The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn't a strongman, he's a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.
The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn't a strongman, he's a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.
Neville Chamberlain'd
Saving private Epstein files? www.forbes.com/sites/tylerr...
Since 1958, West Point has honored one U.S. citizen annually with the Sylvanus Thayer Award for embodying the values of "Duty, Honor, Country." Tom Hanks was set to receive the award later this month. His ceremony was just abruptly canceled by the Academy. (thread)
Would there still be "irony" for those of us who believe there's a strong possibility that this might be the underlying intention all along?
Yeah, or a version of Darth Vader who comes across a bit like Jim on Taxi?
CNN, MSNBC, and Newsmax are currently covering the Epstein survivors press conference on the Hill. Fox News and NewsNation are not.
Massie: "The Speaker of the House just offered a fig leaf to my colleagues. They're gonna vote on a non-binding resolution today that does absolutely nothing ... they're allowing the DOJ to curate all of the information that the DOJ is giving them ... the perpetrators are being protected"
It is a bit of a balancing act. At the same time, I don't think it hurts to game out various worst-case scenarios if one can maintain lunar level perspective. We're always just one Big Mac too many away from a reshuffled deck.
Wildfire mitigation?
Was Neil Young "deranged" when he wrote the song Ohio? Is it deranged to be concerned about the unnecessary presence of military troops in US cities potentially provoking another repeat of Kent State? REMINDER: Trump can release the Epstein files at any time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B9A...
Wait, what? Epstein? I thought we moved on to address the "emergencies" across the nation that Trump is talking about?
I know one thing, I haven't resorted to ad hominem attacks. Why is it necessary to weigh one special interest's so-called "worthiness" against another? Then again, I would suggest the basic elements of self-defense and life-support are the two primary collective special interests we all share.
I literally don't have an answer to your question. We all have our own individual special interests that are of equal worth.
How is it not a nebulous proposition to determine which special interests are "worthy"? Might it be easier to agree that all members of the electorate and public at large are worthy of having their voices heard in a proportionate manner?
Any and all
If the Washington Post's leadership and trajectory is "dramatically worrisome," then how is it not prudent for subscribers to leave in droves? Why should a newspaper that apparently supports an authoritarian in some respects not be driven out of existence?
Reasonable until special interests cash in on the favor. Perhaps if Dems put a grand bargain in writing that they won't do anything other than pass meaningful reform to remove special interests.
youtu.be/h6EMpBqXqBw?...
Wouldn't it be better for everyone if the GOP were to find their minds?
No. I've been complaining that Dems refuse to engage in a platform that explicitly embraces systemic foundational institutional reform. How it is funded is another matter.
How might the public at large be able to exert an equal and opposite pressure upon such institutions to simply do the right thing or lose out upon its support? Imagine paying Harvard boat loads of cash for an education that is dependent upon the mechanics of the grift?
At the same time, what is stopping Dems from developing a written compact to enact meaningful reform when it becomes possible? Why not formulate a grand list of systemic institutional reforms?
Hey, Man! Is that Freedom Rock? Well then turn it up!
What's stopping Dems from creating a written plan - an evolving list of institutional reforms; serving a as a promise to enact major changes when they achieve a majority? This could justify difficult short-term actions by tying them to long-term systemic fixes. Or, was Trump not simply a "symptom"?
Do you know how you counter a powerful bully? You bring all your friends!
Throwing a sandwich at a cop: REQUIRES 10-PERSON TACTICAL TEAM TO AREEST IN FULL RAID GEAR (even tho subject wanted to turn himself in) Beating a cop unconscious with a flag pole: “Go home. We love you.”
At what point do Dems come to the realization that it's long past time to abandon adherence to traditional policy positions in favor of a bare metal reboot in "safe mode" that accommodates the largest possible opposition movement to the assault our nation is currently in the midst of?
Is the qualification of having been "triggered", as a counter measure, sufficient when blue states have the opportunity to also build in language that calls for nationwide reform? Why couldn't there be a more formal pact?
You're not wrong, but why shouldn't it be part & parcel for officials who advocate for such to sign a written compact to assure the electorate & public at large that it's a temporary measure & reform is the end game? Why aren't Dems persistently waiving a "top down list" of institutional reforms?
Article I Sections 9 & 10 of the U.S. Constitution—which limit presidential power over tariffs and protect habeas corpus—have disappeared from Congress’s website. They claim a coding error is to blame.
Perhaps it was removed by the "enemy from within"?
Or, perhaps he's simply following Putin's explicit instructions to be filmed on the roof as a signal of sorts; something akin to what might appear on the series "24"? It's sad that this can even be considered a card in the deck.
Because it makes it look like he's actually doing some work?
Unless and until, or something more prescriptive that mandates a persistent reform effort to such an end? Dems truly need to reboot into "safe mode," offering a big tent based almost entirely on systemic institutional reform, IMO
What could go wrong.
Stupid or perhaps a naive blind spot that might have arisen partly out of fear and ego? Either way, you're right: it was stupid (to say the least).
How upset should we be that Murkowski is upset that her "side deal" to retain good standing with the Alaskan electorate - that effectively enabled the subversion of the interests of the American People as a whole - was thwarted?
The fact that they felt a need to send a letter is concerning.
Was Jeffrey Epstein, superconnector of the rich and powerful, a spy? People who've seen the Epstein files say, on this question, there's nothing there www.businessinsider.com/jeffrey-epst...
Variants of this suspicion might "explain the most," & likewise, pose the gravest of dangers if completely disregarded, and something along these lines turns out to be true. While my mantra is "I don't trust to nothing, but I know it come out right," the stakes are too high to completely abandon.
Trump could give Ghislaine Maxwell a pardon on his last day in office exchange for favorable testimony now (SCOTUS has already said he can’t be prosecuted for it). She knows he’s her only chance for release. That means any “new” testimony she offers is inherently unreliable unless backed by evidence
1000% Why there isn't a prioritized comprehensive list that Dems keep front and center is beyond me! And if Trump is but just a symptom of a broken system, then the list should pre-date Trump (ie campaign finance reform). Regardless of chances of success now, Dems need to go on record with this!
If projection has always been the main thrust of the "secret decoder ring" of Trump's BS, then might such an instance of blowback be extremely telling; akin to yelling "Polo" louder and louder as we collectively shout "Marco" louder and louder; like pointing a video camera at a mirror?
Couldn't get past the full minute "intro" .... even though he spoke quickly
This is patently false. DHS has authority to question and search people coming into the country at points of entry. But ICE may not detain and question anyone without reasonable suspicion — and certainly not based on their physical appearance alone. This lawlessness must stop.
Next stop for ICE: apple pie baking contest.
ICE interrogate kids at youth baseball practice—threatens to arrest coach when he defends them. Every kid on team is U.S. citizen. "Agent said if kids are here legally, what do they have to lose," coach Youman Wilder explained. "I told them they still have their 5th & 4th Amendment rights."
AI has now inserted itself in imposter calls between world leaders. This is why they should NOT use Signal as their default comms. We have gov’t to gov’t secure comms to use. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
It should be clear just how much damage even one judge can inflict, such as Aileen Cannon. Imagine how things might have been different if the truth about classified docs case was revealed?
After recapping #SCOTUS news, today's "One First" looks at Attorney General Bondi's letters to tech companies purporting to "irrevocably relinquish" their liability for violating the TikTok statute. Parliament abolished the King's "dispensing" power in 1689, and it has no place in U.S. law, either:
How was her vote not a form of "tribute" for her state, akin to how some law firms bent the knee to Trump's demands? Likewise, what will stop Trump from upending this "deal" in the future; whether he has the power to legally do so or not?
What makes Lisa Murkowski so sure Trump won't reverse deals for Alaska down the road by executive order?
Instead of donating money to legal funds, perhaps we should start considering donating to an equivalent of the "Guardian Angles" who might be willing to serve as a security force for members of Congress? Seriously. Still, there's no excuse for Murkowski! She could've stepped aside like Tills.
Senator Lisa Murkowski shows her true colors. At least now we can clearly see her for what she is. youtu.be/DPZOi8EgcYM?... Even if she's been receiving a steady stream of credible threats, she could've announced her retirement and bowed out while doing the right thing.
John McCain, Senator Lisa Murkowski is not! She is worse than even the most extreme MAGA member of the Senate because she knows better and sold the country out anyway!
Why do people assume he cares about the political lens? Perhaps there's a plan to simply avoid having elections.
If someone in a mask without any identification attempts to enter your home or otherwise threaten you, how do you not have a right to do whatever it takes to defend yourself?
Murkowski clearly knows better. That's what makes it worse.
Tomorrow the Senate takes up Trump lawyer Emil Bove's nomination to the 3rd Circuit: Republicans are about to tell us if they still believe in the rule of law. Let’s make sure they know we’re waiting for the answer, and we will hold them accountable for it.
Why aren't more pundits considering this as a very real card in the deck for all of Trump's words and actions? His subservience to Putin explains the most across the board.
Perhaps they're "busy" following James Carville's advice of simply letting the GOP implode? (Be sure there are fresh batteries in your sarcasm detector)
"The Congress shall have Power To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;"
Is it really about policy and ideology; or, rather, the use of such to expand raw power?
How does one know if someone in a mask is a legit law enforcement officer, or a threat to be mitigated? Not suggesting people shoot and ask questions later, but surely the courts can ask the questions now?
If masked individuals tried to apprehend you, would it not be you're right to defend yourself?
TODAY: The 9th Circuit will hear the government’s request to allow Trump’s federal takeover of the California National Guard. Stream the hearing here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEit...
ICYMI, for this month's Imperfect Union, I wrote about a critical Washington precedent that shaped how most presidents have approached military parades. Check your inboxes or subscribe today. imperfectunion.substack.com/p/the-histor...
NEW: The American Bar Association is suing Trump over his attacks on law firms. Here's a gift link for more info: wapo.st/4le2DLL
Should the Dems be "obstructing"; or, perhaps "resisting"/"opposing"/"reforming"?
Weren't Dems issued instructions by James Carville to "play dead"?
But then Dems would have to answer questions on the spot, without the aid of running their responses through political ops' filters for tweaks and such. Doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do should be instinctual for the leaders we need at this moment.
“If you saw all this in any other country — soldiers sent to crush dissent, union leaders arrested, opposition politicians threatened — it would be clear that autocracy had arrived. The question, now, is whether Americans who hate tyranny can be roused to respond.” www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/o...
Watching the right now oppose the part of the second amendment that guarantees a well regulated militia under state control is… something.
I understand and share your sentitment in general terms.
Yes. Seriously. You're not wrong about some, but shouldn't we want to hear more from those who are both wise and can still speak coherently? As long as Senator King continues to hit the nail on the head while not stammering to read from a script like Dick Durbin, he has my attention.
If only the Dems had mustered even the slightest efforts to invoke meaningful judicial reform at the same rate the GOP are actively seeking to neuter Article III. What is stopping Dems from shadowing GOP efforts with a comprehensive reform package to draw contrast? (Who cares if it won't pass)
While not exactly equivalent, it appears to have more of a foot in the door of a modern day Operation Barbarossa double cross than a Richard Dawson reality TV show.
1934'd
www.telluridenews.com/opinion/arti...
I wasn't setting out to nitpick, but you've captured a more full scope of my initial take pretty well.
I am committed to standing up and doing whatever it takes, but I view it solemnly - not "joyously."
Nothing about this brings me joy. It is the first step in an escalation that will invariably make Kent State look like a walk in the park.
Birds aren't real either. (They're actually dinosaurs!)
Call me cynical, but Dems still ask "regular" questions to nominees in addition to those targeting questionable behavior; effectively normalizing those who might not be good faith actors.
Even moreso considering President Tyler's having been born in 1790.
If there is an intention at play, might it be more appropriate to suggest the administration is violating court orders?
For "One First," I took a deeper dive into Friday afternoon's *very* significant #SCOTUS Alien Enemies Act ruling—including why it effectively freezes AEA removals for the foreseeable future and its (much) broader potential impact on *all* attempts to bring nationwide challenges to Trump policies:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-kO...
FWIW: I get that you don't need me to tell you that the sky is blue. Still say it makes matter far worse if whatever semblance of Constitutional order we have goes out the window.
Yikes, I'm sorry! Meant to say you're definitely NOT wrong ...
You're definitely wrong about his track record, but why can't two things be true at the same time?
I suppose I am a determinist at heart, so perhaps there wasn't any "intention" when it comes down to it. I don't discount white supremacy as a primary motive, but how can you be sure it's that, and not a premeditated provocation of civil unrest to manufacture an excuse to impose martial law?
Seems like a similar general motive as with Tina Peters, but more inflammatory. On this last count, I suspect this wouldn't be the last attempt to stir the cauldron of racial unrest.
But is that their end game? Members of Congress need to take care to always connect the dots of the big picture and what is at stake! It's our Democracy!
Why not push all institutional reforms to the top of the agenda and keep them there? (Campaign finance, court, etc) The lack of actual support they'll get from the GOP should not matter if Dems want to be perceived as being serious about structural repairs.
Good luck to the intel agencies with dismantling every panel in the 747 that Qatar is giving Trump to check for bugs and trackers
How might the Secret Service's role factor into this, Recall nearly ALL of their text messages on Jan 6 went missing. How is this not an AF1 equivalent of "Signal-gate" in the making?