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Erc Rosenberg's avatar

Some of the problems with the Constitution issue is that many of the MAGA people either don't know what the Constitution says, or doesn't care what the Constitution says, or they've made their own interpretation of the Constitution. As for Trump, the MAGA people believe that he should have unlimited powers as the president. They ask, why are the courts interfering with what Trump wants to do? It's pretty difficult to do the right thing as a country when a large percentage of the people don't care or don't know of the Constitution or the rule of law.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

The people we need to convince are Republican politicians, who should be able to tell how their donors and constituents are affected.

Many of them are personally affected. E.G. how many Republican Confressional members are personally invested in soybeans. "Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said Thursday American farmers have been overshadowed and outsold by Argentinian soybean production, and he slammed the Trump administration for agreeing to soften the South American country’s economic hardship." https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5522503-grassley-trump-argentina-soybean-farmers/

"Argentina recently suspended its 26 percent export tax on soybeans, an opportunity used by China to purchase more than 1 million tons of the crop, according to Reuters."

AI sayz 31 had a background in farming, ranching, or cattle operations. This group included 23 in the House and 8 in the Senate.

There are an estimated 500,000 soybean farmers in the United States, according to the American Soybean Association, which serves over 500,000 U.S. soybean farmers. Another estimate from the 2022 Census of Agriculture indicates that 270,851 individual farms raised soybeans for beans in 2022.

Ex MAGAT soybean farmers are livid. https://www.thefp.com/p/im-a-soybean-farmer-who-voted-for?hide_intro_popup=true

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alis's avatar

Yay Grassley! Boo Thune!

Senator Thune looked like a moron this weekend trying tell the twisted tale of the soybeans, our farmers facing bankruptcy, and bailing out Argentina so that little bastard Milei could stab us all in the back. No worries.....he'll just have the taxpayers bail farmers out too. Wonder if they enjoy being turned into beggars after they worked their butts off.

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Robert Herreshoff's avatar

What do you mean "looked like"?

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David's avatar

Daniel, I would normally be very sympathetic to the blight of farmers,however since they decided to vote for a " Nazi" ,it is hard to be show any real concern. Maybe one day,they will wake up and recognize Trump does nothing for anyone but himself and his billionaire class.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Opportunity is knocking. If you don't take advantage of the situation, you are the loser. It's not the farmers as much as their members of Congress.

For Brian Fitzpatrick, Medicaid was the main reason he voted with the Dems.

Lots of other issues like this. If a Republican is a hispanic or other minority now discriminated against as DEI, it may be to our advantage.

Ukraine is major issue.

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William Farrar's avatar

only four of the cosigned Republicans – Representatives Massie, Greene, Boebert, and Mace – have signed onto the discharge petition to force a vote on their own resolution

Three of the four are the most radical of right wingers in congress.

What's the chance of getting Republicans to bring an impeachment?

In the U.S. federal government, impeachment begins in the House of Representatives. The process is divided into two distinct parts: the House votes on whether to bring charges, and the Senate holds a trial to determine if the official should be removed from office.

Impeachment in the House

The U.S. Constitution grants the House the "sole Power of Impeachment".

Investigation: The process can be initiated by any member of the House, often leading to an investigation by House committees, typically overseen by the Judiciary Committee.

Articles of Impeachment: Based on the investigation, the Judiciary Committee may draft articles of impeachment outlining the specific charges.

Vote: The full House of Representatives debates and votes on the articles. If a simple majority of the House approves one or more articles, the official is impeached.

Better luck chasing snipes in Florida.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Always so encouraging.

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William Farrar's avatar

Realistic Daniel. Wasting time, money, and energy to achieve nothing, like Fieldteam 6. When the time, money and energy be better used in actual resisting and sabotage.

Why did CBS, Sinclair and Nexstar fold. Not because of strongly worded letters or protests, but because of threats to their source of income, boycotts.

They all depend on advertisers for their income and profits, and the people rose up in a voice and told them, we will break your bank.

Optimists get their hearts broken, when they are disappointed.

Pessimists can only be pleased and elated, when they are disappointed.

I am not wasting my time, money or energy, on fruitless endeavors, not when I am realistic and no the odds that are against me.

Again Daniel, it goes back to our training and experience, your is the law, the institutions, but those laws and those institutions are kaput.

Mine is military, both executing and planning. And I know better than to assail an inviolable salient, you undermine it, go around or go over.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

"Fruitless endeavors."

As you know, I went to jungle warfare school and had a practicum in counterinsurgency warfare, all before I was 22. I may not be a psy ops practicioner but I can tell when someone's vulnerable. Seek treatment.

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William Farrar's avatar

Your response to my skepticism is very personal Daniel. I expected more out of you than that.

Yes fruitless endeavors Daniel. We have a Trump controlled congress, and at the four Republicans seeking a discharge petition,have their own agenda, they definitely haven't come over to our side.

The other Republican you are enthusiastic about is Sean Fitzpatrich from PA, but he is, in all respects, save for unions, a Trump humping misogynist, having a 100% anti abortion voting record.

Do you honestly think that any of them would vote to impeach Trump, much less move it from the Judiciary committee.

My question is this: Why do waste time chasing will o the wisps, building up forlorn hope?

How vulnerable is Trump when he has total control of the Executive, an overly sympathetic and enabling Supreme court, and a Congress that asks only high high, when he says jump.

Where is he vulnerable Daniel?

Maybe if you lived in Italy or Germany in the 1920's and 1930's you might have thought that Hitler was vulnerable.. Maybe you think that Putin is vulnerable, or Orban or Erdogan

Any vulnerability they have is externally, so long as Trump can hype the culture war and "own the libs" he has no vulnerability

Farmers are upset with him over SNAP and tariff's, but they still stand with him, because the hate the libs, the Democrats, the LGBT, the atheists.

It is the same with his Latino and Black voters, even the civil service that lost their jobs because of DOGE still stand with Trump.

We are dealing with a cult, that was born of out a perceived threat to cultural hegemony.

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Phil Clark's avatar

I thought that AOC had initiated impeachment?

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Phil Clark's avatar

My bad. Fake news.

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David's avatar

Willaim,good post,but I think you have to understand,that any possibility of getting the "Nazi" is open to some form of discussion. I think maybe a strategy is that the "Nazi" compares himself to Orban,Putin and now Erdogan,other N" Nazis" that Trump feels a close friendship with. Maybe the press should on a daily basis showcase who his close friends are.

How about the new alleged peace agreement with Palestine?

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William Farrar's avatar

That's what I am looking for, we are way past a political solution. The Republicans have seen to that with their laws, redistricting and other voter suppression efforts. I feel that trying to chase a political solution is waste of time, money and energy and will only result in anger and frustration.

The press has been brought to heel, they are now obeying in advance, besides the media is owned by a handful of oligarchs, that we call billionaires. Robert Iger, Larry and David Ellison, Jeff Bezos, Brian L. Robert, Larry Fink, Shari and Michael Redstone, the Newhouse Family and the Murdochs. Perry A Sook (CEO of Nexstar),Christopher S Ripley CEO of Sinclair, and all of them have significant shares owned by private equity funds Blackrock, Vanguard, State Street Group, which also have major holdings in fiance, insurance, manufacturing, health care, defense, petrochemical and entertainment. IOW USA Inc.

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Robert Herreshoff's avatar

Actually, snipes do visit Florida in the winter months.

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William Farrar's avatar

I know, bad choice, left over from university days, having pledges go on snipe hunts.

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Robert Herreshoff's avatar

There are many out there who think snipes are right up there with jackalopes.

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Robert Herreshoff's avatar

China is not going to buy our soybeans; in previous years (and under previous administrations) they bought about 50%. Well, our farmers can always make tofu. Lots of tofu.

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Carol A. Heasley's avatar

Now that is funny, the way you write it.

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Jean(Muriel)'s avatar

This,Erc, is why people who do know must share this excellent piece with everyone,

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Robert Herreshoff's avatar

Frankly, those Republicans don't give a shit about the Constitution.

It says right in the Preamble "We the People... in order to form a more perfect union..." Considering realities have so drastically changed in the 238 years since the Constitution was ratified we (meaning them) are determined to once more form a new more perfect union, one that reflects our brave, new world. Remember to cheer when the jackboots ,march down Main Street — our masters will be watching. End of story.

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Jon Notabot's avatar

FACT-

"Republicans control the entire federal government: they can’t pass this buck to anyone else. If they refuse to impeach Trump, they’ll go down in history as the party that enabled an authoritarian coup and ended America’s 250 year experiment with democracy."

Thom references the film "Minority Report" in today's piece - watch it if you can, or read a summary. So many of our good faith science fiction writers have shown us the future - we should believe them occasionally.

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alis's avatar

Fair warning---there are vicious little bots and eyeball scenes that are stomach turning.

Really stuck with me, and U R right, especially because you're not a bot.

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William Politt's avatar

Superb post, Thom, but I fear too late. I believe the country has passed the point of no return and such niceties as "checks and balances" and "rule of law" are rapidly receding in the rear-view mirror. 21st Century Republican office holders have no stomach for doing the right thing.

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Hal Brown's avatar

Even if it got so bad they decided to do this I fear it would be too late.

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Richard Kiefer's avatar

Thom has always been on the front lines where democracy has been threatened, so he's not late; it's just too bad that the media has not been willing to spread his word.

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Fred's avatar

Great commentary Tom but the Republicans in Congress haven’t stood up to Trump in each of his terms. Why would they change now? Unfortunately, I can’t see them growing a spine now and getting rid of this scourge to our country. I hope I’m wrong but what will they now see that makes them scratch their head and say now’s the time to impeach? Maybe the Epstein files?

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Why would they change now?

For one thing, many of their donors and constuencies have soured. Some represent Dem majorities.

For another, many of them are personally adversely affected by Trump economic policies.

And Trump is far worse as # 47 -- beyond all expectations. E.G. Miami healthcare CEO Michael “Mike” B. Fernandez wrote the following open letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of the Republican Cuban-American Miami-Dade congressional delegation: U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez and Maria Elvira Salazar.

"For decades, I have stood with you in defense of the freedoms we cherish, those we were denied in the country of our birth and found in the grace of this one. I know what it means to flee tyranny.

"Like you, I carry that history in my bones and that pain in my heart.

"But like a growing number in our community, I have watched with dismay as the very values we once found sanctuary in are now being attacked by a previously unthinkable threat — the sitting president of the United States.

"In the face of all of this, the silence from our own leaders — the sons and daughters of exiles — has become deafening."

Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article304271841.html#storylink=cpy

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David's avatar

Good post Daniel,you like I are not ready to throw in the towel and let this "Nazi" pig prevail.He is like the stage four " Cancer" .

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Fred's avatar

I hope you’re right. But these CEO’s have to convince their representatives to change their views and stop being afraid of Trump and do the right thing. If not impeachment then hopefully the people will see the damage their representatives are doing and vote them out next year

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

There are enough House Republicans who privately say that Trump is nuts to get impeachment started. They are intimidated to the extent that some fear for their lives. If someone can get some of those Republcans that Thom listed to meet with them, to provide psychological reinforcement, we have a good chance of getting started.

Consider the Jerry Weiss scenario, https://jerryweiss.substack.com/.

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Robert Herreshoff's avatar

It's one thing to know Trump is an existential threat to American democracy, and something else to have the courage to act.

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alis's avatar

Waiting for Humpty TRumpty to fall off the wall.....

Republicans of conscience have indeed formed their own little coalitions, have podcasts, and appear on MSM shows. Too bad it isn't the ones that are still in office. Instead, we often tune in to more bad news about their office-holders, Cabinet members, and regime members.

Senator Murkowski's picture with Ghislaine Maxwell just surfaced along with the fact that one of her big donors was literally the sex trafficker's good friend. Homan, who is less than human, took $50,000 in an FBI sting. Release the tape! Release The Epstein Files!

It would make them heroes to impeach and convict Orange Hitler, step-up to stop the genocide in Gaza, rejoin our allies, and help Ukraine finish what they did NOT start. And since we are visiting the wishing well, I'd like the White House restored---that's the only easy one. While we wait, see you in the streets.

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Steven Filbert's avatar

Impeach Trump and what do you get? It's bad all the way down to the Speaker of the House. We need to win the midterms first and take control of the house and senate. Then start the impeachment process all the way to the Speaker of the House.

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William Farrar's avatar

Correct you are Steven. Impeaching Trump is nonsense and a waste of time, but it does provide income to who ever is behind the movement. Impeach Trump and you get Peter Thiel, I mean J D Vance, even worse because they are competent and coherent.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Read the Jerry Weiss scenario.

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Barbara's avatar

Well written. I pray patriotic Republicans heed this warning.

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Feldman's avatar

History - What is History? Well, what IS history? Usually something that happens (about something that happened) way down the line, say like a couple of hundred years, or at least many decades ago and usually everyone who participated is already dead. There is no one left alive who can comment on what (really)happened during the time that will then be History. And let's be perfectly clear that the following has been said loud and clear over and over again by T and his MAGAts- I REALLY DON'T CARE!

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William Farrar's avatar

ON TV two Republican senators were asked about their legacy. Their response was, how can I care, I will be dead. That truth doesn't sink in to the public mind.

The fact that people talk about Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Jenghis Khan affects them not one whit.

That Abraham Lincoln, George Washinton, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson are celebrated and are the subjects of books,documentaries, monographs affects them not one whit.

They are only important to the living

People talk of leaving a legacy, because they are under the delusion that somehow, magically, they will survive death by passing on property, money, businesses, power, genes to their children. It is a delusion.

Nobody survives the grave. You can't take it with you, and your children are not you.

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Gordon Berry's avatar

Thank you Thom:

We definitely have to find some Republican heroes and heroines to step forward ASAP - if not yesterday.

They have to make their secret impulses public and brave the immediate consequences. They will need all the help we can give them.

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William Farrar's avatar

Half of the problem solver caucus are Republicans kissing Trump's ass. The Democrats are DINO's.

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Oldsalt65's avatar

The only thing politicians are afraid of is losing the (illegal) campaign finance money the get from billionaire donors. They will support Trump as long as they are told to. Any semblance of a representative form of government was doomed from the moment SCOTUS issued it Citizens United ruling.

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William Larro's avatar

We were once known as the Land of the free and home of the brave. Right Reps?

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Sir Okie Doke's avatar

I cannot say that I disagree. But . . .

Just one thing: The GOP is a skin suit. Think "Men In Black."

In "Men in Black," an alien kills a farmer named Edgar and then wears his skin like a grotesque disguise. It’s not just a metaphor—it’s literal. The alien is a giant cockroach-like creature from another planet that needs to blend in on Earth, so it hijacks Edgar’s body by tearing off his skin and wearing it as a suit.

The GOP is just a skin suit with a bunch of congressional cockroaches inside. Sooo . . .

The GOP is NOT Obi-Wan Kenobi. For our only hope, we gotta look elsewhere.

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William Farrar's avatar

Outstanding metaphor. Placing hope on a handful of Trump humping Republicans to see the light and come over to the light from the dark side is foolish, and plays right into the hands of the forces behind MAGA and Trump.

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Robert B. Elliott's avatar

Now that you put it to us like that, I recognize that the situation is probably hopeless unless the people rise up in resistance in large enough numbers to cause the police and military to join the resistance. The Republican leadership is not going to have a come-to-Jesus moment. They are empty vessels and useless toadies, with the exception of a very few. MTG and others who have opposed Trump on the Epstein files will go along on the shutdown and other issues and the Epstein scandal will be overshadowed. He will do whatever it takes to wrest control. Open defiance by millions is our only hope. That or a fatal heart attack.

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David's avatar

Robert,I agree 100%. One of the reasons so many have not protested is because during the past few months,the stock market has been parabolic and IRA's ,other investments have done extremely well. Many are feeling much wealthier,so they forgive the "Nazi" @ 1600 Penn Avenue. You can blame Jensen Huang ,president of Nvidia who is a close friend of Trump and a company that is responsible for most of the stock gains in the past 8 months. He is a huge proponent of AI and when asked if he was concerned that AI could result in 18 months to loss of 40 millions jobs,he was gleeful. There have been multiple warnings of how AI could lead to momumental job losses not only in the next 18 months but in three yrs,job losses as estimated by Goldman Sachs could reach 300 million jobs globally.

I think we must recognize that AI and big tech is the greatest threat to the our continued existence.

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William Farrar's avatar

I totally agree Robert.

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Jack Carter's avatar

Wishful thinking I fear. Good luck. Reps will not do anything. The only ones remaining to save the constitution are the military officers and soldiers. Amen

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William Farrar's avatar

You are wrong there Jack. Tues, Sep 30, all General and Flag Officers will convene at Quantico, VA to swear allegiance to Trump who will be there. And Hegseth has issued a direct order that no military can talk to the media. Disobedience of a direct order is a court martial offense, and the punishment can be dishonorable discharge

Trump has also fired the Commanders of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps of the Armed Forces, and now has a compliant military.

Further, the ideology known as Dominionism or Christian Reconstruction has infiltrated the service academies starting with the AF Academy, when after it opened it's doors, megachurchs moved in and started recruiting cadets.. This virus has spread to Annapolis and West Point and of course the officers they produce.

The enlisted take an oath which does say protect and defend the constitution, but that is nebulous, they are unable to determine what is and is not constitutional, but it also includes "obey the orders of the President and officers appointed over me"

And the majority of enlisted come from rural and red states, and would love to bust heads of the libs, finally the military is by nature ultra conservative.

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Hal Brown's avatar

Then we get into either a military soft coup which would probably involve the refusal to follow unconsitutional orders, and could include using the threat of a hard coup. That is a classical coup d'état which it is achieved with the use of military force. Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_coup

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

The Epstein petition may force the issue.

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Laurie Plank's avatar

Thank you Thom, for your courage in continuing to speak out. If only our congressional republicans (and John Fetterman) had half your courage.

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