Tag Archives: impeachment

Writing

Hyperdrive–Wish I Could Write at That Speed

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15 stories. 25,000 more words in 8 weeks.

Works in Progress–in the Eagle Peak Annual

Will I get it done?  Not looking good, but I’m forging ahead!

There’s distractions. There’s always distractions. 

1966–ready for college. Lots of English courses. Become a writer. Then I got drafted. Then I went to Vietnam. Then my innocence was lost and my illusions shattered.

College became a quest for a new purpose. Restore America’s integrity amidst the backdrop of Vietnam, Nixon and Watergate. Classes interrupted for antiwar rallies and protests. Leading local Vietnam Vets Against the War.

I still graduated summa cum laude. I still got a JD from Georgetown University Law Center (a top  ranked law school,  14th this year but it’s been higher). 

Nixon couldn’t distract me–completely. He just annoyed the hell out of me. I cheered when he resigned rather than be impeached.

All those evils turned to good when the quest put me on the path to enlightenment, of course. See the book cover on the right panel. Waiting for Westmoreland,

Trump won’t distract me either–not any more.

He’s way more corrupt than Nixon. Way dumber than Nixon–perhaps the stupidest man ever to be in the White House. The cruelest president. The most incompetent. 

Trump hires incompetent people. He has crackerjack lawyers–that is, who may have degrees from boxes of crackerjacks. OK, Jay Sekulow graduated from a law school tied for 138 in this year’s US News and World Report. But consider the arguments that his attorneys make–the ones that judges laugh at and dismiss out of hand.

Hardly ironic, after all his misdeeds, Trump may well be removed from office through his own words–that call to the president of Ukraine. 

Trump or one of his cronies came up with  “Trump Derangement Syndrome”–ostensibly a malady that his critics suffer from–obsessing over his foul mouth, his ignorance, his misspelled tweets, etc.

More apt than applying the term to critics would describing those GOP defenders who have lost their collective minds. First the  “No Collusion” mantra. Now the “No Quid Pro Quo,” when it’s as plain as the orange face on Trump’s head.

Steve Scalise, treated respectfully and sympathetically by Democrats after his being shot and wounded on that Alexandria ballfield, didn’t hesitate to be among crass crazies crashing the deposition today in the impeachment hearing. 

That’s nearly as much time as I can waste maligning a man who needs no maligning–every time he speaks or tweets he auto-deprecates himself. 

A final thought. My political prognoses have been a bit off lately. Nonetheless, I will hazard a guess (scientific or not) that Trump will not be on the ballot in 2020. Not only that, but the Democrats will take control of the Senate and perhaps gain more in the House. You heard it here.

America's Future, Politics

Impeachment, Indictment or Resignation–How Will It End?

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No, I Didn’t Forget about Trump

Some folks have said I should be on TV as a political pundit. Not happening. But I did get a lot of predictions right last year.  Let’s recap those [see notes for what I got right] and add some new ones:

March 19, 2018–almost a year ago, I predicted these indictments:
  • Fancy Bear, Cozy Bear  and Guccifer 2.0 (Russian hackers; Mueller indicted a bunch of them on July 13, 2018)
  • Wikileaks and Julian Assange (mistaken filing by prosecutor shows Assange has a sealed indictment pending)
  • Cambridge Analytica and possibly Brad Parscale (not yet, but I still expect it)
  • Roger Stone–yes!, finally
In August, 2018, I reiterated those predictions and considered adding Steve Bannon to the Cambridge Analytica indictment PLUS, predicted these winners:
  • Trump will never sit down with Mueller (he did submit written responses to questions–all the better to trap him)
  • Manafort will be convicted in his first trial and plead guilty in the second—whoa, did I nail this one!
  • The Democrats would have a massive victory in November, taking control of the house—YUP, nailed that
  • Mueller will NEVER issue a subpoena to Trump
  • The report will come out after the midterms (coming soon)
  • Trump may be named an unindicted co-conspirator (stay tuned and see below)
  • Trump will be unable to tolerate the investigations that will ensue in the House–“which will undoubtedly include examination of his personal and business tax returns”

A mistaken prediction:

  • Indictments of Americans will come in September–didn’t happen, but plenty already have been
    • Flynn
    • Gates
    • Papadopoulos
    • And more
In that August 19 post from last year, I noted that it would be 45 years since Nixon’s resignation on that date in 2019. A good commemorative  anniversary for Trump to pick as his day to go. Could still happen. But here’s my current assessment.
  • Sealed indictments, along with the Mueller report, of:
    • Donald Trump, Jr.
    • Jared Kushner
    • Trump himself
    • Probably Steve Bannon
    • Possibly Ivanka
  • More indictments from SDNY–stay tuned for predictions on those.
One more recap before the grand finale (for now) from way back in May, 2018.

Eventually, RICO charges will be filed against the Trump Organization–with the bulk of its assets seized by the US Government and the entity dissolved (this will take several years at a minimum)

Note that there is lots of discussion happening about RICO on the cable news channels. Just Google it.

So what’s next?
  • More hearings in the Democratic controlled House will drive Trump crazy–could have a stroke or gain ten more pounds anyway
  • SDNY could try to indict Trump this year (against OLC policy)
  • Shirt with Mueller in sunglasses and message "its Mueller Time"New York State will go after Trump big time
  • The Mueller Report
  • Trump may try to pardon the Trump Organization but may throw Don, Jr. under the bus if it’s either him or Jr. on the hook
  • Trump will NOT be in office for the 2020 election–I’ll handicap that in another post.
America's Future, Legal, Politics

Nixon Resigns on this day, 1974–Trump Next Year?

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Thanks to a reminder on cable news last night, I realized that an anniversary had arrived–Nixon formally tendered his resignation at noon on the 9th of August, 1974. Facing certain impeachment (and a conviction in the Senate) he had no other choice.

I still have copies of the complete coverage by the Washington Post that day. I watched the news from the student lounge at GULC, early in my first year of law school. A school where Sam Dash, Chief Counsel of the Watergate Committee, served as an adjunct professor. I cheered at the coverage and scoffed at then prominent newsman John Chancellor’s pronouncement of the sad day for America and that no one was celebrating at this departure. How wrong an assessment! I wasn’t the only one rejoicing.

So many cabinet officials, so many staff and even his first Vice-President went to jail. Spiro Agnew was simply a grifter, like “all the best people criminals“  hired by or appointed to the Trump administration. Nixon himself avoided jail, pardoned by his second Vice-President–Gerald Ford. That act assured that Ford would NOT be reelected after assuming office.

My prediction: many more members of the Trump administration will wind up behind bars than did those who worked for Nixon. But that’s a story for another day.

Here’s the scenario for Trump’s exit next year, based on my assessment of what will come of the Mueller investigation:

  • Indictments of Americans will come early in September for conspiracy and criminal acts associated with the Russian interference in the 2016 election (see my predictions about that earlier this year; I’m thinking of adding Bannon for his leadership at Cambridge Analytica and confirming Brad Parscale–NO family members or in-laws in September)
  • HOWEVER, Mueller will not issue a final report with recommendations to Congress in September or October mentioning Trump
  • Trump will NEVER sit down with Mueller voluntarily, NOR will Mueller issue a subpoena to Trump before the midterm elections (more below) ordering Trump’s appearance in front of the grand jury
  • Manafort will be convicted in his first trial, will plead guilty in the second one (scheduled for September) based on Trump’s promised (out of fear, not loyalty) pardon
  • The Democrats will take control of the House with a massive mandate in the midterms–the Senate is a possibility, but not highly likely
  • Depending on Trump’s actions, reactions and tweets after the indictments and the midterms, Mueller may issue a subpoena to Trump in mid-January–as the next Congress is seated
  • More likely, Mueller will NEVER issue a subpoena to Trump because Mueller gave Trump ample opportunity to appear voluntarily AND Mueller already has everything he needs for both conspiracy and obstruction without hearing from Trump
  • Not only that, but Trump will have become a target, not a subject of the investigation–meaning he shouldn’t appear before the grand jury
  • Mueller’s final report with recommendations will be issued after the midterms–I believe (perhaps hope is more accurate) this will be in mid-January, after the next Congress takes office
  • Mueller’s final actions will include additional indictments, naming Trump as an unindicted co-conspirator; he will cite Trump as having obstructed the investigation and participated in conspiring with the Russians
  • With no Russo-Publicans left to protect him in the House,Trump will be unable to tolerate the investigations which will ensue–investigations in the House (whether articles of impeachment are voted or not) which will undoubtedly include examination of his personal and business tax returns 
  •  He will resign by the summer of 2019–perhaps 45 years to the day, from Nixon’s resignation

 

 

America's Future, Politics

Trump Hits More Holes

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Diagram of Trump ties to Russia
From Congressman Eric Swalwell’s website

Uh, that’s golf–not the ones he bragged about on the Access Hollywood tape. On the course nine times (every weekend) in seven weeks since the inaugural, Trump is on schedule to be getting in 267 rounds over a four-year term. Obama, who Trump complained of wasting too much time golfing, managed 333—over two four-year terms.  Of course it’s unlikely Trump will make it through a full-term. He’ll be impeached or otherwise removed from office long before then.

Known as a pathological liar, it shouldn’t be surprising that his word on a handshake isn’t worth much either. He fired Preet Bharara today, while on a golf course in Virginia, after asking him to stay on as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. It also illustrates his lack of supposed business acumen (a farcical claim at best). Ask 46 US attorneys to resign–before even nominating, let alone confirming a single replacement. What happens to cases in progress? Ah, who cares. Same goes for the US State Department where most of the senior officials were let go–taking decades of institutional knowledge with them, without any replacements to step in.

So it’s clear enough that while Trump and his White House Wackos are concerned about the “Deep State,” where they’re taking the US is into Deep Sh-t. What comes from Trump’s White House is a shallow sewer of “alt-right” slime. It’s diseased water is filled with floating feces that have names–like Bannon, Gorka, Stephen Miller. They and their boss, the Golfer-in-Chief, revel in irrational and implausible  conspiracy theories while spewing hate in all directions.What comes from Trump's White House is a shallow sewer of alt-right slime Click To Tweet

How much meddling is Russia still exerting? What decisions and actions by Trump come at the behest of Vladimir Putin? Flynn lied. Sessions lied. Pence lied–when he said he’d never heard of Flynn working as an agent for Turkey despite receiving communications about personally addressed to him as head of the transition team. Each and every surrogate or spokesperson for Trump offers preposterous lies on a daily basis to the media. How many were in communication or actually met with the Russians and/or WikiLeaks and lied about it?

  • Paul Manafort
  • Roger Stone
  • Michael Flynn
  • Carter Page
  • Jeff Sessions
  • Jared Kushner

Why did Russian Oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev buy a Palm Beach mansion for $95 million in 2008, which Trump had purchased for $41 million? Trump made no improvements and never lived there. The mansion apparently has since been torn down. Why did Rybolovlev’s  plane land at the same airport in tiny Concord, NC, where Trump had a rally? Why did it follow to Charlotte, NC. Why was it in Las Vegas at the same time as Trump’s plane?  All of these “coincidences” were in 2017.  See the story at McClatchy.  Perhaps the money was a loan or a bribe from Putin? Perhaps the travel itineraries were for in-person information exchanges (whether with aides or the principals directly) that couldn’t be traced.

Political connections, business connections and much more between  the Trump empire and Russia. See US Congressman Eric Swalwell’s chart of the connections on this page.  Watch Rachel Maddow for regular updates on the mushrooming data showing how much has happened and consider what might still be happening–especially considering the hollowing out of the State Department, Putin’s buddy Rex Tillerson’s silence and shut-out of the media so far as Secretary of State. Most of all, consider Emperor Trump’s total avoidance of any commentary on the WikiLeaks dump of CIA tools. Perhaps he simply doesn’t care. Perhaps Roger Stone told him it was coming. Perhaps he’d like to see the US intelligence agencies fail.

Is it America First or Russia First? Will Trump be the first US president tried for treason? Will Pence pardon him like Gerald Ford did Nixon? Pence might get away with a pardon for violation of the emoluments clause or other financial misdeeds. No need for a pardon if Trump has a complete mental breakdown and must be removed from office.

Why are Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell in such a rush to get the repeal and replacement (AKA, “repeal and wreck”) of the Affordable Care Act done? Could it be they fear how soon that Congress will be consumed with removing Trump from office and potentially staving off Putin’s takeover? It seems clear to me that this is the only rational reason for haste. Once the investigations get into full swing, Congress will have little time for any other productive work.

 

America's Future, Humor, Politics

Alternative or Alternate Facts vs Truth

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UPDATED: Some Customs and Border Patrol agents may be going to jail or facing fines for refusing to obey Judge Brinkema’s order placing a stay on Trump’s executive order. That’s called contempt of court and Federal Judges don’t like it one bit. But hey what the hell does Trump care about laws, the US Constitution or the like. He’s the President–laws don’t apply to him. Here’s a link to just ONE of the stories about this abuse by CBP and the Trump administration.

Still doing satirical “Fake News” here. Is there a distinction between that and the alternative facts that the Trump empire puts out? Maybe, but I doubt it matters much. MOST of what follows is untrue, AKA fake or alternative. If I claim it to be true, you’ll know because I put a big T in front of it. We must hope and pray for the safety and survival of our democratic society and our economic welfare. Don’t give up! Fight back by calling, messaging or visiting your elected officials.

ALT FACTs below. None are deemed true unless indicated. BUT who knows, many could become true!

After his one-hour call with Vladimir “Puta” Putin on January 27, El Presidenté Trump issued the following executive order today:

All Federal publications must now come with a Russian language version. Additionally, all road signs in the Interstate Highway System will be replaced (on their ordinary maintenance schedule) with signs in both English and Russian. On an expedited schedule, international airports within the US must replace all signage and communication displays (including arrival, departure and other information) with ones in both English and Russian.

As a related matter, Trump has directed his Education Secretary nominee, Betsy “Devo” DeVos to develop a Russian language immersion curriculum for distribution to elementary schools across the country as soon as she takes office.

In the meantime, Trump son Barron will be taking a rapid learning course in Russian. Melania and the many adult Trump children will begin Russian language studies as soon as possible. It’s rumored that these steps are a precautionary measure should Trump need to quickly relocate to a dacha in Russia. BFF Vlad has promised the family sanctuary if ever needed.

 

We have learned that G. Gordon Liddy will introduce a showing of Leni Riefenstahl’s movie, “Triumph of the Will,” at the White House. As you may recall, Liddy played the movie at the White House for the “Plumbers” during the Nixon administration. This comes at the request of Steve “Butthead” Bannon. People are saying that Butthead may ask Liddy to come out of retirement to join him as a deputy adviser. On a somewhat related matter, two Butthead cronies from DarkFart (AKA Not-So-Brightbart) will be joining him at the White House. Here’s a little sample of Hitler’s propaganda video. Judge for yourself it looks or sounds familiar.

(A True sentence is included in this paragraph, in red color and enclosed within brackets.) At the same time, Beavis (AKA Donald Trump) issued another executive order providing that Butthead will be a [“principal” attending all National Security Council meetings while the Director of National Intelligence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  would be invited to attend where issues pertaining to their responsibilities and expertise are to be discussed.] 

So it seems obvious that Beavis prefers national security to be a matter of politics directed by the White Nationalist/self-described Leninist Butthead–rather than non-partisan experts. 

 

People in Las Vegas are saying that oddsmakers have begun taking bets on how many months of his four-year term Trump will actually serve. Almost no one believes that he might resign in the face of impeachment or any other scandal, as did Richard Nixon in 1974. That would confirm him as a loser, something that he couldn’t accept. Rather, the bets people want to make are based on the prospect of these three reasons he might be removed from office:

Impeachment due to violation of the emoluments clause of the US Constitution (receiving financial benefits from foreign governments)

Impeachment for treason or other criminal offenses associated with his involvement with Russia.

Removal under Article 4 of the 25th amendment for inability to discharge the duties of his office. Why? For a mental disability—like dementia, Alzheimer’s or some other mental disorder. This can be accomplished by the Vice President and a majority of cabinet officials submitting such a declaration to the President pro tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.

The last of the three might be politically unlikely, but if he really pisses off the GOP leaders of Congress, it could happen. They undoubtedly would be happy with Mike Pence taking over. How off is Trump? Well all you have to do is listen to a few of his statements or read his tweets. Like the obsession about the inaugural crowd size. As Chico Marx said in Duck Soup, “Who you gonna believe—me or your own eyes?” Or the voter fraud–3-5 million people voting for Hillary

This just in: Trump is now saying he has proof from UFO experts that pod people cast votes for Clinton AND that those votes accounted for her popular vote win. 

Or consider his problem of contradicting his own past statements, repeatedly. Is he lying or does he really not remember what he said? Does he even know the difference between fact and fiction? Is he already demented or is he simply a pathological liar. Hard to say. Either way, it’s a national security issue because the rest of the world won’t know whether to believe anything Trump says.