It is time to call this out as what it is - a well-documented attempt to overthrow the government, led by people too unconcerned or too stupid to worry about leaving a paper trail.
The January 6th sheep currently in court are not the problem. It's time to round up the ringleaders of this attempted coup and prosecute them on an open and s…
It is time to call this out as what it is - a well-documented attempt to overthrow the government, led by people too unconcerned or too stupid to worry about leaving a paper trail.
The January 6th sheep currently in court are not the problem. It's time to round up the ringleaders of this attempted coup and prosecute them on an open and shut case of treason.
Reasonable people insist on framing this coup as a robust political debate, but reasonable people are wrong. It is a naked power grab, an assault on the popular will, and blatantly illegal. Three evidence is there, in the seditionists' own hands.
A crime has been committed, even if it was unsuccessful. Failed bank robbers don't get to walk because they got no money. Failed murderers are still prosecuted. The evidence is there for all to see, and the alleged criminals aren't denying it. They're doubling down, and we're letting them. Either prosecute them, or remove the treason laws from the books since they're clearly meaningless and unenforceable.
Absolutely correct. However, I think we might be in trouble on that front. Our Congress is dilly dawdling on cuddling Israel and the US Military Industrial Complex with an extra $1 Billion dollars for military contractor profit. This under the guise of supporting Israel.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans.
As OCA pointed out in her note to constituents: This $1Billion, for THIS YEAR alone, exceeds all spending of the past 10 years.
So, I guess the Dems are making up for the lost money we were wasting in Iraq to the military contractors.
After listening to Rachel Maddow's show last night with guest Steve Schmidt and the Bulwark podcast with Rick Wilson, I almost can't even write anything this morning. Rick Wilson, in particular, agrees with you. To quote him" Call me old-fashioned, but I think trying to overthrow the government should be prosecuted as a crime". If you care to listen for yourself: https://podcast.thebulwark.com/rick-wilson-sounds-off-on-trump-dems-and-coups
I just listened to the podcast (don’t watch tv anymore) and I feel the same way. I just posted the WaPo article she read in full, by Robert Kagan... a conservative journalist. So starkly chilling. I admit to wondering where else I can live. If we don’t turn this around, how can we endure what we had a taste of under the former guy?
Hi Pamsy. Kagan's article in the WaPo is one of the best I've read. For those of you/us who still think, "Oh no, it couldn't happen here in America!", well it's happening, big time.
It's a creeping coup d'etat, failed in the first instance last Jan. 6th, but continuing according to plans B, C and D. This is what Trump wants. The GOP is now owned by Trump. This is even better for him than owning the libs. It's the ultimate ego trip for a self-loathing sicko narcissist. The rest of us are observing and commenting and complaining and expressing horror, but this didn't stop Mussolini or Hitler, and it won't stop Trump.
If the DOJ does not begin jailing the principals -- for conspiring and then inciting insurrection and treason, starting with Trump's underlings and compliant GOP Reps, Senators and Governors -- and Trump himself as soon as there is enough sworn testimony against him -- then sane Americans need to hit the streets and demand action. This means strikes, boycotts (yes, of lots of your/our favorite stuff, too bad!), and rigorously peaceful mass gatherings and demonstrations designed to bring our country to a halt until the coup is ended, the criminals are jailed and democracy is restored. Yes, it will be a royal pain in the ass. But if we just wait to cast our votes next year, it will be too late, and "good" Republicans will not save us because I can count them all on one hand.
This will not be easy or safe, but it must be done. Soon. Now is not too soon.
I know, most of us reading and responding to HCR's amazing daily LFAA are retired, or should be but can't afford it, and in our day we marched against nukes and for civil rights and against the Vietnam war and against the many varieties of discrimination and abuse that typify our beloved country and in favor of universal healthcare and against gun violence and violence against women and minorities and immigrants and LGBTQ folks and the list is endless. ENDLESS! It brings tears to my eyes when I think of all the good people here who wonder if they are going to die before a few -- just a few -- of our youthful dreams of equity are ever realized. No I'm not talking about nest eggs.
My wife and I hope to travel to the USA this winter, rent a car and visit, well, everyone.... My 96 year-old step-mother (who introduced me to Heather's letter), my sister and step-sisters and step-brother and a lifetime of friends and relatives scattered all over the USA -- some of them already in cemeteries -- because it may be our last chance before expatriate travel to the USA becomes a personal political problem. What happens when Trump orders Zuckerberg to hand over the names of everyone who has criticized him during the past few years? It will be too late to lie low and wait for things to blow over, and there may be no place to hide.
It's happening here, and interestingly enough, 2022 CPAC convention is happening in Hungary where "it" already happened under Orban who plays the same tune to culturally conservative religionists. All about forging new global alliances (U.S., Russia, Hungary, ...).
I appreciate your realism. awareness and dark humor. We'll never know if this Experiment had turned out differently if the Framer's and Founder's had regrouped after fleeing the British, and had continued to deliberate and complete parts of our Constitution that were never fully thought through, fleshed out and resolved.
I read that piece by Robert Kagan and felt depressed the rest of the day. With all the R shenanigans going on at the state level, how can anyone help but wonder about who really won an election?
So far as I can see, the efforts of the 1/6/21 Committee are of course totally under-reported and downplayed by the so called mainstream media. Biden had better be prepared to back the evidentiary results of the Committee and round up ALL the perps including Trump on down.
26% think the election was stolen? Well, 74% thing we WON LEGITIMATELY AND LEGALLY!
I heartily agree with much of what you say, Mr Cracker, except for the wholesale criticism of the “mainstream media” (or as I like to call it, “the legitimate news gatherers and disseminaters” — rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?) Working journalists share the news just as fast as they collect it and corroborate it. With fewer and fewer of them covering ever more volumes of complex stories all the time. Regarding the 1/6 committee, I suspect they’re playing it really close to the vest, gathering skeins and skeins of evidence, preventing leaks, building rock-solid cases against the treasonous instigators. When the panel is ready to pounce, it will inform the legitimate “press” (quaint, obsolete designation).
Prepare to have your socks knocked off. And with luck, observe a decisive blow to this attempt to assassinate American democracy. This I believe.
Are we prepared to use undemocratic means to defang, if not disarm, that 26%? If we don't, democracy is lost. If we do, democracy will at least be threatened if not also lost. It looks like a "lose-lose" proposition.
I'm sorry to say your tragic outlook is too optimistic. We are already in a literal epic and deadly war, and we are losing. Most Americans are in denial or deaf, dumb and It's possible, but unlikely that we will rebound stronger and more determined than ever. It's possible a hero will emerge who will guide us to safety. However, it's not likely. We won't defang, disarm or stop the anti-government forces being fueled by a handful of the wealthiest Americans.
The one saving grace is that we managed to survive the "Gilded Age" from the late nineteenth century until FDR, despite the country being run during those years by the anti-democratic group which is attempting to resume its control. When things get bad enough, they start to get better. But unfortunately, that has to be painful.
Two sides to that. Sqealling on a neighbor seeking an abortion is the law in Texas, passed by a supposedly democratically elected legislature, yet to many that is an "undemocratic" law. Are you for or agains enforcing that law? Enforcement of statutes in the US Code (or in State laws) can be challenged, and ultimately decided by courts, where judges usally are appointed, but by those who, although elected democratically, act politically.
Donald Trump paved the way for this with either fiendish cleverness or blind and base, but unerring moneyless, instinct.
His Presidency was one shock after another, from his announcement speech right through to the final days in office. It was one outrage after another mostly without the merest hindrance. The escalation was gradual until he felt himself imperiled by the coming election, and even more so by the results of the election itself.
There have been many Americans who reacted to alert us from the earliest days - Dr. Cox Richardson, Madeleine Albright, Tim Snyder, Anne Applebaum, Sarah Kendzior, Andrea Chalupa - spring to mind. We came to know the names of constitutional scholars and lawyers much more than we ever expected or cared to. The Democrat Party attained pier in the House and, under the able leadership of Speaker Pelosi leaned hard to protect the country from sliding into the abyss. And of course tens of thousands of people, who will forever remain nameless, threw themselves at the emergency using all the tools democracy provides, to help turn key elections in the Democrats’ favour.
But there was still a largely unawakened populace and Trump’s presidency became an endless series of opportunities to say, “Just when you thought he couldn’t lower the bar further…”, with a shrug of resignation, or a raising of the eyebrows as if to say, “What can one do? There is life to be lived.” When one then considers the steely resolve of the Republican Party to hitch themselves to Trump’s wagon regardless of which direction it was going or how many times one had to clamber back on after being tossed off by Trump or a minion…when one then casts an eye on the frightening devotion of the masses to him…then it is not hard to see how coarsened and/or resigned Americans were up to January 6.
But the Democrats have been in power (nominally) for eight months now. That they have not turned the country upside down in an attempt to rid itself of the Trumpian menace, is astounding. Constantly one hears, “Why aren’t they doing anything to stop this? Why aren’t people in jail, or at least formally charged ?”. (In Canada we rarely use the word ‘indicted’).
When the house is on fire, fixing a leaky pipe is hardly a fit response. On a larger scale, this is what it appears is happening on the American political landscape. The House Committee is showing steely resolve in trying to sort out the cancer that led to 1/6. But I fear their power is limited and the clock will run out on them if? when? they lose power in 2022.
President Biden got a Covid relief bill passed. But he has become hopelessly ensnared in the complications of two (!) infrastructure bills, to the greatest extent by his own party. This is the leaky pipe. Meanwhile the flames of the fire of America’s failing democracy are licking closer and closer. The Voting Rights Bill, which could slow down this menace, is languishing - barely mentioned anymore.
Where is the Justice Department? They, who are at the fulcrum of this crisis, have been a near-complete failure. And the individual states and nihilists in charge of them push and push with ever more contemptible but purposeful laws, weakening America daily.
Will anybody be brought to justice and thereby slow down Republican and Trumpian momentum? Is this tragedy in the making so much shrugged at that its success now appears to be only a matter of time?
If so, it is a disgrace in slow motion and the Democrats will not be spared by future historians. It’s hard not be fed up with this milquetoast administration. They are beginning to look like poseurs.
I find that an astounding statement when this administration has been in office for 8 months of a 4 year term.
I believe, although I respect that that is your opinion, Eric, the Republican Party is using greatly our very well documented displeasure with President Biden and what is constantly said of the total failure of Atty Gen Merrick Garland, his team, and the DOJ.
The time frame for justice is excruciating to wait for, especially with so much revealed through social and mainstream media. But wait we must and know that the hammer will not be tentative when it comes down on treason.
My concern of late is how pessimistic we are that democracy will prevail. Call me naive, but Trump assailed just about every single bastion of each branch of our government. Over a 4 year period.
For me, I will continue to use the principles of non violent protests loudly and be in support to whoever I speak to of our current administration that is putting the pieces back together after the the biggest political tantrum of all time. And whether I throw my shoe at the TV or stamp my foot in frustration, I will not let the opposition see me sweat. And that includes my absolute support of the Party of Democracy during this hair-on-fire crisis.
Quite frankly, if forced to respond to “well, that’s all fine, Christine, but just when do you think anything is going to happen to the filibuster, or put these f*ckers in court, in jail, or just out of the way?”…..I usually respond with….
I appreciate your faith. I know that the “wheels of justice grind slow, but they grind exceedingly fine”. I keep saying to myself - maybe, maybe, maybe.
I really really hope you’re write. My son’s way of life, and perhaps life, will be imperiled if this evil continues to thumb its nose at the basic tenets of humanity.
But leading voices are saying much the same thing. The alarm is being fully sounded. And so I believe my eyes.
A small but telling example. There was the abandonment of Texas by brave Democratic legislators. That ran parallel in July to the rhetoric of the “Summer of Action”. I listened to their biggest spokespeople then. They are noble Americans, mostly POC, mainly women. People who personify dignity, grace and hard won experience. I thought that this might be a moment when the grassroots of America rose up and forced ameliorative action. There was the March in Texas, given scant attention by the media. And (perhaps this is my fault), I’ve heard little since. It appears to have fizzled.
I don’t blame that on those people. They are icons. But they are attempting to push a rock uphill which is simply too heavy.
Patience is a commodity that is ultimately governed by time. Time is running out.
I will be truly delighted, Christine, if you can write one day, “See, told you I was right”.
But I fear that the fight is not being fully joined and in a tactical way. I feel that the corrupt Manchin family will play a large part in the demise of democracy.
I am furious that moderate and centrist Democrats choose this time for a hissy fit.
Thank you, Eric. Hissy fits can all be strategic. For some odd reason and I have no damn basis for it, I’m not “worried” about Sen Manchin and I appreciate what I feel is a decoy strategy. I’m serious. Doesn’t that sound crazy? And Sen Sinema? Pffft. She will fall in line and expect something in return.
You know, Eric… your response is spot on. To me, this is Democracy that we stand up for.
“I still cheer for you and your type.” I laughed at that one. I cannot even convey how many times I’ve heard that and the following…”Well,glad I cheered for the right side.” 😂😎
Dismissing him “for some reason” might well ensure that this is one of the times that people don’t come up to you and tell you they’re are glad they’re were on your side because you were right.
He and his family’s corruption is maximal and thoroughly documented.
Eric, I thought this lesson from American history, perhaps, a warning capable of influencing your recommendation to go after Manchin. Christine may have a point.
'FDR once tried to purge disloyal Democrats — would it work for Biden to do the same?'
'Roosevelt sought to drive out a passel of conservative Democrats in 1938. Spoiler: It didn't go as planned'
Christine, I think that you will appreciate the article, which you can read by opening the link below. Its subject is connected to the difference of opinion you have with Eric over how to handle Manchin. I don't know if you read Eric reply to you, yet, concerning that, along with links. At any rate, please read Keith's reply to me about the article. I consider Keith to be a mentor concerning political issues and American history. He knows that, and the man is very amusing, too.
Fern I was bemused at the suggestion that President Biden might seek to ‘purge’ some Democratic members of Congress, when he has, until 2022, a razor thin majority in the House and a 50-50 split in the Senate. (Trump is initiating a purge of the few reasonable Republicans left in Congress.)
President Roosevelt won the 20th century greatest presidential election landslide in 1936. With great overconfidence, he sought to address two irritants:a racalcitrant Supreme Court and some senators who were not with his program (especially on foreign foreign affairs). He struck out on both. He targeted four Senators and at least one House member. I believe that it was Senator George who confronted Roosevelt with a taunt: ‘I’ll be delighted to take you on.’ All four of the targeted senators won re-election and subsequently were not susceptible to Roosevelt’s charm
In 1965, after signing break-through civil rights legislation, President Johnson remarked: “With this we have lost the South,” which was true.
The Democratic Party has long had it’s progressive and conservative wings. It would be folly for President Biden to try to purge either wing. I am reminded of the WW II song: “Flying in on a wing and a prayer. With one engine gone, we shall still carry on, flying in on a wing and a prayer.” President Biden must work with what he has, whatever his (and my) personal frustrations.
That’s definitely a big part of it. But the Democrats are also in the position of having to salvage legal process itself, something the GOP is happy to exploit.
While frustrated at the pace as well, a guess may be that there is effort going toward avoiding having cases tossed out on technicalities. Dotting all i’s, crossing all t’s. Sadly, there are more John Eastman’s out there, salivating at the opportunity to do him one better.
I agree, to me, and I think you, our future doesn’t look very bright….. And if things do go , as it looks like they are headed, it can definitely spill over into Canada, as you’ve got your Trump like faction up there also.
Plus, I think the whole world is at stack as this whole mess is back, and pretty much engineered by a certain faction of the oligarch class, a fairly large faction. Trump himself isn’t smart enough to pull something like this off all by himself……
Boy , auto correct screwed up a bunch of what I was trying to say,corrections are, the whole world is at stake, whole mess is backed by. Sorry for the mix up….
In my opinion, Bannon is behind the chaos as TFG is not smart enough. Then TFG will step in to preserve law and order. Good and decent people are the minority. It seems that loads of folks have lead meaningless lives for generations and are now giving up addiction and despair for political action via the social media pipeline and their attachment to a demigod.
I have always suspected that Mitch McConnell is the evil puppet master. Look at how he controlled the game during the Obama presidency. He's been controlling the senate for a long time.
I believe that the "fraud" TFG refers to in the last presidential election are the minority voters who he despises. He just doesn't see them as legitimate, and thus the state Trumplicans' attempts to suppress their votes for future elections.
That, Christi, is absolutely correct. And POC absolutely know this too. The urban areas will not be denied. I have complete faith in massive voter turnout. Note how quiet Stacy Abrams has been. She and organizations have been very busy. We think nothing is being done, but I can attest that grassroots is a flourishing meadow, not a skank, dry, cracked, desert that the Anti Democracy Party functions from.
Oh, Kathy, I must heartily disagree: Good and decent people are the VAST MAJORITY. Alas, many of them are not well informed and disinclined to vote or get “involved.” Reaching them is our most pressing mission.
I’m totally with you on your disgust with the Orange Menace and his Orks.
As Ned L said - great post. Thanks Eric. Thanks also for listing some of those who have been sounding the alarm since the beginning. (I commented on that in a different post and for the life of me could not recall the names as I was typing. I should have looked them up but was on an emotional roll & didn't.)
Maybe Canada should look into building their own wall to protect themselves from the disaster to their south.
Also, I wholeheartedly agree with your last paragraph. 100%.
There is certainly a crime, but the relevant statute to prosecute it is not treason. Please see my post on this in today’s comments thread. It is 18 U.S. Code § 2385 - Advocating overthrow of Government. This statute is completely cited below.
I agree with your first statement regarding treason completely. The primary difficulty under section 2385 is the words by force or violence. There doesn’t actually have to be actual force or violence as conspiracy to do that which was unsuccessful, I believe would be sufficient. If we are directing this potential crime for prosecution of Trump that has to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury. As obvious as that might seem to all herein, I fear that is not an open and shut case to others.
I want to make it clear that I am not a constitutional scholar and this is not my area of expertise only my initial thoughts on this matter. I do however have to believe that crimes were committed by Trump, Eastman etc. and I would like to see a law professor or other Scholar opine on these issues.
BruceC thank you for posting the relevant statute in full. I just posted a comment up top proposing we all swarm the White House, Justice Dept, etc etc with a demand to prosecute the senior conspirators and a copy/paste of the full statute citation and text. I'd never have thought of it if you hadn't posted the law.
Do you know of any well-informed analyst who thinks any major figure in the Trump campaign administration will be successfully punished by the legal system for their crimes? I don’t.
I would say yes. Some are direct, albeit quiet, accomplices. Some are indirect. Others are hesitant to speak up or demand justice because they rely on corporate and 1% donations to stay in office and they are comfy where they are and the rest of us don't really matter as long as they stay that way (not realizing that in a fascist takeover they will eventually lose too).
It is time to call this out as what it is - a well-documented attempt to overthrow the government, led by people too unconcerned or too stupid to worry about leaving a paper trail.
The January 6th sheep currently in court are not the problem. It's time to round up the ringleaders of this attempted coup and prosecute them on an open and shut case of treason.
Reasonable people insist on framing this coup as a robust political debate, but reasonable people are wrong. It is a naked power grab, an assault on the popular will, and blatantly illegal. Three evidence is there, in the seditionists' own hands.
A crime has been committed, even if it was unsuccessful. Failed bank robbers don't get to walk because they got no money. Failed murderers are still prosecuted. The evidence is there for all to see, and the alleged criminals aren't denying it. They're doubling down, and we're letting them. Either prosecute them, or remove the treason laws from the books since they're clearly meaningless and unenforceable.
In short: lock them up.
This is no more a robust political debate than the invasion of the Capitol was a peaceful protest. The line of "debate" was crossed several years ago.
We must have prosecutions of these criminals, from the lowest on up to the former guy.
Absolutely correct. However, I think we might be in trouble on that front. Our Congress is dilly dawdling on cuddling Israel and the US Military Industrial Complex with an extra $1 Billion dollars for military contractor profit. This under the guise of supporting Israel.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans.
As OCA pointed out in her note to constituents: This $1Billion, for THIS YEAR alone, exceeds all spending of the past 10 years.
So, I guess the Dems are making up for the lost money we were wasting in Iraq to the military contractors.
After listening to Rachel Maddow's show last night with guest Steve Schmidt and the Bulwark podcast with Rick Wilson, I almost can't even write anything this morning. Rick Wilson, in particular, agrees with you. To quote him" Call me old-fashioned, but I think trying to overthrow the government should be prosecuted as a crime". If you care to listen for yourself: https://podcast.thebulwark.com/rick-wilson-sounds-off-on-trump-dems-and-coups
I just listened to the podcast (don’t watch tv anymore) and I feel the same way. I just posted the WaPo article she read in full, by Robert Kagan... a conservative journalist. So starkly chilling. I admit to wondering where else I can live. If we don’t turn this around, how can we endure what we had a taste of under the former guy?
Hi Pamsy. Kagan's article in the WaPo is one of the best I've read. For those of you/us who still think, "Oh no, it couldn't happen here in America!", well it's happening, big time.
It's a creeping coup d'etat, failed in the first instance last Jan. 6th, but continuing according to plans B, C and D. This is what Trump wants. The GOP is now owned by Trump. This is even better for him than owning the libs. It's the ultimate ego trip for a self-loathing sicko narcissist. The rest of us are observing and commenting and complaining and expressing horror, but this didn't stop Mussolini or Hitler, and it won't stop Trump.
If the DOJ does not begin jailing the principals -- for conspiring and then inciting insurrection and treason, starting with Trump's underlings and compliant GOP Reps, Senators and Governors -- and Trump himself as soon as there is enough sworn testimony against him -- then sane Americans need to hit the streets and demand action. This means strikes, boycotts (yes, of lots of your/our favorite stuff, too bad!), and rigorously peaceful mass gatherings and demonstrations designed to bring our country to a halt until the coup is ended, the criminals are jailed and democracy is restored. Yes, it will be a royal pain in the ass. But if we just wait to cast our votes next year, it will be too late, and "good" Republicans will not save us because I can count them all on one hand.
This will not be easy or safe, but it must be done. Soon. Now is not too soon.
I know, most of us reading and responding to HCR's amazing daily LFAA are retired, or should be but can't afford it, and in our day we marched against nukes and for civil rights and against the Vietnam war and against the many varieties of discrimination and abuse that typify our beloved country and in favor of universal healthcare and against gun violence and violence against women and minorities and immigrants and LGBTQ folks and the list is endless. ENDLESS! It brings tears to my eyes when I think of all the good people here who wonder if they are going to die before a few -- just a few -- of our youthful dreams of equity are ever realized. No I'm not talking about nest eggs.
My wife and I hope to travel to the USA this winter, rent a car and visit, well, everyone.... My 96 year-old step-mother (who introduced me to Heather's letter), my sister and step-sisters and step-brother and a lifetime of friends and relatives scattered all over the USA -- some of them already in cemeteries -- because it may be our last chance before expatriate travel to the USA becomes a personal political problem. What happens when Trump orders Zuckerberg to hand over the names of everyone who has criticized him during the past few years? It will be too late to lie low and wait for things to blow over, and there may be no place to hide.
It's happening here, and interestingly enough, 2022 CPAC convention is happening in Hungary where "it" already happened under Orban who plays the same tune to culturally conservative religionists. All about forging new global alliances (U.S., Russia, Hungary, ...).
I appreciate your realism. awareness and dark humor. We'll never know if this Experiment had turned out differently if the Framer's and Founder's had regrouped after fleeing the British, and had continued to deliberate and complete parts of our Constitution that were never fully thought through, fleshed out and resolved.
I so agree with you. I've been thinking "where can we go" and I can't come up with an answer.
I read that piece by Robert Kagan and felt depressed the rest of the day. With all the R shenanigans going on at the state level, how can anyone help but wonder about who really won an election?
She also responded to "Our Constitutional Crisis Is Already Here".
So far as I can see, the efforts of the 1/6/21 Committee are of course totally under-reported and downplayed by the so called mainstream media. Biden had better be prepared to back the evidentiary results of the Committee and round up ALL the perps including Trump on down.
26% think the election was stolen? Well, 74% thing we WON LEGITIMATELY AND LEGALLY!
I heartily agree with much of what you say, Mr Cracker, except for the wholesale criticism of the “mainstream media” (or as I like to call it, “the legitimate news gatherers and disseminaters” — rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?) Working journalists share the news just as fast as they collect it and corroborate it. With fewer and fewer of them covering ever more volumes of complex stories all the time. Regarding the 1/6 committee, I suspect they’re playing it really close to the vest, gathering skeins and skeins of evidence, preventing leaks, building rock-solid cases against the treasonous instigators. When the panel is ready to pounce, it will inform the legitimate “press” (quaint, obsolete designation).
Prepare to have your socks knocked off. And with luck, observe a decisive blow to this attempt to assassinate American democracy. This I believe.
Are we prepared to use undemocratic means to defang, if not disarm, that 26%? If we don't, democracy is lost. If we do, democracy will at least be threatened if not also lost. It looks like a "lose-lose" proposition.
Jack,
I'm sorry to say your tragic outlook is too optimistic. We are already in a literal epic and deadly war, and we are losing. Most Americans are in denial or deaf, dumb and It's possible, but unlikely that we will rebound stronger and more determined than ever. It's possible a hero will emerge who will guide us to safety. However, it's not likely. We won't defang, disarm or stop the anti-government forces being fueled by a handful of the wealthiest Americans.
The one saving grace is that we managed to survive the "Gilded Age" from the late nineteenth century until FDR, despite the country being run during those years by the anti-democratic group which is attempting to resume its control. When things get bad enough, they start to get better. But unfortunately, that has to be painful.
There is nothing undemocratic about enforcing the law.
Two sides to that. Sqealling on a neighbor seeking an abortion is the law in Texas, passed by a supposedly democratically elected legislature, yet to many that is an "undemocratic" law. Are you for or agains enforcing that law? Enforcement of statutes in the US Code (or in State laws) can be challenged, and ultimately decided by courts, where judges usally are appointed, but by those who, although elected democratically, act politically.
Donald Trump paved the way for this with either fiendish cleverness or blind and base, but unerring moneyless, instinct.
His Presidency was one shock after another, from his announcement speech right through to the final days in office. It was one outrage after another mostly without the merest hindrance. The escalation was gradual until he felt himself imperiled by the coming election, and even more so by the results of the election itself.
There have been many Americans who reacted to alert us from the earliest days - Dr. Cox Richardson, Madeleine Albright, Tim Snyder, Anne Applebaum, Sarah Kendzior, Andrea Chalupa - spring to mind. We came to know the names of constitutional scholars and lawyers much more than we ever expected or cared to. The Democrat Party attained pier in the House and, under the able leadership of Speaker Pelosi leaned hard to protect the country from sliding into the abyss. And of course tens of thousands of people, who will forever remain nameless, threw themselves at the emergency using all the tools democracy provides, to help turn key elections in the Democrats’ favour.
But there was still a largely unawakened populace and Trump’s presidency became an endless series of opportunities to say, “Just when you thought he couldn’t lower the bar further…”, with a shrug of resignation, or a raising of the eyebrows as if to say, “What can one do? There is life to be lived.” When one then considers the steely resolve of the Republican Party to hitch themselves to Trump’s wagon regardless of which direction it was going or how many times one had to clamber back on after being tossed off by Trump or a minion…when one then casts an eye on the frightening devotion of the masses to him…then it is not hard to see how coarsened and/or resigned Americans were up to January 6.
But the Democrats have been in power (nominally) for eight months now. That they have not turned the country upside down in an attempt to rid itself of the Trumpian menace, is astounding. Constantly one hears, “Why aren’t they doing anything to stop this? Why aren’t people in jail, or at least formally charged ?”. (In Canada we rarely use the word ‘indicted’).
When the house is on fire, fixing a leaky pipe is hardly a fit response. On a larger scale, this is what it appears is happening on the American political landscape. The House Committee is showing steely resolve in trying to sort out the cancer that led to 1/6. But I fear their power is limited and the clock will run out on them if? when? they lose power in 2022.
President Biden got a Covid relief bill passed. But he has become hopelessly ensnared in the complications of two (!) infrastructure bills, to the greatest extent by his own party. This is the leaky pipe. Meanwhile the flames of the fire of America’s failing democracy are licking closer and closer. The Voting Rights Bill, which could slow down this menace, is languishing - barely mentioned anymore.
Where is the Justice Department? They, who are at the fulcrum of this crisis, have been a near-complete failure. And the individual states and nihilists in charge of them push and push with ever more contemptible but purposeful laws, weakening America daily.
Will anybody be brought to justice and thereby slow down Republican and Trumpian momentum? Is this tragedy in the making so much shrugged at that its success now appears to be only a matter of time?
If so, it is a disgrace in slow motion and the Democrats will not be spared by future historians. It’s hard not be fed up with this milquetoast administration. They are beginning to look like poseurs.
I find that an astounding statement when this administration has been in office for 8 months of a 4 year term.
I believe, although I respect that that is your opinion, Eric, the Republican Party is using greatly our very well documented displeasure with President Biden and what is constantly said of the total failure of Atty Gen Merrick Garland, his team, and the DOJ.
The time frame for justice is excruciating to wait for, especially with so much revealed through social and mainstream media. But wait we must and know that the hammer will not be tentative when it comes down on treason.
My concern of late is how pessimistic we are that democracy will prevail. Call me naive, but Trump assailed just about every single bastion of each branch of our government. Over a 4 year period.
For me, I will continue to use the principles of non violent protests loudly and be in support to whoever I speak to of our current administration that is putting the pieces back together after the the biggest political tantrum of all time. And whether I throw my shoe at the TV or stamp my foot in frustration, I will not let the opposition see me sweat. And that includes my absolute support of the Party of Democracy during this hair-on-fire crisis.
Quite frankly, if forced to respond to “well, that’s all fine, Christine, but just when do you think anything is going to happen to the filibuster, or put these f*ckers in court, in jail, or just out of the way?”…..I usually respond with….
I expect a very good Christmas this year.
Unitad! ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏽✊🏿
I appreciate your faith. I know that the “wheels of justice grind slow, but they grind exceedingly fine”. I keep saying to myself - maybe, maybe, maybe.
I really really hope you’re write. My son’s way of life, and perhaps life, will be imperiled if this evil continues to thumb its nose at the basic tenets of humanity.
But leading voices are saying much the same thing. The alarm is being fully sounded. And so I believe my eyes.
A small but telling example. There was the abandonment of Texas by brave Democratic legislators. That ran parallel in July to the rhetoric of the “Summer of Action”. I listened to their biggest spokespeople then. They are noble Americans, mostly POC, mainly women. People who personify dignity, grace and hard won experience. I thought that this might be a moment when the grassroots of America rose up and forced ameliorative action. There was the March in Texas, given scant attention by the media. And (perhaps this is my fault), I’ve heard little since. It appears to have fizzled.
I don’t blame that on those people. They are icons. But they are attempting to push a rock uphill which is simply too heavy.
Patience is a commodity that is ultimately governed by time. Time is running out.
I will be truly delighted, Christine, if you can write one day, “See, told you I was right”.
But I fear that the fight is not being fully joined and in a tactical way. I feel that the corrupt Manchin family will play a large part in the demise of democracy.
I am furious that moderate and centrist Democrats choose this time for a hissy fit.
Meantime the plagues spread.
I still cheer for you and your type.
Thank you, Eric. Hissy fits can all be strategic. For some odd reason and I have no damn basis for it, I’m not “worried” about Sen Manchin and I appreciate what I feel is a decoy strategy. I’m serious. Doesn’t that sound crazy? And Sen Sinema? Pffft. She will fall in line and expect something in return.
You know, Eric… your response is spot on. To me, this is Democracy that we stand up for.
“I still cheer for you and your type.” I laughed at that one. I cannot even convey how many times I’ve heard that and the following…”Well,glad I cheered for the right side.” 😂😎
Thank you Christine, you speak for me as well
Be worried about Manchin.
Dismissing him “for some reason” might well ensure that this is one of the times that people don’t come up to you and tell you they’re are glad they’re were on your side because you were right.
He and his family’s corruption is maximal and thoroughly documented.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/90435218
https://theintercept.com/2021/09/07/joe-manchin-epipen-price-heather-bresch/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/truthout.org/articles/the-dark-money-influencing-senator-manchins-right-wing-agenda/%3Famp
At a minimum he will ensure that the climate change portion of the “soft” infrastructure is thoroughly scuttled.
This is a family that plays for keeps.
Eric, I thought this lesson from American history, perhaps, a warning capable of influencing your recommendation to go after Manchin. Christine may have a point.
'FDR once tried to purge disloyal Democrats — would it work for Biden to do the same?'
'Roosevelt sought to drive out a passel of conservative Democrats in 1938. Spoiler: It didn't go as planned'
https://www.salon.com/2021/09/26/fdr-once-tried-to-purge-disloyal-democrats--would-it-work-for-biden-to-do-the-same/
Christine, I think that you will appreciate the article, which you can read by opening the link below. Its subject is connected to the difference of opinion you have with Eric over how to handle Manchin. I don't know if you read Eric reply to you, yet, concerning that, along with links. At any rate, please read Keith's reply to me about the article. I consider Keith to be a mentor concerning political issues and American history. He knows that, and the man is very amusing, too.
https://www.salon.com/2021/09/26/fdr-once-tried-to-purge-disloyal-democrats--would-it-work-for-biden-to-do-the-same/
Keith Wheelock1 hr ago
Fern I was bemused at the suggestion that President Biden might seek to ‘purge’ some Democratic members of Congress, when he has, until 2022, a razor thin majority in the House and a 50-50 split in the Senate. (Trump is initiating a purge of the few reasonable Republicans left in Congress.)
President Roosevelt won the 20th century greatest presidential election landslide in 1936. With great overconfidence, he sought to address two irritants:a racalcitrant Supreme Court and some senators who were not with his program (especially on foreign foreign affairs). He struck out on both. He targeted four Senators and at least one House member. I believe that it was Senator George who confronted Roosevelt with a taunt: ‘I’ll be delighted to take you on.’ All four of the targeted senators won re-election and subsequently were not susceptible to Roosevelt’s charm
In 1965, after signing break-through civil rights legislation, President Johnson remarked: “With this we have lost the South,” which was true.
The Democratic Party has long had it’s progressive and conservative wings. It would be folly for President Biden to try to purge either wing. I am reminded of the WW II song: “Flying in on a wing and a prayer. With one engine gone, we shall still carry on, flying in on a wing and a prayer.” President Biden must work with what he has, whatever his (and my) personal frustrations.
I hope so much that you are correct!
Thankyouthankyouthankyou, Christine
Great post - but why do you use the term “Democrat” Party - a term of derision used by Republicans?
My total apologies. No idea why that popped out.
Thanks. The minute I saw it I thought you were a Troll. But the content was genuine. Fast typing sometimes creates problems. Happens to me frequently.
The Democrats can’t do anything because the electorate didn’t put enough of them in the Senate. Simple as that.
Just listened to Brian Tyler Cohen explaining his “Don’t Be a Mitch” fund. Seems appropriate to share here. https://www.briantylercohen.com/videos/
“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” ~ Jane Goodall
That’s definitely a big part of it. But the Democrats are also in the position of having to salvage legal process itself, something the GOP is happy to exploit.
While frustrated at the pace as well, a guess may be that there is effort going toward avoiding having cases tossed out on technicalities. Dotting all i’s, crossing all t’s. Sadly, there are more John Eastman’s out there, salivating at the opportunity to do him one better.
We can only hope...
I agree, to me, and I think you, our future doesn’t look very bright….. And if things do go , as it looks like they are headed, it can definitely spill over into Canada, as you’ve got your Trump like faction up there also.
Plus, I think the whole world is at stack as this whole mess is back, and pretty much engineered by a certain faction of the oligarch class, a fairly large faction. Trump himself isn’t smart enough to pull something like this off all by himself……
Boy , auto correct screwed up a bunch of what I was trying to say,corrections are, the whole world is at stake, whole mess is backed by. Sorry for the mix up….
In my opinion, Bannon is behind the chaos as TFG is not smart enough. Then TFG will step in to preserve law and order. Good and decent people are the minority. It seems that loads of folks have lead meaningless lives for generations and are now giving up addiction and despair for political action via the social media pipeline and their attachment to a demigod.
I have always suspected that Mitch McConnell is the evil puppet master. Look at how he controlled the game during the Obama presidency. He's been controlling the senate for a long time.
I believe that the "fraud" TFG refers to in the last presidential election are the minority voters who he despises. He just doesn't see them as legitimate, and thus the state Trumplicans' attempts to suppress their votes for future elections.
That, Christi, is absolutely correct. And POC absolutely know this too. The urban areas will not be denied. I have complete faith in massive voter turnout. Note how quiet Stacy Abrams has been. She and organizations have been very busy. We think nothing is being done, but I can attest that grassroots is a flourishing meadow, not a skank, dry, cracked, desert that the Anti Democracy Party functions from.
Oh yeah, Christine, counting on it. But NOT sitting on the sidelines waiting for it.
Oh, Kathy, I must heartily disagree: Good and decent people are the VAST MAJORITY. Alas, many of them are not well informed and disinclined to vote or get “involved.” Reaching them is our most pressing mission.
I’m totally with you on your disgust with the Orange Menace and his Orks.
As Ned L said - great post. Thanks Eric. Thanks also for listing some of those who have been sounding the alarm since the beginning. (I commented on that in a different post and for the life of me could not recall the names as I was typing. I should have looked them up but was on an emotional roll & didn't.)
Maybe Canada should look into building their own wall to protect themselves from the disaster to their south.
Also, I wholeheartedly agree with your last paragraph. 100%.
It is past time to charge the ringleaders and cheerleaders.
There is certainly a crime, but the relevant statute to prosecute it is not treason. Please see my post on this in today’s comments thread. It is 18 U.S. Code § 2385 - Advocating overthrow of Government. This statute is completely cited below.
I agree with your first statement regarding treason completely. The primary difficulty under section 2385 is the words by force or violence. There doesn’t actually have to be actual force or violence as conspiracy to do that which was unsuccessful, I believe would be sufficient. If we are directing this potential crime for prosecution of Trump that has to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury. As obvious as that might seem to all herein, I fear that is not an open and shut case to others.
I want to make it clear that I am not a constitutional scholar and this is not my area of expertise only my initial thoughts on this matter. I do however have to believe that crimes were committed by Trump, Eastman etc. and I would like to see a law professor or other Scholar opine on these issues.
We can "armchair" lawyer all we want, but let's rely on those who actually have a wealth of knowledge and experience on these matters, like Glenn Kirschner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8irlKqCRQ4 or Richard Painter https://twitter.com/RWPUSA/status/1441813152606429190
Watched Kirschner but what was new?
BruceC thank you for posting the relevant statute in full. I just posted a comment up top proposing we all swarm the White House, Justice Dept, etc etc with a demand to prosecute the senior conspirators and a copy/paste of the full statute citation and text. I'd never have thought of it if you hadn't posted the law.
I dont see the complete citation............
Long past time to lock them up. Long past.
"It's time to round up the ringleaders of this attempted coup and prosecute them on an open and shut case of treason."
Long past time. The time to arrest Donald Trump was day 1 after inauguration.
Do you know of any well-informed analyst who thinks any major figure in the Trump campaign administration will be successfully punished by the legal system for their crimes? I don’t.
I haven’t heard of one but I’m waiting to. By the way I am also a beneficiary of living on the left coast more Specifically San Francisco.
Santa Cruz. Well, Capitola, really. Next town down the coast. It’s a tru privilege to live in these parts.
Mobiguy, my other comment strongly agrees with the need to arrest the "ringleaders" meaning Trump.
However, when was the last time a rich, fat, white guy went to jail?
Never?
Bernie Madoff did. That’s 1.
Madoff went to jail, but he wasn’t a lardo, and he was cheating rich people instead of cutting their taxes.
. You are so right, it is all so blatantly obvious!!! Make a person wonder if maybe the good guys in this are maybe some how indirect accomplices???
silence is complicity
I would say yes. Some are direct, albeit quiet, accomplices. Some are indirect. Others are hesitant to speak up or demand justice because they rely on corporate and 1% donations to stay in office and they are comfy where they are and the rest of us don't really matter as long as they stay that way (not realizing that in a fascist takeover they will eventually lose too).
Yes, our system of government, particularly the way we finance out elections actually promote corruption!!!
Absolutely John. And Citizens United turn us into a flat out oligarchy.
Very well said Mobiguy.