And, when will SCOTUS start defending the constitution and rule of law?
)Following is my initial response to today’s post):
Dear SCOTUS,
Uh, just as a friendly reminder, it actually IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY (as in JOB) to “safeguard the rights and freedoms of the American people by striking down any laws that violate the Constitution.
AND, as the head of the judicial branch, you all are actually supposed to function as a necessary and vital component of the U.S. government's checks and balances system. (YES, REALLY. So you may wanna rethink that whole blanket IMMUNITY thingy you gave to the dumpster fire aka the twice impeached, convicted felon who sexually assaults women. JS)
Oh, and remember this part? It actually IS part of your JOB description to ensure equal justice for ALL Americans, by upholding the bedrock, the core principles of rule of the law. In fact, in case you’ve forgotten, you all do ACTUALLY SERVE as THE ULTIMATE ARBITER of the Constitution, to ensure that ALL laws and actions by the legislative and executive branches adhere to its principles.” (Heady stuff, huh? Too much responsibility?)
So. (Deep sigh here.) Perhaps a mandatory annual review along with some continuing ed courses that cover the Constitution and the rules of law would help?
BUT. (Another deep sigh…this is SO tedious.) IF you’re not actually up to the task, we’ll certainly find more qualified people to replace you. OK?
Oh. And one more simple reminder: WE THE PEOPLE actually pay taxes for your salaries and your perks! SO DO YOUR FUCKING JOBS!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!
And have a nice day. 😘🥰💞🌈✌️ (Hyperventilating now…I think I better lie down for a while.)
I'll have to try it. Problem is, The Dingbat in the Oval Office stifles what little air I try to inhale! (At least I'm still around--for the moment, that is......)
Place your right hand gently over your heart. Then slowly take 5 deep breaths. It works to calm everything down and creates a true feeling of safety. 💖
SCOTUS is part of this. They are complicit, they are Federalist Society, they are MAGA. When you have a 6-3 court, they will go with the program every time. That's always been part of the program & the program is Project 2025.
Exactly. This was meant to be satire. Obviously the fix is in as far as SCOTUS goes. They have been part of this shift to unilaterally control for decades…🤓🥹🙁😩🤬
The Supremes need to repeat the Judicial Oath of office every Monday in public before oral arguments.
28 U.S. Code § 453 - Oaths of justices and judges
Each justice or judge of the United States shall take the following oath or affirmation before performing the duties of his office: “I, ___ ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as ___ under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.”
It's that simple, I fully agree with you, Merry. Apart from an article in the Guardian, this is the first time the position of the army is questioned and what side they will choose if the shit hits the fan. The Generals have been humiliated by Trump / Hegseth, but like in the civil world, too many people do not understand what is right or wrong. Looking at the situation in the US where Congress can be side lined, Pete Hegseth, the would be leader, will find ways to fool enough, even little top brass staff, to go for another coup, like 06/01, I am afraid.
The US Dems should address this danger and, taking into consideration that generals are normally disciplined people, YOU the PEOPLE may convince them to side with YOU.
Thanks for your response. I appreciate your concern.
I’ve always been registered as an independent, for a reason: I like to evaluate individuals before I choose any politician to represent me, and I’m smart enough to see through the BS. So I was absolutely STUNNED when DJT won in 2016, because, as a prior Manhattanite, I had been following his career for decades. And I already knew EXACTLY who he is: a vulgar, vindictive, power-hungry, corrupt, liar, cheat, bigot, bully, misogynist who preys on and assaults women, and a shameless narcissistic mob boss, a grifter/conman. Rules and laws mean nothing to him. He’s an empty vessel filled with bravado who knows how to create a false image. No integrity, no moral compass, no sense of decency, no personal values. And here we are.
But you’re right. Most Americans - or enough to get him elected - WERE fooled, (gerrymandering and EC issues aside). And I suspect that the election was rigged in 2024.
Still though, from my perspective, Hegseth is an absolute fool! The most unqualified idiot to serve as defense secretary. Which can likewise be said about the rest of the trump administration.
Yes. Younger recruits may be vulnerable to Hegseth’s rhetoric, but top brass military officials, Flynn aside, who have decades of experience, are not as likely to be fooled by this clown show. They didn’t get where they are by being idiots.
In any case, here we are. And our country, our democracy is RAPIDLY being destroyed and morphed into an authoritarian dictatorship regime. By design, ie P2025. It’s absolutely HORRIFYING. INSANE. UNBELIEVABLE. EXHAUSTING.
And at this point I’m uncertain how this ends (CIA perhaps?), but with America’s obsession with assault rifles, I suspect Trump will declare martial law, that could then lead to another civil war.
AI generated…
In October 2025, a retired U.S. Marine colonel, Mark Cancian, expressed relief after a speech by Trump and Hegseth did not include demands for endorsing partisan policies, but still noted the unusual and potentially concerning nature of the meeting.
In 2020, retired General Mark Milley, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, clashed with Trump over the deployment of active-duty troops to U.S. cities, a position that drew Trump's ire.
In 2023, retired four-star Army General Barry McCaffrey publicly called Trump a "serious threat to US national security".
In 2020, General John Allen, former commander of American forces in Afghanistan, warned that Trump's actions could signal "the beginning of the end of the American experiment".
REFUSE to go into the cities to police them. The Commander of all military branches should make it clear to the j**a** in the Oval Office that their job to DEFEND the country (and the CONSTITUTION), not to obey the Dictator/Nazi/Communist in the Oval Office and his Gestapo Party.
Well, either high ranking military officers take their oaths seriously or they don’t.
And if they do, which I suspect is the case, then they need to unify and consolidate their power against the madness of king Donny and order their troops to follow their commands.
Dictator wannabe can try to dismiss them, but legally, it gets a little blurry.
SCOTUS lit the fire. Now the military seems to be the most likely next step to stop him. Or Congress, which demented Donny seems to control.
What a conundrum. But it’s obvious that the narcissistic psychopathic lunatic will NOT STOP, until someone stops him.
“When a sitting commander in chief authorizes acts like these, which many assert are clear violations of the law, men and women in uniform face an ethical dilemma: How should they respond to an order they believe is illegal?
Well, either high ranking military officers take their oaths seriously or they don’t.
And if they do, which I suspect is the case, then they need to unify and consolidate their power against the madness of king Donny and order their troops to follow their commands.
Dictator wannabe can try to dismiss them, but legally, it gets a little blurry
SCOTUS lit the fire. Now the military seems to be the most likely next step to stop him. Or Congress, which demented Donny seems to control.
What a conundrum. But it’s obvious that the narcissistic psychopathic lunatic will NOT STOP, until someone stops him.
“When a sitting commander in chief authorizes acts like these, which many assert are clear violations of the law, men and women in uniform face an ethical dilemma: How should they respond to an order they believe is illegal?
Exactly what I have been thinking. The military has to see what is happening and they have stated they protect the people of America not one person. They can see what is happening. We need our military
Only up until October 13 I believe. She can be sworn in sooner if they wanted to, but they won’t. But officially Arizona certifies her on October 13 and she must be sworn in.
I would hope so - the Republicans have held America hostage for far too long. I live in NC and our MAGA majority legislature just does not even show up to work!!! They take their cues from DC.
The time for thinking someone else is going to solve this INSANITY is OVER. It's going to take EVERYYYYYYONE NOW doing EVERYTHING THEY PERSONALLY CAN TO REVERSE THIS DISASTER !!! If not... there may be soon no country left to save !!!!
By whom and using what lawful, peaceful means? If you are waiting on the VP and the Cabinet under Amendment 25(4), that will happen the day after he is impeached and convicted. The Framers never imagined the "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" gang
Cash Patel is a petulant child and he is not qualified to have any role in the FBI. His loyalty is to Satan, not the USA Constitution nor We The People.
The morphing of dictators: why dictators get worse over time Open Access by Kaushik Basu; Oxford Open Economics, Volume 2, 2023, 14 February 2023 https://tinyurl.com/2pkrs2jf
If the leader indulges in a certain amount of evil in order to remain in power and does thereby manage to stay in power, then … in the future there may be an additional reason to want to stay in power. The evil acts of the earlier terms in office could mean that exit from office will be more costly. You will face inquiries about your acts while in office and may be punished. This will prompt greater evil acts to stay on in office, and that will make the exit option even worse, and the inexorable logic of this continues.
There is however a ‘mistake’ the leader makes here. … That is the mistake of not being far-sighted enough. Typically, if you indulge in evil and stay in power, your cost of exit in the next period will rise. That is, in the next period, the payoff from exiting from power ... will be lower. There will be inquiries about why you, as president or prime minister, indulged in unlawful, evil acts? There may be cases brought against you; and you may even be incarcerated. This has happened to leaders in history.
The process of morphing into a tyrant is inexorable. The consequence of the cost of exit getting higher in each term is that you will have to indulge in even greater political intrigue, ruthlessness and evil to make sure you do not get thrown out of office. The following period you have to do even more. Ultimately, you morph into late stage … Putin.
"Stories about giant yōkai rats have been a part of Japanese and Chinese folklore since ancient times. There is an old saying: “kyūso neko wo kamu” (“a cornered rat will bite a cat”)." https://tinyurl.com/43yhyx6w
I have been seeing more Republicans leaning left . As more nonsense Trump pulls . So I really hope that trend continues. I sincerely hope it reaches my MAGA family who calls me crazy and miss guided.
Michael, you are brilliant. I hope law schools are using your analysis of what happening in the courts, especially SCOTUS, to spur meaningful discussions of rulings that are affecting our democracy.
"The penalty structure for violations of the Hatch Act by federal employees includes removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000." U.S. Office of Special Counsel https://osc.gov/Services/Pages/HatchAct-Federal.aspx#tabGroup51
The time has come for Americans to understand that true change in an age of corporate capture and authoritarian drift cannot be achieved without discomfort. Real reform—whether against a corrupt government or a predatory market—has always depended on sustained moral pressure from the people, and that pressure must be felt economically.
Thanks for sharing this. From the link: "It is time for Americans to turn their attention to economic sacrifice—conscious, disciplined withholding of consumption—to force accountability where ballots and appeals have been blunted. ... When Americans begin to choose local cooperatives over corporate chains, public transit over gas-fueled excess, and slower, simpler ownership models over disposable consumption, it is not self-denial—it is political strike. It is the assertion that freedom is not compatible with passive dependency."
[In] August 2022, District Judge Aileen Cannon rejected two filings Halligan submitted for failing to comply with local procedures. The judge directed Halligan to the court’s website for instructions on how to file the documents correctly. Two days later, Halligan submitted a notice updating her contact information. That filing was similarly rejected by the court. “Attorney has not followed the required procedures for updating their address with the Court,” a court notice explained. “See the Court’s website for detailed instructions.” Mother Jones, September 24, 2025 https://tinyurl.com/j23fd6j3
When will the military act to defend the Constitution?
I believe LE and the military need to go in to cities and arrest the unlawful ICE a-holes (proud boys, KKK, etc)
Apparently, hour military is caving to the Nazis.
Respectfully, I disagree.
Why do you disagree and why aren't they honoring their sworn oaths?
I disagree that Military is caving to Nazis. No further remarks are necessary. I don't post to start back and forth drivel.
I wasn't aware that a conversation was drivel. Just curious as to when the military should honor their vows. Have a great remainder of your day.
Just found the “block ‘em” choice. Poof! LMAO
And, when will SCOTUS start defending the constitution and rule of law?
)Following is my initial response to today’s post):
Dear SCOTUS,
Uh, just as a friendly reminder, it actually IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY (as in JOB) to “safeguard the rights and freedoms of the American people by striking down any laws that violate the Constitution.
AND, as the head of the judicial branch, you all are actually supposed to function as a necessary and vital component of the U.S. government's checks and balances system. (YES, REALLY. So you may wanna rethink that whole blanket IMMUNITY thingy you gave to the dumpster fire aka the twice impeached, convicted felon who sexually assaults women. JS)
Oh, and remember this part? It actually IS part of your JOB description to ensure equal justice for ALL Americans, by upholding the bedrock, the core principles of rule of the law. In fact, in case you’ve forgotten, you all do ACTUALLY SERVE as THE ULTIMATE ARBITER of the Constitution, to ensure that ALL laws and actions by the legislative and executive branches adhere to its principles.” (Heady stuff, huh? Too much responsibility?)
So. (Deep sigh here.) Perhaps a mandatory annual review along with some continuing ed courses that cover the Constitution and the rules of law would help?
BUT. (Another deep sigh…this is SO tedious.) IF you’re not actually up to the task, we’ll certainly find more qualified people to replace you. OK?
Oh. And one more simple reminder: WE THE PEOPLE actually pay taxes for your salaries and your perks! SO DO YOUR FUCKING JOBS!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!
And have a nice day. 😘🥰💞🌈✌️ (Hyperventilating now…I think I better lie down for a while.)
https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/about.aspx
Excellent! Unfortunately, the bimbo in the Oval Office thinks HE is the "constitution" and the bill of law.
Practice deep breathing. It is truly helping me cope with this tRUMPus mess.
I'll have to try it. Problem is, The Dingbat in the Oval Office stifles what little air I try to inhale! (At least I'm still around--for the moment, that is......)
Place your right hand gently over your heart. Then slowly take 5 deep breaths. It works to calm everything down and creates a true feeling of safety. 💖
Thanks, Renegade.........good idea.
SCOTUS is part of this. They are complicit, they are Federalist Society, they are MAGA. When you have a 6-3 court, they will go with the program every time. That's always been part of the program & the program is Project 2025.
Exactly. This was meant to be satire. Obviously the fix is in as far as SCOTUS goes. They have been part of this shift to unilaterally control for decades…🤓🥹🙁😩🤬
The Supremes need to repeat the Judicial Oath of office every Monday in public before oral arguments.
28 U.S. Code § 453 - Oaths of justices and judges
Each justice or judge of the United States shall take the following oath or affirmation before performing the duties of his office: “I, ___ ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as ___ under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.”
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/28/453
Yes they do! Thanks for reference. (I’m a certified, card-carrying nerd 🤓)
SCOTUS certainly seems to have forgotten what their role, their responsibilities and their duties are.
And who CHECKS the SCOTUS?
Crickets?
Actually - ”Five times Congress overrode the Supreme Court”
and One Justice was impeached, one resigned.
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/3483694-five-times-congress-overrode-the-supreme-court/#:~:text=The%2520Clinton%252Dera%2520case%2520arose,cigarettes%2520and%2520other%2520tobacco%2520products.&text=Around%2520the%2520turn%2520of%2520the,%252C%E2%80%9D%2520the%2520bill's%2520text%2520reads.
It's that simple, I fully agree with you, Merry. Apart from an article in the Guardian, this is the first time the position of the army is questioned and what side they will choose if the shit hits the fan. The Generals have been humiliated by Trump / Hegseth, but like in the civil world, too many people do not understand what is right or wrong. Looking at the situation in the US where Congress can be side lined, Pete Hegseth, the would be leader, will find ways to fool enough, even little top brass staff, to go for another coup, like 06/01, I am afraid.
The US Dems should address this danger and, taking into consideration that generals are normally disciplined people, YOU the PEOPLE may convince them to side with YOU.
We, in the Netherlands are equally concerned.
Thanks for your response. I appreciate your concern.
I’ve always been registered as an independent, for a reason: I like to evaluate individuals before I choose any politician to represent me, and I’m smart enough to see through the BS. So I was absolutely STUNNED when DJT won in 2016, because, as a prior Manhattanite, I had been following his career for decades. And I already knew EXACTLY who he is: a vulgar, vindictive, power-hungry, corrupt, liar, cheat, bigot, bully, misogynist who preys on and assaults women, and a shameless narcissistic mob boss, a grifter/conman. Rules and laws mean nothing to him. He’s an empty vessel filled with bravado who knows how to create a false image. No integrity, no moral compass, no sense of decency, no personal values. And here we are.
But you’re right. Most Americans - or enough to get him elected - WERE fooled, (gerrymandering and EC issues aside). And I suspect that the election was rigged in 2024.
Still though, from my perspective, Hegseth is an absolute fool! The most unqualified idiot to serve as defense secretary. Which can likewise be said about the rest of the trump administration.
Yes. Younger recruits may be vulnerable to Hegseth’s rhetoric, but top brass military officials, Flynn aside, who have decades of experience, are not as likely to be fooled by this clown show. They didn’t get where they are by being idiots.
In any case, here we are. And our country, our democracy is RAPIDLY being destroyed and morphed into an authoritarian dictatorship regime. By design, ie P2025. It’s absolutely HORRIFYING. INSANE. UNBELIEVABLE. EXHAUSTING.
And at this point I’m uncertain how this ends (CIA perhaps?), but with America’s obsession with assault rifles, I suspect Trump will declare martial law, that could then lead to another civil war.
AI generated…
In October 2025, a retired U.S. Marine colonel, Mark Cancian, expressed relief after a speech by Trump and Hegseth did not include demands for endorsing partisan policies, but still noted the unusual and potentially concerning nature of the meeting.
In 2020, retired General Mark Milley, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, clashed with Trump over the deployment of active-duty troops to U.S. cities, a position that drew Trump's ire.
In 2023, retired four-star Army General Barry McCaffrey publicly called Trump a "serious threat to US national security".
In 2020, General John Allen, former commander of American forces in Afghanistan, warned that Trump's actions could signal "the beginning of the end of the American experiment".
They are MIA.
What further acts do you propose that the military take "to defend the Constitution"?
REFUSE to go into the cities to police them. The Commander of all military branches should make it clear to the j**a** in the Oval Office that their job to DEFEND the country (and the CONSTITUTION), not to obey the Dictator/Nazi/Communist in the Oval Office and his Gestapo Party.
Think the head guy in the Oregon National Guards stated no troops deployed in his State.
Since when does Dictator Deranged Dingbat listen to anyone else but himself????
Do you know about Chicago? A woman got shot. I wonder if Oregon meant don’t come in if youare working for trump?
I'm sure she did! I know I would/do.
Read she drove herself to the hospital. Sue
Heard she drove herself to the hospital. Sue
My earlier response:
Well, either high ranking military officers take their oaths seriously or they don’t.
And if they do, which I suspect is the case, then they need to unify and consolidate their power against the madness of king Donny and order their troops to follow their commands.
Dictator wannabe can try to dismiss them, but legally, it gets a little blurry.
SCOTUS lit the fire. Now the military seems to be the most likely next step to stop him. Or Congress, which demented Donny seems to control.
What a conundrum. But it’s obvious that the narcissistic psychopathic lunatic will NOT STOP, until someone stops him.
“When a sitting commander in chief authorizes acts like these, which many assert are clear violations of the law, men and women in uniform face an ethical dilemma: How should they respond to an order they believe is illegal?
https://theconversation.com/4-out-of-5-us-troops-surveyed-understand-the-duty-to-disobey-illegal-orders-261929#:~:text=U.S.%2520service%2520members%2520take%2520an,illegal%2520%E2%80%94%2520they're%2520immoral.
https://sites.duke.edu/lawfire/2024/11/02/yes-the-law-of-military-orders-matters-and-heres-how/#:~:text=Regardless%20of%20who%20becomes%20President,and%20then%20decide%20for%20yourself!
Excellent, Merry! It's really too bad (that's putting it MILDLY) that the republiCRAPS--especially the diehard Dump supporters--just don't get it.
Thank you, Jean. My exact point!
You're welcome. Thanks for your response!
Well, either high ranking military officers take their oaths seriously or they don’t.
And if they do, which I suspect is the case, then they need to unify and consolidate their power against the madness of king Donny and order their troops to follow their commands.
Dictator wannabe can try to dismiss them, but legally, it gets a little blurry
SCOTUS lit the fire. Now the military seems to be the most likely next step to stop him. Or Congress, which demented Donny seems to control.
What a conundrum. But it’s obvious that the narcissistic psychopathic lunatic will NOT STOP, until someone stops him.
“When a sitting commander in chief authorizes acts like these, which many assert are clear violations of the law, men and women in uniform face an ethical dilemma: How should they respond to an order they believe is illegal?
https://theconversation.com/4-out-of-5-us-troops-surveyed-understand-the-duty-to-disobey-illegal-orders-261929#:~:text=U.S.%2520service%2520members%2520take%2520an,illegal%2520%E2%80%94%2520they're%2520immoral.
https://sites.duke.edu/lawfire/2024/11/02/yes-the-law-of-military-orders-matters-and-heres-how/#:~:text=Regardless%20of%20who%20becomes%20President,and%20then%20decide%20for%20yourself!
Exactly what I have been thinking. The military has to see what is happening and they have stated they protect the people of America not one person. They can see what is happening. We need our military
Is it illegal to withhold the vote in Congress?? Are there any steps which can be taken to reverse that?
Only up until October 13 I believe. She can be sworn in sooner if they wanted to, but they won’t. But officially Arizona certifies her on October 13 and she must be sworn in.
Like Gina (comment below mine), I sure hope to.
I would hope so - the Republicans have held America hostage for far too long. I live in NC and our MAGA majority legislature just does not even show up to work!!! They take their cues from DC.
Illegal doesn't matter to Trump and his Nazis.
Pedotrump threatens his own minions if they don’t vote the way he wants them to
The time for thinking someone else is going to solve this INSANITY is OVER. It's going to take EVERYYYYYYONE NOW doing EVERYTHING THEY PERSONALLY CAN TO REVERSE THIS DISASTER !!! If not... there may be soon no country left to save !!!!
Karolying Leavitt, Go fuck yourself!
Too busy doing that to the American public. Not at all sure what that says about her.
Great, however Too busy FKG DonaldpedoTrumo. Literally
I sincerely doubt that the Dumpster can manage that. His days of glory are long gone, no matter how much he may admire her lips or whatever.
....and be miserable doing that. It should hurt.
On some future day of reckoning, to some extent, she likely has. See, "Trials, Nuremberg."
Trump is Waging WAR against this country. WHEN WILL HE BE STOPPED?
By whom and using what lawful, peaceful means? If you are waiting on the VP and the Cabinet under Amendment 25(4), that will happen the day after he is impeached and convicted. The Framers never imagined the "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" gang
Oh and btw, next No Kings Day is Oct 18. nokings.org
100% of GOP is Guilty By Association
Republican Congress members are 100% complicit in the daily illegal orders coming out of the White House.
100% of GOP member of Congress is ordering ICE and the military to our cities. Every one of them wants this OR THEY WOULD STOP IT.
100% of GOP member of Congress wants to take away American’s healthcare. Every one of them wants this OR THEY WOULD STOP IT.
100% of GOP member of Congress wants to inflict Tarif Taxes on American farmers, businesses and the American people OR THEY WOULD STOP IT.
Every GOP member of Congress is 100% pro-pedophile OR THEY WOULD GET THE LIST.
Every Republican is 100% GUILTY by association OR THEY WOULD STOP IT THE RUIN OF AMERICA.
Dems are complicit too. So many afraid to vote the way we elected them to vote!
Epstein files please.
No one in this administration should be getting paid with this bullshit shutdown.
Cash Patel is a petulant child and he is not qualified to have any role in the FBI. His loyalty is to Satan, not the USA Constitution nor We The People.
The petulant children all need a playpen or at very least some bars to keep the house safe.
The morphing of dictators: why dictators get worse over time Open Access by Kaushik Basu; Oxford Open Economics, Volume 2, 2023, 14 February 2023 https://tinyurl.com/2pkrs2jf
If the leader indulges in a certain amount of evil in order to remain in power and does thereby manage to stay in power, then … in the future there may be an additional reason to want to stay in power. The evil acts of the earlier terms in office could mean that exit from office will be more costly. You will face inquiries about your acts while in office and may be punished. This will prompt greater evil acts to stay on in office, and that will make the exit option even worse, and the inexorable logic of this continues.
There is however a ‘mistake’ the leader makes here. … That is the mistake of not being far-sighted enough. Typically, if you indulge in evil and stay in power, your cost of exit in the next period will rise. That is, in the next period, the payoff from exiting from power ... will be lower. There will be inquiries about why you, as president or prime minister, indulged in unlawful, evil acts? There may be cases brought against you; and you may even be incarcerated. This has happened to leaders in history.
The process of morphing into a tyrant is inexorable. The consequence of the cost of exit getting higher in each term is that you will have to indulge in even greater political intrigue, ruthlessness and evil to make sure you do not get thrown out of office. The following period you have to do even more. Ultimately, you morph into late stage … Putin.
He's a cornered rat.
"Stories about giant yōkai rats have been a part of Japanese and Chinese folklore since ancient times. There is an old saying: “kyūso neko wo kamu” (“a cornered rat will bite a cat”)." https://tinyurl.com/43yhyx6w
I have been seeing more Republicans leaning left . As more nonsense Trump pulls . So I really hope that trend continues. I sincerely hope it reaches my MAGA family who calls me crazy and miss guided.
Sorry you have to endure that.
Michael, you are brilliant. I hope law schools are using your analysis of what happening in the courts, especially SCOTUS, to spur meaningful discussions of rulings that are affecting our democracy.
If Trump and his regime are constantly breaking laws, the hatch act, etc why isn't anyone filing charges against this bs
"The penalty structure for violations of the Hatch Act by federal employees includes removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000." U.S. Office of Special Counsel https://osc.gov/Services/Pages/HatchAct-Federal.aspx#tabGroup51
From Mark Mansour
The time has come for Americans to understand that true change in an age of corporate capture and authoritarian drift cannot be achieved without discomfort. Real reform—whether against a corrupt government or a predatory market—has always depended on sustained moral pressure from the people, and that pressure must be felt economically.
https://open.substack.com/pub/mmansour/p/its-time-to-recognize-that-this-ordeal?r=5f62tm&utm_medium=ios
Thanks for sharing this. From the link: "It is time for Americans to turn their attention to economic sacrifice—conscious, disciplined withholding of consumption—to force accountability where ballots and appeals have been blunted. ... When Americans begin to choose local cooperatives over corporate chains, public transit over gas-fueled excess, and slower, simpler ownership models over disposable consumption, it is not self-denial—it is political strike. It is the assertion that freedom is not compatible with passive dependency."
Please Spread the Word!, far, wide and quickly, before the fascists takedown our means of communication.
"A flick of a switch at Mount Thunder would cut into every ratio and television network, placing control over broadcasting in the hands of the command post." "Seven Days in May" (1962) by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II https://www.scribd.com/document/261642407/Knebel-Fletcher-Bailey-Charles-Seven-Days-in-May
Leon and his henchmen.
I think at least 3 of the justices on the Supreme Court are in the Epstein files
Lindsey Fail-Again; failed beauty queen and soon-to-be failed prosecutor.
[In] August 2022, District Judge Aileen Cannon rejected two filings Halligan submitted for failing to comply with local procedures. The judge directed Halligan to the court’s website for instructions on how to file the documents correctly. Two days later, Halligan submitted a notice updating her contact information. That filing was similarly rejected by the court. “Attorney has not followed the required procedures for updating their address with the Court,” a court notice explained. “See the Court’s website for detailed instructions.” Mother Jones, September 24, 2025 https://tinyurl.com/j23fd6j3