.
You're giving Graham more credit than due, that he would have to be faced with an existential threat to give up all his good reputation. The truth is the man has been scum since before he went to law school. He is a pilot fish, attaching himself to whichever powerful "shark" he perceives can take him where he wants to go. The only reason he is seen as having any integrity was because he basked in the glow of John McCain (who actually had less integrity than he was credited with, but in comparison to every other member of that party, he was The Man of The Most Integrity - most integrity of those who had none). I hate to get into his sexual preference, but what he shows is he is someone who is self-hating, due to the way he was raised and the opinions he learned about people like himself, who thus thinks poorly of himself in his heart of hearts, but cannot admit that, so he must attach himself to those he sees are powerful and bask in their sun, regardless of what kind of "sunlight" that is.
Agree 100% and I am not afraid. It is beyond time to stand up to this bully and his minions, and end this sordid chapter of our history with justice.
Taking no prisoners as usual, Mr Schmidt - my fellow NJ rooted amigo. Especially appreciate the well deserved swipes to Mattis, Kelly and Haberman. So so many enablers.
And what of the next generation of candidates with malice? Ron DeSantis smarter than Trump by a mile with full fascist tendencies. So dangerous.
Senator Graham's words had all the markings of those mob boss words from the movies of the past (and I'm paraphrasing here); "You know, it would be a shame if something happened............"
The weird thing is, I don't know that he's wrong. I fully expect violence IF the Orange Asscactus is indicted. I fully expect his cultish supporters to try and dox the members of any grand jury that issues the indictment, and to then begin threatening their lives and the lives of their family members. That's what brainwashed people in a cult do. This country is in deep, deep trouble.
There are more sane citizens than MAGA crazies, misfits, outcasts and non-critical thinkers in these US. Don’t underestimate the common man in reaction to these crazies.
Sure hope that you're right.
True enough, at least for now. The figure often quoted by many folks who track this - as I hope we all do - is that Trump has a 35% base of the voter population. If you look at the link below, in 2021, those who claimed to be outright Republicans ended the year as 28% of voters, as did Democrats. Yes, they were tied. But it's the elusive Independents, who now constitute the other 44%, where the battles are fought and won today. In short, us folks who care about the Constitution, the rule of law, our rights to vote without illegal machinations and our democratic republic writ large cannot let our guards down.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/388781/political-party-preferences-shifted-greatly-during-2021.aspx
Thanks for the data, interesting read.
Thank you for adding a fun new term to my repertoire: asscactus.
I heard someone use that term in reference to our illustrious former President back when he was elected in 2016, and I knew right then and there that it would forever be my favorite descriptive term for him!
The DOJ's process of starting with the J6 small fry traitors, then flipping the wanna be bigtime insurrectionists has silenced (and imprisoned) a sizeable chunk of the cult leadership. That gives me hope. But a new one is born every tweet.
It is soooooo refreshing to read your work and all the intelligent comments as well. It is not an understatement that democracy is at stake if Garland does not prosecute DT. If not for the crimes at Mar-a-Lago, then the next time it will be for murder and as a traitor!
All are equal under the law. Bedrock of our Constitution . If there is sufficient cause for charges and arrests, then the law is followed . No more, no less. We honor our oaths and our history, the defend the Constitution.
Violence, however it occurs, and I believe the possibility is there, will be short lived. ( no, not 1914 short war, just size and belief in a localized insurgency). Violence does not deflect us from the path. Resolve keeps us on the path. Will some people be angry, yes. It will be , for some, the 21 st C “lost cause”.
Our role , and that of DOJ, and the third branch of government, is to ensure it is a lost cause. Whatever the cost, it is worth the final outcome. At the end, We will be a stronger nation
from one traitor to another: "I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself." - Robert E. Lee
Amen Steve:
Why is there even any discussion that a criminal who incited an armed rebellion against the US Government, stole US national security secrets and left them lying around his gauche hotel complex should not be indicted for all his crimes? Any person (politician, pundit etc) suggesting that Trump be given a free pass from his crimes for the Good of the Country) should be shamed and excoriated. We can perhaps start with the Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal, once an esteemed newspaper).The phrase "Liberty and Justice For All" in the Pledge of Allegiance states emphatically that NO!! individual is denied justice (both positive and harsh in consequence). To excuse the former president's actions due to his position and the size and potential lawlessness of his so called base is antithetical to the American system of justice. Look back no further than the 1920s and early 1930's Germany to see the potential catastrophic consequences of not disposing of violent and criminal behaviour. Such action will not result in any Good to the Country!!
Wow you are really powerful expressing the urgency of protecting our freedom thanks from my heart, Marsha
Well the recent news about DJT’s “Truth Social “ platform just supports the real “truth” about DJT. He is at it again. Stiffing platform vendor for $1,600,000 so far. He has little or no money invested. Truth Social is failing and DJT is not helping. What is new here? Nothing. Same leopard same spots. His red hat brigade is either oblivious or just don’t care. My bet is both.
So Lindsey Graham is warning or threatening violence if DJT is held accountable? Well folks here is our chance to actually be the troops we all support from the comfort of our homes Who will step forward?
The only interest the red hat brigade has in preserving the American way of life is to turn back the clock while eliminating democratic practices such as fair elections and honoring and building on our diversity.
It is insane for the RHB. To think their pitiful militias can stand against the force of the American law enforcement plus our military. What they are counting on is the arm chair troop supporters will opt for appeasement of the RHB bullies.
DJT cynically tried to send a message to AG Garland that he knows there is serious unrest in his RHB minions and wants to know “how he can help”. What a joke and pathetic attempt to intimidate America.
DJT has mislead his followers with lies, time for him to employ truth… good luck with that folks.
Steve - I would love for you to write more about why good people like Mattis, Kelly, Milley, etc., watched it all happening but said nothing in the moment - when it potentially would have resonated more loudly. I don’t think it was about future book deals. I think it is a more fundamental element of “human behavior in groups” that suppresses dissent. I will agree that some of them were motivated by future book deals. But it is (and was) too prevalent of a behavior. Would love your thoughts on it.
Perhaps the Generals and others understood that in dealing with narcissists and sociopaths one must operate under the radar in an asymmetrical mode. It is impossible to win a direct confrontation with someone like Trump. He will totally destroy anyone who acts in the moment. Hopefully, the Generals were able to prevent him from doing even worse behaviors than he would have done otherwise.
I agree. But sometimes you have to be able to do both. The things we have heard "after the fact" bordered on apocalyptic.
I agree with what you say here, Robert. We will have a lot of work to do in government, education, etc. for there to be a 'Never Again' -due to human behavior in groups, which history clearly shows. After generations of people who have lived through this, will it all start again? We have a lot of work to do now and in the future! Wake-up call! Thank you.
As usual, excellent piece. I tried to write something noteworthy, but as I tried these words came to me which are so profound, and fitting for our time. I truly hope we don't have a Gettysbugh moment, but Lincolns words are nonetheless prescient to what our collective response should be.
****************
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863"