You know me by now and know that I'm as liberal as they come. That said, Citizen United was for the most part rightly decided. The first amendment does protect the right to spend money and corporations (which includes organizations like the NY TImes and Michael Moore's production studio) shouldn't be hampered by the government from expressing their views. That said, I also agree with the point that Steven's made in his dissent that 1st Amendment rights need to be balanced against the need for free and fair elections.
The Constitution would apply to the president with respect to the separation of powers. For example, the president could not remove Supreme Court justices he dislikes, because the Constitution allows them to be removed only by congressional impeachment. The president could, however, order the military to murder justices as an official act and not face prosecution. He’d then pardon the murderers.
Since when has the law ever stopped Trump? Trump would just endlessly appeal any charges, or direct his DOJ not to pursue them. Plus he can always pardon anyone convicted.
The so called “official acts” ruling applies to Biden as well at this point and he could and should take advantage of it, officially bypass congress and add 4 judges to SCOTUS. Maybe put Orange Mussolini before a military tribunal for treason with Gen Milley on it.
It only applies to immunity. Official acts that are illegal would never be carried out since that immunity would not apply to those executing them. Biden could ask to bypass Congress but nobody would listen to him. This is a pretty simple concept. I don't understand why people have so much trouble understanding it. For crying out loud, he can't even get student debt forgiven with presidential immunity.
It's hard to blame King Donald, he has the mind of a toddler. He doesn't know anything about history or law, he just does what he wants and then throws his lawyers, guns and money at anyone who tries to stop him. Conversely it's easy to blame the Justices; they all solemnly swore in front of Congress that legal precedent was sacrosanct and then once their bottoms were on the bench, have blithely dishonored precedent and used the law for raw political means. Only two things can stop the Orange Felon, juries and votes. The justices have denied us juries, but We The People still have the vote so we have One Last Chance to restore reason.
As some of the boys used to say, "The fix is in." You did a swell job, Mr. T., of pulling the threads together. Because it is possible the fifth of November (or some days later) may be the day the country died 🎹, I am studying the SwissAir schedules.
I fear a repeat of the (I think it was called "The Brooks Brothers Assault") on numerous vote counting centers after election day. That infamous incident was when a bunch of jerks from the GWB's Stop the Re-count group attacked the glass windows where the Florida recount was going on. A good journalist soon identified most of them through photos; I think they were all from out of state. I'd bet not one of them fought in Bush's subsequent stupid illegal invasions.
This lunatic will stop at nothing to regain power and to avoid going to prison where he belongs. Has for decades. Nothing new except his plays for power. His criminal activity goes back decades.
John Roberts has been steering us over the cliff since he gave the presidency to Dubya. He seems a bit embarrassed at being caught this time, but as his boy would say, "So what?". GOTV now!
Roberts was not on the Court when Bush v Gore was decided. He was appointed by Bush to be the neutral umpire, the arbiter of balls and strikes, at least that was the lie he told in the hearings. He is, and always has been, racist to the core and his mission has always been to overturn any civil or voting rights gained in the 20th century.
And all the while he has been undermining our democracy, he has maintained his goofy smile and wide-eyed deer in the headlights expression—as though he is a benign and fair presence on the court. We see you, John.
"Then in private practice," "Roberts flew to Florida in November 2000 to assist Bush’s legal team. He helped prepare the lawyer who presented Bush’s case to the Florida state Supreme Court and offered advice throughout. [ … ]
"After Bush became president, he nominated Roberts to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit (the Senate confirmed him in 2003); Bush then elevated Roberts to the chief justice position in 2005."
Wow! I mean Ugh! So Roberts helped Dubya get the 2000 election handed to him, and then Dubya appointed him to the Supreme Court in gratitude. No wonder he's a sychophant to the right wing.
Hitler said he would suspend the constitution and he did. What happened later was the horror of WWII. While Trump will not start a World War he, like Hitler, would like to suspend the Constitution, and like Hitler, Trump would like to kill those American apposed to him. In 1939 pro Nazi Americans, showed up at Madison Square a Garden 22,000 strong and weak-minded. Like Hitler, Trump is a Psychopath.
Is it just me but do I sense a typical Trump rally is nothing more than America First 80 plus years later. Same crowd of isolationists and not so clear thinkers who lack even the most minimal degree of common sense to understand they, too, can be the victims of a totalitarianism govenment. It is just a question of issue and time. Unless of course, you put on the armband sign up to be the one rounding up the folks who are the target du jour.
And like Hitler he has 100's if not 1000's of ass-kissing sycophants ready to do his bidding for their sliver of the power pie. If Donny has control of the Executive Branch (including the Justice Department) and the Republithugs gain control of the House and Senate the Constitution and the Rule of Law will be over.
Why is everybody assuming Trump will be re-elected? I think it's equally as likely that Vice President Harris will bury old Befuddlepants. We still have two weeks to push, push, push: noses to the grindstones and shoulders to the plowshares.
Vote Blue Up and Down the Ballot in November, with a majority in the House and Senate,we can Fix these Supreme Court judges once and for All 💯👍🇺🇲💙🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Based on Trump's own words, Biden is entitled to corral the entire MAGA lot and put them behind bars awaiting trial. And threaten the 6 SC members to hold their tongues (pens) or they'd join them.
Hello from Billboards 2024 - Honoring Active Duty Military and Veterans
Lucian,
I’ve been a Lucian reader since the days of Major Consor and Ry Slaight.
Jim Russell, WP ‘69, and I are founders of Billboards 2024, a 501 c4 organization. Our mission is to encourage honor and respect for active military and veterans.
The Orange Felon, as you know, has no understanding of Duty, Honor, or “Service above Self.” He mocks POWs and thinks Arlington is a photo op. Nonetheless, military people and vets vote for him.
In Columbus GA, outside of Fort Moore, and now near Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune NC, we have placed billboards to put Trump’s words, “suckers and losers” and all, in front of our military/veteran audience. Many people don’t know he said these things. We’re inviting our audience to consider them and then: think again.
We are writing this to let you know what we’re doing. If you or any of your readers have any comments on our designs, messages, or strategy, we’d welcome them. Please feel free to pass this message on. And yes, you can buy a billboard! We’re hoping to be outside of all major DOD bases within the next few days.
Ned Trainor
PS: Wondering why we didn’t get this campaign up sooner? Some people don’t want these messages in public view.
Here is what I have had to conclude. We, as in the US of A. have for going on 225 years plus have totally missed the "intent" of the Founders. That they did, indeed, intend to have someone with monarchial powers as President and it has been only either the ignorance or incompetence of every Supreme Court since the drawing of our Constituion which misinterpreted the document. It just took six judges well informed by the docrtine of Original Intent conjured up by one Anton Scalia and taught in certain law schools in the United States over the past couple of decades and in certain "opinions" created by an organization called the Federalist Society to figure it out.
There are so many holes in what these Federalist Sodiety lackeys concluded they should have added the Kraft Company in a friend of the court memo. But, in the end what anyone must conclude is the judges who ruled in the majority were a confederation of dunces. Some were bought and paid for acolytes of the Federalist Society and its teachings. That would include Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett. Some were bought and paid for by Harlan Crow. That would include Thomas and Alito . But, it is the Chief Justice who I believe has well earned the title of the worse jurist in American history. Not because he was not well educated but because he has clearly demonstrated he has lived in the judicial bubble for so long he has zero common sense with which to render any just verdict.
John Roberts is, remember, the man who has reasoned both that money can give you a right to exert any degree of outright lying and reversing of facts under the guise of "free speech. He is the one who in Citizens United opened the flood gates to unlimited spending on political ads with zero restraint as to whatever was said in those ads was based in fact. Watch any of the ads being run by Trump and Friends and tell me they would pass even the most minimal standard of a "proof of claim" a television network demands for a tootpaste ad.
But, he went further when in writing his opus opinion on gutting the Voting Rights Act when he based much of his decison on , drum roll, "there was no longer a need for said act because racism was no longer a problem in this nation." Yes, we are now in a post racial society so no need for any bothersome laws to make sure the Nigras can vote.
We now have the best Supreme Court money can buy led by a feckless Chief Justice who, obviously, is a prisoner in his own bubble. Cannot wait to see the opinion as to why Trump as President can put anyone he wants to in jail without habeas corpus. That is such an old fashioned concept.
Drumpf's faithful lickspittles on the SC have nothing to worry about. They can go right along playing their little game of backing up everything he does and being showered with rewards for doing so.
Now, if I were one of the other three, I'd be getting my passport updated.
Passport! Dammit--we should all do that, and I keep forgetting. Thanks for the reminder. I've been too busy working and writing hundreds of postcards to Democratic voters in my free time. And now it's time to join phonebanks. This election is so close that we should all be doing outreach--canvassing or phonebanks--as much as we possibly can to turn out every single potential Democratic voter who's thinking "nah... what difference could my one little vote make?"
Powerful! But I don't think you can jump from Dred Scott to Shelby County and Trump v U.S. without a pit stop at Citizens United. Keep it up, Lucian—
You know me by now and know that I'm as liberal as they come. That said, Citizen United was for the most part rightly decided. The first amendment does protect the right to spend money and corporations (which includes organizations like the NY TImes and Michael Moore's production studio) shouldn't be hampered by the government from expressing their views. That said, I also agree with the point that Steven's made in his dissent that 1st Amendment rights need to be balanced against the need for free and fair elections.
I think elevating an artificial construct like a corporation (no matter who owns it) to the status of human citizen is beyond the bounds of reason..
Fervently agree, difny.
100%!!
The Constitution would apply to the president with respect to the separation of powers. For example, the president could not remove Supreme Court justices he dislikes, because the Constitution allows them to be removed only by congressional impeachment. The president could, however, order the military to murder justices as an official act and not face prosecution. He’d then pardon the murderers.
Escher at his finest.
That spoon with which you're gagging me? Thank GOD it isn't made in China.
Where is Macbeth just when we need him?
He could order it but they would be required by law to not follow those orders. Therefore, it would never happen.
Since when has the law ever stopped Trump? Trump would just endlessly appeal any charges, or direct his DOJ not to pursue them. Plus he can always pardon anyone convicted.
Such confidence!
It’s called “Cocky”!
Hope the justices read this!
The so called “official acts” ruling applies to Biden as well at this point and he could and should take advantage of it, officially bypass congress and add 4 judges to SCOTUS. Maybe put Orange Mussolini before a military tribunal for treason with Gen Milley on it.
I love this idea!
Insurrection!
It only applies to immunity. Official acts that are illegal would never be carried out since that immunity would not apply to those executing them. Biden could ask to bypass Congress but nobody would listen to him. This is a pretty simple concept. I don't understand why people have so much trouble understanding it. For crying out loud, he can't even get student debt forgiven with presidential immunity.
That is because he's not Trump.
Sad, but true!! WTF????
Get to the armed insurrection before the voting finished!!!
It's hard to blame King Donald, he has the mind of a toddler. He doesn't know anything about history or law, he just does what he wants and then throws his lawyers, guns and money at anyone who tries to stop him. Conversely it's easy to blame the Justices; they all solemnly swore in front of Congress that legal precedent was sacrosanct and then once their bottoms were on the bench, have blithely dishonored precedent and used the law for raw political means. Only two things can stop the Orange Felon, juries and votes. The justices have denied us juries, but We The People still have the vote so we have One Last Chance to restore reason.
Only individual who can stop him: President Harris.
As some of the boys used to say, "The fix is in." You did a swell job, Mr. T., of pulling the threads together. Because it is possible the fifth of November (or some days later) may be the day the country died 🎹, I am studying the SwissAir schedules.
"Like"
I fear a repeat of the (I think it was called "The Brooks Brothers Assault") on numerous vote counting centers after election day. That infamous incident was when a bunch of jerks from the GWB's Stop the Re-count group attacked the glass windows where the Florida recount was going on. A good journalist soon identified most of them through photos; I think they were all from out of state. I'd bet not one of them fought in Bush's subsequent stupid illegal invasions.
It’s my go-to place on the way to Israel. Better check out your options before you leave. Not sure what country will want us!
Good point! We may not be welcome in many of the places we'd hope to go.
This lunatic will stop at nothing to regain power and to avoid going to prison where he belongs. Has for decades. Nothing new except his plays for power. His criminal activity goes back decades.
It really IS all about prison, not power and riches or any of that shit! He doesn't get elected, he goes to the Big House!
John Roberts has been steering us over the cliff since he gave the presidency to Dubya. He seems a bit embarrassed at being caught this time, but as his boy would say, "So what?". GOTV now!
Roberts was not on the Court when Bush v Gore was decided. He was appointed by Bush to be the neutral umpire, the arbiter of balls and strikes, at least that was the lie he told in the hearings. He is, and always has been, racist to the core and his mission has always been to overturn any civil or voting rights gained in the 20th century.
And all the while he has been undermining our democracy, he has maintained his goofy smile and wide-eyed deer in the headlights expression—as though he is a benign and fair presence on the court. We see you, John.
Thanks , Peter. Correction: GHW Bush elevated Roberts. The Nepo Baby Bush got him onto the Supreme Court. Still get out the vote :)
"Then in private practice," "Roberts flew to Florida in November 2000 to assist Bush’s legal team. He helped prepare the lawyer who presented Bush’s case to the Florida state Supreme Court and offered advice throughout. [ … ]
"After Bush became president, he nominated Roberts to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit (the Senate confirmed him in 2003); Bush then elevated Roberts to the chief justice position in 2005."
https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/17/politics/bush-v-gore-barrett-kavanaugh-roberts-supreme-court/index.html
Wow! I mean Ugh! So Roberts helped Dubya get the 2000 election handed to him, and then Dubya appointed him to the Supreme Court in gratitude. No wonder he's a sychophant to the right wing.
Remember, Bush I cursed us with Thomas, Bush II Alito.
Hitler said he would suspend the constitution and he did. What happened later was the horror of WWII. While Trump will not start a World War he, like Hitler, would like to suspend the Constitution, and like Hitler, Trump would like to kill those American apposed to him. In 1939 pro Nazi Americans, showed up at Madison Square a Garden 22,000 strong and weak-minded. Like Hitler, Trump is a Psychopath.
Is it just me but do I sense a typical Trump rally is nothing more than America First 80 plus years later. Same crowd of isolationists and not so clear thinkers who lack even the most minimal degree of common sense to understand they, too, can be the victims of a totalitarianism govenment. It is just a question of issue and time. Unless of course, you put on the armband sign up to be the one rounding up the folks who are the target du jour.
And like Hitler he has 100's if not 1000's of ass-kissing sycophants ready to do his bidding for their sliver of the power pie. If Donny has control of the Executive Branch (including the Justice Department) and the Republithugs gain control of the House and Senate the Constitution and the Rule of Law will be over.
Why is everybody assuming Trump will be re-elected? I think it's equally as likely that Vice President Harris will bury old Befuddlepants. We still have two weeks to push, push, push: noses to the grindstones and shoulders to the plowshares.
Nazi’s controlled the Court and instituted The Nuremberg Laws which legalized “the Final Solution.”
The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson
He took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and then turned around and tried to throw it out. And no one says anything? Shame!!!
Vote Blue Up and Down the Ballot in November, with a majority in the House and Senate,we can Fix these Supreme Court judges once and for All 💯👍🇺🇲💙🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Based on Trump's own words, Biden is entitled to corral the entire MAGA lot and put them behind bars awaiting trial. And threaten the 6 SC members to hold their tongues (pens) or they'd join them.
But he's not entitled to do that at all. He only has immunity from trying. Nobody would follow those orders because they would be illegal.
Oliver North? Michael Flynn? John Yoo? Viet Dinh? James Mitchell? Bruce Jessen? C'mon man!
Hello from Billboards 2024 - Honoring Active Duty Military and Veterans
Lucian,
I’ve been a Lucian reader since the days of Major Consor and Ry Slaight.
Jim Russell, WP ‘69, and I are founders of Billboards 2024, a 501 c4 organization. Our mission is to encourage honor and respect for active military and veterans.
The Orange Felon, as you know, has no understanding of Duty, Honor, or “Service above Self.” He mocks POWs and thinks Arlington is a photo op. Nonetheless, military people and vets vote for him.
In Columbus GA, outside of Fort Moore, and now near Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune NC, we have placed billboards to put Trump’s words, “suckers and losers” and all, in front of our military/veteran audience. Many people don’t know he said these things. We’re inviting our audience to consider them and then: think again.
You can see our messages at billboards2024.org.
We are writing this to let you know what we’re doing. If you or any of your readers have any comments on our designs, messages, or strategy, we’d welcome them. Please feel free to pass this message on. And yes, you can buy a billboard! We’re hoping to be outside of all major DOD bases within the next few days.
Ned Trainor
PS: Wondering why we didn’t get this campaign up sooner? Some people don’t want these messages in public view.
Ned Trainor/Jim Russell
Billboards 2024 Inc.
1221 Preservation Park Way, Suite 200
Oakland, CA 94612
billboards2024@gmail.com; (888) 973-9668
The Supreme Court effectively this year overturned the American Revolution and installed presidents as kings.
I'd have rather been stuck with the Windsors than the trumps.
Here is what I have had to conclude. We, as in the US of A. have for going on 225 years plus have totally missed the "intent" of the Founders. That they did, indeed, intend to have someone with monarchial powers as President and it has been only either the ignorance or incompetence of every Supreme Court since the drawing of our Constituion which misinterpreted the document. It just took six judges well informed by the docrtine of Original Intent conjured up by one Anton Scalia and taught in certain law schools in the United States over the past couple of decades and in certain "opinions" created by an organization called the Federalist Society to figure it out.
There are so many holes in what these Federalist Sodiety lackeys concluded they should have added the Kraft Company in a friend of the court memo. But, in the end what anyone must conclude is the judges who ruled in the majority were a confederation of dunces. Some were bought and paid for acolytes of the Federalist Society and its teachings. That would include Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett. Some were bought and paid for by Harlan Crow. That would include Thomas and Alito . But, it is the Chief Justice who I believe has well earned the title of the worse jurist in American history. Not because he was not well educated but because he has clearly demonstrated he has lived in the judicial bubble for so long he has zero common sense with which to render any just verdict.
John Roberts is, remember, the man who has reasoned both that money can give you a right to exert any degree of outright lying and reversing of facts under the guise of "free speech. He is the one who in Citizens United opened the flood gates to unlimited spending on political ads with zero restraint as to whatever was said in those ads was based in fact. Watch any of the ads being run by Trump and Friends and tell me they would pass even the most minimal standard of a "proof of claim" a television network demands for a tootpaste ad.
But, he went further when in writing his opus opinion on gutting the Voting Rights Act when he based much of his decison on , drum roll, "there was no longer a need for said act because racism was no longer a problem in this nation." Yes, we are now in a post racial society so no need for any bothersome laws to make sure the Nigras can vote.
We now have the best Supreme Court money can buy led by a feckless Chief Justice who, obviously, is a prisoner in his own bubble. Cannot wait to see the opinion as to why Trump as President can put anyone he wants to in jail without habeas corpus. That is such an old fashioned concept.
Drumpf's faithful lickspittles on the SC have nothing to worry about. They can go right along playing their little game of backing up everything he does and being showered with rewards for doing so.
Now, if I were one of the other three, I'd be getting my passport updated.
Passport! Dammit--we should all do that, and I keep forgetting. Thanks for the reminder. I've been too busy working and writing hundreds of postcards to Democratic voters in my free time. And now it's time to join phonebanks. This election is so close that we should all be doing outreach--canvassing or phonebanks--as much as we possibly can to turn out every single potential Democratic voter who's thinking "nah... what difference could my one little vote make?"
In answer to your Headline? Nope.