When do we end that pardoning nonsense? Powerful people should not be allowed to simply pardon criminals. How about we start with that ridiculous turkey pardoning ritual at Thanksgiving. What is that all about? Pardon me, but I am not a fan of pardons. Especially when tRump handed them out like Monopoly get out of jail game cards.
When do we end that pardoning nonsense? Powerful people should not be allowed to simply pardon criminals. How about we start with that ridiculous turkey pardoning ritual at Thanksgiving. What is that all about? Pardon me, but I am not a fan of pardons. Especially when tRump handed them out like Monopoly get out of jail game cards.
And rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II. Your service to country was exemplary.
Sorry our former president treated you so disrespectfully on his visit. Trump is a classless, mannerless dolt jealous of anyone, especially a woman, with a royal title, admiration, dignity, and more money and power than him.
Thanks for that, Jane. I'm British-born, and have been grieving all day. Remembering his extraordinary behaviour at Windsor. Afterwards he said he and the Queen had good chemistry. Her sense of humour must often have saved her sanity.
Many of us Americans mourn with you. The US seemingly cannot tolerate the notion of a female leader yet, while look at the example we've had of discipline, hard work, intelligence, effective use of the power and resources available, and what graciousness and civility can do to help govern and guide a nation "across the pond" for 7 decades--nearly 1/3 of this nation's existence. We're lucky to have been witness to her reign.
For a so called free country there is a ton of misogyny in American men. Many only like women they can control.. I’m fortunate in that I found a husband who loved his strong mom and who loves me but it took me a while to find him.
It's not just men who are misogynist. Women, in this country too often judge women much more harshly than they do men, and will defer to men to protect their egos often sacrificing the well-being and dignity of other women.
Good morning, J. Nol. You're right about women and misogyny, but I have a slightly different take on it. We have grown up with those stereotypes--women gossip, women can't be trusted, women stab each other in the back, I can't work with women; etc.--and not only grown up with them but packed them right into our genes from many generations. They are all compliments of the men in this world, but we have internalized them, believed them, and now we repeat theme. I have made a possibly excessive rule for myself--my little struggle against the patriarchy, I guess--I try very hard never to say anything negative about another woman. Ever. As my mother often reminded me, if I can't say something nice I don't say anything at all. That doesn't mean I don't think it. I just figure I can't do any harm keeping my mouth shut.
I can remember being told all sorts of things about how I was supposed to behave including not looking too intelligent. I am 79 and I still get mansplaining and total inattention to what I am saying, but when my spouse speaks....all ears. As for other women, I have real problem with the b word, hardly ever say it and absolutely despise b slapping. I have gotten explanations from women about why the latter is OK. I have to say the biggest gossips at my workplace were the men, especially those in the coaching corner. We also sued our principal at one point for his behavior toward women on the staff. Some of the most thoughtless comments about that came from women, who basically said we should put up with it. And the capper...."look at those women" ....implying that we couldn't possibly have been sexually harassed because we weren't beautiful. As for the standard accusations against women...this is how some people behave, no matter what their gender.
I agree. Our culture, and most cultures are steeped in misogyny with negative stereotypes held by both women and men. As in all oppressive processes, the oppressed person often will internalize the negative messages about their group and then behave in according to those messages. This is modeled by parents, communities, society, media, entertainment venues, etc.. Stereotypes, while originating in actual characteristics are exaggerated and turned into definitions of the person and then turned against them. We are all of woman born (Addrienne Rich) but can so easily express our hatred and fear of women in some despicable ways.
Being in education, most young girls get along very well until after Christmas in 6th grade through 9th grade it seems. Then some become judgemental, snarky, backstabbing gossips. Thankfully that isn't all of them, but the harm these bad ones cause can be often irreparable to the others. We need to do some huge interventions with this age group. Not only the girls, but all genders.
That is too sadly true. In the aggregate, we are far too often bad sisters. In addition to protecting men’s egos, bad sisters also believe they are protecting their own stature. Kind of disgusting, if you ask me.
The Republicans had been hammering away at Hillary for decades because they saw her as a threat often accusing her of major "crimes" that men all too often had gotten away with or done much worse. It was astonishing how much misogyny there was during that contest between a very capable, qualified woman and a conman.
My mother would say the same to me regarding saying something nice. My personal experience with women. Friends - even my sister - is that they do, in fact, gossip about one another, stab one another in the back, say and do despicable ( for me) things. They then remain friends. I simply can't be that way and have shed those women from my life. The friends that truly are friends I would take a bullet for are from Europe. I don't know why, but they have a quality that seems to be missing in many American women.
I hate to say this--hate to even think it--but there are many qualities missing in Americans of any gender. Is it because we are still such a young country?
My maternal grandmother had a PhD. Both of her daughters had PhDs, and one of them, a noted gerontologist, was instrumental in getting old folks homes to cease interfering with unmarried residents having sex.
And my sister got Fairfax County VA vaccinated during the pandemic.
If we didn't have that damned electoral college we would have had (and probably have) a female president, HRC, who won the 2016 election by 2.9 million votes. And if Comey hadn't mouthed off about the damned emails 10 days before the election, she might have been President despite the electoral college.
And I agree with you about the Queen. She was certainly extraordinary, and I love the ritual of having the Queen accept the resignation of the outgoing leader and anoint the incoming leader.
When the world eemingly could not get out of its on way of insanity, crudeness, and self-serving, Quent Elizabeth was there with her calm, responsibility, and service to her people (and many who were just her admirers). The world was better for her example and being in it. Britain has its traditions and mannerisms but for many who are neither British or members of the UK, her absence is like the losing of an anchor.
Elizabeth has certainly been exceptionally strong and clear-minded (with the notable exception of her treatment of Diana and that only demonstrated she was human enough to make big mistakes).
But what held her up, what supports the monarchs, good and bad, in Britain, is the fundamental reverence for the institution itself. Britain is a very old culture, with the wisdom to understand that ritual and tradition serve an essential purpose. They call our attention to and remind us of the lasting values in civilization. They stand, in the minds of the populace, against the changing winds of politics, leaders, hardship.
They have kept Britain relatively sane for a very long time, and this Queen is an admirable part of that tradition.
Long after Charles takes the throne - even after William does, Elizabeth will be a strong guidance for the UK, just as Victoria was. And the world - yes, even the United States, will be the better for it.
I would add to her mistakes, her preventing Charles from marrying Camilla before Diana ever came on the scene. Charles and Camilla belong together; Charles and Diana did not.
That said, your second paragraph deepens my understanding of what the monarchy does and the Queen did for Britain. We need some sort of ritualization similarly effective around our Democracy
We do have that srt of ritualization around our Democracy. It's call the peaceful transition of power. I'm hopeful the other political party in this country will soon remember that is one of their responsibilities too.
My condolences, Anne-Louise. I am not a monarchist, but I am a British historian who has spent around a third of my adult life in the UK. Queen Elizabeth was an interesting--and complicated--woman whose ability to persevere, grow, and learn how to be in changing times while at the same time being true to herself and her dedication to her "job" should be an example to us all. I also remember how horrified the British press was when Michelle Obama put a comforting arm around Elizabeth's shoulders--but the queen leaned in and allowed herself to be hugged in public. It was quite a moment.
Thank you for that story about Michelle Obama and the Queen. I hadn't heard it. I have chills thinking of what that moment meant personally, nationally and globally. I looked up a video and actually, according to this report, the Queen made the first move! Quite extraordinary - and touching. https://youtu.be/eU_0hyjXRaM
In her autobiography, Michelle writes that she just instinctively put her arm out and the queen moved in. When all hell broke loose in the press (it was one of those "how dare a [Black woman] commoner touch the queen" moments), Michelle apologized to Elizabeth but E2 said that she had appreciated and enjoyed the hug and not to worry. She apparently genuinely liked both of the Obamas. TFG not so much . . .
That was after New England. The hardest thing for me to get used to when I came here. No hugs unless you really knew someone well or were close relations. And even then, men still usually shake hands when saying goodbye. I was doing my best to proselytize hugging - and then the pandemic came. Darn.
Anne-Louise, You are not alone in your grief. I am American born, but there's a much larger longer story. I long admired her honorable dedication, devotion, and discipline; her sworn duty was first till this day, even before family it seems, but I 'get it' and deeply admire her honor. Charles is ill prepared to follow such an example, though I wish him success. Cheers Anne..
It will be interesting to see if the British people will accept his forward thinking regarding the environment and his belief in local farming being important.
Please allow me to add my condolences for your loss. Queen Elizabeth was crowned when I was 7 years old, so her extraordinary reign has been a part of my world view most of my life. I know there are questions about monarchies that some are taking this opportunity to raise. I'm sorry for that. I think all of you who loved the Queen deserve the time to grieve your loss free from judgement and politics. Blessings,
She truly had not only class, but the patience of a saint that day. Honestly, back here we were hoping their was some hidden British law that would have allowed beheading of a foreign leader.
Her long reign was one of duty to the people, professionalism, and grace. Princess, auto mechanic, Queen - the embodied what royalty should be.
She will be missed on this side of the Atlantic, too. I am very sorry for your deep loss. May she rest well knowing she will be remembered with love and respect.
Anne-Louise, I'm American born, but have "known" and felt connected to Queen Elizabeth since 1940 when I heard her radio broadcast to the children of Briton and to the U.S. Then through the war with sister pen pals from Barton-on-Humber in Lincolnshire. Now I'm a dual Canadian citizen, and yesterday my heart kept erupting through my eyes as I experienced the grief of having a family member die. QEII was like a sister for a long time.
Hi Ashley, I receive information from the following project, which may be of interest to you and other subscribers. To learn more open the link provided at the end of this comment.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy
Friends and fellow citizens,
As the first few leaves start to fall on campus, I am hoping you can join us for the last conversation of the summer series featuring author and journalist Keel Hunt and project co-chair Jon Meacham discussing Hunt’s recent book, Crossing the Aisle: How Bipartisanship Brought Tennessee into the 21st Century and Could Save America. As Hunt describes in his book, throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, pragmatic Tennessee politicians were able to power policymaking on issues ranging from public school funding and infrastructure development to health care reform.
After my post a few minutes ago, I was struck by the fact that Her Majesty served for many more years than 70. She started as a child! And kept it up. She was a car mechanic volunteer when she was 18, for instance.
Thanks Jane. I was amazed how the Queen was able to deal with the towering creepiness of tFG with not a single facial muscle revealing the distain and disgust she surely felt in his presence. She was human with blind spots like us all, but even with my ambivalence towards the monarchy, if we could have another like her I would be all for it. She was a lode stone of unchanging service and loyalty that helped to keep Britain sane. God and all the powers that be…help us now.
I often think about the lessons DJT was given on interacting with a supreme queen, and his probable "I know how to do it!" attitude. Rolling eyes here.
Pity he couldn't have had a couple of very simple starter lessons in manners before he stood beside the then Prime Minister, Teresa May, addressing the world's Press, in the courtyard of Churchill's birthplace, and said that he thought Boris Johnson would be an excellent prime minister.
Agree, Just Jane, especially about horses. One commenter close to the Queen had quipped when she was astride a horse, she was her happiest. As someone who has horses, I can attest how true that must have been for her.
Honor and decency, as well. Queen Elizabeth LIVED the very values of human decency that inspired so many. "No name calling, hatred towards those who opposed her, complaining, etc. A very fine example and may she rest in peace.
I found that the love and respect she held and demonstrated for her animals, especially her dogs, was always a telling aspect of her kindness. I'm American-born, but the sadness I have felt since yesterday has been pervasive. RIP, Queen Elizabeth.
Today’s Letter addressed the issues of accountability under the law. It opened with President Gerald Ford’s “… full, free, and absolute pardon…’ to former president Richard M. Nixon ‘…for all offenses against the United States which he…has committed or may have committed or taken part in” during his time in the presidency.’ It then continued with Ronald Reagan, ‘…the next Republican president after Nixon, in which ‘…members of the administration broke the law to sell arms to Iran.’ (Letter)
Our legal search for accountability continued. ‘Today we learned that a federal grand jury investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is now looking into Trump’s political action committee, “Save America,” to understand its fundraising, how its money was received, and how its money was spent.’
At the end of the Letter, I looked for the definition of accountability under the law.
'7.7.1 What is accountability to the law? Why is it a necessary condition?'
''Accountability refers to the processes, norms, and structures263 that hold the population and public officials legally responsible for their actions and that impose sanctions if they violate the law. Accountability is essential if systemic threats to the rule of law are to be corrected. This involves ensuring there are consequences for criminal behavior (which is addressed in Section 7.6); mechanisms to address impunity for past crimes; and horizontal accountability (state institutions overseeing the actions of one another) and vertical accountability (citizens overseeing the actions of the state). Without accountability, human rights will be denied, crime will flourish, and impunity for past conflict-related crimes will persist, undermining legitimacy and prospects for reconciliation. The concentration of power in any one branch, institution, or level of government often leads to abuse of power and corruption that horizontal and vertical accountability mechanisms can help prevent. Accountability also aims to mitigate against capture of justice institutions by political and economic spoilers that enables impunity, favoritism, and unequal application of the law.'(UnitedStatesPeaceInstitute) See link below.
The definition of ‘accountability’ above and today’s Letter call upon us to reflect on how malleable ACCOUNTABLILITY TO THE LAW has been in terms of the US government, our presidents, their administrations, and elected representatives to our national and state legislatures. This led me to wonder about our level of trust in the US government,
‘Public Trust in Government: 1958-2022'
'Public trust in government remains low, as it has for much of the 21st century. Only two-in-ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (19%). Trust in the government has declined somewhat since last year, when 24% said they could trust the government at least most of the time.'
‘When the National Election Study began asking about trust in government in 1958, about three-quarters of Americans trusted the federal government to do the right thing almost always or most of the time. Trust in government began eroding during the 1960s, amid the escalation of the Vietnam War, and the decline continued in the 1970s with the Watergate scandal and worsening economic struggles. Confidence in government recovered in the mid-1980s before falling again in the mid-1990s. But as the economy grew in the late 1990s, so too did confidence in government. Public trust reached a three-decade high shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but declined quickly thereafter. Since 2007, the shares saying they can trust the government always or most of the time has not surpassed 30%.'
'Today, 29% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say they trust government just about always or most of the time, compared with 9% of Republicans and Republican-leaners. Democrats report slightly less trust in the federal government today than a year ago; there has been no change in the views of Republicans.’
‘Throughout Donald Trump’s tenure as president, more Republicans than Democrats reported trusting the government, though that has flipped since Joe Biden’s election. Since the 1970s, trust in government has been consistently higher among members of the party that controls the White House than among the opposition party. Republicans have often been more reactive than Democrats to changes in political leadership, with Republicans expressing much lower levels of trust during Democratic presidencies; Democrats’ attitudes have tended to be somewhat more consistent, regardless of which party controls the White House. However, the GOP and Democratic shifts in attitudes between the end of the Trump presidency and the early Biden administration were roughly the same magnitude.’ (PewResearchCenter) See link below.
Oh, my – how far from reality is the oft repeated claim that our democracy flourishes under ‘the rule of law’?
‘New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, noted today: “Regular, everyday Americans play by these rules, and yet too often powerful political interests, they ignore these rules. They think they are above the law, and the most of them take advantage.” (Letter)
Haven’t many citizens like you and me known this for a long, long time?
Thanks Fern as always for focussing on the message in LFAA. We need to arm ourselves with facts, and yet, on the other hand, the data just highlights what those of us who have watched decades of DC and partisan antics have come to recognize as sleazy self serving politics. The challenges to the rule of law be are piling up. Will "accountability" be adequately demanded by us all such that these challenges are fairly mitigated. And what if they are not?? The "$64 'Billion' Dollar Question." (and I date myself). Along with many, I watch the players with bated breath.
I have difficulty accepting the Pew Conclusions. I tend to believe just asking a question of trust in Government is a push to negative reaction.
I was interested in the new Gun Permit requirements in New York brought forth a torrent of complaints about over-regulation and 2nd Amendment rights but long lines of people gave testament to the complainants agreement to comply with Government.
I think the act of living civilized lives supports the idea of confidence in Government.
People register cars, renew drivers licenses and other act in conformity with the requirements of government. The occasional nut who refuses to pay taxes gives strength to the majority of citizens who support the role of Government.
The current Republican fever of restricting voting rights and customizing voting patterns to perpetuate power emphasizes the sacred trust a majority of people who seek the vote and have trust in Government. A vast silenced majority.
Hi, Art, you make me think. Very interesting idea that " the act of living civilized lives supports the idea of confidence in Government." It never occurred to me to consider it that way, but I believe you might be right.
I would take issue with you on only one phrase, "the current Republican fever of restricting voting rights." That has been going on, with varying degrees of fever but never stopped, basically since Reconstruction. They have gotten very good at it; you could make a list of all their techniques and strategies. The reason it's, as you say, a fever right now is that Trump and his administration gave them a blessing and, much more practical, coast to coast judges and public officials who would help them accomplish their goals. We are surrounded on all sides on that issue.
Yes, but earlier Republican strategies were antagonistic to Government and as descendants of the enslavers they perceived Central Government antagonistic to their cause.
The Reagan-Gingrich-MAGA ideology has insinuated itself into Federal Government and by infiltration of State Legislatures and the Federal Judiciary can now dismantle the 14th Amendment as they did with Roe v Wade, slow and careful incrementation.
It is destructive and the long effect is Anarchy but the Federalist ideology seems to believe anything developed as a result of the original Constitution is gloss to be shorn from the body politic.
I welcome all this on the basis I have a feeling a moral recall is happening and the next two elections will affirm sanity.
I'm definitely liking this conversation. Should I subscribe to Art's Newsletter?
I think all Republican strategies are antagonistic to Government; it's pretty much the GOP Thing. The difference now, I suppose, is today's incarnation has amassed enough power and cash to thumb their noses at any pretense of consistency or honestly. They both hate Big Government and want to be in charge of Big Government. So far, they aren't failing. We'll see what happens. Either they're going to walk away with the whole show, or the tide will turn. I have to say, I wouldn't bet one nickel on either option. I just flat don't know. I know one thing because I watched it happen, before Nixon's Southern Strategy, Democrats controlled the southern vote because they were racists. After the GOP campaign to gather in the Southern vote, it was reversed. And if somebody can help me with more details on the history, I marvel at the skill and cunning the Grand Old Party has shown as it walks the line between playing the race card and supporting big business.
Appreciate you bringing the conversation back to Heather's topic, Fern. I'd given up and took my dog for a walk, then realized perhaps I needed to scroll down a bit further. Glad I did.
Small correction in the statement “Public trust in government remains low, as it has for much of the 21st century. Only two-in-ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (19%).” Two-in-ten Americans is actually 20%. An error that anyone can make in the dark hours. Otherwise all agreed.
The statistics and all else quoted from study by the Pew Research Center is the work of the Center. In order to reach a more complete understanding of the figures quoted or a correction as you imply, you may want to contact the Pew Research Center. Thank you for your attention
It’s only current presidents who may pardon, & not all pardons are bad (though t made decidedly worse choices than most). Quite a few people have needed pardoning, ie, Carter pardoning draft dodgers, Clinton pardoning Susan MacDougal, Obama pardoning Chelsey Manning & many many others, stretching back to Washington. Luckily, it only works w federal crimes since we do know many have been pardoned when they shouldn’t have been.
Biden's dogs? Assange's case has been ongoing since 2010. If it's a miscarriage of justice to reveal information that put individuals at risk for reprisals, including death, then I guess we should just drop the case against Trump for his purloining of top secret documents.
Thank you, Jude. This is one that every year makes me ache. He should have been released long ago, if only on humanitarian grounds. But there are plenty of questions about the charges that he is imprisoned under that keep being ignored.
There are different rules for Indigenous land. And the rez beat is considered pretty low on the pole by agents. Have you read Peter Matthiessen's book "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" about the Peltier case? Matthiessen was a brilliant, lyrical writer who was careful with facts. I read the book when it first came out, and when I took it back to the library, the librarian refused to take it, and told me to put it in my bag and take it home and keep it. A civil lawsuit against the book had been filed, and astonishingly, a judge ordered the book confiscated. The day I was returning it, they walked in the door. The librarian was both angry and frightened. But I took the book, not yet understanding the circumstances. There was an incredible national uproar about what appeared to be an officially sanctioned book ban meant to protect the agency and the government of SD. Peculiar, eh?
It took years to work through the courts, the publisher winning each time and the appellants (an FBI agent and the gov of SD) losing. It went to the Supreme Court, who declined to consider the case, and eventually the book was republished as a paperback. I had lost my hardbound copy in a move, and it seemed to me that the paperback wasn't quite the same as the original (something seemed missing to me), but I'm not sure, though I read the book several times. I would love to come across a copy of the original hardbound book, but so far have not found one. There must be some out there. Though I'm sure those who had it kept it quiet, as I did, though I followed news about the participants closely.
Interestingly, Wikipedia's entry about Matthiessen includes a fairly detailed discussion about the legal battle over the book but never mentions what it was about. Given Matthiessen's stature as a gifted writer of novels and books and other writing about the environment and of spiritual matters, perhaps that wasn't high on the priorities. His writings won many awards, including during the period of the lawsuit.
The left-wing pioneer Martin Luther had the same idea. He wrote it all out and nailed the document to the ducal church door for all to read. It's on line, in full, and worth a read.
...and of course, we DON'T know where the empty Security folder contents went. There are at least a few places they may have gone and no knowledge of how much payment to whom was involved.
When enough of us of good will and honor, who are American first, some disposable party stamp second, combine with a roar of outrage with the real silent majority and collectively in one voice 'demand' enough !! *edit in - At a minimum some sound checks and balance laws will have to written; egregious abuse has to be reigned in quite obviously. Many of our laws are written out of the necessity to hold abusers in check; sadly the innocent suffer most times along with guilty minority in most cases. Sadly, that's how it's always been owing to the conniving and manipulative among us.
At the time, I knew that was a poor decision, cloaked under kindness and forgiveness. Back then, I was inclined to agree, grudgingly, that maybe Ford was wiser than I. We have subsequently learned that he was not.
I noticed after watching so much coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday, that when it came to how many US Presidents she met with, NONE or the reports included X president T***p!
I have to say, I was happy about that. What an embarrassment he was, and still is!
When the justice system can be terribly unjust, the pardons just make it worse. Imagine sitting in prison, convicted of a crime that you didn't do, and seeing scum like these tfg mobsters, or anyone who actually did commit a crime, getting pardoned.
Except that there are times when pardons are appropriate. Laws are not all just. Leonard Peltier is a case in point. The fallibility of humans and imperfection of laws maybe can’t be completely fixed in this case? Throw out all pardons thus hamstringing a better President isn’t the solution. But I understand the impulse.
It seems to me that a judicial means can be created to serve the same purpose. After having a president who is himself a crook able to unilaterally pardon all his crook friends illustrates the negative possibilities of the current system.
We often hear ourselves say, with remarkable arrogance, that we are the greatest nation in the world. Well, this "great" nation produced a "classless, mannerless dolt" as a dear leader as our democratic institutions try to reassert primacy. Detoxification takes time and dedicated resolve. Our greatest influence comes from modeling the behavior of good self-government under the rule of law, not of men. We are failing miserably in that respect even as we try to correct our course. As we can well see, pardons of rapscallions by rapscallions skew towards dictatorial prerogatives gaining ground in a nation in decline. Honor and humility surpass vainglorious hubris for any nation that aspires to greatest.
I feel the urgency of this moment everyday. Each can be that ripple of influence that converges in a blue wave. (A bad paraphrase of that Richard Goodwin quote engraved in granite at Robert Kennedy's grave site at Arlington National Cemetery.)
Yes. Pardons are supposed to be for situations where injustice has occurred or where further punishment is pointless. Of course, the trumper or Nixon concept of injustice is different than many others....
My thoughts exactly in terms of pardoning criminals who should clearly go jail. I am glad NY has finally caught up with Bannon. I am not a Brit, but an Anglophile and I found myself grieving when I heard the news. Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable woman indeed. I loved the analysis that she rarely had a misstep in that long reign. I also thought about the first Elizabeth whose birth date was a day before the second Elizabeth's passing 489 years later. I also felt nausea every time there was a picture of death star with the Queen. She must have had extreme patience.
In the pictures of the Obamas with the Queen - seems very clear there was affection there - especially with Michelle. I agree there must have been a LOT of patience with the former one. Cant imagine how many awful things he would have come out with.
tRump also broke the law, by wielding those pardons as "quid pro quo's" ... I know, his criminality is so wide-ranging, it's easy to forget some of the minor shit.
When do we end that pardoning nonsense? Powerful people should not be allowed to simply pardon criminals. How about we start with that ridiculous turkey pardoning ritual at Thanksgiving. What is that all about? Pardon me, but I am not a fan of pardons. Especially when tRump handed them out like Monopoly get out of jail game cards.
And rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II. Your service to country was exemplary.
Sorry our former president treated you so disrespectfully on his visit. Trump is a classless, mannerless dolt jealous of anyone, especially a woman, with a royal title, admiration, dignity, and more money and power than him.
Thanks for that, Jane. I'm British-born, and have been grieving all day. Remembering his extraordinary behaviour at Windsor. Afterwards he said he and the Queen had good chemistry. Her sense of humour must often have saved her sanity.
Many of us Americans mourn with you. The US seemingly cannot tolerate the notion of a female leader yet, while look at the example we've had of discipline, hard work, intelligence, effective use of the power and resources available, and what graciousness and civility can do to help govern and guide a nation "across the pond" for 7 decades--nearly 1/3 of this nation's existence. We're lucky to have been witness to her reign.
For a so called free country there is a ton of misogyny in American men. Many only like women they can control.. I’m fortunate in that I found a husband who loved his strong mom and who loves me but it took me a while to find him.
It's not just men who are misogynist. Women, in this country too often judge women much more harshly than they do men, and will defer to men to protect their egos often sacrificing the well-being and dignity of other women.
Good morning, J. Nol. You're right about women and misogyny, but I have a slightly different take on it. We have grown up with those stereotypes--women gossip, women can't be trusted, women stab each other in the back, I can't work with women; etc.--and not only grown up with them but packed them right into our genes from many generations. They are all compliments of the men in this world, but we have internalized them, believed them, and now we repeat theme. I have made a possibly excessive rule for myself--my little struggle against the patriarchy, I guess--I try very hard never to say anything negative about another woman. Ever. As my mother often reminded me, if I can't say something nice I don't say anything at all. That doesn't mean I don't think it. I just figure I can't do any harm keeping my mouth shut.
I can remember being told all sorts of things about how I was supposed to behave including not looking too intelligent. I am 79 and I still get mansplaining and total inattention to what I am saying, but when my spouse speaks....all ears. As for other women, I have real problem with the b word, hardly ever say it and absolutely despise b slapping. I have gotten explanations from women about why the latter is OK. I have to say the biggest gossips at my workplace were the men, especially those in the coaching corner. We also sued our principal at one point for his behavior toward women on the staff. Some of the most thoughtless comments about that came from women, who basically said we should put up with it. And the capper...."look at those women" ....implying that we couldn't possibly have been sexually harassed because we weren't beautiful. As for the standard accusations against women...this is how some people behave, no matter what their gender.
I agree. Our culture, and most cultures are steeped in misogyny with negative stereotypes held by both women and men. As in all oppressive processes, the oppressed person often will internalize the negative messages about their group and then behave in according to those messages. This is modeled by parents, communities, society, media, entertainment venues, etc.. Stereotypes, while originating in actual characteristics are exaggerated and turned into definitions of the person and then turned against them. We are all of woman born (Addrienne Rich) but can so easily express our hatred and fear of women in some despicable ways.
Being in education, most young girls get along very well until after Christmas in 6th grade through 9th grade it seems. Then some become judgemental, snarky, backstabbing gossips. Thankfully that isn't all of them, but the harm these bad ones cause can be often irreparable to the others. We need to do some huge interventions with this age group. Not only the girls, but all genders.
Excellent points, and very accurate.
That is too sadly true. In the aggregate, we are far too often bad sisters. In addition to protecting men’s egos, bad sisters also believe they are protecting their own stature. Kind of disgusting, if you ask me.
Yup--I know women who voted for tfg simply because they "didn't like Hilary" and followed that with very uncomplimentary comments about her.
That despite the fact that Trump was so obviously evil.
The Republicans had been hammering away at Hillary for decades because they saw her as a threat often accusing her of major "crimes" that men all too often had gotten away with or done much worse. It was astonishing how much misogyny there was during that contest between a very capable, qualified woman and a conman.
Yes, they do and it always amazes me when I hear all the excuses for bad male behavior from women.
Yes. Men often get a pass, don't they?
Yes!! My mother is one. The man is the leader and one to be worshipped.
My mother would say the same to me regarding saying something nice. My personal experience with women. Friends - even my sister - is that they do, in fact, gossip about one another, stab one another in the back, say and do despicable ( for me) things. They then remain friends. I simply can't be that way and have shed those women from my life. The friends that truly are friends I would take a bullet for are from Europe. I don't know why, but they have a quality that seems to be missing in many American women.
I hate to say this--hate to even think it--but there are many qualities missing in Americans of any gender. Is it because we are still such a young country?
So true!
My maternal grandmother had a PhD. Both of her daughters had PhDs, and one of them, a noted gerontologist, was instrumental in getting old folks homes to cease interfering with unmarried residents having sex.
And my sister got Fairfax County VA vaccinated during the pandemic.
Ditto! I was 41 when I got married! Worth waiting!
If we didn't have that damned electoral college we would have had (and probably have) a female president, HRC, who won the 2016 election by 2.9 million votes. And if Comey hadn't mouthed off about the damned emails 10 days before the election, she might have been President despite the electoral college.
And I agree with you about the Queen. She was certainly extraordinary, and I love the ritual of having the Queen accept the resignation of the outgoing leader and anoint the incoming leader.
When the world eemingly could not get out of its on way of insanity, crudeness, and self-serving, Quent Elizabeth was there with her calm, responsibility, and service to her people (and many who were just her admirers). The world was better for her example and being in it. Britain has its traditions and mannerisms but for many who are neither British or members of the UK, her absence is like the losing of an anchor.
Elizabeth has certainly been exceptionally strong and clear-minded (with the notable exception of her treatment of Diana and that only demonstrated she was human enough to make big mistakes).
But what held her up, what supports the monarchs, good and bad, in Britain, is the fundamental reverence for the institution itself. Britain is a very old culture, with the wisdom to understand that ritual and tradition serve an essential purpose. They call our attention to and remind us of the lasting values in civilization. They stand, in the minds of the populace, against the changing winds of politics, leaders, hardship.
They have kept Britain relatively sane for a very long time, and this Queen is an admirable part of that tradition.
The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen.
Long after Charles takes the throne - even after William does, Elizabeth will be a strong guidance for the UK, just as Victoria was. And the world - yes, even the United States, will be the better for it.
I agree completely. And I would say especially the United States. We are much too wedded to the adoration of the new and the unique.
Thank you for expressing so clearly the value of the firm foundation that Elizabeth, Victoria and the tradition they hold up provide.
I would add to her mistakes, her preventing Charles from marrying Camilla before Diana ever came on the scene. Charles and Camilla belong together; Charles and Diana did not.
That said, your second paragraph deepens my understanding of what the monarchy does and the Queen did for Britain. We need some sort of ritualization similarly effective around our Democracy
We do have that srt of ritualization around our Democracy. It's call the peaceful transition of power. I'm hopeful the other political party in this country will soon remember that is one of their responsibilities too.
Yes, definitely like losing an anchor.
I’m not English but I’ll be grieving along with the Brits for the loss of the Queen who was a most remarkable woman and leader.
My condolences, Anne-Louise. I am not a monarchist, but I am a British historian who has spent around a third of my adult life in the UK. Queen Elizabeth was an interesting--and complicated--woman whose ability to persevere, grow, and learn how to be in changing times while at the same time being true to herself and her dedication to her "job" should be an example to us all. I also remember how horrified the British press was when Michelle Obama put a comforting arm around Elizabeth's shoulders--but the queen leaned in and allowed herself to be hugged in public. It was quite a moment.
Yes indeed— both brave women and au courant.
Thank you for that story about Michelle Obama and the Queen. I hadn't heard it. I have chills thinking of what that moment meant personally, nationally and globally. I looked up a video and actually, according to this report, the Queen made the first move! Quite extraordinary - and touching. https://youtu.be/eU_0hyjXRaM
In her autobiography, Michelle writes that she just instinctively put her arm out and the queen moved in. When all hell broke loose in the press (it was one of those "how dare a [Black woman] commoner touch the queen" moments), Michelle apologized to Elizabeth but E2 said that she had appreciated and enjoyed the hug and not to worry. She apparently genuinely liked both of the Obamas. TFG not so much . . .
Thank you for that link, Chaplain Terry. Indeed, a very sweet moment, while some of the commentary is quite funny!
I see you found a video clip. One picture's worth, you bet.
Yep. The hug was one of the contributions we colonists made to the world
That was after New England. The hardest thing for me to get used to when I came here. No hugs unless you really knew someone well or were close relations. And even then, men still usually shake hands when saying goodbye. I was doing my best to proselytize hugging - and then the pandemic came. Darn.
oh so beautifully said, Dean
Anne-Louise, You are not alone in your grief. I am American born, but there's a much larger longer story. I long admired her honorable dedication, devotion, and discipline; her sworn duty was first till this day, even before family it seems, but I 'get it' and deeply admire her honor. Charles is ill prepared to follow such an example, though I wish him success. Cheers Anne..
Yes I agree this transition so late in his life will be difficult but I certainly wish him and Camilla the best.
It will be interesting to see if the British people will accept his forward thinking regarding the environment and his belief in local farming being important.
i sincerely hope they will.
Imagine how many nitwits Queen Elizabeth dealt with over the decades? She devotedly served her nation for 70 years. May she Rest In Peace.
“Nitwits” — a delightfully underused word that we should use more often.
You have my condolences, Anne-Louise.
Thanks, Marlene. This is real sorrow.
hugs to you, dear Anne-Louise
If ever I needed a hug, it's now. Thank you, Suz
you're so welcome, Anne-Louise.
As our presidents have come and gone, she was a remarkable constant for the British people. Something to be proud of, for sure.
Ditto for this American-Australian....
Please allow me to add my condolences for your loss. Queen Elizabeth was crowned when I was 7 years old, so her extraordinary reign has been a part of my world view most of my life. I know there are questions about monarchies that some are taking this opportunity to raise. I'm sorry for that. I think all of you who loved the Queen deserve the time to grieve your loss free from judgement and politics. Blessings,
She truly had not only class, but the patience of a saint that day. Honestly, back here we were hoping their was some hidden British law that would have allowed beheading of a foreign leader.
Her long reign was one of duty to the people, professionalism, and grace. Princess, auto mechanic, Queen - the embodied what royalty should be.
She will be missed on this side of the Atlantic, too. I am very sorry for your deep loss. May she rest well knowing she will be remembered with love and respect.
Anne-Louise, I'm American born, but have "known" and felt connected to Queen Elizabeth since 1940 when I heard her radio broadcast to the children of Briton and to the U.S. Then through the war with sister pen pals from Barton-on-Humber in Lincolnshire. Now I'm a dual Canadian citizen, and yesterday my heart kept erupting through my eyes as I experienced the grief of having a family member die. QEII was like a sister for a long time.
My roots are in England! My grandfather was an immigrant and arrived through Ellis Island over 100 years ago.
Same for me and mine (and Scotland), as is the case for so very many of us. 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Hi Ashley, I receive information from the following project, which may be of interest to you and other subscribers. To learn more open the link provided at the end of this comment.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy
Friends and fellow citizens,
As the first few leaves start to fall on campus, I am hoping you can join us for the last conversation of the summer series featuring author and journalist Keel Hunt and project co-chair Jon Meacham discussing Hunt’s recent book, Crossing the Aisle: How Bipartisanship Brought Tennessee into the 21st Century and Could Save America. As Hunt describes in his book, throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, pragmatic Tennessee politicians were able to power policymaking on issues ranging from public school funding and infrastructure development to health care reform.
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/unity/
Many thanks for sharing this, Fern! 🕊💙
After my post a few minutes ago, I was struck by the fact that Her Majesty served for many more years than 70. She started as a child! And kept it up. She was a car mechanic volunteer when she was 18, for instance.
Scenes we'd like to see (I was a devoted reader of MAD in my youth)! Thanks, made me laugh.
Thanks Jane. I was amazed how the Queen was able to deal with the towering creepiness of tFG with not a single facial muscle revealing the distain and disgust she surely felt in his presence. She was human with blind spots like us all, but even with my ambivalence towards the monarchy, if we could have another like her I would be all for it. She was a lode stone of unchanging service and loyalty that helped to keep Britain sane. God and all the powers that be…help us now.
I often think about the lessons DJT was given on interacting with a supreme queen, and his probable "I know how to do it!" attitude. Rolling eyes here.
Pity he couldn't have had a couple of very simple starter lessons in manners before he stood beside the then Prime Minister, Teresa May, addressing the world's Press, in the courtyard of Churchill's birthplace, and said that he thought Boris Johnson would be an excellent prime minister.
Don’t forget intelligence, knowledge, civility, Grace, integrity and humility.
And witty, resilient, fashionable...
QE2's list is long. If only we could find leaders in our country with even a third of her traits. Plus she loved dogs and horses. I miss her already.
Agree, Just Jane, especially about horses. One commenter close to the Queen had quipped when she was astride a horse, she was her happiest. As someone who has horses, I can attest how true that must have been for her.
She was still riding as recently as a year ago. It was a shaggy pony, but she loved it.
🌞
Honor and decency, as well. Queen Elizabeth LIVED the very values of human decency that inspired so many. "No name calling, hatred towards those who opposed her, complaining, etc. A very fine example and may she rest in peace.
And children.
All characteristics missing from our former president.
I found that the love and respect she held and demonstrated for her animals, especially her dogs, was always a telling aspect of her kindness. I'm American-born, but the sadness I have felt since yesterday has been pervasive. RIP, Queen Elizabeth.
Today’s Letter addressed the issues of accountability under the law. It opened with President Gerald Ford’s “… full, free, and absolute pardon…’ to former president Richard M. Nixon ‘…for all offenses against the United States which he…has committed or may have committed or taken part in” during his time in the presidency.’ It then continued with Ronald Reagan, ‘…the next Republican president after Nixon, in which ‘…members of the administration broke the law to sell arms to Iran.’ (Letter)
Our legal search for accountability continued. ‘Today we learned that a federal grand jury investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is now looking into Trump’s political action committee, “Save America,” to understand its fundraising, how its money was received, and how its money was spent.’
At the end of the Letter, I looked for the definition of accountability under the law.
'7.7.1 What is accountability to the law? Why is it a necessary condition?'
''Accountability refers to the processes, norms, and structures263 that hold the population and public officials legally responsible for their actions and that impose sanctions if they violate the law. Accountability is essential if systemic threats to the rule of law are to be corrected. This involves ensuring there are consequences for criminal behavior (which is addressed in Section 7.6); mechanisms to address impunity for past crimes; and horizontal accountability (state institutions overseeing the actions of one another) and vertical accountability (citizens overseeing the actions of the state). Without accountability, human rights will be denied, crime will flourish, and impunity for past conflict-related crimes will persist, undermining legitimacy and prospects for reconciliation. The concentration of power in any one branch, institution, or level of government often leads to abuse of power and corruption that horizontal and vertical accountability mechanisms can help prevent. Accountability also aims to mitigate against capture of justice institutions by political and economic spoilers that enables impunity, favoritism, and unequal application of the law.'(UnitedStatesPeaceInstitute) See link below.
The definition of ‘accountability’ above and today’s Letter call upon us to reflect on how malleable ACCOUNTABLILITY TO THE LAW has been in terms of the US government, our presidents, their administrations, and elected representatives to our national and state legislatures. This led me to wonder about our level of trust in the US government,
‘Public Trust in Government: 1958-2022'
'Public trust in government remains low, as it has for much of the 21st century. Only two-in-ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (19%). Trust in the government has declined somewhat since last year, when 24% said they could trust the government at least most of the time.'
‘When the National Election Study began asking about trust in government in 1958, about three-quarters of Americans trusted the federal government to do the right thing almost always or most of the time. Trust in government began eroding during the 1960s, amid the escalation of the Vietnam War, and the decline continued in the 1970s with the Watergate scandal and worsening economic struggles. Confidence in government recovered in the mid-1980s before falling again in the mid-1990s. But as the economy grew in the late 1990s, so too did confidence in government. Public trust reached a three-decade high shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but declined quickly thereafter. Since 2007, the shares saying they can trust the government always or most of the time has not surpassed 30%.'
'Today, 29% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say they trust government just about always or most of the time, compared with 9% of Republicans and Republican-leaners. Democrats report slightly less trust in the federal government today than a year ago; there has been no change in the views of Republicans.’
‘Throughout Donald Trump’s tenure as president, more Republicans than Democrats reported trusting the government, though that has flipped since Joe Biden’s election. Since the 1970s, trust in government has been consistently higher among members of the party that controls the White House than among the opposition party. Republicans have often been more reactive than Democrats to changes in political leadership, with Republicans expressing much lower levels of trust during Democratic presidencies; Democrats’ attitudes have tended to be somewhat more consistent, regardless of which party controls the White House. However, the GOP and Democratic shifts in attitudes between the end of the Trump presidency and the early Biden administration were roughly the same magnitude.’ (PewResearchCenter) See link below.
Oh, my – how far from reality is the oft repeated claim that our democracy flourishes under ‘the rule of law’?
‘New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, noted today: “Regular, everyday Americans play by these rules, and yet too often powerful political interests, they ignore these rules. They think they are above the law, and the most of them take advantage.” (Letter)
Haven’t many citizens like you and me known this for a long, long time?
https://www.usip.org/guiding-principles-stabilization-and-reconstruction-the-web-version/rule-law/accountability-the-law
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/06/06/public-trust-in-government-1958-2022/
Thanks Fern as always for focussing on the message in LFAA. We need to arm ourselves with facts, and yet, on the other hand, the data just highlights what those of us who have watched decades of DC and partisan antics have come to recognize as sleazy self serving politics. The challenges to the rule of law be are piling up. Will "accountability" be adequately demanded by us all such that these challenges are fairly mitigated. And what if they are not?? The "$64 'Billion' Dollar Question." (and I date myself). Along with many, I watch the players with bated breath.
Fern and K. Barnes, there seem to be a few of us who remember in decades and ask those dated tv questions. Good company
Dean, Good questions do not expire as IMODIUM (prescription for diarrhea) does.
LOL You bet!!!
K Barnes, My guess is that our dates are close, but with engagement as citizens, we are far, far from expired. Cheers!
As they say, Fern, "From your lips to God's ears!"
I have difficulty accepting the Pew Conclusions. I tend to believe just asking a question of trust in Government is a push to negative reaction.
I was interested in the new Gun Permit requirements in New York brought forth a torrent of complaints about over-regulation and 2nd Amendment rights but long lines of people gave testament to the complainants agreement to comply with Government.
I think the act of living civilized lives supports the idea of confidence in Government.
People register cars, renew drivers licenses and other act in conformity with the requirements of government. The occasional nut who refuses to pay taxes gives strength to the majority of citizens who support the role of Government.
The current Republican fever of restricting voting rights and customizing voting patterns to perpetuate power emphasizes the sacred trust a majority of people who seek the vote and have trust in Government. A vast silenced majority.
Hi, Art, you make me think. Very interesting idea that " the act of living civilized lives supports the idea of confidence in Government." It never occurred to me to consider it that way, but I believe you might be right.
I would take issue with you on only one phrase, "the current Republican fever of restricting voting rights." That has been going on, with varying degrees of fever but never stopped, basically since Reconstruction. They have gotten very good at it; you could make a list of all their techniques and strategies. The reason it's, as you say, a fever right now is that Trump and his administration gave them a blessing and, much more practical, coast to coast judges and public officials who would help them accomplish their goals. We are surrounded on all sides on that issue.
Yes, but earlier Republican strategies were antagonistic to Government and as descendants of the enslavers they perceived Central Government antagonistic to their cause.
The Reagan-Gingrich-MAGA ideology has insinuated itself into Federal Government and by infiltration of State Legislatures and the Federal Judiciary can now dismantle the 14th Amendment as they did with Roe v Wade, slow and careful incrementation.
It is destructive and the long effect is Anarchy but the Federalist ideology seems to believe anything developed as a result of the original Constitution is gloss to be shorn from the body politic.
I welcome all this on the basis I have a feeling a moral recall is happening and the next two elections will affirm sanity.
I'm definitely liking this conversation. Should I subscribe to Art's Newsletter?
I think all Republican strategies are antagonistic to Government; it's pretty much the GOP Thing. The difference now, I suppose, is today's incarnation has amassed enough power and cash to thumb their noses at any pretense of consistency or honestly. They both hate Big Government and want to be in charge of Big Government. So far, they aren't failing. We'll see what happens. Either they're going to walk away with the whole show, or the tide will turn. I have to say, I wouldn't bet one nickel on either option. I just flat don't know. I know one thing because I watched it happen, before Nixon's Southern Strategy, Democrats controlled the southern vote because they were racists. After the GOP campaign to gather in the Southern vote, it was reversed. And if somebody can help me with more details on the history, I marvel at the skill and cunning the Grand Old Party has shown as it walks the line between playing the race card and supporting big business.
You are SO right!
Appreciate you bringing the conversation back to Heather's topic, Fern. I'd given up and took my dog for a walk, then realized perhaps I needed to scroll down a bit further. Glad I did.
Small correction in the statement “Public trust in government remains low, as it has for much of the 21st century. Only two-in-ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (19%).” Two-in-ten Americans is actually 20%. An error that anyone can make in the dark hours. Otherwise all agreed.
The statistics and all else quoted from study by the Pew Research Center is the work of the Center. In order to reach a more complete understanding of the figures quoted or a correction as you imply, you may want to contact the Pew Research Center. Thank you for your attention
Thanks Fern.
Thank you, Maggie. I have a high regard for librarians, and you continue to scrutinize information Cheers!
It’s only current presidents who may pardon, & not all pardons are bad (though t made decidedly worse choices than most). Quite a few people have needed pardoning, ie, Carter pardoning draft dodgers, Clinton pardoning Susan MacDougal, Obama pardoning Chelsey Manning & many many others, stretching back to Washington. Luckily, it only works w federal crimes since we do know many have been pardoned when they shouldn’t have been.
But none of them has pardoned the innocent Leonard Peltier.
Or Julian Assange
Not only is Julian Assange is not an American citizen, he hasn't been convicted in US court. So what is there to pardon?
OK - point made - but Biden needs to call the dogs off. It has been a total miscarriage of justice.
Biden's dogs? Assange's case has been ongoing since 2010. If it's a miscarriage of justice to reveal information that put individuals at risk for reprisals, including death, then I guess we should just drop the case against Trump for his purloining of top secret documents.
Or Edward Snowden.
And now's the time. Now before it's absolutely too late.
Thank you, Jude. This is one that every year makes me ache. He should have been released long ago, if only on humanitarian grounds. But there are plenty of questions about the charges that he is imprisoned under that keep being ignored.
Questions indeed. I have decidedly mixed feelings about the FBI--villains in this case it seems, but heroes investigating tfg et al.
There are different rules for Indigenous land. And the rez beat is considered pretty low on the pole by agents. Have you read Peter Matthiessen's book "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" about the Peltier case? Matthiessen was a brilliant, lyrical writer who was careful with facts. I read the book when it first came out, and when I took it back to the library, the librarian refused to take it, and told me to put it in my bag and take it home and keep it. A civil lawsuit against the book had been filed, and astonishingly, a judge ordered the book confiscated. The day I was returning it, they walked in the door. The librarian was both angry and frightened. But I took the book, not yet understanding the circumstances. There was an incredible national uproar about what appeared to be an officially sanctioned book ban meant to protect the agency and the government of SD. Peculiar, eh?
It took years to work through the courts, the publisher winning each time and the appellants (an FBI agent and the gov of SD) losing. It went to the Supreme Court, who declined to consider the case, and eventually the book was republished as a paperback. I had lost my hardbound copy in a move, and it seemed to me that the paperback wasn't quite the same as the original (something seemed missing to me), but I'm not sure, though I read the book several times. I would love to come across a copy of the original hardbound book, but so far have not found one. There must be some out there. Though I'm sure those who had it kept it quiet, as I did, though I followed news about the participants closely.
Interestingly, Wikipedia's entry about Matthiessen includes a fairly detailed discussion about the legal battle over the book but never mentions what it was about. Given Matthiessen's stature as a gifted writer of novels and books and other writing about the environment and of spiritual matters, perhaps that wasn't high on the priorities. His writings won many awards, including during the period of the lawsuit.
So true, Jude. It is starkly before us, the reason behind that unfair judgment.
Or Reality Winner
I believe in the power of pardon, but not just as a matter of presidential or gubernatorial whim.
Or for money or favors from the highest bidder
I'm a little surprised that Trump lacks an e-commerce website for future pay-to-play indulgences.
The left-wing pioneer Martin Luther had the same idea. He wrote it all out and nailed the document to the ducal church door for all to read. It's on line, in full, and worth a read.
Technical correction: governor's too have the power to pardon or commute sentences for state transgressions.
Technical correction: President Obama didn't pardon Chelsea Manning; he commuted her sentence after serving 7 years of her 35 year sentence.
This is the final test. If these criminals are not punished for their crimes we can drop the “no one is above the law” from any future conversations.
...and of course, we DON'T know where the empty Security folder contents went. There are at least a few places they may have gone and no knowledge of how much payment to whom was involved.
When enough of us of good will and honor, who are American first, some disposable party stamp second, combine with a roar of outrage with the real silent majority and collectively in one voice 'demand' enough !! *edit in - At a minimum some sound checks and balance laws will have to written; egregious abuse has to be reigned in quite obviously. Many of our laws are written out of the necessity to hold abusers in check; sadly the innocent suffer most times along with guilty minority in most cases. Sadly, that's how it's always been owing to the conniving and manipulative among us.
At the time, I knew that was a poor decision, cloaked under kindness and forgiveness. Back then, I was inclined to agree, grudgingly, that maybe Ford was wiser than I. We have subsequently learned that he was not.
I met Gerald Ford; wisdom was not one of his characteristics.
hmmm... makes sense. however, it wasn't actually his 'decision' was it?? he was chosen so that he'd carry it out?
I noticed after watching so much coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday, that when it came to how many US Presidents she met with, NONE or the reports included X president T***p!
I have to say, I was happy about that. What an embarrassment he was, and still is!
Agreed.
Presidential pardons, of anybody, undermine the credibility of the justice system.
When the justice system can be terribly unjust, the pardons just make it worse. Imagine sitting in prison, convicted of a crime that you didn't do, and seeing scum like these tfg mobsters, or anyone who actually did commit a crime, getting pardoned.
yes!!!! when it's bad... it really malfunctions
Except that there are times when pardons are appropriate. Laws are not all just. Leonard Peltier is a case in point. The fallibility of humans and imperfection of laws maybe can’t be completely fixed in this case? Throw out all pardons thus hamstringing a better President isn’t the solution. But I understand the impulse.
It seems to me that a judicial means can be created to serve the same purpose. After having a president who is himself a crook able to unilaterally pardon all his crook friends illustrates the negative possibilities of the current system.
Somehow I think the turkeys deserve the pardons far far far more than the human "turkeys" that have received them, dont you?
And above all they are a bit of fun and a gentle acknowledgement of the historic reason for the Thanksgiving feast.
as long as we don't kill them and eat them... yes
absolutely!!
We often hear ourselves say, with remarkable arrogance, that we are the greatest nation in the world. Well, this "great" nation produced a "classless, mannerless dolt" as a dear leader as our democratic institutions try to reassert primacy. Detoxification takes time and dedicated resolve. Our greatest influence comes from modeling the behavior of good self-government under the rule of law, not of men. We are failing miserably in that respect even as we try to correct our course. As we can well see, pardons of rapscallions by rapscallions skew towards dictatorial prerogatives gaining ground in a nation in decline. Honor and humility surpass vainglorious hubris for any nation that aspires to greatest.
I feel the urgency of this moment everyday. Each can be that ripple of influence that converges in a blue wave. (A bad paraphrase of that Richard Goodwin quote engraved in granite at Robert Kennedy's grave site at Arlington National Cemetery.)
Yes. Pardons are supposed to be for situations where injustice has occurred or where further punishment is pointless. Of course, the trumper or Nixon concept of injustice is different than many others....
My thoughts exactly in terms of pardoning criminals who should clearly go jail. I am glad NY has finally caught up with Bannon. I am not a Brit, but an Anglophile and I found myself grieving when I heard the news. Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable woman indeed. I loved the analysis that she rarely had a misstep in that long reign. I also thought about the first Elizabeth whose birth date was a day before the second Elizabeth's passing 489 years later. I also felt nausea every time there was a picture of death star with the Queen. She must have had extreme patience.
In the pictures of the Obamas with the Queen - seems very clear there was affection there - especially with Michelle. I agree there must have been a LOT of patience with the former one. Cant imagine how many awful things he would have come out with.
tRump also broke the law, by wielding those pardons as "quid pro quo's" ... I know, his criminality is so wide-ranging, it's easy to forget some of the minor shit.
Actually, he knows no law. If something looks like getting in his way, he just makes up a law.
I'd agree, but, I don't think he has the slightest idea what a law is. I.e., you got the 1st part right: he knows no law.
yep
You can add traitor to the list.