"Millions of us think the bigger problem might be the killing. It seems to us war as the only option represents the greatest possible failure of human imagination there can be, and our wealth and resources and ingenuity seem to present many other options. Perhaps if we put our heads together, we might think of something else to do, that isn't nothing but isn't war, either. And even if many of us are foolish and ignorant about what that something might be, we think that seeking that something is better than not seeking it." -A.R. Moxon https://www.the-reframe.com/war-or-nothing/
Dunno why Dahlia Lithwick is so shocked. In 1933, the Reichstag's response to an attack on the Reichstag was to disestablish itself. That is the basic Fascist playbook: threaten democracy, then resolve the threat by removing democracy. It's what Fascism does. Did Dahlia believe that MAGA Fascists weren't really Fascists? I'm glad she's finally disabused herself of that notion, but I wonder what took her so long.
And I will add: while so many people were crapping on Bragg, he, step by step, build a case worth bringing to a Jury. Obviously, conviction is never guaranteed, but Bragg so far did an excellent job.
And if Trump walks out as convicted felon in a few weeks, that will have a dramatic impact.
So would be an acquittal, but I think the best he can hope for (and probably aims for) is a hung jury.
---
When Donald Trump’s criminal trial resumes a few moments from now, the witness on the stand will not be David Pecker. It won’t be Michael Cohen. It won’t be Stormy Daniels or Karen McDougal or Hope Hicks either. It’ll be a name you almost certainly never heard of coming into this trial. And his testimony will be quite mundane. But that’s the point.
When the trial adjourned on Friday afternoon, the witness on the stand was the bank official who processed Cohen’s home equity loan. This testimony is legally important because Cohen told the bank that the money would not be used for political purposes, even though he was taking out the loan so he could pay off Stormy Daniels at Trump’s instruction. The bank official didn’t finish testifying, so he’ll be back on the stand this morning.
This all helps establish that Trump and Cohen were indeed carrying out a criminal conspiracy when they bought Daniels’ silence. And it’s crucial, because it helps corroborate the testimony that Cohen will give when he takes the stand later on. So even if the jury isn’t certain about wanting to take Cohen at his word, the bank officer’s testimony makes it much easier for the jury to buy into the whole thing.
When the threshold is proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the difference between conviction and acquittal can indeed come down to a bank official testifying about how a piece of paper was filled out. This kind of testimony is the glue that makes the headlining testimony from the likes of Cohen, Pecker, and McDougal stick together in the eyes of the jury. So today’s first witness is indeed crucial, even as “boring” as his testimony may be. It’s the kind of testimony that’ll ensure Donald Trump is convicted.
“ If ever a better articulation of the legal principle ‘Don’t make me hit you again’ has been proffered at an oral argument, it’s hard to imagine it.”
From the Slate article about the fuckheads on the Supreme Court. As a few of us have been discussing here, the right wing’s relationship to the rest of us fits so well into the narcissist abuser/victim framework. Those of us who may have adopted a “go along to get along” attitude until we could get free when this happened in our private lives need to shake that mindset off and get fighting. This shit is so enraging, and so scary.
I don't know if it is constitutinally legal but I sure wish there were term limits for Supreme Court justices. Alito and Thomas have been in there so long they think they own the place.
But, but if Trump isn’t allowed to start a failed putsch, he says he’ll have the DOJ file bogus charges against Obama and Biden. I know how only about 45% of voters even remember Jan. 6 or know about Donny’s dictatorship promises, but still!
What's scary about the whole "Trump immunity" shit is exactly that. I will only apply to trump. SCOTUS talking around the actual crimes he committed and only dealing in scenarios is very "The Emperor Has No Diaper!"
This hed gif is a fun one today from Cat Navi Desk, who does tricks with cats. Learn more here: https://open.substack.com/pub/martiniambassador/p/cats-dominoes-and-ping-pong-balls
Has anyone ordered anything through Martie. I have some weird stuff coming my way. It looks like you get free shipping on orders over $50.
Kristi Noem vows to shoot a dog every week until Trump makes her his VP pick.
"Millions of us think the bigger problem might be the killing. It seems to us war as the only option represents the greatest possible failure of human imagination there can be, and our wealth and resources and ingenuity seem to present many other options. Perhaps if we put our heads together, we might think of something else to do, that isn't nothing but isn't war, either. And even if many of us are foolish and ignorant about what that something might be, we think that seeking that something is better than not seeking it." -A.R. Moxon https://www.the-reframe.com/war-or-nothing/
Dunno why Dahlia Lithwick is so shocked. In 1933, the Reichstag's response to an attack on the Reichstag was to disestablish itself. That is the basic Fascist playbook: threaten democracy, then resolve the threat by removing democracy. It's what Fascism does. Did Dahlia believe that MAGA Fascists weren't really Fascists? I'm glad she's finally disabused herself of that notion, but I wonder what took her so long.
I am only an expert in disliking Musk, but if that stuff here is legit ... one could almost feel sorry for Tesla owners and workers.
https://montanaskeptic.substack.com/p/the-nhtsa-has-finally-exposed-musks
Nice write up from Bob Palmer.
And I will add: while so many people were crapping on Bragg, he, step by step, build a case worth bringing to a Jury. Obviously, conviction is never guaranteed, but Bragg so far did an excellent job.
And if Trump walks out as convicted felon in a few weeks, that will have a dramatic impact.
So would be an acquittal, but I think the best he can hope for (and probably aims for) is a hung jury.
---
When Donald Trump’s criminal trial resumes a few moments from now, the witness on the stand will not be David Pecker. It won’t be Michael Cohen. It won’t be Stormy Daniels or Karen McDougal or Hope Hicks either. It’ll be a name you almost certainly never heard of coming into this trial. And his testimony will be quite mundane. But that’s the point.
When the trial adjourned on Friday afternoon, the witness on the stand was the bank official who processed Cohen’s home equity loan. This testimony is legally important because Cohen told the bank that the money would not be used for political purposes, even though he was taking out the loan so he could pay off Stormy Daniels at Trump’s instruction. The bank official didn’t finish testifying, so he’ll be back on the stand this morning.
This all helps establish that Trump and Cohen were indeed carrying out a criminal conspiracy when they bought Daniels’ silence. And it’s crucial, because it helps corroborate the testimony that Cohen will give when he takes the stand later on. So even if the jury isn’t certain about wanting to take Cohen at his word, the bank officer’s testimony makes it much easier for the jury to buy into the whole thing.
When the threshold is proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the difference between conviction and acquittal can indeed come down to a bank official testifying about how a piece of paper was filled out. This kind of testimony is the glue that makes the headlining testimony from the likes of Cohen, Pecker, and McDougal stick together in the eyes of the jury. So today’s first witness is indeed crucial, even as “boring” as his testimony may be. It’s the kind of testimony that’ll ensure Donald Trump is convicted.
Lordy, good morning, y'all! I did not get the sleep I should have to tackle all the work I have this week. I had to move around a bunch of furniture and getting everything cleaned and put back made me want to make a mess again. https://substack.com/@desertabundance/note/c-55087118?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=b2vrq
The only reason SCROTUS took the case was to delay, delay, delay. They had absolutely no business taking it.
Happy Mussolini Execution Day
to all who celebrate
“ If ever a better articulation of the legal principle ‘Don’t make me hit you again’ has been proffered at an oral argument, it’s hard to imagine it.”
From the Slate article about the fuckheads on the Supreme Court. As a few of us have been discussing here, the right wing’s relationship to the rest of us fits so well into the narcissist abuser/victim framework. Those of us who may have adopted a “go along to get along” attitude until we could get free when this happened in our private lives need to shake that mindset off and get fighting. This shit is so enraging, and so scary.
I don't know if it is constitutinally legal but I sure wish there were term limits for Supreme Court justices. Alito and Thomas have been in there so long they think they own the place.
But, but if Trump isn’t allowed to start a failed putsch, he says he’ll have the DOJ file bogus charges against Obama and Biden. I know how only about 45% of voters even remember Jan. 6 or know about Donny’s dictatorship promises, but still!
Actually, tramp should be in Gitmo next to Clarence and Ginni.
---
“I should be in Georgia
right now. I should be in Florida right now. I should be in a lot of places campaigning right now,” Trump raged last week.
What's scary about the whole "Trump immunity" shit is exactly that. I will only apply to trump. SCOTUS talking around the actual crimes he committed and only dealing in scenarios is very "The Emperor Has No Diaper!"
Welp, survived the yearly prostate checkup at the uroligist.. no news is good news..
Growing old sucks, but it beats the alternative.