The question that I continue to come back to is - Where is our Justice Department? I understand the reluctance to initIate investigations, file criminal indictments, and try those threatening yet further violent insurrection that Trumpists may perceive as political prosecutions. However, failure to take these threats seriously only imp…
The question that I continue to come back to is - Where is our Justice Department? I understand the reluctance to initIate investigations, file criminal indictments, and try those threatening yet further violent insurrection that Trumpists may perceive as political prosecutions. However, failure to take these threats seriously only implies permission for them.
Dear AG Garland, please take these threats seriously and take the appropriate actions necessary to protect our democracy.
I think Garland is waiting to see what the trump four will do. It is perhaps a matter of not stepping on anyone else's toes/turf until the appropriate time. The small fry are making their way through the court systems and while I had hoped to see harsher sentences they are not the ultimate catch.
Listening to Maddow yesterday interview a writer at the NYTimes, I heard that the DOJ doesn’t appear interested in reviewing the clear attempt by the former guys’ DOJ to overturn the election results. So I am wondering the very same thing as you. Why??
Bruce, Having witnessed endless abuses and threats from Trump and his enablers, most of us are shocked by how stymied our system is in protecting the country and dealing with the traitors. I don't think that DOJ is reluctant to initiate investigations and file criminal indictments, if the Department believes it has the goods and the law behind it. I believe Garland takes these threats as deeply serious. We don't know how they are addressing the dangers, beyond public view, or how long it takes to be prepared.
I've attached a link below. It is to a long and fascinating piece by Ezra Klein about why the Democratic Party's odds of holding the Senate are poor and is generally in a weak position. I'd like to continue our exchange about the most realistic ways of achieving free and fair democratic elections in the country. If you are also interested it, please let know after you have read the piece linked below.
I presently help to coordinate the activism of a local group of over 500 advocates in support of a variety of progressive causes and our alliance with other advocacy groups. I am also helping several local Democratic candidates with their campaigns.
I feel strongly about the importance of spending time, energy, and effort on local and state initiatives that I feel Democrats have often ignored in their obsession with nationalizing campaigns. If we can't mobilize and win locally, we will not win nationally. Also the margins in local and state elections are often narrower than many realize and those holding these offices have significant influence and power over issues important to our day-to-day lives.
We may find it easier to communicate via email. You can find my email through Heather’s Herd where I believe you are also a member.
Bruce, you’re absolutely correct that Democrats have long neglected local politics. Not only has this given Republicans a disproportionate advantage in states and counties, but, it’s also starved the pipeline for rising Democrat candidates.
And simultaneously we have a very limited opportunity to advance our priorities in Congress. If we loose the Senate and perhaps the House, forces will be set into motion that we may never recover from. Securing voting rights nationally is imperative. Climate change is roaring down on us bringing enormous disruptions including food shortages in our own country. Time is simply running out.
d017, Please let BruceC know of your interest, and I suggest that you read the article that is at the end of my comment to him above. Glad that you want to be involved.
BruceC, I couldn't agree with you more about the great need to work locally. The Democrats need groups of trained reps in red, purple and blue states (districts heavily populated by Republicans). Does Ellie have your email? If so, please tell her of our the request. Thanks
Liberal Women of Chesterfield County (and beyond) LWCC was started in 2016 as a reaction to the election results in 2016 and I joined as soon as I could. This group has been a wonder and I feel it is why Virginia is almost blue now. They worked on local politics and getting the message out that there are options to the lifelong republicans in local offices. Check it out: https://www.liberalwomenofchesterfieldcounty.com
Paula, Please continue to tell us about the organization. I believe there are subscribers who live in Virginia. You may want to post info about LWCC several times in the coming months as its work may offer models that other organizations can learn from. Thank you.
Sure - I know LWCC also provides information on how to create this type of group in other states. I will look for some of the articles that have been written in the past. I also know this group also supported and helped Virginia pass the ERA - even though it was late! Ha.
Paula, Do you mind if I copy your link and post to subscriber's using your name as a contact? Pressing the link, of course, is one their options, too, because it is easier than looking for you on the forum. They may use your name when they contact LWCC.
Amen and Thank You. Can I like your comment as many times as we need voters to register and get to the polls? Thank You for your good work. At every level.
Fern, I didn't want to read this, but I did. Ezra often takes a more negative side, which is why I don't follow him. But in this opinion piece, he goes straight down the middle, and while I DON'T like what Schor is saying, it is important to pay attention and get outside of that comfortable echo chamber. Thanks for sharing. See you on HH.
As Ezra Klein learned, both sides of the discussion about how the Democratic could improve its odds made good points. The Party must wake up and smarten up. Good to see you, Ellen. A small group of us will work together on this to share with activists the among us. Hopefully in the next few weeks.
Apologies for my messed up reply to you. I'm only now slightly amused by the jumble. When I read it after posting, the look on my face had be another mess. I definitely have to stop reading a writing for the day. Salud!
Shor has been spot on historically. Given the rigging and packing and cracking going on, cold toast will be the dems unless voting laws are passed. Given the lack of performance to date, 'tis challenging to think their capacity to act will improve. Even with all our cards, letters, calls, and emails...
I never voted for Bernie, but his expression of frustration resonates.
Bruce I can appreciate your feelings towards DOJ after Barr acted as the president’s private counsel there.I consider Garland a professional with integrity and a more measured step. (She THE CHICKEN SHIT CLUB for a discouraging look at justice not served). What would you expect DOJ to initiate? I believe that local Federal attorneys are on the front line in dealing with ‘insurrectionists.’ Were subpoenaed individuals to refuse to testimony and/or handover documents, then I believe that the DOJ would be involved in the process of adjudicating the dispute. Except for being followed by gum shoes and threatened with jail in Egypt, so far I have escaped the jaws of criminal justice and, thus, am only an observer of criminal law.
Fern THE CHICKEN SHIT CLUB is a 2017 book about why the NY Southern District Federal Attorney’s office seldom prosecuted white collar crimes. The title comes from James Comey, who was the Federal attorney there earlier in his career. He called the attorneys together and asked how many of them had a perfect record of trial convictions. My recollection (my book copy is up in my office and I don’t wish to disturb my dachshund on my lap) is that all the attorneys raised their hands. Comey immediately labeled them ‘chicken shit’ for not risking their shooting-fish-in-a-barrel record by initiating more complex prosecutions of top bankers and other financial finaglers. The book describes how these money manipulators work the system, including DOJ, to avoid the legal sullying of their names. I wish the attorneys would pick up the hammer and send some of these slimy shenaniganers (an invented word) to the slammer.
I agree. Also, AG Garland and the rest of the Justice Department need to remember what Pogo told us many years ago: "WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY, AND HE IS US."
The question that I continue to come back to is - Where is our Justice Department? I understand the reluctance to initIate investigations, file criminal indictments, and try those threatening yet further violent insurrection that Trumpists may perceive as political prosecutions. However, failure to take these threats seriously only implies permission for them.
Dear AG Garland, please take these threats seriously and take the appropriate actions necessary to protect our democracy.
I think Garland is waiting to see what the trump four will do. It is perhaps a matter of not stepping on anyone else's toes/turf until the appropriate time. The small fry are making their way through the court systems and while I had hoped to see harsher sentences they are not the ultimate catch.
Do you mean, "Give them enough rope and they'll hang themselves"? If so, that would be a very good solution to the Trump pests.
Listening to Maddow yesterday interview a writer at the NYTimes, I heard that the DOJ doesn’t appear interested in reviewing the clear attempt by the former guys’ DOJ to overturn the election results. So I am wondering the very same thing as you. Why??
Bruce, Having witnessed endless abuses and threats from Trump and his enablers, most of us are shocked by how stymied our system is in protecting the country and dealing with the traitors. I don't think that DOJ is reluctant to initiate investigations and file criminal indictments, if the Department believes it has the goods and the law behind it. I believe Garland takes these threats as deeply serious. We don't know how they are addressing the dangers, beyond public view, or how long it takes to be prepared.
I've attached a link below. It is to a long and fascinating piece by Ezra Klein about why the Democratic Party's odds of holding the Senate are poor and is generally in a weak position. I'd like to continue our exchange about the most realistic ways of achieving free and fair democratic elections in the country. If you are also interested it, please let know after you have read the piece linked below.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/08/opinion/democrats-david-shor-education-polarization.html
Fern,
Happy to continue the discussion.
I presently help to coordinate the activism of a local group of over 500 advocates in support of a variety of progressive causes and our alliance with other advocacy groups. I am also helping several local Democratic candidates with their campaigns.
I feel strongly about the importance of spending time, energy, and effort on local and state initiatives that I feel Democrats have often ignored in their obsession with nationalizing campaigns. If we can't mobilize and win locally, we will not win nationally. Also the margins in local and state elections are often narrower than many realize and those holding these offices have significant influence and power over issues important to our day-to-day lives.
We may find it easier to communicate via email. You can find my email through Heather’s Herd where I believe you are also a member.
Bruce, you’re absolutely correct that Democrats have long neglected local politics. Not only has this given Republicans a disproportionate advantage in states and counties, but, it’s also starved the pipeline for rising Democrat candidates.
And simultaneously we have a very limited opportunity to advance our priorities in Congress. If we loose the Senate and perhaps the House, forces will be set into motion that we may never recover from. Securing voting rights nationally is imperative. Climate change is roaring down on us bringing enormous disruptions including food shortages in our own country. Time is simply running out.
I am also happy to continue the discussion. My email in Heather's Herd.
Kathy, If you're interested, I suggest that you read the article that I linked to BruceC.
Read it.
We'll try to work out an initial plan next week. What did you think of the article?
Thank you
I want to get involved
How do I get involved?
d017, Please let BruceC know of your interest, and I suggest that you read the article that is at the end of my comment to him above. Glad that you want to be involved.
May I please have more information about Heather’s Herds?
Ellie, has been on the forum. Slowly, look through the forum to find her name. When you find it, post her about your interest. Cheers!
BruceC, I couldn't agree with you more about the great need to work locally. The Democrats need groups of trained reps in red, purple and blue states (districts heavily populated by Republicans). Does Ellie have your email? If so, please tell her of our the request. Thanks
Liberal Women of Chesterfield County (and beyond) LWCC was started in 2016 as a reaction to the election results in 2016 and I joined as soon as I could. This group has been a wonder and I feel it is why Virginia is almost blue now. They worked on local politics and getting the message out that there are options to the lifelong republicans in local offices. Check it out: https://www.liberalwomenofchesterfieldcounty.com
Paula, Please continue to tell us about the organization. I believe there are subscribers who live in Virginia. You may want to post info about LWCC several times in the coming months as its work may offer models that other organizations can learn from. Thank you.
Sure - I know LWCC also provides information on how to create this type of group in other states. I will look for some of the articles that have been written in the past. I also know this group also supported and helped Virginia pass the ERA - even though it was late! Ha.
Paula, Do you mind if I copy your link and post to subscriber's using your name as a contact? Pressing the link, of course, is one their options, too, because it is easier than looking for you on the forum. They may use your name when they contact LWCC.
Yes. I think the link in the message will get them where they need to go. This is a very dynamic group and very responsive. I am happy to assist!
Amen and Thank You. Can I like your comment as many times as we need voters to register and get to the polls? Thank You for your good work. At every level.
Fern, I didn't want to read this, but I did. Ezra often takes a more negative side, which is why I don't follow him. But in this opinion piece, he goes straight down the middle, and while I DON'T like what Schor is saying, it is important to pay attention and get outside of that comfortable echo chamber. Thanks for sharing. See you on HH.
As Ezra Klein learned, both sides of the discussion about how the Democratic could improve its odds made good points. The Party must wake up and smarten up. Good to see you, Ellen. A small group of us will work together on this to share with activists the among us. Hopefully in the next few weeks.
I was heartened to read that Schor was known to the WH, but to be safe, I tweeted this to the following: Pelosi, Schumer, Biden, MSNBC.
Apologies for my messed up reply to you. I'm only now slightly amused by the jumble. When I read it after posting, the look on my face had be another mess. I definitely have to stop reading a writing for the day. Salud!
Shor has been spot on historically. Given the rigging and packing and cracking going on, cold toast will be the dems unless voting laws are passed. Given the lack of performance to date, 'tis challenging to think their capacity to act will improve. Even with all our cards, letters, calls, and emails...
I never voted for Bernie, but his expression of frustration resonates.
I read the article yesterday Oct 8. It will raise chill bumps.
Thanks for sharing the article Fern. Terrifying.
Bruce I can appreciate your feelings towards DOJ after Barr acted as the president’s private counsel there.I consider Garland a professional with integrity and a more measured step. (She THE CHICKEN SHIT CLUB for a discouraging look at justice not served). What would you expect DOJ to initiate? I believe that local Federal attorneys are on the front line in dealing with ‘insurrectionists.’ Were subpoenaed individuals to refuse to testimony and/or handover documents, then I believe that the DOJ would be involved in the process of adjudicating the dispute. Except for being followed by gum shoes and threatened with jail in Egypt, so far I have escaped the jaws of criminal justice and, thus, am only an observer of criminal law.
Who else could turn a truly dangerous situation into a Black comedy? For that, on the forum, Keith, you are our Headliner!
Fern THE CHICKEN SHIT CLUB is a 2017 book about why the NY Southern District Federal Attorney’s office seldom prosecuted white collar crimes. The title comes from James Comey, who was the Federal attorney there earlier in his career. He called the attorneys together and asked how many of them had a perfect record of trial convictions. My recollection (my book copy is up in my office and I don’t wish to disturb my dachshund on my lap) is that all the attorneys raised their hands. Comey immediately labeled them ‘chicken shit’ for not risking their shooting-fish-in-a-barrel record by initiating more complex prosecutions of top bankers and other financial finaglers. The book describes how these money manipulators work the system, including DOJ, to avoid the legal sullying of their names. I wish the attorneys would pick up the hammer and send some of these slimy shenaniganers (an invented word) to the slammer.
Keith, You just brightened my afternoon and quotient of 'fancy' new words.
I agree. Also, AG Garland and the rest of the Justice Department need to remember what Pogo told us many years ago: "WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY, AND HE IS US."
SO TRUE
Hear here! Thanks Bruce.
They are busy ad have indited over 600. I know it takes time and patience, but the DOJ is on it.