Displaying 61 To 90 Of 131 Comments A ‘Sham Trial’ Will Not Exonerate Trump I agree. Though some are saying that the alt-right may just blow up the “old” Republican Party; I don’t think that they will, or can. Finally, this may be the issue that breaks Thrump’s throne: his dishonorable conduct during his impeachment. We’re better than that. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 18, 2020 @ 10:53 am That you very much for your glosses and additions to my reading list. That’s exactly what I need » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 9:40 am As to full disclosure: I believe that I am a spiritual being, sojourning ever so briefly in this material plane. I have found that the best way for me to cope in this (really stupid) world is to keep the attitude of an anthropologist from another galaxy, and a student of comparative religion. But I never completely lose the urge to smack ’em right in the mouth. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 9:37 am Top three. The Glass Bead Game wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about the elegance with which we play the game. That is the soul of art, and the meaning of life. You have that elegance. I think of myself as more a Joseph than a Harry. I finally understand that life is the, “Theatre of the absurd.” And like Heller, I had to learn that the hard way, and through a serious of “chance” encounters. But like the “Magister,” I believe in the light. I think that you and I were separated at birth or something. Jeez! » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 9:23 am Maybe you’re feeling a little unfocused still (I am hep to your rap! I’ve been there. Finally figured out that I should have more respect for myself than that; to be: “wrecked, thrown up on a reef, bottom ripped out, derelict, and a hazard to navigation:” because of one little woman.) But you are obviously very talented, and very knowledgeable. I, for one, appreciate having an expert, lay or professional, who does know the recent history of Iran, and everything within their orbit, for the last ten-to-twenty years on the team. Looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 8:42 am I don’t mean to be all: “doom and gloom.” But I think that Trump and Pompeo are capable of starting a world war, and if Moslems are convinced that the destruction of Islam is America’s “Final Solution,” then war cannot be avoided. Attacking the Council, or cultural sites, would suffice. If Islam itself is the target, and America really is controlled by war-mongering, pseudo-religionists, then… well; it’s in God’s hands. Wasn’t it Goering who said, “Sometimes I think God isn’t on our side.” God isn’t dead, he just joined the Republican Party. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 8:16 am Evangelical Christian eschatology says that: “Every knee will bow, and every tongue shall praise… ” means that there won’t be any more Moslems – AND – that there will be no more Islam. Their goal, and their fantasy, is obvious. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 7:38 am Has America Ever Really Been A Democracy? You just gave out information that could reveal my identify – and possibly get me killed. I think you did it on porpose. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 12, 2020 @ 6:18 am Wasn’t it Joe Biden who said, “I can’t wait to bulldoze the house of one of them.” My main point was about racism and injustice. But, you knew that, I think. Yes, the Nixon administration coined the phrase; but the Clintons should have known better. Many things that the Clintons did were inexplicable: like the missile attacks on Sarajevo. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 12, 2020 @ 6:11 am Oh yes she has! And she’s called me worse than that. She should have been the President most identified with my generation, the Counterculture. We don’t get to have “our” President though. But, if there is one lesson learned in the last two years, it is that they are all far too much alike. We were informed by art: the photos of the Clintons at trump’s wedding, and of them all partying with that dumb patsy, Jeffrey Epstein. And many of us acknowledged what we should have known all the time. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 11, 2020 @ 7:30 am I certainly admire Sec. Clinton’s courage and grace. Her life was in danger every second on the campaign trail. But, when an attacker attempted to charge the stage at an event where she was speaking, she didn’t flinch, or back off even a millimeter. She gently laid her hand on the arm of the giant at her side, and he froze, as if enchanted. When nearly the same thing happened to trump, he had to be dragged offstage, with two giants supporting him by his upper arms. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 11, 2020 @ 6:51 am Russia is clearly way ahead on a Space Force. If they have a hyperspeed nuclear missile (17,500 mph), then they outclass us without going into space. They probably do. The technical ability already exists. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 11:03 am That’s what I’ve been harping on, that neither party is any good at discerning political realities, and that the Democratic Party has failed miserably to understand the mind of the public. » Posted By Steppenwolf On January 10, 2020 @ 10:51 am Projection Is Confession: Decoding Trump’s ‘Tells’ I couldn’t agree more. I would even go so far as to say that if one looks carefully at the actual discussion (between Liberals and Conservatives), the disagreement may not actually be about truth at all, but reality. Our version of reality is based on a five thousand year progressive tradition. The greatest minds of all time inspired and contributed to it. There’s is based on anti-intellectualism, hatred of the new, the worship of power, and the addiction of libertinism. You know – politics. On both sides, some people define “reality” in terms of politics. And that, it seems to me, is willful slavery. How did we go through such a radical change in our principles and not even know it? Ask Putin, he’s the expert. But this allowing politics to define reality will likely be our ruin. » Posted By Steppenwolf On December 31, 2019 @ 8:39 am Good work, and it’s absolutely time that this was talked about. I might add: I find it interesting that Trump doesn’t just do this reactively, but also proactively. I think that that’s important, because he confesses (or brags about) to criminal acts, and denies them, that we don’t even know about yet. Let’s try this (I love games): Okay: Trump said (or implied), in the infamous, “Summary,” that, “We can’t have Joe Biden snooping around here (The dog).” Translation: “We are planning something really big, and really dirty. It will require numerous crimes be committed now, and during the takeover. The last thing we need is another “Law Dog” snooping around. If he gets even a whiff, then it means Florence, or exile.” How did I do? » Posted By Steppenwolf On December 31, 2019 @ 8:08 am Weekend Music Thread – Sweet Emotion » Posted By Steppenwolf On December 7, 2019 @ 11:37 am Facing Facts: The GOP is a Russian Asset And, so thorough. » Posted By Steppenwolf On December 7, 2019 @ 7:05 am You are the champ! You really laid it out plain, the fix that we are in. And you added something fairly new to the conversation, that Russian/criminal influence is not only very effectively interfering in all of our electoral processes, and now also into the workings of government. » Posted By Steppenwolf On December 7, 2019 @ 7:03 am Impeachment Without Removal, But With Strong Censure You are right. I didn’t make the connection well. Censure may not have any “legal force,” but it is a powerful social influence. I mention two cases in point. I mention them because they have solid legal foundation: First, it is a violation of federal law to deny due process to asylum seekers. Censure doesn’t focus on the technical infraction, but on the the immoral nature of the crime. Censure could actually make a difference in the only court that really counts, the public. It says that in their official capacity, Congress believes that Trump has committed the most serious crimes – the most important. Crimes that we all know are wrongs. And concerning the wall: all uses of Presidential power are subject to Congressional review within six months; and may be reviewed for approval at any time. Is it not possible that using “moral force” might turn the tide. Strong, official condemnation that will show what we really think – what we really believe. It’s drawing a line in the sand. » Posted By Steppenwolf On December 6, 2019 @ 9:13 am Double-Cross! Schiff Bizarrely Risks Everything On Ukraine One final note. I think that Adam Schiff let Trump completely off the hook. If Schiff reduces the impeachment to just the Ukraine, then the press will start playing it as simply a disagreement about a phone call, or a letter; and was or was not the tactic he used within his prerogative in the first place. And the President’s lawyers will say: “Remember that the House of Representatives accused the President of all manner of crime and wrongdoing, and now we are down to a phone call. This is ridiculous! What sane person would take away the office of the Presidency because of a phone call, the tone of which makes you feel uncomfortable. These are tough customers that the President is dealing with. He has to be tough.” -30- » Posted By Steppenwolf On November 26, 2019 @ 8:02 pm The Facts About Impeaching Trump That Republicans Don’t Want You to Know Excellent! I too believe that Barr is as great a danger to democracy as Trump, as you state near the conclusion. He may, any day now, attempt to invalidate the Inquiry. He will interfere with the 2020 elections. Trump may not technically be a traitor, because of his senility; but Barr knows perfectly well what he is doing – he has planned this his whole life – he is betraying his trust, and violating his Oath of Office. » Posted By Steppenwolf On November 22, 2019 @ 12:22 pm Republicans Break Laws to Stop Impeachment Hearings From Investigating Lawbreaking Excellent piece. It occurred to me that you are using language, and tone, in several places that hardly would have been printable even just a year ago; as when you point out that the doj is corrupt. I applaud you. I think that we may be starting a new “Dialogue.” There once was a “Great Dialogue” in which all “Western” men participated. You might call that a “withered vine.” Maybe we can graft a new growth on the old. We have strong roots. There’s one thing that I might add to your conclusion: We can’t just get rid of the old, bad blood; we have to at least begin to make things right; not “again,” but “finally.” We Democrats have to deliver – this time. Or pack up and go home. And just turn the world over to the tribalist hate mongers and their slavish followers. We have to make long-range plans, and set goals. Together, somehow. We have to do the things that we always knew were needed; like accessible healthcare, qualify education, sunlight in government; and we have to put an end to this corruption that is epidemic and rampant. If we can kill the cancer – Trump – then we have to start thinking about what it means to be well. » Posted By Steppenwolf On October 24, 2019 @ 8:08 am Impeachment Is Happening…But This Wasn’t The Plan I don’t find it “convoluted logic” to reason from what what I know that the timing is perfect for Trump. Congress is starting a fight that they can’t finish – that they cannot win; and everyone, just everyone, is foaming at the mouth to see the Democratic Party, “charge down the guns,” and lose. Why was this a “whistle-blower’s complaint” in the first place? The complainant had no reason to believe that he could not just report whatever he knew; his agency-level chiefs were not hostile to him. And, obviously there was no reason for haste; there hasn’t been any. This is “Op-Ed2!” Trump is best served by impeachment proceedings that start now, and are begun with a minority. Think about it. So Trump made it happen now. (And, at least at first, it seems, fooled Nancy Pelosi.) There’s another aspect to this: When the whistle-blower resorted to whistle blowing, he accused many co-workers. Whistle-blower Laws should be a last resort. Trump would never even think about how he might be impugning the reputations of friends. Neither would he be capable of comprehending that it’s obvious that he is using (and breaking) whistle-blower laws to his advantage. And, one bigly big thing: no one has actually stated that the reason for the whistle-blower complaint was the payments. We can assume that the Ukrainian President, of all people, has a sense of humor. He would not be much of a negotiator if he took Trump’s first threat as his final offer. And, we aren’t much of a people, us “Americans,” if we let the rabbit pass right under our noses, because we are intellectual weaklings and moral cowards. Y’all be cool. Goodbye! I am truly disgusted with this country, in every conceivable way. » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 25, 2019 @ 8:54 am The Fiction That Is the Constitutional “System of Checks and Balances”…. Excellent! » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 21, 2019 @ 11:12 am Britain is considering creating a “written constitution.” Imagine if they were to write a document closely comparable to our Constitution of 1787: Incomplete, and poorly thought through; avoiding the most serious issues. I’m sure that Britain, if they ever do it, would endeavor to be thorough, with clear definitions and with examples throughout. And, clear assignments of responsibility and duty. In America, our original “dictator” is a ragged document, written in haste, inadequately discussed, containing endless numbers of logical flaws and omissions. It may as well be written in stone, because it is almost impossible to change. And the Agrarianists worship it as sublimity, in nearly complete ignorance – cultivated ignorance. Now the Constitution has been damaged beyond repair. Ryan, McConnell and Trump have taken advantage of the weaknesses in the Constitution and killed it with the “death of a thousand cuts.” We never knew it, but our constitution was always sadly inadequate; and it had to supported by a host of “gentleman’s agreements.” Republicans threw out the gentleman’s agreements and broke faith. They attacked the “fundamental law” at every weak point; and they used their highly partisan Supreme Court to enshrine into law the breaking of faith. The Constitution is a mere shadow of its former self. Maybe it’s time we stopped listening to crooked politicians and nutty “influencers;” and tired old documents written by total strangers, and tried governing ourselves. » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 21, 2019 @ 10:47 am “Whistle-blower” Isn’t All That Complicated! If Rudy Giuliani really, really was acting “privately” when he discussed ways to damage Trump’s principal political opponent with the president of a country that Trump himself accused of being hostile to Democratic reforms; then, DIDN’T RUDY LOSE HIS IMMUNITY? As I understand it, as long as he’s under the umbrella of “executive privilege” he’s covered; but when he intentionally declares that the act in question was personal, he is subject to the law like anyone else. Get ready for a barrage of conflicting, ridiculous lies. No, not just tonight’s tweet-storm; an “ORGANIZED, PREMEDITATED PATTERN OF LIES!” » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 21, 2019 @ 7:53 am Lewandowski Admits To Lying, Stonewalls And Delays Regardless of whether or not he was under orders, Lewandowski’s belligerent attitude and aggression are contempt. On the other thread; why the hell is Trump allowed to create a mutiny by ordering his staff not to cooperate with a congressional invesigation into Executive Branch corruption? » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 21, 2019 @ 11:30 am Looks to me like according to the U.C.M.J. (Uniform Code of Military Justice); to refuse an order, or refuse to follow procedures or regulations (aggravated by belligerence and mitigated by incompetence) is “dereliction of duty.” You can be relieved of duty, lose pay, or be sentenced to six months imprisonment, at “hard labor” for each count. “relieved of duty” would seem to be a key phrase. Dereliction of Duty. This is not to question Trump’s competence, but his conduct. » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 19, 2019 @ 8:57 am Weekend Music Thread – Winning » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 15, 2019 @ 9:27 am UK’s Economy On The Brink As Parliament Scuffles Thank you very much for participating. You’re right, of course that elections (and attitudes toward issues) can be affected, skewed and distorted, and changed by ethically questionable methods or outright criminal acts (or negligence).. But, what I was talking about is that I have never seen anyone influence another about a political issue using only reason and a presentation of their opinions. I’ve seen people try, for years. To me, it’s a sickness, this always trying to change people to be more like yourself. I’ve seen people change – a lot, lately. » Posted By Steppenwolf On September 20, 2019 @ 9:07 amComments Posted By Steppenwolf
I do think that Trump & Co. have already done everything necessary to unseat “What’s His Name:” Drump is doing everything that he can to tamper with the jury in his own trial. And John Roberts may have a surprise or two he’s waiting to spring on us. That’s not going to be appreciated. Nobody, Republican or Democrat, likes being lied to: you can’t trust a man who lies for no reason. Nobody, sure as hell, wants to take the rap for a treasonous psychopath when all is said and done.
I didn’t say there was one picture. You said that. And that is trolling.
Prohibition doesn’t work! The various prohibitions have never worked. They increase smuggling, enable and support organized crime; and they bury people alive in a hellish prison system who have done no harm. Of course drugs are an escape. From people like you. People who never fairly discuss any subject. You edit “my beliefs.” That’s the key to trollery, isn’t it? To answer every question partially. My writing is intended to be considered as a whole. I’m sorry that you didn’t understand that my main point was injustice. I will try harder.
To say that what I’m saying supports Republican criticisms of Sec. Clinton. I think that’s simply not true. Let the readers be the judge.
I call telling the truth being loyal to my party. Ive been a Democrat for about a half-century. I’ve worked for a Republican governor, with a Democratic Chief of Staff. I’ve made tv commercials for democratic candidates. I helped a Republican First Lady achieve a dream. The widow of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King hugged me warmly, and said, “thank you for your service. I think that I’m a Democrat.
Also, your retort does not mention my main point. That’s interesting. I didn’t expect that from you.
But, do you remember the girl (she was a girl when it started) from Nebraska who passed a joint at a party. That was determined to be “possession,” and she received a mandatory punishment of life imprisonment.
I can’t forget her, or the five million who have crushed, their families ripped apart, because of a ridiculous prejudice. I think it is perfectly fair that Bill and Hillary Clinton take their share of the blame for this atrocity. There are millions of people who think like I do.
And you are entitled to close your eyes to this monstrous injustice and ignore the 500 lb. gorilla sitting on your couch. I am obliged not to.
Hillary? A First Lady with a rather unspectacular career as a civil servant, who had a shot at the Bigs; but blew it because she failed to actually say anything. She became a live target for the Base. They killed her political aspirations. I would never have voted for her, because she was in the inner circle of the devisers of the “War on Drugs/The People.” I have often said that Hillary Clinton eats sh*t and runs rabbits; but I have never once called her a “bitch.” I swear.
The only real question now is, “How long has this been going on; and exactly how extensive is the damage?” Some time back, I posited that the 2000 presidential election was a: “dress rehearsal.” But I am getting these strange resonances to the Nixon impeachment. Could it, the “Selling of America,” have it’s origins even earlier?
Imagine: these people actually sold their souls, for money, power, and sex! So many lives will be shattered.
Again: this is awesome work. So connected. So daring. Thanks.
It’s not really a very good argument, but it would win, and likely hand the election to Trump.
To quote a line from that classic movie, “Leatherheads:” “Shit!”
And Trump may get immunity from subsequent prosecution because of Schiff’s decision. If impeachment enables future prosecution, then the whole House not impeaching could be argued to be like an acquittal.
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