Trump has been advertising that he is not a renter of the White House, but it's owner, first by gilding he Oval Office, which he has turned into an Offal Office, the erecting two phallic symbols in front of and behind the White House, thus demonstrating his ownership, and finally without the consent of congress, tearing down the east wing to replace it with anachronistic ball room, A ball room in the 21st Century, by this act is letting us know that the only way he will leave is on a gurney, and with modern science, blood transfusions from kids with high levels of the growth hormone it may be a long long time. Remember Dick Cheney doesn't have a heart, but a pump powered by the bodies electricity.
He has already defecated on the constitution with the OK by Mike Johnson and SCOTUS.
And for those who want to believe that the constitution will protect us, look what he has done so far
Article I, Section 9: Emoluments Clauses
The Constitution includes two anti-corruption clauses known as the Emoluments Clauses. The Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits any federal officeholder from accepting gifts or benefits from foreign states without congressional consent. The Domestic Emoluments Clause prevents the president from receiving any other salary or benefit from the United States or any individual state.
Article I, Section 8: Congress's power of the purse
This section gives Congress the authority to control federal spending.
Accusation: During his presidency, Trump was accused of violating this principle by attempting to block or "impound" Congressionally appropriated funds for his political ends.
Article II, Section 1: Presidential term limits (22nd Amendment)
The 22nd Amendment limits a person to two terms as president.
Accusation: Trump has repeatedly mused about serving a third term or finding "methods" to bypass this limit. Legal experts say this position disregards a fundamental constitutional amendment.
Article II, Section 2: Appointments Clause
This section requires the president to obtain the "advice and consent of the Senate" for the appointment of certain officers.
Accusation: Trump was accused of violating this by firing inspectors general (federal watchdogs) without providing the legally required 30-day notice to Congress.
Article II, Section 3: Presidential oversight of elections
This section outlines the president's duties, but gives no authority over federal election administration, which is managed by states.
Accusation: Following the 2020 election, Trump challenged state-certified election results and pressured officials to "find" votes to overturn his defeat.
1st Amendment: Freedom of speech and the press
The First Amendment protects freedoms of speech, expression, and the press.
Accusation: Trump's administration has been criticized for retaliating against critics, including threatening law firms and attempting to sanction journalists.
5th and 14th Amendments: Due Process and Equal Protection
These amendments guarantee all citizens due process of law and equal protection.
Accusation: Trump's attempts to end birthright citizenship via executive order were immediately blocked by federal judges who found the action to be a "blatant" violation of the 14th Amendment.
Obstruction of Justice
While not a specific article, the concept of obstruction of justice is a constitutional concern related to abuses of executive power.
Accusation: This was a key part of the investigation into Russian interference and the Mueller Report. Critics argued Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey and other attempts to interfere with investigations were corrupt acts intended to obstruct justice.
And finally , so far, Article 10, in as much as he has made crypto legal currency.
He controls all branches of government, and thus has the police power of the state and is waging war outside of the ConUS, without congressional approval and is preparing to mount an offensive against one or more sovereign countries Venezuela and Colombia so far, Ecuador next), and has declared war on his own citizens (DC, Chicago, LA, Portland, Memphis. He has not only pulled off a self coup, by which he will never leave office, but he has engaged in a mixed war, a war of the government on it's own people. https://academic.oup.com/oxford-law-pro/book/57867/chapter/471832042
Has SCOTUS stopped anything yet. Last I looked, save for two rulings, which Trump ignored (and that was at the outset) SCOTUS has ruled for Trump 100% of the time, either with a ruling or on the shadow docket.
No persist I say, you have to keep trying, but don't peddle false hope.
Meanwhile come to grips with reality, the rule of law is almost an artifact.
The once liberal 9th Circuit court is now dominated by Trump appointees.
And recently The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the President likely has the legal authority to federalize the Oregon National Guard and deploy troops to Portland, a decision that reversed a lower court's order blocking the deployment. reversing a lower courts decision.
The 5th Circuit is full on MAGA
The Supervising Justice for the Federal District court, which is D.C. is John Roberts, 8 of the 12 Judges were appointed by Reagan and G.H.W. Bush
It is unsavory to you, being that your lifesblood is the judiciary and rule of law, but the rule of law is kaput, and the only viable choice we have is to resist, a national intifida (word means resistance), boycotts and general strikes, and they work, they worked for Jimmy Kimmel.
If Johnson can get away with all this horse shit why can't the Democrats just walk back into the House and start conducting business on their own (or at least the illusion of business) without any Repiglicans. WHY THE HELL NOT?! Are they worried that would be illegal? OMG. At least, maybe then, the people of the U.S. would see who wants the government to work. Then maybe the Dems in the Senate could grow a spine and follow suit.
Isn't that a root of the conundrum? The enforcement mechanism/protection mechanism - who upholds what? Who determines what is or isn't illegal? Who scares someone else enough into passivity? Can someone PLEASE get these Dems a media outlet!? How about doing something right in front of CSPAN. Get theatrical - it's been the norm since the Newt man did it.
The Republicans handed the House to Speaker Johnson, and he handed it over to TRump. Then somewhere in the background there is Steve Bannon telling us this is all necessary, because they have to finish what they started.
What they started is Project 2025, and this is how they get to finish the other half that is now in the works.
The Tech-Bros want a technocracy that will cover everything from Canada and Greenland down through Venezuela and Columbia. Not a new idea. Google: The Technate of America, Cornell University. It's a map, and the notes below it explain the plan for the Kingdom.
The visual of the destroyed East Wing is conveying the message of all these psychopaths. The economic effects of all this CRAZY will ripple throughout the land. No food assistance, no health care, no jobs, and no services.
Republican fools don't "get it" till it lands on their doorstep. They will be stepping in a whole pile of "it" very soon. See you in the streets.
"The economic effects of all this CRAZY will ripple throughout the land. No food assistance, no health care, no jobs, and no services."
What I cannot understand is how do these republicans square their apathy with their constituents who will end up hungry and homeless. What do they say to them? I can't believe how much people are piling on their credit card debt....
The Republicans don't have any empathy to go with that apathy, Sophia. They went from not caring about town halls to not being able to have one without being shouted-down.
Sadly, most local Republicans don't even want to SEE the poor or homeless. They are the city council members who "raid" and ruin the camps, don't help the non-profits help them, and just want to blame the poor for being poor.
That false show of getting their work done, Alis, has been repeated over and over with our San Diego City Council. They and our Mayor have yet to do the right thing by the homeless.
But they have persisted in surveilling me for decades ruining our family dynamics with their covert ways. I begged them to stop and instead they increased the pressure and use city fire trucks and emergency vehicles to sound off at coded times to try and intimidate me to send a message. The police show up - stalking me on the streets where I drive to support the code.
They believe that - like so many other power hungry opportunists throughout history - a magnificent reward awaits them for their unyielding allegiance to the brutal criminal enterprises who buy them off. These Republicans don't care about the constituents they're supposed to represent - they care about the billionaire donors filling their pockets and promising protection **from** their constituents, once their constituents realize they've been had.
It's all so unnecessary. These things never work out for anyone, on any side, of any intention. It is, and will be, a great big disaster.
But if billionaires are giving the rebs money it's because they're in office and they have power. But their constituents are also voters and if voters are experiencing food scarcity, one would think that they will vote them out. For the love of power and money I don't think the rebs are seeing beyond their nose....
I think the billionaires help get them into office in the first place, then expect favors in return.
As for constituents voting them out, I'm a bit concerned that they/ we may not have the opportunity to do so - just a personal hunch, given how aggressive and sophisticated voter disenfranchisement is trending. Add in NSPM-7, the perpetual Mike's Johnson Recess, ICE, corporate media defrauding the public of must-know information...
I can't be certain, but the whether just doesn't look favorable for an election - much less one which is free and fair.
I see it happening but still hope you're not right...Steve Bannon's comment aired today about how trump will be president for a third term and that plans are in place has me completely discombobulated...
I hope I'm not right too, Sophia. One thing I know for sure is that I don't know much. And in this case, that's a good thing - there are a lot of unknown unknowns between now and a potential worst case scenario.
Just know you're never alone. We're all in this together, no matter what.
What the Trump team, including Johnson and the SCOTUS 6, have done to the Constitution and the rule of law is what Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd. The obvious difference is that Chauvin was ultimately held accountable for what he did and is now parked in a correctional center.
I disagree that Mike Johnson is the one who has orchestrated the coup. I believe that the architects are Satan Miller and Russell Vought. They are the ones that are ordering people to be snatched and deported and boats to be blown up in the Caribbean. Johnson is the henchman while trump, the puppet, is allowed to play president with his building blocks, destroying historic buildings and rebuilding them and pardoning crooks. Kinda like parents who are too busy to parent their tyrannical tyke....
Daniel,I always enjoy your back and forth with William,you guys should get together for a martini. Daniel, couple things have become very clear during the past couple months. Rallies have attracked large turnouts,but have had no effect on the :" Nazis".
Still no boycotts of cos. that advertize on Fox,CNBC and against Wall Street.
This is not going to end peacefully and I think we who oppose what is going on should get ready to more than peacefully protest. How much longer can they continue with no real pushback?
Daniel,if he did extend his venom to you,it is time to take the gloves off.We have decided for the past 9 months we would respond civically. That has not worked,time to identify every republican in Fla and Georgia and find a way to go after them.
YOU don't understand. I live in Florida. I speak fluent benefits. If someone like me can speak to them, we can convice some of them. We only need to flip about 5% of them.
I have a track record. I've done it many times. I can show people in many cases how to get more money, reduce taxes, etc. I amn old, retired and need other people who worked in the system to come forward.
Everyone who reads this stuff should watch Ed Weir. I don't know him. I don't have any affiliation with him. https://www.mygovexpert.com/
I've made perhaps thousands of phone calls, sent even more texts, asked people to donate their time and money for candidates. After some experience is gained, virtually anyone can convice people who are on the fence, especially those who aren't even registered to vote but have expressed certain tendencies that favor Democrats.
I OBJECT to people who have done NOTHING, have spent none of their time and money, telling willing people NOT to do it.
Thom: "Without ever proclaiming it out loud, Mike Johnson has accomplished what open insurrection never could: the methodical, bureaucratic nullification of Congress itself, eliminating its ability to perform oversight over Trump.
....
If Johnson doesn’t back down, or if he does temporarily but this becomes a regular thing, our republic will have been really and truly turned into a kingdom — complete with a massive new throne room — before our very eyes."
For me, who's supposed to be a lawyer, the rule of law -- my lifes's work -- has already been emasculated and the Constitution has been demolished -- just like the east wing of the White House.
But Johnson is just as vulnerable, if not more than Trump. It only takes a few Congressional Republicans to stop him. See Jerry Weiss https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Trumpepstein may be the vehicle to bring Congressional Republicans to their senses. Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) tweeted about an "Epstein bomb" about to drop; over 100 Republican members might "jailbreak" from Trump.
San Francisco by Nancy has declared that the city police will arrest ICE agents that act against the law which is why Krasnov is not going there. Covering face to avoid identification, having no badges with numbers for id, no uniforms with id, and taking people without due processes are all against the law. Time for our elected officials to do the same and any police not upholding the law to be arrested as well.
I doubt that we would be so aware of this "coup" were it not for the obvious dementia exhibited by Trump himself - far worse than his predecessor. His constant whimsical lack of restraint and impulse control is textbook dementia. It all seems idiotic and reckless to voters regardless of party affiliation.
Just like gramps saying something inappropriate at a family dinner, leaving the grandchildren slack-jawed, we have a geezer president posting a social media video of himself wearing a crown while shitting on American protesters from an Air Force jet. Instead of condemning this obscene insult to our democracy, the Speaker of the House amplified his sycophancy by shrugging it off as humor.
Daniel, that is psychologically a significant observation about Trump’s state of mind. I have to admit I didn’t analyze his behavior as a call for help.
The last four years of my husband’s life, his dementia was creeping in, and no one noticed that some of his behavior could be due to dementia. Only in retrospect did it occur to me; I had never experienced living with someone with dementia, and he refused to engage with his primary doctor except for his annual check-up.
How will this situation turn out? There are those in the administration, like Stephen Miller, propping him up. Trump can’t last three more years, and God help us if Vance becomes president.
Posted this right away on Blue Sky this morning. The first comment on the post was: "They're never coming back."
Don't they have to at some point? The longer it lasts, the more the orange toad, miller & vought get used to the idea, maybe they actually won't. Or more like Thom states, they'll repeat this as often as tRump's toadies want them to do just that. They are clearly drunk with power.
A lot of us have been talking about this since Trump's first term. Hell, even Trump talked about this but in a manner meant to make us think he might be kidding. Well, guess what? The joke is on the American people. The bloodless coup may have just happened without so much as a whimper from the legacy media. If they do actually see it, they're behaving like the three monkeys. If they see no evil, hear no evil or speak no evil, there is no evil.
I do know that the independent media is all over this. Not just here in the Thom Hartmann report, but lots of others out there. Seven million protestors last weekend can see what's happening. Maybe we the people ought to start having conversations about recalling elected representatives and replacing them with others more inclined to actually want to represent their districts.
But then, these current MAGA republicans are representing constituents. The morbidly wealthy ones.
Privately a lot of those politicians are scared shitless...some for their lives. But if they have to self identify themselves in the Epstein file vote as GOP -- Good 'Ol Preverts - they'll be put beween a rock and a hard place.
I wonder what will happen when vendors refuse to take Trump's blank checks any more. Will be recognize a need for a budget/continuing resolution/anything?
So this is how democracy dies—not with tanks, but with calendars. A paper coup, stapled together by a man who calls it “procedure.” The Founders feared tyranny by sword; they didn’t foresee tyranny by recess. Blessed be the ones still reading the Constitution out loud while the empire hums lullabies about law and order.
A middle-aged male prostitute or boy toy hired by an older and more powerful Republican male to be his personal ass kisser and whipping boy. See: Mike Johnson
Thanks to Johnson and the MAGAverse at large, we are entering a period where we are evermore approaching Rome in the first century C.E. The Senate became increasingly corrupt (for us the House needs to be included), people with integrity were removed from positions of authority, the government was staffed with sycophants, and to keep this all on the up-and-up, Caesar never referred to himself as a king but rather as "princeps", basically "first citizen".
Nero, who died approximately 100 years after Julius Caesar, was a man who epitomized moral corruption, had an extensive complex of buildings where he might engage in his various frivolities (envision Epstein Isle), had the Domus Aurea (the Golden House) built, an opulent and truly immense series of structures and gardens. He was overfond of marble, gold, jewels and other ostentatious and totally tasteless decorations. Grottos were developed - I don't remember if they were initially natural or built — but they were so over-the-top that similar creations were referred to as grottoesque, hence "grotesque". Trump's ballroom is nothing if not grotesque. It shall be a monument to buffoonery, a signpost by which future centuries (if we make it) shall judge us.
A mental king, who's a gangster, and a kiddie rapist. A true one-two punch. A gut punch, then a quick uppercut.
It's as if the Russian [Vladdy R.] made America choke down a bottle of low-IQ, crazy pills.
But . . . We are not down yet. Remember what happened to Nazi Max Schmeling the 2nd time, when the Brown Bomber [Joe Louis] lowered the All-American boom on Waxie Maxie. That was June 22, 1938. It was held at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
Said boom shall fall again. And fall Hard on the Mental King.
Well there are parallels with the transition from the Roman Republic to Empire. The Assembly, which represented the plebeians, fell into impotence, becoming a rubber stamp that deferred to the Senate. But since for two centuries the emperors pretended that the republican forms still existed, the Senate, where the patricians were, remained important as a judicial and administrative body. They did most of the top work running the empire under orders from the boss. If the emperor became paranoid, he might kill some senators and if he got completely out of hand he was eventually removed, though sometimes by the army. We're not at that late stage yet, but the centralization of power is obvious. Can it be turned around? That depends on we, the people.
Yep Trump has pulled off a self coup, and has declared war on not only Venezuela and Colombia, but apparently Ecuador, as well a mixed war, a war on his own citizens https://academic.oup.com/oxford-law-pro/book/57867/chapter/471832042
Trump has been advertising that he is not a renter of the White House, but it's owner, first by gilding he Oval Office, which he has turned into an Offal Office, the erecting two phallic symbols in front of and behind the White House, thus demonstrating his ownership, and finally without the consent of congress, tearing down the east wing to replace it with anachronistic ball room, A ball room in the 21st Century, by this act is letting us know that the only way he will leave is on a gurney, and with modern science, blood transfusions from kids with high levels of the growth hormone it may be a long long time. Remember Dick Cheney doesn't have a heart, but a pump powered by the bodies electricity.
He has already defecated on the constitution with the OK by Mike Johnson and SCOTUS.
And for those who want to believe that the constitution will protect us, look what he has done so far
Article I, Section 9: Emoluments Clauses
The Constitution includes two anti-corruption clauses known as the Emoluments Clauses. The Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits any federal officeholder from accepting gifts or benefits from foreign states without congressional consent. The Domestic Emoluments Clause prevents the president from receiving any other salary or benefit from the United States or any individual state.
Article I, Section 8: Congress's power of the purse
This section gives Congress the authority to control federal spending.
Accusation: During his presidency, Trump was accused of violating this principle by attempting to block or "impound" Congressionally appropriated funds for his political ends.
Article II, Section 1: Presidential term limits (22nd Amendment)
The 22nd Amendment limits a person to two terms as president.
Accusation: Trump has repeatedly mused about serving a third term or finding "methods" to bypass this limit. Legal experts say this position disregards a fundamental constitutional amendment.
Article II, Section 2: Appointments Clause
This section requires the president to obtain the "advice and consent of the Senate" for the appointment of certain officers.
Accusation: Trump was accused of violating this by firing inspectors general (federal watchdogs) without providing the legally required 30-day notice to Congress.
Article II, Section 3: Presidential oversight of elections
This section outlines the president's duties, but gives no authority over federal election administration, which is managed by states.
Accusation: Following the 2020 election, Trump challenged state-certified election results and pressured officials to "find" votes to overturn his defeat.
1st Amendment: Freedom of speech and the press
The First Amendment protects freedoms of speech, expression, and the press.
Accusation: Trump's administration has been criticized for retaliating against critics, including threatening law firms and attempting to sanction journalists.
5th and 14th Amendments: Due Process and Equal Protection
These amendments guarantee all citizens due process of law and equal protection.
Accusation: Trump's attempts to end birthright citizenship via executive order were immediately blocked by federal judges who found the action to be a "blatant" violation of the 14th Amendment.
Obstruction of Justice
While not a specific article, the concept of obstruction of justice is a constitutional concern related to abuses of executive power.
Accusation: This was a key part of the investigation into Russian interference and the Mueller Report. Critics argued Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey and other attempts to interfere with investigations were corrupt acts intended to obstruct justice.
And finally , so far, Article 10, in as much as he has made crypto legal currency.
He controls all branches of government, and thus has the police power of the state and is waging war outside of the ConUS, without congressional approval and is preparing to mount an offensive against one or more sovereign countries Venezuela and Colombia so far, Ecuador next), and has declared war on his own citizens (DC, Chicago, LA, Portland, Memphis. He has not only pulled off a self coup, by which he will never leave office, but he has engaged in a mixed war, a war of the government on it's own people. https://academic.oup.com/oxford-law-pro/book/57867/chapter/471832042
SCOTUS laid the foundation. There's an outside chance they could stop it.
Has SCOTUS stopped anything yet. Last I looked, save for two rulings, which Trump ignored (and that was at the outset) SCOTUS has ruled for Trump 100% of the time, either with a ruling or on the shadow docket.
The rule of a man has replaced the rule of law.
You keep rooting against us.
So mentioning that SCOTUS is corrupt and all in on White christian Nationalism and Trumpist is rooting "against us".
Just who is the "us" Daniel. Seems like you are really a Trumpist
There are cases that could stop Trump. Unlike you, Dems know that it's difficult, the odds are bad, but persist. Otherwise they'd withdraw.
No persist I say, you have to keep trying, but don't peddle false hope.
Meanwhile come to grips with reality, the rule of law is almost an artifact.
The once liberal 9th Circuit court is now dominated by Trump appointees.
And recently The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the President likely has the legal authority to federalize the Oregon National Guard and deploy troops to Portland, a decision that reversed a lower court's order blocking the deployment. reversing a lower courts decision.
The 5th Circuit is full on MAGA
The Supervising Justice for the Federal District court, which is D.C. is John Roberts, 8 of the 12 Judges were appointed by Reagan and G.H.W. Bush
It is unsavory to you, being that your lifesblood is the judiciary and rule of law, but the rule of law is kaput, and the only viable choice we have is to resist, a national intifida (word means resistance), boycotts and general strikes, and they work, they worked for Jimmy Kimmel.
If Johnson can get away with all this horse shit why can't the Democrats just walk back into the House and start conducting business on their own (or at least the illusion of business) without any Repiglicans. WHY THE HELL NOT?! Are they worried that would be illegal? OMG. At least, maybe then, the people of the U.S. would see who wants the government to work. Then maybe the Dems in the Senate could grow a spine and follow suit.
No quorum.
So what? Has following the rules ever bothered the other side. They are gleeful in breaking them.
As a matter of fact the Dems are still in DC and make speeches, mostly unreported, but they don't have an army to protect them.
Isn't that a root of the conundrum? The enforcement mechanism/protection mechanism - who upholds what? Who determines what is or isn't illegal? Who scares someone else enough into passivity? Can someone PLEASE get these Dems a media outlet!? How about doing something right in front of CSPAN. Get theatrical - it's been the norm since the Newt man did it.
You can find them on Youtube.
Amen
King of Fools
The Republicans handed the House to Speaker Johnson, and he handed it over to TRump. Then somewhere in the background there is Steve Bannon telling us this is all necessary, because they have to finish what they started.
What they started is Project 2025, and this is how they get to finish the other half that is now in the works.
The Tech-Bros want a technocracy that will cover everything from Canada and Greenland down through Venezuela and Columbia. Not a new idea. Google: The Technate of America, Cornell University. It's a map, and the notes below it explain the plan for the Kingdom.
The visual of the destroyed East Wing is conveying the message of all these psychopaths. The economic effects of all this CRAZY will ripple throughout the land. No food assistance, no health care, no jobs, and no services.
Republican fools don't "get it" till it lands on their doorstep. They will be stepping in a whole pile of "it" very soon. See you in the streets.
"The economic effects of all this CRAZY will ripple throughout the land. No food assistance, no health care, no jobs, and no services."
What I cannot understand is how do these republicans square their apathy with their constituents who will end up hungry and homeless. What do they say to them? I can't believe how much people are piling on their credit card debt....
The Republicans don't have any empathy to go with that apathy, Sophia. They went from not caring about town halls to not being able to have one without being shouted-down.
Sadly, most local Republicans don't even want to SEE the poor or homeless. They are the city council members who "raid" and ruin the camps, don't help the non-profits help them, and just want to blame the poor for being poor.
That false show of getting their work done, Alis, has been repeated over and over with our San Diego City Council. They and our Mayor have yet to do the right thing by the homeless.
But they have persisted in surveilling me for decades ruining our family dynamics with their covert ways. I begged them to stop and instead they increased the pressure and use city fire trucks and emergency vehicles to sound off at coded times to try and intimidate me to send a message. The police show up - stalking me on the streets where I drive to support the code.
"These Republicans" don't care.
They believe that - like so many other power hungry opportunists throughout history - a magnificent reward awaits them for their unyielding allegiance to the brutal criminal enterprises who buy them off. These Republicans don't care about the constituents they're supposed to represent - they care about the billionaire donors filling their pockets and promising protection **from** their constituents, once their constituents realize they've been had.
It's all so unnecessary. These things never work out for anyone, on any side, of any intention. It is, and will be, a great big disaster.
But if billionaires are giving the rebs money it's because they're in office and they have power. But their constituents are also voters and if voters are experiencing food scarcity, one would think that they will vote them out. For the love of power and money I don't think the rebs are seeing beyond their nose....
I think the billionaires help get them into office in the first place, then expect favors in return.
As for constituents voting them out, I'm a bit concerned that they/ we may not have the opportunity to do so - just a personal hunch, given how aggressive and sophisticated voter disenfranchisement is trending. Add in NSPM-7, the perpetual Mike's Johnson Recess, ICE, corporate media defrauding the public of must-know information...
I can't be certain, but the whether just doesn't look favorable for an election - much less one which is free and fair.
Wish I felt differently.
I see it happening but still hope you're not right...Steve Bannon's comment aired today about how trump will be president for a third term and that plans are in place has me completely discombobulated...
I hope I'm not right too, Sophia. One thing I know for sure is that I don't know much. And in this case, that's a good thing - there are a lot of unknown unknowns between now and a potential worst case scenario.
Just know you're never alone. We're all in this together, no matter what.
And millions and millions of personal disasters.
Thanks, Jon, for the reminder that none of this had to happen. We should say it everyday, all day.
What the Trump team, including Johnson and the SCOTUS 6, have done to the Constitution and the rule of law is what Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd. The obvious difference is that Chauvin was ultimately held accountable for what he did and is now parked in a correctional center.
I disagree that Mike Johnson is the one who has orchestrated the coup. I believe that the architects are Satan Miller and Russell Vought. They are the ones that are ordering people to be snatched and deported and boats to be blown up in the Caribbean. Johnson is the henchman while trump, the puppet, is allowed to play president with his building blocks, destroying historic buildings and rebuilding them and pardoning crooks. Kinda like parents who are too busy to parent their tyrannical tyke....
Nah...captain of the ship is liable.
Daniel,I always enjoy your back and forth with William,you guys should get together for a martini. Daniel, couple things have become very clear during the past couple months. Rallies have attracked large turnouts,but have had no effect on the :" Nazis".
Still no boycotts of cos. that advertize on Fox,CNBC and against Wall Street.
This is not going to end peacefully and I think we who oppose what is going on should get ready to more than peacefully protest. How much longer can they continue with no real pushback?
He has no clue how legislation works. "It's like sausage." That's our best chance.
We are in a bad situation. He has ridiculed peoiple who are much more civic minded and active than both of us....some whom I know.
He discourages people from getting committed.
About a month ago he extended the venom to me.
Daniel,if he did extend his venom to you,it is time to take the gloves off.We have decided for the past 9 months we would respond civically. That has not worked,time to identify every republican in Fla and Georgia and find a way to go after them.
YOU don't understand. I live in Florida. I speak fluent benefits. If someone like me can speak to them, we can convice some of them. We only need to flip about 5% of them.
I have a track record. I've done it many times. I can show people in many cases how to get more money, reduce taxes, etc. I amn old, retired and need other people who worked in the system to come forward.
Everyone who reads this stuff should watch Ed Weir. I don't know him. I don't have any affiliation with him. https://www.mygovexpert.com/
I've made perhaps thousands of phone calls, sent even more texts, asked people to donate their time and money for candidates. After some experience is gained, virtually anyone can convice people who are on the fence, especially those who aren't even registered to vote but have expressed certain tendencies that favor Democrats.
I OBJECT to people who have done NOTHING, have spent none of their time and money, telling willing people NOT to do it.
Thom: "Without ever proclaiming it out loud, Mike Johnson has accomplished what open insurrection never could: the methodical, bureaucratic nullification of Congress itself, eliminating its ability to perform oversight over Trump.
....
If Johnson doesn’t back down, or if he does temporarily but this becomes a regular thing, our republic will have been really and truly turned into a kingdom — complete with a massive new throne room — before our very eyes."
For me, who's supposed to be a lawyer, the rule of law -- my lifes's work -- has already been emasculated and the Constitution has been demolished -- just like the east wing of the White House.
But Johnson is just as vulnerable, if not more than Trump. It only takes a few Congressional Republicans to stop him. See Jerry Weiss https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Trumpepstein may be the vehicle to bring Congressional Republicans to their senses. Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) tweeted about an "Epstein bomb" about to drop; over 100 Republican members might "jailbreak" from Trump.
Massive Congressional visits November 18.
https://www.instagram.com/flare.usa/p/DP_mdOyjdiG/
Visit Congressional Republicans.https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/851451/
San Francisco by Nancy has declared that the city police will arrest ICE agents that act against the law which is why Krasnov is not going there. Covering face to avoid identification, having no badges with numbers for id, no uniforms with id, and taking people without due processes are all against the law. Time for our elected officials to do the same and any police not upholding the law to be arrested as well.
I doubt that we would be so aware of this "coup" were it not for the obvious dementia exhibited by Trump himself - far worse than his predecessor. His constant whimsical lack of restraint and impulse control is textbook dementia. It all seems idiotic and reckless to voters regardless of party affiliation.
Just like gramps saying something inappropriate at a family dinner, leaving the grandchildren slack-jawed, we have a geezer president posting a social media video of himself wearing a crown while shitting on American protesters from an Air Force jet. Instead of condemning this obscene insult to our democracy, the Speaker of the House amplified his sycophancy by shrugging it off as humor.
I think it's self immulation. He knows he's out of control. He's begging someone or some entity to stop him.
As #45 members of his own cabinet tried to remove him after Jan 6.
Daniel, that is psychologically a significant observation about Trump’s state of mind. I have to admit I didn’t analyze his behavior as a call for help.
The last four years of my husband’s life, his dementia was creeping in, and no one noticed that some of his behavior could be due to dementia. Only in retrospect did it occur to me; I had never experienced living with someone with dementia, and he refused to engage with his primary doctor except for his annual check-up.
How will this situation turn out? There are those in the administration, like Stephen Miller, propping him up. Trump can’t last three more years, and God help us if Vance becomes president.
Immolation?
Just like cutting.
Yes, I know a woman whose daughter was ‘cutting’ herself. Turns out her husband was molesting the daughter.
Posted this right away on Blue Sky this morning. The first comment on the post was: "They're never coming back."
Don't they have to at some point? The longer it lasts, the more the orange toad, miller & vought get used to the idea, maybe they actually won't. Or more like Thom states, they'll repeat this as often as tRump's toadies want them to do just that. They are clearly drunk with power.
A lot of us have been talking about this since Trump's first term. Hell, even Trump talked about this but in a manner meant to make us think he might be kidding. Well, guess what? The joke is on the American people. The bloodless coup may have just happened without so much as a whimper from the legacy media. If they do actually see it, they're behaving like the three monkeys. If they see no evil, hear no evil or speak no evil, there is no evil.
I do know that the independent media is all over this. Not just here in the Thom Hartmann report, but lots of others out there. Seven million protestors last weekend can see what's happening. Maybe we the people ought to start having conversations about recalling elected representatives and replacing them with others more inclined to actually want to represent their districts.
But then, these current MAGA republicans are representing constituents. The morbidly wealthy ones.
Privately a lot of those politicians are scared shitless...some for their lives. But if they have to self identify themselves in the Epstein file vote as GOP -- Good 'Ol Preverts - they'll be put beween a rock and a hard place.
I had heard this. Even more reason to get rid of these bums and elect younger ones like Mamdani and Platner
1. It's urgent.
2. We may never get another chance -- he threatens to declare war and suspend 2026 elections.
3. We need to think big tent. Be inclusive, not restrictive.
What will it take to unseat Johnson?
Just a few Congressional Republicans.
I wonder what will happen when vendors refuse to take Trump's blank checks any more. Will be recognize a need for a budget/continuing resolution/anything?
So this is how democracy dies—not with tanks, but with calendars. A paper coup, stapled together by a man who calls it “procedure.” The Founders feared tyranny by sword; they didn’t foresee tyranny by recess. Blessed be the ones still reading the Constitution out loud while the empire hums lullabies about law and order.
Republican Gig·o·lo /ˈjiɡəˌlō/ noun
A middle-aged male prostitute or boy toy hired by an older and more powerful Republican male to be his personal ass kisser and whipping boy. See: Mike Johnson
Thanks to Johnson and the MAGAverse at large, we are entering a period where we are evermore approaching Rome in the first century C.E. The Senate became increasingly corrupt (for us the House needs to be included), people with integrity were removed from positions of authority, the government was staffed with sycophants, and to keep this all on the up-and-up, Caesar never referred to himself as a king but rather as "princeps", basically "first citizen".
Nero, who died approximately 100 years after Julius Caesar, was a man who epitomized moral corruption, had an extensive complex of buildings where he might engage in his various frivolities (envision Epstein Isle), had the Domus Aurea (the Golden House) built, an opulent and truly immense series of structures and gardens. He was overfond of marble, gold, jewels and other ostentatious and totally tasteless decorations. Grottos were developed - I don't remember if they were initially natural or built — but they were so over-the-top that similar creations were referred to as grottoesque, hence "grotesque". Trump's ballroom is nothing if not grotesque. It shall be a monument to buffoonery, a signpost by which future centuries (if we make it) shall judge us.
A mental king, who's a gangster, and a kiddie rapist. A true one-two punch. A gut punch, then a quick uppercut.
It's as if the Russian [Vladdy R.] made America choke down a bottle of low-IQ, crazy pills.
But . . . We are not down yet. Remember what happened to Nazi Max Schmeling the 2nd time, when the Brown Bomber [Joe Louis] lowered the All-American boom on Waxie Maxie. That was June 22, 1938. It was held at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
Said boom shall fall again. And fall Hard on the Mental King.
Well there are parallels with the transition from the Roman Republic to Empire. The Assembly, which represented the plebeians, fell into impotence, becoming a rubber stamp that deferred to the Senate. But since for two centuries the emperors pretended that the republican forms still existed, the Senate, where the patricians were, remained important as a judicial and administrative body. They did most of the top work running the empire under orders from the boss. If the emperor became paranoid, he might kill some senators and if he got completely out of hand he was eventually removed, though sometimes by the army. We're not at that late stage yet, but the centralization of power is obvious. Can it be turned around? That depends on we, the people.