Liberals (or Blue Staters, if there's a difference) only need to hear one word "Southern" - which of course, includes anyone from Alabama - to conclude that race is what motivates said person.
It doesn't matter what you do for the rest of your life. If have ever been tainted by residency in the South, then you Sir/Maam, are a racist.
It doesn't matter what you do for the rest of your life. If have ever been tainted by residency in the South, then you Sir/Maam, are a racist.
5
A useful reminder of Alabama injustice. But I take exception with the last paragraph. Mr. Sessions is more than an actor in Alabama's system. He himself is guilty of the very crimes he punished. To many that will sound incendiary. To those who've follow Alabama politics, it's a statement of fact
In the 1990s an Alabama Democrat, Don Siegelman, was popular & elected Governor; Republicans took this hard. Aided by the Bush administration, Siegelman was yanked into an ugly court run by a egregiously biased judge. He lost his reelection by a probable fraud. Worse, like some 3rd world opposition figure, he was sentenced to years in prison.
Key to his conviction was a contractor's claim he gave Siegelman an ATV motorbike. GOP prosecutors used it. But in 2007 Time got FBI notes of the contractor's confession. He'd also given Senator Sessions at least two cash gifts, of $5-7,000 and $10-15K, definitely illegal.
Siegelman is rotting in a Texas prison cell today, while Sessions waits to become the nation's chief jailer. If a confession convicted Siegelman, then it condemns Sessions. Or does Sessions, like Trump, doubt federal agents? Have we entered Orwell's 1984, with a leading figure of injustice in charge of justice? Will the "Alabama way" get applied nationally? If so, everyone who opposes the Republican agenda is under threat.
Again, to many that may sound incendiary, but to those who watch Alabama politics, it's just the facts.
In the 1990s an Alabama Democrat, Don Siegelman, was popular & elected Governor; Republicans took this hard. Aided by the Bush administration, Siegelman was yanked into an ugly court run by a egregiously biased judge. He lost his reelection by a probable fraud. Worse, like some 3rd world opposition figure, he was sentenced to years in prison.
Key to his conviction was a contractor's claim he gave Siegelman an ATV motorbike. GOP prosecutors used it. But in 2007 Time got FBI notes of the contractor's confession. He'd also given Senator Sessions at least two cash gifts, of $5-7,000 and $10-15K, definitely illegal.
Siegelman is rotting in a Texas prison cell today, while Sessions waits to become the nation's chief jailer. If a confession convicted Siegelman, then it condemns Sessions. Or does Sessions, like Trump, doubt federal agents? Have we entered Orwell's 1984, with a leading figure of injustice in charge of justice? Will the "Alabama way" get applied nationally? If so, everyone who opposes the Republican agenda is under threat.
Again, to many that may sound incendiary, but to those who watch Alabama politics, it's just the facts.
43
Another case of a right to lifer supporting the death penalty. Twisted logic.
30
And, of course, Mr Sessions seeks and would love to Southernize justice in America, just as the South-centric Republican Party as a whole wishes to do in everything else. After all, misery really does love company. Fortunately, the ability to do damage is limited at the federal level - which is not to say he cannot do much harm.
13
He is definitively abhorrent is his views. But you got to give more airtime to the equally abhorrent viewpoints of the criminal justice system as a whole in that state. Wow. Just wow (on repeat.)
17
Anyone who is interested in an inside view of Alabama's justice system must read Bryan Stevenson's "Just Mercy". Jeff Sessions is the tip of iceberg.
21
Jeff Sessions is even more of a depraved, despicable monster than I thought. He seems to be a type of serial killer.
23
Unbelievable. I seem to start every comment with that word when it's about Trump and Politics in Trumpland. Horrendous appointment. But McConnell says stop your whining, ethics are procedural and black men shouldn't get any respect for 8 years but give me respect now because We jigged the election and so ...sour grapes. McConnell will get Beauregard through and Sessions will prove even more distructive than the Bush war criminals.
16
How do religious fundamentalists reconcile their anti abortion stance with their capital punishment stance? Afterall there is only one commandment regarding this and it is "Thou shalt not kill". America needs to join the rest of the civilized world and finally abolish capital punishment.
19
Trump's idea that this nominee will bring and represent justice for all Americans is as unreal as his entire campaign.
17
These type of reactionary columns are caricatures. Whether written by "conservatives" who opposed President Obama or by "liberals" who oppose President-elect Trump, the columns ultimate boil down to one key thing: my preferred candidate lost and anything the new President and his team do is not just something I disagree with, but something that is immoral, anti-American, and threatens to destroy our way of government and life. The writers simply are incapable of believing that good people might hold different views or pursue different policies. Again, it doesn't matter where one falls on the political spectrum. These types of morally self-righteous columns reveal more about the authors than the subjects.
6
In Alabama, that was his job.
5
In reference to Jeff Sessions, I Sometimes think the Union lost the Civil War.
I also wonder how it is that some folks claim to be Christian when they favor such things as death penalties, refuse to acknowledge, let alone aid, the poor and distressed members of our society, refuse to except the evidence of global warming (which is a direct refusal to accept the biblical injunction to be "caretakers" not abusers of our planet) and who despise persons of a different color or religious belief than theirs.
If that is being a "true American" I am an alien in this country.
I also wonder how it is that some folks claim to be Christian when they favor such things as death penalties, refuse to acknowledge, let alone aid, the poor and distressed members of our society, refuse to except the evidence of global warming (which is a direct refusal to accept the biblical injunction to be "caretakers" not abusers of our planet) and who despise persons of a different color or religious belief than theirs.
If that is being a "true American" I am an alien in this country.
13
What can one say?
Who insists the United States can't produce a Himmler? Or a Hitler?
Who insists the United States can't produce a Himmler? Or a Hitler?
9
Do we know if Jeff Sessions is "pro-life"? You know, for babies? Or is his philosophy like many Rebublicans: "We'll make sure you can be born - then you're on your own!"
15
“$4.98 per hour to prepare for the defense of a human’s life.” Sounds like a license to kill. I wonder if Mr. Sessions is Pro-Life or Pro-choice - he is obviously Pro-Killing of Humans after they are born.
Trump pro "Law and Order"? Coming from a massive law and rule breaker himself, he is one to try and impose his version of "Law and Order" on his fellow citizens, hiring a killer to do enforcing. Duterte of the Philippines keeps coming to mind.
Trump pro "Law and Order"? Coming from a massive law and rule breaker himself, he is one to try and impose his version of "Law and Order" on his fellow citizens, hiring a killer to do enforcing. Duterte of the Philippines keeps coming to mind.
11
When all self-interest is stripped away, in those few precious moments right before death, I hope that Mr. Sessions comes to terms with the wrongness of his pursuit of the death penalty. If not, I fear for his soul.
7
Another crusty old white man...can't Trump find anyone under 150 years old to help run the country? Oh yeah, I forgot - his kids
15
"After the Supreme Court banned executions of insane people, Mr. Sessions persuaded a federal court to defer to an Alabama court’s findings that Mr. Weeks was competent enough to be killed even though he met “the dictionary generic definition of insanity.”"
Both the Alabama Circuit Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit concluded that Weeks was competent to be executed under then existing law, yet somehow Sessions is "unfit" to serve as U.S. Attorney General because he made this argument. To the contrary, Sessions was ethically bound to follow the law, not his personal inclinations regarding the appropriateness of the death penalty, whatever they may be. Stunning that the rule of law means nothing to the lawyers who wrote this article.
Both the Alabama Circuit Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit concluded that Weeks was competent to be executed under then existing law, yet somehow Sessions is "unfit" to serve as U.S. Attorney General because he made this argument. To the contrary, Sessions was ethically bound to follow the law, not his personal inclinations regarding the appropriateness of the death penalty, whatever they may be. Stunning that the rule of law means nothing to the lawyers who wrote this article.
3
There are many of us that are against capital punishment on moral grounds. However, the research shows time and again that executing people does absolutely no good in reducing the crime rate.
The moral strictures which would teach children that murder is wrong have been removed and nothing substantive has been put in its place through the educational system or any and nothing substantive has been put in its place through the educational system or any other civil mechanism.
With greater frequency, the mainstream media is introducing into it stories, protagonists that proclaim their disbelief in God. The net effect on society is an increasing atheism but without a substantive moral substitute. In the absence of a society teaching moral-ethical norms, there is only one way that road will end, That is the continuing erosion of basic moral standards and an increase in those things most of us would consider abhorrent, such as murder.
Encouraging the exploration of faith, telling the remarkable stories of the good faith does and emphasizing the ethic of service that are embedded in most faiths would assist in this country and reclaiming an important moral dimension.
Mr. Sessions may certainly be an undesirable fit for Attorney General, but he is a single variable of an equation resulting in an America awashed in blood.
We have the power to do something about it.
The moral strictures which would teach children that murder is wrong have been removed and nothing substantive has been put in its place through the educational system or any and nothing substantive has been put in its place through the educational system or any other civil mechanism.
With greater frequency, the mainstream media is introducing into it stories, protagonists that proclaim their disbelief in God. The net effect on society is an increasing atheism but without a substantive moral substitute. In the absence of a society teaching moral-ethical norms, there is only one way that road will end, That is the continuing erosion of basic moral standards and an increase in those things most of us would consider abhorrent, such as murder.
Encouraging the exploration of faith, telling the remarkable stories of the good faith does and emphasizing the ethic of service that are embedded in most faiths would assist in this country and reclaiming an important moral dimension.
Mr. Sessions may certainly be an undesirable fit for Attorney General, but he is a single variable of an equation resulting in an America awashed in blood.
We have the power to do something about it.
6
By the measure of the examples in this editorial, Sessions is an execrable human being, wholly unfit for any public office.
16
Yet the Senate Republicans will "stand by their man" in Sessions, which shows they share his values. This country won't be safe until they are gone.
21
Attorney General Sessions was very responsible for many of the deficiencies in the Alabama judicial system. He did not enact draconian laws, nor did he limit the funds for indigent defense lawyers. But as AG he was responsible for overseeing a system that was riddled with inadequacy, under funding and outright corruption.
When local prosecutors failed to turn over exculpatory evidence, as required by law, Sessions was not compelled to support these obvious constitutional violations. Yet he chose to.
When local DA's routinely excluded blacks from juries in violation of the law, Sessions did not have to defend these violations. While entrusted to represent the state, even if the state was wrong, he always had the option to concede that a new trial was warranted because of these violations.
In other words he easily could have upheld his duty to represent the state and his higher duty to seek justice, but in almost every instance justice came in a distant second.
Too much attention is being addressed to Sessions personal views; is he or is he not a racist? The real problem in Alabama was that racism was built into the system and didn't rely on the good or bad character of any one individual player.
Sessions conduct as Alabama's AG was to ignore obvious deficiencies that created injustices and blindly support a failed criminal justice system. This behavior is likely to be his approach on the federal level if confirmed and that will be tragic for the country.
When local prosecutors failed to turn over exculpatory evidence, as required by law, Sessions was not compelled to support these obvious constitutional violations. Yet he chose to.
When local DA's routinely excluded blacks from juries in violation of the law, Sessions did not have to defend these violations. While entrusted to represent the state, even if the state was wrong, he always had the option to concede that a new trial was warranted because of these violations.
In other words he easily could have upheld his duty to represent the state and his higher duty to seek justice, but in almost every instance justice came in a distant second.
Too much attention is being addressed to Sessions personal views; is he or is he not a racist? The real problem in Alabama was that racism was built into the system and didn't rely on the good or bad character of any one individual player.
Sessions conduct as Alabama's AG was to ignore obvious deficiencies that created injustices and blindly support a failed criminal justice system. This behavior is likely to be his approach on the federal level if confirmed and that will be tragic for the country.
8
Yikes!!!
Does the controversial Sessions who sounds like the guy at the end of the bar seem accomplished enough or impartial enough to "furnish advice and opinions, formal and informal, on legal matters to the President and the Cabinet and to the heads of the executive departments and agencies of the government, as provided by law?"
Does this fawning Trump loyalist seem fair enough or non-partisan enough to "make recommendations to the President concerning appointments to federal judicial positions and to positions within the Department, including U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals?"
Does this white nationalist sympathizer with a poor record in civil rights sufficiently "represent or supervise the representation of the United States Government in the Supreme Court of the United States and all other courts, foreign and domestic, in which the United States is a party or has an interest as may be deemed appropriate?"
Does the controversial Sessions who sounds like the guy at the end of the bar seem accomplished enough or impartial enough to "furnish advice and opinions, formal and informal, on legal matters to the President and the Cabinet and to the heads of the executive departments and agencies of the government, as provided by law?"
Does this fawning Trump loyalist seem fair enough or non-partisan enough to "make recommendations to the President concerning appointments to federal judicial positions and to positions within the Department, including U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals?"
Does this white nationalist sympathizer with a poor record in civil rights sufficiently "represent or supervise the representation of the United States Government in the Supreme Court of the United States and all other courts, foreign and domestic, in which the United States is a party or has an interest as may be deemed appropriate?"
6
Where is the consideration of Jeff Sessions being elected a US Senator at all? I guess the Deep South of Alabama gets a complete pass for electing (another insane) racist to a position of power in the US government. Maybe the rest of the country should secede from the Deep South. Let them drown in the rising waters and suffer in the hurricanes and tornadoes their attitudes have brought upon them, without out our help in recovery.
9
"'He promoted a bill seeking to eliminate a stage of the capital appeals process and another to execute people convicted twice of drug trafficking.'"
He wanted to put to death twice convicted drug traffickers!! A Nixon and J. Edgar Hoover duo whammy that keeps the for-profit industrial prison complex in the black. Wonder if any of those players contribute to Sessions' political campaigns?
He wanted to put to death twice convicted drug traffickers!! A Nixon and J. Edgar Hoover duo whammy that keeps the for-profit industrial prison complex in the black. Wonder if any of those players contribute to Sessions' political campaigns?
3
On his deathbed Jeff Sessions will have to account for his behavior. If he is a Christian he will have to question his lack of Christian values. There is still time for his conversion to the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Will he die with Jesus at his side or Satan?
4
I'm no lawyer, but I don't believe a state AG participates in the original criminal trials that result in death sentences. Only when the cases are appealed to state courts does the AG appear on the record for the state as supporting the sentences. In my view that's part of the job, and holding Sessions personally responsible for executions is ingenuous.
Now Professor Donohue may be against the death penalty, but ascribing malign intentions to Sessions is beyond his purview.
Now Professor Donohue may be against the death penalty, but ascribing malign intentions to Sessions is beyond his purview.
2
Jeff Sessions is unfit to b a US Senator much less Attorney General of
this country.
this country.
12
On every count, not just is dismal record on capital cases, Jeff Sessions is a disastrous choice for AG. His nomination by Trump, like several of the other dreadful choices, is an intentional poke in the eye to those American people who believe in real justice, racial and gender equality, and in improving education, in maintaining U.S. interests around the globe, in saving the earth from our ruination of it. Sessions is a poster boy for the Trump calamity the U.S. is about to endure.
13
Donahue's greatest fear, as with most anti death penalty folks, is that Sessions will be a constant voice revealing all the anti death penalty falsehoods, something we have been missing at the AG for quite a while.
1
Sessions seems to be a product of Alabama alright! With the abysmal record of civil rights in Alabama that alone should disqualify Sessions!
6
The cynical mindset that permitted the notion of Sessions' nomination in the first place is the same one that cheers on civil forfeiture and assembly line executions. Guilt is a secondary consideration, as any southerner like myself will tell you.
Sessions typifies this ugly mindset, and thinks that because he goes to a church every Sunday, that all his sins are not only forgiven, but divinely inspired.
Sessions has never figured out that the old saying is true: going into a church no more makes you a Christian than going into a garage makes you a car.
Sessions typifies this ugly mindset, and thinks that because he goes to a church every Sunday, that all his sins are not only forgiven, but divinely inspired.
Sessions has never figured out that the old saying is true: going into a church no more makes you a Christian than going into a garage makes you a car.
8
Sadly, it looks like we soon will no longer have to imagine what it would have been like if the Confederacy had won the Civil War.
7
The problem is that people in Alabama actually LIKE this guy and keep electing him to office.
8
So this hate-filled man who seems to have to respect for the rule of law and blatantly supported racist behavior by the prosecutors who worked for him wants to be Attorney-General. The fact that Donald Trump would nominate and support him--along with the rest of the Republicans in Congress--almost says more about them than it does about Sessions himself. If he is confirmed, American justice as we know it will go further down the rabbit hole than it has already gone in the past few years. Say hello to the early 1900s again...
6
The Civil War is not over in Dixieland!
8
I've lost count, will Sessions' confirmation be the fifth seal described in Revelations or is he one of the preceding four seal's Horsemen?
5
Senator Death. But his colleagues in the Senate always point out how polite and civil he is. He's a shoo in.
7
Alabama has so many reasons not to go and spend money there. Jeff Sessions is a big one.
I know my Senator Susan Collins just loves, loves, loves Sessions. "What a gentleman" (paraphrase). So polite. Yes, it's good to be a gentle executioner.
He's always made me sick and reading this article has only increased my disdain for this ugly little man.
I know my Senator Susan Collins just loves, loves, loves Sessions. "What a gentleman" (paraphrase). So polite. Yes, it's good to be a gentle executioner.
He's always made me sick and reading this article has only increased my disdain for this ugly little man.
10
Hey Professor Donohue and student Schoening, did you happen to go interview the victim's families to see how they felt about their loved ones killers receiving the death penalty, or how they would have felt if the killer would have been allowed to live? Of course you didn't. And I'm sure it's way too practical to ask youI how you would feel about it if someone cut off the head of your sibling, spouse, daughter or son, and then was allowed to live.
Thank God that finally we have a God-fearing man who will uphold true justice, not that mockery of justice, which is not something the left seems to care much about, evidenced by little to no concern that nearly 100 police officers were murdered in our country in 2016. No, you alongside your messiah, Barrack Hussein Obama, are more concerned about the occasional cereal criminal being gunned down by a police officer.
Thank you Donald and thank you Mr. Sessions. DO NOT listen to the incoherently fear/hate-mongering left. You will be our next AG and we will finally have someone who is not going to play games with people who make a sport of murder!
Thank God that finally we have a God-fearing man who will uphold true justice, not that mockery of justice, which is not something the left seems to care much about, evidenced by little to no concern that nearly 100 police officers were murdered in our country in 2016. No, you alongside your messiah, Barrack Hussein Obama, are more concerned about the occasional cereal criminal being gunned down by a police officer.
Thank you Donald and thank you Mr. Sessions. DO NOT listen to the incoherently fear/hate-mongering left. You will be our next AG and we will finally have someone who is not going to play games with people who make a sport of murder!
There’s always a silver lining, I suppose… at least the rabid racism that lies at the very core of the US’s existence cannot be written off as some fringe “conspiracy theory” anymore – it will be as visible to the entire world as the sun is on a bright summer’s day.
9
This guy is not fit to be a Senator, much less the AG of the USA. His views are out-of-step with the majority of the USA. Maybe in Alabama they ignore the fact that Medical Cannabis is used by "good people" and it has huge medical benefits (even patented by the US government) , but I view him as a closed-minded medieval thinking "bad person". Say HELL NO to his confirmation.
8
I still think he works for the confederate states of America. A loosely affiliated sect with ties to Lyndon Larouche
6
If Sessions is not rejected, then any senator who votes to confirm him owns his barbaric legal history, racism and aberrant judicial "philosophy." We must start to keep score and make these senators pay at the ballot box. Trump will give us many opportunities to run up the score.
7
We are know by our actions, not our words. What we've done years ago in our past may not define our future, but, certainly it's how we are judged today. And, if nothing has changed, then our past will become our future.
7
I would also be concerned what he will do to the states that have legalized pot. Will the federal government take over and what will that mean to states rights? I wish Obama's administration had settled this before these haters took control of the government.
8
If this article is an attempt to introduce fairness into his confirmation then it should also include fairness.
At present the article shows a one sided indictment of Sessions, but omits the accounts, feelings and beliefs of the victims whom he represents, including victims families.
I recall the Crown Heights riots in NY city in 1991. This was a mini pogrom by blacks against orthodox Jews, where a black Mayor Dinkins said the protesters should be allowed to riot for a few days to let off steam.
This led to the murder of a Jewish visiting scholar (Rosenbaum) from Australia. A black teenager Limrick Nelson, was accused of stabbing him to death but was acquitted. After the trial he admitted to the stabbing and killing. There never was any real possibility of a black jury convicting him. If you don’t believe it look at the OJ Simpson trial. Marica Clark the prosecutor has stated she knew no black jury would convict him.
Likewise the 41 million dollar payment to the Central Park Five, doesn’t bother to mention that they were part of a posse which had gone around terrorizing NY’ers that day.
When it comes to capital punishment people should carry around a card which indicates whether or not they believe in capital punishment. If they say they don’t believe in it and they are murdered then capital punishment should be removed as a possibility in the sentencing.
Maybe Sessions sees himself as countering one sided articles like Donohue's and Schoening's.
At present the article shows a one sided indictment of Sessions, but omits the accounts, feelings and beliefs of the victims whom he represents, including victims families.
I recall the Crown Heights riots in NY city in 1991. This was a mini pogrom by blacks against orthodox Jews, where a black Mayor Dinkins said the protesters should be allowed to riot for a few days to let off steam.
This led to the murder of a Jewish visiting scholar (Rosenbaum) from Australia. A black teenager Limrick Nelson, was accused of stabbing him to death but was acquitted. After the trial he admitted to the stabbing and killing. There never was any real possibility of a black jury convicting him. If you don’t believe it look at the OJ Simpson trial. Marica Clark the prosecutor has stated she knew no black jury would convict him.
Likewise the 41 million dollar payment to the Central Park Five, doesn’t bother to mention that they were part of a posse which had gone around terrorizing NY’ers that day.
When it comes to capital punishment people should carry around a card which indicates whether or not they believe in capital punishment. If they say they don’t believe in it and they are murdered then capital punishment should be removed as a possibility in the sentencing.
Maybe Sessions sees himself as countering one sided articles like Donohue's and Schoening's.
2
What does it say about us that Sessions, who was rejected because of his racism during this country's sharp right turn under Reagan, now seems acceptable to a President-elect? All Democrats and any Republicans with a shred of humanity left must reject this unqualified monster for the position of Attorney General.
8
In this article and many others, NY Times has given plenty of reasons to reject this horrible choice for AG. The facts are clear. But does it matter? Is there any chance, any, that three Republicans will join all Democrats in stopping this nomination?
32
As it looks like Sessions will be railroaded through the Senate without an ethics or background check, it remains for us to await the parade of Sacco and Vanzetti style executions. Who are the current enemies with the equivalence of the anarchists of 1921? BLM must be ranking pretty high on the lynch-'em and teach-'em-a-lesson meter. How about Moslems for symbolic victories over ISIS? Private prisons and torture anyone? Plenty of sadistic practices to entertain the Trump supporters and keep them happy as their healthcare disappears and their pockets are picked. Hunger games anyone?
6
When you are an officer of the court, your duty is to make sure justice is served and not to see how many defendants you can execute so that you can can get re-elected or to gratify some dark passion within your soul.
Session's extreme enthusiasm for executions causing him to overlook extenuating circumstances, racial bias, defendants' mental disabilities and inadequate counseling makes it clear that the pursuit of justice has not been the guiding light of his career and that his appointment to Attorney General should be blocked.
Session's extreme enthusiasm for executions causing him to overlook extenuating circumstances, racial bias, defendants' mental disabilities and inadequate counseling makes it clear that the pursuit of justice has not been the guiding light of his career and that his appointment to Attorney General should be blocked.
4
What an abonomination!
An array of old white men (and trumpian cohort) who will take us back to the dark ages unless we want to belong to the 21st century. Most everyone else, except Putin, Assad, Erdogan and a few otyhers, would like to move forward.
Too bad we cannot fumigate that mean-spirited riffraff.
An array of old white men (and trumpian cohort) who will take us back to the dark ages unless we want to belong to the 21st century. Most everyone else, except Putin, Assad, Erdogan and a few otyhers, would like to move forward.
Too bad we cannot fumigate that mean-spirited riffraff.
4
I believe in a fair death penalty for Ted Bundy and Charlie Manson types. Serial murderers are the devil.
But hey Mr. Sessions, if you want to execute more people, how about starting with all those bigots like you in Alabama? You know, the ones who killed black children in churches and killed black people for DWB on roads at night? A lot of those bigots weren't even arrested in Alabama back in the day. And some are still alive. Execute bigots to get your thrill for blood.
I
But hey Mr. Sessions, if you want to execute more people, how about starting with all those bigots like you in Alabama? You know, the ones who killed black children in churches and killed black people for DWB on roads at night? A lot of those bigots weren't even arrested in Alabama back in the day. And some are still alive. Execute bigots to get your thrill for blood.
I
5
I see these people, who through their appointments, have the capacity to do great harm to everything that stands for righteousness, fairness and freedom getting a free pass into power and I want to scream. I feel completely helpless to do anything about it.
I am an overweight middle aged hausfrau from New Hampshire with no particular power. Aside from calling the politicians who represent me or saving up my concerns until the next election, what am I to do? Where and who is a leader to oppose this. I am ready to follow someone, ready to send my money to anyone, willing to make signs and rise up and go to the streets, pitchfork in hand.....
Oh, wait.....
E! has a special about 'Who wore it best last night' and 'What did Donald tweet about Meryl'.....
I am an overweight middle aged hausfrau from New Hampshire with no particular power. Aside from calling the politicians who represent me or saving up my concerns until the next election, what am I to do? Where and who is a leader to oppose this. I am ready to follow someone, ready to send my money to anyone, willing to make signs and rise up and go to the streets, pitchfork in hand.....
Oh, wait.....
E! has a special about 'Who wore it best last night' and 'What did Donald tweet about Meryl'.....
7
It looks like a big job for a small man.
2
Why even try to change minds of the actors in this tragedy of political theater. All of these vile racists and "prosperity gospel believers" will be confirmed. There are no longer any consequences to outrageous behavior as long as you are not a dreaded liberal.
Pretending that both sides have the same moral and ethical standards is fantasy. We are now living in DonTheCon's, the Russian sleeper agent's, world where only the rich, strong and winners matter. You are to blame for your own misfortunes and you are a sucker if you believe in helping out your neighbors and equality. Just look at how Assange went from vile enemy to Republican hero overnight
If you truly believe that the Democrats can or will do anything at all, then you haven't been paying attention. As long as the same team that oversaw the dramatic fall from power is in charge, Democrats are not even a speed bump.
The team of Pelosi and Schumer are centrist appeasers who are bringing rhetoric to a gunfight. I doubt they will even be able to stop a Supreme Court justice as they will not be able to sustain a filibuster for more than 5 min after one of their own worries more about their career than principle.
At this point all we can do is sit back at watch the wailing from the people who lose their Healthcare, unions, wages and future from a Congress man who got them to vote for John Galt. And when they finally realize their mistake, it will be too late for all.
Pretending that both sides have the same moral and ethical standards is fantasy. We are now living in DonTheCon's, the Russian sleeper agent's, world where only the rich, strong and winners matter. You are to blame for your own misfortunes and you are a sucker if you believe in helping out your neighbors and equality. Just look at how Assange went from vile enemy to Republican hero overnight
If you truly believe that the Democrats can or will do anything at all, then you haven't been paying attention. As long as the same team that oversaw the dramatic fall from power is in charge, Democrats are not even a speed bump.
The team of Pelosi and Schumer are centrist appeasers who are bringing rhetoric to a gunfight. I doubt they will even be able to stop a Supreme Court justice as they will not be able to sustain a filibuster for more than 5 min after one of their own worries more about their career than principle.
At this point all we can do is sit back at watch the wailing from the people who lose their Healthcare, unions, wages and future from a Congress man who got them to vote for John Galt. And when they finally realize their mistake, it will be too late for all.
9
At least the very biased author sneaked in a lame comment at the bottom that some of the capital cases involved "horrific crimes". Thank you author and here's hoping no horrific crimes effect you where you might be screaming 'Execute him".
1
Sometimes I think you editorial comment writers don't read the articles in your own newspaper. There is a very good one on Sessions in today's On Line Times.
1
We are going to step back to "the good old days" that the Trump supporters wanted.
Which good old days did they have in mind?
The civil war? The great depression? Monarchy before the war for independence?
With Trump and his cronies we may get all three.
Which good old days did they have in mind?
The civil war? The great depression? Monarchy before the war for independence?
With Trump and his cronies we may get all three.
9
It is truly rare to find such a despicable individual be selected for such a 'delicate job', to administer justice with so much bias, so much disregard of the rules of engagement, and seeking to kill mentally incompetent individuals at an accelerated pace. Mr. Sessions ought to be rejected...if the republican congress, and crooked lying Trump, have an ounce of dignity and self-respect. Well, lets say half an ounce?
10
I think it would do Mr. Sessions some good to work on a prison road gang, as in "Cool Hand Luke". It might build some real character and learn what compassion means; first hand. 40 years ago, it sure did for me, although it was in another racially horrific state: Louisiana.
10
Looks like his get tough on crime really has helped Alabama.
Every year Alabama is near the top/top half of states in areas you don't want to be in like..
1-Murder rate.
2-Crime rate.
3-Uninsured medical rate.
4-Education rate.
etc. etc....
Well done Mr. Sessions...
Every year Alabama is near the top/top half of states in areas you don't want to be in like..
1-Murder rate.
2-Crime rate.
3-Uninsured medical rate.
4-Education rate.
etc. etc....
Well done Mr. Sessions...
18
Justice is blind all right. She's had her eyes gouged.
12
To the far right trump supporters this article confirms that they made the right choice.
25
Why is it taking so long to execute hardened criminals? I applaud Senator Sessions for trying to gets the weeks of justice to move a little quicker.
1
OK, folks. This is enough. Trump and the GOP are obviously gonna stomp on all of us, bully all of us, take away rights that have been given to women and minorities and gay people, and force America back into a White Supremacy Country, like it was in the fifties. I'm an old lady. We simply cannot let these bigots and liars take over and ruin our country. Boycott everything Trump, everything Republican, and call them just what they are.....evil, lying Bullies---cruelty in Action! It's gonna take a whole lot of old fashioned DECENCY to fight back against this horde. Every word that Romney said about Trump before the election is Still True, y'all.....Don't ever forget it. And, Hillary won way more votes than the Sociopath.
3
It's about time we have an Attorney General who upholds law and order and who will strike fear in the hearts of evil people. Most murderers are either insane, mentally ill, or intellectually disabled, (read stupid), especially in rural Alabama, and should be executed along with the geniuses who murder. Stupidity is no excuse. Chicago, which has the highest murder rates in the country, has the strictest gun control laws. You want to see the murder rate drop in Chicago? Start executing the criminals.
New Trump meme. Make America like Alabama.
6
I am in favor of execution of criminals convicted of heinous crimes. What is the point of keeping an insane Varnall Weeks and Samuel Ivery alive? They both were vicious murderers who would never, ever, be cured. What possible reason would we want to keep these two dangerous nut jobs around?
3
why is Jeff session not being investigated? Why is he allowed to abuse the American public time after time with his truly ignorant commentary. His comments and interviews are not about free speech, it is about hate and name calling 'repulsive' speech. .
3
President elect Donald Trump had promised us the best and the brightest in his cabinet!!! It appears these are the only stars that are willing to work for Mr. Trump
3
I'm no fan of Sessions (I don't know him). But let's be serious, the NYT is never going to say anything positive about any of Trump's appointees. I find these daily tear down of the new administration useless. How can they all be such horrible know-nothings and yet all be so successful? I get it; they're not liberals. Other than that, can we get a more complete accounting of who these people are - their good; not just their bad?
3
The reason why Trump wants Sessions for AG is simple..Sessions will provide as much cover and protection for Trump as is necessary to avoid impeachment..
7
One word:
Abhorrent.
Abhorrent.
3
All garbage words, NYT.
Does anyone there have a concept of what the average American thinks when reading this? They simply hate you more. You just don't get what you are dealing with.
Of course Sessions is a racist. Trump is a racist. They are all racists and intolerant of Liberals and anyone who does not agree with them. Basically we put into power the worst Americans.
Does anyone there have a concept of what the average American thinks when reading this? They simply hate you more. You just don't get what you are dealing with.
Of course Sessions is a racist. Trump is a racist. They are all racists and intolerant of Liberals and anyone who does not agree with them. Basically we put into power the worst Americans.
6
If Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III is allowed to become our Attorney General - if the Senate consents to his Trumpian appointment, we the people will have a racist, a bigot, a Jim Crow, a champion of racial inequality Attorney General. Jeff Sessions upholds and supports the death sentence in Alabama, one of our still backward formerly Confederate states. His background is not fit for the Attorney Generalship of the United States. His nomination to one of our highest government positions must be rejected.
5
For someone who is avowedly "pro-life," Jeff Sessions sure is enamored with the death penalty.
60
I can't understand why church going folk are so anxious to execute people.
76
Self-righteousness? Vindictiveness? Unclear on the concept of gray areas or how the human mind is complicated? Lack of empathy and compassion?
2
Only in America do we execute people who are borderline retarded, insane, or poor (and cannot afford a decent defense). Justice in America is dependent upon how much one can spend on a lawyer and that is not what the Founding Fathers or the authors of our Constitution meant to be. People who are so bloodthirsty for justice should be the last ones allowed on juries, to be attorney generals, or governors. It's easy to call a murderer or rapist an animal and execute him/her. It's much harder to gather all the evidence, give a fair hearing, and then try to rehabilitate the person. While there will always be people who cannot be released from prison that is preferable to executing the wrong individual and exonerating after they're dead. We haven't once brought someone back from the dead after he or she has been executed. I would think that a God-fearing Christian would be hesitant to play God but evidence suggests the opposite: in America they are all too willing to play God.
24
So you're advocating "rehabilitating" Dylan Roof?
1
Sessions is just another example of the complete disregard for the law shown by the Republicans and Trump. Trample people's rights, they're inconvenient. If you can't just ignore their rights, change the laws. Limit the public's access to the Republican's manipulations (many confirmation hearings at once, no live streaming of congressional proceedings, limit witnesses Democrats may call to demonstrate the lack of qualifications of appointees, spend us into historical deficits and use that to then destroy the laws providing social benefits and engage in targeted destruction of federal employees). It's not surprising that the person appointed to uphold the laws of the country has refused to comply with the laws applying to his appointment. Shame on all of them.
26
“Elections have consequences, and at the end of the day, I won.” – President Obama to House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, January 23, 2009.
1
A walking, talking disaster perfect for Trump.
Sessions is but a symptom of the smarmy disease. All Trump's people are interchangeable, right wing kooks who think government exists to act out their fantasies. What do they have against our country?
That we would elect this plague is inexplicable.
Sessions is but a symptom of the smarmy disease. All Trump's people are interchangeable, right wing kooks who think government exists to act out their fantasies. What do they have against our country?
That we would elect this plague is inexplicable.
8
Mr. Sessions' nomination should be rejected, but he is exactly the man trump wants. Session is the epitome of racial bias entirely supported by trump. We will continue to see trump supporters rally in trump's favor either because they are too ignorant too understand the issues or too ignorant to care. trump is hated, and his cabinet picks will continue to expose him. let's keep reminding trump: you lost the popular vote by 2.9 million American voters.
7
There's something very wrong with any man who pursues the death penalty so harshly. Twisted. A thinking person knows, life without parole is worse. Death row inmates have appeals, and so, hope. Max security lifers are in hell. And death row and those appeals are more expensive than the truly crueler option. This isn't legitimate service to the people of Alabama, this rapacious pursuit of executions, it's a big character flaw. What the self centered righteous indignation of a Jeff Sessions never considers though is who's going to kill the convict?
White guys with graduate degrees don't consider that the worst falls on working people who need a job, and wind up as a prison guard instead of in a factory. Asking normal people to partipate in killing another human does terrible things to them. This really shows up Sessions, and the callous disregard for all the consequences of his personal bloodlust and a probable lack of empathy informing all of his decisions. Again, not a guy we want in charge of civil rights. Anybody anxious to kill more people shouldn't be in a position of such power.
White guys with graduate degrees don't consider that the worst falls on working people who need a job, and wind up as a prison guard instead of in a factory. Asking normal people to partipate in killing another human does terrible things to them. This really shows up Sessions, and the callous disregard for all the consequences of his personal bloodlust and a probable lack of empathy informing all of his decisions. Again, not a guy we want in charge of civil rights. Anybody anxious to kill more people shouldn't be in a position of such power.
5
And to think that my son just told me Sessions is such an effective prosecutor making him a great choice for USAG, this article "explains" it all. Steamrolling rights and having no compassion (or common sense) helped him become an "effective" prosecutor as clearly effectiveness is determined by conviction number (regardless of actual guilt, thanks Scalia!) and death penalties. Wow, just what we need in our top attorney.
8
So Mr. Sessions followed Alabama statutes and applied sentances based on legal protocols.
Compare that to the past eight years where the Attorney Generals picked and chose which laws to s
enforce based on political expediency and the wishes of President Obama.
Sessions is an oustanding choice for Attorney General and will be a force in de-politicizing the Obama/Holder/Lynch DOJ.
Compare that to the past eight years where the Attorney Generals picked and chose which laws to s
enforce based on political expediency and the wishes of President Obama.
Sessions is an oustanding choice for Attorney General and will be a force in de-politicizing the Obama/Holder/Lynch DOJ.
4
Jeff Sessions will make Alberto Gonzales look like a legal superstar after he gets his nomination and begins to reek "legal" havoc in the country.
But that is of no concern or consequence to Donald Trump supporters. Fearful and feeling "put upon" they will be quite comfortable as their freedoms are diminished. The more "structure" to their lives the better because, Freedom means responsibility which they have been unable to handle.
As for the "racist" element of Sessions' personality, that is but a convenient add on for conservative voters. They can cling to the "law and order" rant Sessions will surely go on, but distance themselves from the obvious racist overtone which will infect most, if not all he does.
Conservative voters will enjoy Sessions' approach, but quietly,kind of like the Germans of 1935. Do anything to "them", just leave us alone.
But that is of no concern or consequence to Donald Trump supporters. Fearful and feeling "put upon" they will be quite comfortable as their freedoms are diminished. The more "structure" to their lives the better because, Freedom means responsibility which they have been unable to handle.
As for the "racist" element of Sessions' personality, that is but a convenient add on for conservative voters. They can cling to the "law and order" rant Sessions will surely go on, but distance themselves from the obvious racist overtone which will infect most, if not all he does.
Conservative voters will enjoy Sessions' approach, but quietly,kind of like the Germans of 1935. Do anything to "them", just leave us alone.
15
Preparing myself for the worst. The end of democracy as we have known it for the last 50 years; downhill until the energies of revolution become inevitable. We will become the likes of a 3rd world country, with our influence and world respect shattered. The coming of this reactionary administration is going to ruin America.
15
Many media journalists and many of us have said that DT & Co. will set us back 50 years. With the appointment of Jeff Sessions, we can double that number. There is no doubt that this administration focus is:
1. Return to monied white male citizens making rules for everyone
2. Return women to second class citizens
3. Return blacks to third class citizens
4. Return Hispanics to no class citizens
1. Return to monied white male citizens making rules for everyone
2. Return women to second class citizens
3. Return blacks to third class citizens
4. Return Hispanics to no class citizens
21
On their way out the Obama administration had a chance to do something quite dramatic and not ask for the execution of Dylann Roof. We see over and over how much links Republican and Democrats in terms of vindictiveness, power needs, greed and hatreds. There was chance to join the powerful impulse towards forgiveness that those close to the victims of Roof's horrendous crime called for. They had a chance to honor something extraordinary and rare. But Obama and Lynch remained true to the values of this country. Founded on violence, dehumanization and revenge. Session and Trump are in fact significantly worse. But what people to be compared to.
5
And lets not forget, Roof's young brain isn't fully formed. This usual liberal trope turns out to be an arbitrary condition relegated to murderous youthful subalterns.
1
The president, members of Congress, and cabinet members must take an oath of office which includes that they will ""support and defend the Constitution of the United States." The president-elect and his cabinet appointees will be committing perjury when they are sworn in, but with Sessions as Attorney General none of them will have to worry about consequences with any improprieties, ethics violations, or even possibly treason. They can count on the support of the many Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate who have already perjured themselves. The Godawful Odious Party, with the aid of the Roberts Court, has already demonstrated their success with the tactic of simply ignoring the Constitution.
21
The Senate got it right the first time when they rejected his nomination for a federal judgeship.
Being nominated for AG is no different.
Senator Sessions is not fit to hold the office of Attorney General but will likely be confirmed by Senators hoping to confer favor with the President Elect.
He is exactly the kind of man Trump supporters hoped would find his way into the Trump Administration.
Being nominated for AG is no different.
Senator Sessions is not fit to hold the office of Attorney General but will likely be confirmed by Senators hoping to confer favor with the President Elect.
He is exactly the kind of man Trump supporters hoped would find his way into the Trump Administration.
24
The vast majority of comments here are an indictment of the death penalty rather than an evaluation of Sen. Sessions. Sessions, unlike Lynch, is a man who believes in enforcing the law as it is written not as how they perceive it. This country needs an Attorney General that enforces the law. If liberals do not agree with the laws then maybe they should work on changing them in the proper way, not relying on a liberal president's "phone & pen" that will just be reversed after he loses office.
14
Judges have and are supposed to use their own discretion and human wisdom in sentencing. We could have robo-judges if we did not want that.
One does not have to resort to the death penalty, if there are mitigating circumstances such as mental illness, mental disability or a shadow of a doubt about the person's guilt.
The problem does lay with Jeff sessions and his championing judges who either lack common sense or a moral compass
One does not have to resort to the death penalty, if there are mitigating circumstances such as mental illness, mental disability or a shadow of a doubt about the person's guilt.
The problem does lay with Jeff sessions and his championing judges who either lack common sense or a moral compass
No one is obliged to enforce an unjust law. Your remarks make me wonder if you, like the good Nazis, would blindly follow every letter of the law, which would include roasting Jews in concentration ovens. One doesn't need to be a liberal to work to change such laws nor should the President of the United States be censored for usinig "phone and pen" to counteract an obstructive Congress who refused to do their duty as servants of the people of this nation.
2
@G.H. Bryan, Texa
"Sessions, unlike Lynch, is a man who believes in enforcing the law as it is written not as how they perceive it."
This statement is evidence that the writer failed to read the article as it was written, not as how he or she perceived it.
"Sessions, unlike Lynch, is a man who believes in enforcing the law as it is written not as how they perceive it."
This statement is evidence that the writer failed to read the article as it was written, not as how he or she perceived it.
3
Well you get what you vote for. Trump promised "law and order" and with Sessions we are going to get it in spades. An enthusiast for civil forfeiture and the death penalty, who sees nothing wrong with "prosecutorial misconduct, racial discrimination, and grossly inadequate defense lawyering." It's one thing to support the death penalty, but the way Sessions pushes for even insane people to be executed is disturbingly macabre.
17
Sessions' enthusiastic support of "civil forfeiture" laws and procedures are more then enough to deny him confirmation.
69
Although I agree, and many others will surely agree, that "Mr. Sessions’ ugly record in Alabama makes clear that his nomination to be the attorney general should be swiftly rejected." However, Republicans in Congress and nationwide have not been repulsed by an "ugly record," as has become clear with the election of the Donald Trump.
78
He's not a leader, just a mirror of his electorate. Thank Tricky Dick for his white southern strategy that someone of Sessions' ilk would be nominated for our country's highest law enforcement position.
36
What is distressing is that people with "ugly" mindsets get into government in the first place.
Law school should be available online and for a low tuition to all who would indulge. Do lawyers respect anyone except billionaires and other lawyers?
Lac school gives people a sense of entitlement (which art historians don't have)-- and the ability of many (possibly most) people to think broadly is IMO limited.
Law school should be available online and for a low tuition to all who would indulge. Do lawyers respect anyone except billionaires and other lawyers?
Lac school gives people a sense of entitlement (which art historians don't have)-- and the ability of many (possibly most) people to think broadly is IMO limited.
11
If Jeff Sessions is such a racist, then why when he was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama file civil rights charges against two klansmen who murdered Michael Donald, a young African-American in Mobile, Alabama, in 1981?
8
It seems he had nothing productive to do in that case.http://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/01/magazine/the-woman-who-beat-the-klan.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/09/jeff-sessions-wanted-to...
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/09/jeff-sessions-wanted-to...
For the same reason that a cold snap or a vicious snow and ice storm do not disprove human-caused global climate change!
Does a modicum of law-abiding make one not a racist?
1
Why do I feel like we're going back to the 1930's, when southern states would routinely hang Black men for looking the "wrong way" at White women?
I've come across too many people who believe that the best solution is "kill them all (those accused) and let God sort it out!" Is there any more clear-cut violation of the separation of Church and State than to kill people and assume God will fix it in an after-life?
More importantly, Sen. Sessions has deliberately withheld information that would probably disqualify him for the serious role of Attorney General, yet, hypocritically (like so many Republicans), when he was on the other side of the fence, questioning nominees, he suggested that withholding such evidence was a felony! By his own words, Sen. Sessions has convicted himself as a "felon" and should not be confirmed.
I don't think anything can be more terrifying than a state's attorney, knowing full well there's significant exculpatory and even exonerating evidence, going ahead with trying to get the accused executed. How, in his warped mind, can this POSSIBLY pass for "justice" and not state-sanctioned murder?
I find it interesting, that like so many Republican chicken hawks, during the Viet Nam War, Sen. Sessions joined the Army Reserves, effectively insulating himself from serving in the war and war zone itself. Why so SO many "conservative" politicians who avoided Harm's Way seem to be so eager to kil?
I've come across too many people who believe that the best solution is "kill them all (those accused) and let God sort it out!" Is there any more clear-cut violation of the separation of Church and State than to kill people and assume God will fix it in an after-life?
More importantly, Sen. Sessions has deliberately withheld information that would probably disqualify him for the serious role of Attorney General, yet, hypocritically (like so many Republicans), when he was on the other side of the fence, questioning nominees, he suggested that withholding such evidence was a felony! By his own words, Sen. Sessions has convicted himself as a "felon" and should not be confirmed.
I don't think anything can be more terrifying than a state's attorney, knowing full well there's significant exculpatory and even exonerating evidence, going ahead with trying to get the accused executed. How, in his warped mind, can this POSSIBLY pass for "justice" and not state-sanctioned murder?
I find it interesting, that like so many Republican chicken hawks, during the Viet Nam War, Sen. Sessions joined the Army Reserves, effectively insulating himself from serving in the war and war zone itself. Why so SO many "conservative" politicians who avoided Harm's Way seem to be so eager to kil?
69
It was in the 50's, not the 30's,that Emmett Till was lynched for talking to a white woman. These atrocities are not in the dim and dusty past.
Your post is an excellent one: but let's be clear on the timeline of lynching. Sessions was a child when it happened; he might even remember it.
He was 8. Till was 14.
Your post is an excellent one: but let's be clear on the timeline of lynching. Sessions was a child when it happened; he might even remember it.
He was 8. Till was 14.
1
Jeff Sessions's actual record of desegregating schools, taking on & defeating the Klan in AL—& the praise of black colleagues who know him best—put the lie to the recycled racist garbage spewing from the Left.
I won't relitigate the accusations, all centered around the Kennedy-led opposition to his 86 judicial nomination: Ted Kennedy borked Sessions before he borked Bork.
Simply consider the absurdity of the (hearsay) claim that Sessions would make a pro-KKK joke while in the process of prosecuting/executing a brutal KKK killer of a 19-y-o black man and effectively wiping out the Klan in AL. The accusation was refuted by another colleague, an assistant U.S. Attorney, who steadfastly defended Sessions' integrity.
Sessions's actual record portrays a defender of civil rights. As a U.S. Attorney he filed several cases to desegregate schools in AL. And he led the aforementioned prosecution of KKK Henry Hays, son of AL Klan leader Bennie Hays, for abducting/killing Michael Donald, a black teen selected at random.
Sessions insisted on the death penalty for Hays. Later, as AL AG, Sessions made sure Hays was executed. The conviction of Hays led to a $7M civil judgment, effectively wiping out the KKK in AL.
Former US Deputy AG Larry Thompson, a colleague at DOJ, said of Sessions: 'He does not have a racist bone in his body. I have been an African American for 71 yrs & I think I know a racist when I experience one. Jeff Sessions is simply a good & decent man.'
I won't relitigate the accusations, all centered around the Kennedy-led opposition to his 86 judicial nomination: Ted Kennedy borked Sessions before he borked Bork.
Simply consider the absurdity of the (hearsay) claim that Sessions would make a pro-KKK joke while in the process of prosecuting/executing a brutal KKK killer of a 19-y-o black man and effectively wiping out the Klan in AL. The accusation was refuted by another colleague, an assistant U.S. Attorney, who steadfastly defended Sessions' integrity.
Sessions's actual record portrays a defender of civil rights. As a U.S. Attorney he filed several cases to desegregate schools in AL. And he led the aforementioned prosecution of KKK Henry Hays, son of AL Klan leader Bennie Hays, for abducting/killing Michael Donald, a black teen selected at random.
Sessions insisted on the death penalty for Hays. Later, as AL AG, Sessions made sure Hays was executed. The conviction of Hays led to a $7M civil judgment, effectively wiping out the KKK in AL.
Former US Deputy AG Larry Thompson, a colleague at DOJ, said of Sessions: 'He does not have a racist bone in his body. I have been an African American for 71 yrs & I think I know a racist when I experience one. Jeff Sessions is simply a good & decent man.'
13
Indeed. He was just born 110 years too late. I wonder how much confederate money he has stashed in his attic?
1
Maybe you should read this. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/09/jeff-sessions-wanted-to...
Marian, you're always a tough call.
So you refute all the allegations in the article? They're pretty damning; they never happened?
'Mr. Sessions secured the execution of Varnall Weeks, who believed he was God and would “reign in heaven as a tortoise” after his death. After the Supreme Court banned executions of insane people, Mr. Sessions persuaded a federal court to defer to an Alabama court’s findings that Mr. Weeks was competent enough to be killed even though he met “the dictionary generic definition of insanity.”'
So you refute all the allegations in the article? They're pretty damning; they never happened?
'Mr. Sessions secured the execution of Varnall Weeks, who believed he was God and would “reign in heaven as a tortoise” after his death. After the Supreme Court banned executions of insane people, Mr. Sessions persuaded a federal court to defer to an Alabama court’s findings that Mr. Weeks was competent enough to be killed even though he met “the dictionary generic definition of insanity.”'
As any despot does, they fill the cabinet with loyalists. Trump has no real ideology other than lust for power and money. Sessions was with him from the beginning, thus his appointment. And I'm sure that Bannon has his hand in all this too. A man such as Sessions has no place at the Attorney Generals office. He is a slap in the face to all that is (was) great about America.
25
Obama, and by extension Hillary Clinton's promise to be 4 more years of his policies, were a slap in the face of Christian conservatives in this nation. The "other" side won the election so the left will just have to deal with it the best way they can.
No matter how hard liberals (which is not the equivalent of democrats) fight to tame/temper the Trump presidency it isn't going to happen with the right wing of the republican party in control of Congress. Scream to the heavens and Sessions will still be attorney general.
Our newly elected leaders have three guiding principles: 1. Capitalism provides the answer and the methodology to fix every problem, to resolve every issue, to implement every policy. The only exception is the military which will be publicly funded and staffed from NCO down by the middle and lower economic classes; 2. The continuation and permanent preservation of a white, rich, patriarchy; 3. Control of the masses by promulgating fears, differences, blame, and hatred, all couched in the language of self determination, freedom, and individuality.
If they're successful Trump and the right wing Congress will be re-elected with a 98 percent favorable vote.
Our newly elected leaders have three guiding principles: 1. Capitalism provides the answer and the methodology to fix every problem, to resolve every issue, to implement every policy. The only exception is the military which will be publicly funded and staffed from NCO down by the middle and lower economic classes; 2. The continuation and permanent preservation of a white, rich, patriarchy; 3. Control of the masses by promulgating fears, differences, blame, and hatred, all couched in the language of self determination, freedom, and individuality.
If they're successful Trump and the right wing Congress will be re-elected with a 98 percent favorable vote.
15
98%. That's right, but probably low and insulting considering all the other fine despots around the world who manage to get elected with 100% of the vote. If only 98% is the outcome, then I'm sure the election was rigged for the opposition.
3
As always. when republicans are in power they grossly overreach (see them already trying to kill Planned Parenthood).
Those who are rejoicing in the complete dismissal of minorities, young people and women may as well enjoy themselves now, because the pendulum will be swinging the other way.
It seems republicans are refusing to acknowledge or even admit that losing the popular vote by 3 million shows very soft support for the "President" -elect. They will steamroll their extreme agenda and then they will pay.
Those who are rejoicing in the complete dismissal of minorities, young people and women may as well enjoy themselves now, because the pendulum will be swinging the other way.
It seems republicans are refusing to acknowledge or even admit that losing the popular vote by 3 million shows very soft support for the "President" -elect. They will steamroll their extreme agenda and then they will pay.
2
I never thought anyone could make Donald Trump look humane by comparison.
7
When I think of these people, like Sessions, Trump, McConnell, Pence, and many more, I immediately think "Ruthless People". They truly would cheat, steal, and lie, to defeat any perceived enemies and maintain positions of escalating exponential wealth, influence, and power. The end justifies the means.
When a Democrat wins the White House, they are absolutely scornful and think only they in the GOP are the rightful 'owners' of it. When a black Democrat wins, they are absolutely apoplectic and losing their minds over it.
When a Democrat wins the White House, they are absolutely scornful and think only they in the GOP are the rightful 'owners' of it. When a black Democrat wins, they are absolutely apoplectic and losing their minds over it.
2
The proposed cabinet has ritghtly been called "the Manchurian cabinet" cobbled together by Putin's uncouth admirer. America's standing in the world, so badly damaged by the previous Republican president & cabinet and in recovery during the past 8 years, is slipping fast.
54
Actually, those better informed on 'Manchurian Candidates" would argue that Obama and company are a much better fit for the label. A refusal by the POTUS for 8 years to call out Islamic terror by its rightful name is so astounding that it could only be explained by some 'Manchurian' like brainwashing.
There must be some awfully good mind altering drugs over there if you believe any part of your statement.
Well if we are going to have to a cabinet member who's nick name is "Mad Dog" I guess we can have a new one called "Killer". Next would be "Burn Them Down"for HUD
22
A true degenerate. Should fit right in.
Not just 'sad', frightening
Not just 'sad', frightening
69
I do not believe Jeff Sessions has fundamentally changed at all. He is a relic of our not so glorious past. He should never be given absolute power over our laws. To say he is dangerous is an understatement.
121
I guess all this is pretty normal for anyone who holds such a post in Alabama. Obviously, it is what people there want and expect of their Attorney General.
Most citizens, and not just in Alabama, also find it ridiculous that someone should be spared just because they are insane. Normal people do not murder others, so almost every murderer obviously has some kind of mental defect. To spare those that are even more insane than the usual run-of-the-mill sociopath appears nonsensical to many people, except of course hard-core liberals.
Most citizens, and not just in Alabama, also find it ridiculous that someone should be spared just because they are insane. Normal people do not murder others, so almost every murderer obviously has some kind of mental defect. To spare those that are even more insane than the usual run-of-the-mill sociopath appears nonsensical to many people, except of course hard-core liberals.
12
There are some hard-core Christians who feel this way about the death penalty. Beginning with Jesus.
15
Yeah, let's just ignore hundreds of years of jurisprudence going back to our legal system's roots in English Law that has held that to be criminally liable, one must be sane and able to tell right from wrong. It's so inconvenient to try to maintain a fair an equitable justice system that has evolved since the Code of Hammurabi 4000 years ago. So let's just throw it out!
Until it catches you or yours in its net, and then, GS, you'll want EVERY protection you'd deny others.
Until it catches you or yours in its net, and then, GS, you'll want EVERY protection you'd deny others.
1
...or hard core Christians who actually do believe in the sanctity of all life and the belief in redemption. Fascinating and stunning how fetal masses are sacred and actual upright humans are not.
The cabinet choices are consistent with the personality of Donald Trump. Throughout the endless campaign, his opponents, including candidates, former candidates and former presidents from his own party, warned that he would be a disaster. For those who neglected to vote because their vote "didn't matter," or whose conscience would not allow them to vote for Hillary, enjoy the macabre show that we will be treated to these next four years.
64
Not just the next four years. This is a coup by fascists who have slithered out of Putin's Trojan snake. We will need a civil war to regain our country.
22
Who would fight for the liberals in the "civil war" your are urging on? As soon as they found out that they not only had to touch a gun but also use it The would retreat to a safe space and order in coloring books and a couple lattes.
As Alabama's official web site declares, "Be Bold - Go Explort Alabama, it's waiting for You!" So, go for it. Alabama is waiting for you, just don't ask what it's waiting with.
13
" Birds of a feather flock together ", wouldn't expect any different from Trump and his cronies.
23
In all honesty, an attorney general is tasked with representing the state in all appeals of criminal cases. There is an appeal if the defendant contends that a mistake of some kind was made at trial. I think that you'd be hard pressed to find an attorney general who would throw in the towel on an appeal and say, "Yes, there was grievous error so the state gives up - reverse the conviction or the sentence." It's the job of the attorney general to present the best case possible for the state." It is not the job of the attorney general to decide the case but to argue it, for the state. The judges who hear the case decided it. So this editorial might be considered unfair in criticizing Mr. Sessions for doing the job he was obligated by law to do.
3
Any attorney general should be seeking genuine justice which means convicting the actual perpetrator of the crime so when evidence points that the person accused is not the actual perpetrator any attorney general with a conscience should admit that; to do otherwise is to pervert justice and is certainly not to represent the interests of the people.
9
This is because prosecutors routinely do not understand their primary responsibility. They assume their job is to get and protect convictions but that is totally wrong.
While the defense attorney's job is to provide the best defense for the accused, guilty or not, the prosecutor's job is achieve justice and to do that through finding the truth. And if that truth results in the accused being acquitted, well that is what justice actually means and we need to retrain our nation's prosecutors to recognize that as justice, and not a "loss" as if it was a football game.
The prosecutor's job is to determine the truth, not get convictions. Most don't realize this and certainly Sen. Sessions is guilty of that.
While the defense attorney's job is to provide the best defense for the accused, guilty or not, the prosecutor's job is achieve justice and to do that through finding the truth. And if that truth results in the accused being acquitted, well that is what justice actually means and we need to retrain our nation's prosecutors to recognize that as justice, and not a "loss" as if it was a football game.
The prosecutor's job is to determine the truth, not get convictions. Most don't realize this and certainly Sen. Sessions is guilty of that.
8
Sessions is an extremist who wants to expand the perliue of capital crimes to two drug convictions. That's not duty, its sociopathic bloodlust.
1
I am not sure why liberal Democrats would be so upset about Senator Jeff Sessions.
You see, I am confident that the Senator is a good Christian who wants to be fair with criminals. The Senator knows that it is God's job to forgive... he is just arranging the meeting!
You see, I am confident that the Senator is a good Christian who wants to be fair with criminals. The Senator knows that it is God's job to forgive... he is just arranging the meeting!
5
Your comment sounds ripe for a T-shirt....oh thats where you read it too.
You are referring to a state that still believes they were on the right side in the Civil War. The war has never ended, and I believe will not until the people of the South apolize for what they did. Reconstruction was a failure of government which led to Jim Crow. An apology is warranted and expected if those like Mr Sessions want us to believe that the South can ever be cleansed. Spoken from a white woman who, since Orangehead was elected, has made a commitment to finally start calling people out on their bad habits, ignorance and racist. We white people owe the country this.
25
I am a northern liberal who also reads history. The north was deeply implicated in slavery from its inception to its end. So was England and the other European countries which all benefitted deeply from the fruits of "King Cotton", long after they 'rejected' slavery. I think that northern sanctimony about the south and its need to apologize is a big part of the problem. I do agree that we white people need to look at ourselves and apologize. BTW: 'The Ebony and the Ivy' and 'Empire of Cotton-a Global History' are books to read
1
I am another white woman, Southern, who totally agrees with you.....we owe African Americans a huge apology for all that we have done to them, not just slavery, and we should give them a great big check, too, for the evil that we did to them. I am a lifelong Georgian, age 76, white, and I believe there will never be any healing between the whites and the blacks until the white people acknowledge and deeply apologize for all the sorrow over the decades that we allowed our leaders to bring about. I am apologizing right here, and I feel deep shame towards any white people who cannot see that I am right.
3
I am also an old white woman who has lived in Alabama ( I remember his racist views) South Carolina (Strom racism) Georgia ( Confederate flag battles) I know Sessions from TV for years. I also know Tom Price. He doesn't want women to have birth control because they will have fun and not be responsible. Yes I read his views years ago.How can either of these 2 men be in charge of departments? As a retired teacher, don't get me started on the education nominee.
2
Exhibit A in the case against the death penalty
9
There is so much that disqualifies Sessions as even feasible as the top cop/attorney general of the U.S.
This person supervises all matters of civil rights and policing!!!!
And it's not just his past issues with NAACP, his offensive statements, or he knowingly prosecuted civil rights activists on bogus voter fraud claims.
In the here and now:
Sessions--known to cater to white nationalism/ the Alt-Right--- praised Breitbart News----run by Trump's current chief strategist Steve Bannon.
As background:
"We're the platform for the alt-right," Bannon told reporter Sarah Posner proudly when she interviewed him at the RNC in July, 2016.
Breitbart's far-right fringe site was described by its former editor Ben Shapiro as a "cesspool for white supremacist mememakers, and white-ethno-nationalism."
But in Feb. 2015, Sessions told Bannon on his radio program, “Let me just stop a minute and say Breitbart has been the absolute bright spot ...You get it, your writers get it, every day they find new information that I use repeatedly in debate on the floor of the Senate."
Fully disqualifying. Dangerous. Partisan. Right Wing Extremism.
This person supervises all matters of civil rights and policing!!!!
And it's not just his past issues with NAACP, his offensive statements, or he knowingly prosecuted civil rights activists on bogus voter fraud claims.
In the here and now:
Sessions--known to cater to white nationalism/ the Alt-Right--- praised Breitbart News----run by Trump's current chief strategist Steve Bannon.
As background:
"We're the platform for the alt-right," Bannon told reporter Sarah Posner proudly when she interviewed him at the RNC in July, 2016.
Breitbart's far-right fringe site was described by its former editor Ben Shapiro as a "cesspool for white supremacist mememakers, and white-ethno-nationalism."
But in Feb. 2015, Sessions told Bannon on his radio program, “Let me just stop a minute and say Breitbart has been the absolute bright spot ...You get it, your writers get it, every day they find new information that I use repeatedly in debate on the floor of the Senate."
Fully disqualifying. Dangerous. Partisan. Right Wing Extremism.
36
This man, and I use the term loosely, cares not one whit about either justice or equity of life. He is a dyed-in-the-wool racist who simply wants to play executioner, and as swiftly as possible.
Where is the temperament? Where is the weighing of consideration as applicable under law? Where is the compassion? I certainly do not see any in evidence.
Where is the temperament? Where is the weighing of consideration as applicable under law? Where is the compassion? I certainly do not see any in evidence.
20
Actually Sessions is just a little man with a thirst for power.
1
One more Trump nominee that will not only be above the law, but in charge of it. Let's only hope that some semblance of Republican wisdom from the 1980's rejection of Sessions will be found in this Congress.
50
Republicans of the 1980's would seem like card carrying lefties today.
6
I'm just waiting for indictments to start. The nostalgic view, re-written history/ignored reality of the most indicted cabinet in history, the Reagan administration, and the cause of why we are in the economic polarities we have today, will have nothing on the amount of corruption that will boil over in the Trump administration.
The difference will be that at least Congress and prosecutors actually went after corruption back then. It remains to be seen if the Justice Department and a GOP Congress will just look the other way this time.
The difference will be that at least Congress and prosecutors actually went after corruption back then. It remains to be seen if the Justice Department and a GOP Congress will just look the other way this time.
2
Forget all arguments. He will be confirmed as surely as Trump has become president-elect. That's the pattern which will be shoved down our throats. Whose fault is that? The voters and the non-voters.
2
As Michelle said, power reveals. Like what you see America? It is only starting; be afraid, be very afraid.
96
I and very many fellow citizens love what we are seeing so far. Just as you loved it when Obama was elected and started filing by Executive Orders. Now it is Trumps turn.
That face says it all.
Just like all the other Mean Old Angry men who have taken over the country.
The coup is now complete.
The barbarians have come from within.
Just like all the other Mean Old Angry men who have taken over the country.
The coup is now complete.
The barbarians have come from within.
106
The Justice Department has virtually no involvement in death penalty cases. Those are state matters. As for civil rights, Eric Holder did not prosecute a single black victim of a police shooting. He did bring a case against Ferguson for racist traffic ticketing and a few similar cases against suburbs or cities . Otherwise, his civil rights accomplishments were few.
Most Justice Department work is about non-political crime. Tax evasion, fraud, serious drug crimes, and serious immigration cases (usually against those who transport and victimize illegals). There aren't a lot of environmental prosecutions or antitrust prosecutions, though there will be less under Sessions.
There is no doubt that Sessions can do some harm, but most of Justice is apolitical. For the most part, a crime is a crime. I worked at Justice under Ed Meese and Dick Thornbugh and things didn't change much for line attorneys. I'm a lot more worried about the EPA, Defense, Energy, Education, HUD, Interior, Labor and State than I am about Justice, and I think you would be wise to look elsewhere to find where the real damage will be done.
Most Justice Department work is about non-political crime. Tax evasion, fraud, serious drug crimes, and serious immigration cases (usually against those who transport and victimize illegals). There aren't a lot of environmental prosecutions or antitrust prosecutions, though there will be less under Sessions.
There is no doubt that Sessions can do some harm, but most of Justice is apolitical. For the most part, a crime is a crime. I worked at Justice under Ed Meese and Dick Thornbugh and things didn't change much for line attorneys. I'm a lot more worried about the EPA, Defense, Energy, Education, HUD, Interior, Labor and State than I am about Justice, and I think you would be wise to look elsewhere to find where the real damage will be done.
11
The federal courts still impose the death penalty. The AG can also influence the decisions of state AGs and the courts. You do not seem to understand what the AG is in the US. The position is called the "top cop" for a reason. The AG is the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the country. The FBI answers to the AG.
Holder and Lynch have proven effective to the extent they could hold the powerful accountable because that was their aim. Sessions will target the powerless with the force of the Feds and his Republican friends in over 30 governorships across the country.
We should always be "worried" about who holds the power to investigate, prosecute, and punish. What good is education and housing in a society where anyone can be imprisoned and killed by the state based on arbitrary factors like skin color, religion, gender, class, race or political views? Would you live in N Korea for the affordable housing and free education?
Holder and Lynch have proven effective to the extent they could hold the powerful accountable because that was their aim. Sessions will target the powerless with the force of the Feds and his Republican friends in over 30 governorships across the country.
We should always be "worried" about who holds the power to investigate, prosecute, and punish. What good is education and housing in a society where anyone can be imprisoned and killed by the state based on arbitrary factors like skin color, religion, gender, class, race or political views? Would you live in N Korea for the affordable housing and free education?
17
Only in the ether of Republican land can the occasional execution of a white person be offered up as evidence of racial equality.
53
The US isn't about pursuit of happiness for anyone except sadists.
6
"Mr. Sessions’ ugly record in Alabama makes clear that his nomination to be the attorney general should be swiftly rejected."
Ah, but, Messrs. Donohue and Schoening, this is precisely the reason that the august Senate Committee on the Judiciary will recommend Jeff Sessions as the next attorney general. They couldn't be bothered with hearings for the black president's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, but I digress.
Consider the members for the 115th Congress, which just took office:
Charles Grassley, Iowa (R), Chair;
John Cornyn, Texas (R);
Ted Cruz, Texas (R);
Jeff Flake, Arizona (R);
Mike Lee, Utah (R).
It's hardly possibly to hue more hardly to the right with these five men. And Jeff Sessions is one of their own. He, as Alabama's attorney general, stood watch over the imposition of Reconstruction and Jim Crow statutes designed to deny Americans their civil rights under the law. Mr. Sessions knowingly understood that his abuse of power was rooted in his Southern culture of terrorism and anti-American principles of justice, fairness and the ultimate bar of honor, a swearing to uphold, before the Almighty, the laws of the place to which he would assume the power of life and death over the citizens of said place (State of Alabama).
Yes, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III (a long handle for Jefferson Davis) may soon be the final arbiter of "law and order" under a flag that will do all in its power to deny American citizens their due process.
Ah, but, Messrs. Donohue and Schoening, this is precisely the reason that the august Senate Committee on the Judiciary will recommend Jeff Sessions as the next attorney general. They couldn't be bothered with hearings for the black president's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, but I digress.
Consider the members for the 115th Congress, which just took office:
Charles Grassley, Iowa (R), Chair;
John Cornyn, Texas (R);
Ted Cruz, Texas (R);
Jeff Flake, Arizona (R);
Mike Lee, Utah (R).
It's hardly possibly to hue more hardly to the right with these five men. And Jeff Sessions is one of their own. He, as Alabama's attorney general, stood watch over the imposition of Reconstruction and Jim Crow statutes designed to deny Americans their civil rights under the law. Mr. Sessions knowingly understood that his abuse of power was rooted in his Southern culture of terrorism and anti-American principles of justice, fairness and the ultimate bar of honor, a swearing to uphold, before the Almighty, the laws of the place to which he would assume the power of life and death over the citizens of said place (State of Alabama).
Yes, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III (a long handle for Jefferson Davis) may soon be the final arbiter of "law and order" under a flag that will do all in its power to deny American citizens their due process.
223
In Trump's world, he who best plays the 'sycophant card' wins.
"Last August, he praised Mr. Trump’s 1989 newspaper ads calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty in New York,"
In response to the groping charges against Trump, Mr Sessions said "we all know Trump likes women".
As Trump said of Putin - "he said some nice thing about me, so I'm gonna say nice things about him, ok"
This is the path toward the inner sanctum of Trumps cesspool of sycophants, to praise him in a ways that whitewash his faults.
In Mr Sessions' approach to justice, the New York's Central Park Five would have been executed before they had a chance to seek exoneration.
This nomination comes at a time when public support for the death penalty continues to decline in contrast to Mr Sessions enthusiastic support for a broader definition of capital crimes.
It is extremely troubling to think of what he could do for the country if awarded the powers of Attorney General.
"Last August, he praised Mr. Trump’s 1989 newspaper ads calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty in New York,"
In response to the groping charges against Trump, Mr Sessions said "we all know Trump likes women".
As Trump said of Putin - "he said some nice thing about me, so I'm gonna say nice things about him, ok"
This is the path toward the inner sanctum of Trumps cesspool of sycophants, to praise him in a ways that whitewash his faults.
In Mr Sessions' approach to justice, the New York's Central Park Five would have been executed before they had a chance to seek exoneration.
This nomination comes at a time when public support for the death penalty continues to decline in contrast to Mr Sessions enthusiastic support for a broader definition of capital crimes.
It is extremely troubling to think of what he could do for the country if awarded the powers of Attorney General.
41
The good shepherds these "good ole boys" pretend to be are easily unmasked by their actions.
The fact that so few people care is the real issue.
The fact that so few people care is the real issue.
74
Before the election of Donald Trump, it seemed that men like the "execution zealot" Jeff Sessions were slowly but surely being relegated to the past where they belong. Now we have a president -elect who is determined to bring them to the fore. The nomination of Mr. Sessions to the role of Attorney General of the U.S. is grotesque and should be soundly rejected.
110 752,61
tempered his fire and brimstone discourse with some signs that he believes in the " better angels of our natures." His "justice" should befrom another
1
There seems to be a pattern emerging here, there is just so much wrong with well, all of Trump's nominees. They are all bad for the "rest of us" if we are not Billionaire members of the American Kleptocracy.
Remember, a majority of the electorate DID NOT VOTE for this prospective administration. Continuing to pretend that they ("Republicans") have any respect for the norms and traditions of our nation and society in becoming actively dangerous, as it is increasingly obvious their intent is to overturn the established order.
Remember, a majority of the electorate DID NOT VOTE for this prospective administration. Continuing to pretend that they ("Republicans") have any respect for the norms and traditions of our nation and society in becoming actively dangerous, as it is increasingly obvious their intent is to overturn the established order.
22
Given that the Republicans got their candidate into the White House through what effectively is a technical fault in the electoral system and that they lost significant ground in both their Senate and House majorities, it's arguable they SURVIVED the election, not won it.
6
It is imperative that we contact our Senators TODAY and insist that Sessions not be confirmed.
Sessions represents a clear threat to our basic rights. Voting rights have already been eroded drastically, to the point of having a material impact on election outcomes.
Sessions in power as AG would swiftly accelerate the disempowerment of the American people - ALL people.
You may feel protected today by your gender or the color of your skin, but I guarantee you, if you're not one of their tiny little In Group, you're next.
Sessions represents a clear threat to our basic rights. Voting rights have already been eroded drastically, to the point of having a material impact on election outcomes.
Sessions in power as AG would swiftly accelerate the disempowerment of the American people - ALL people.
You may feel protected today by your gender or the color of your skin, but I guarantee you, if you're not one of their tiny little In Group, you're next.
8
So this is the result of the ignorant masses' inability to govern themselves. In a fit of pique, they threw a molotov cocktail into the establishment. The old, withered white establishment that caused their problems, Trump has now installed into his cabinet, thanks to a coup by the Republican Party.
Way to go Americans, you're now in deep elephant dung, thanks to your incoherent anger. On Jan. 20th, the privileged vampires take over to suck more of your blood, but this time blatantly.
Way to go Americans, you're now in deep elephant dung, thanks to your incoherent anger. On Jan. 20th, the privileged vampires take over to suck more of your blood, but this time blatantly.
30
I don't even sleep well. I am so very upset about what is happening. Session is just the first of many of his choices for his horror cabinet. Much thought was put into picking these awful, unsavory cretins that he has chosen. I firmly believe that most of them were the well thought out choices of Bannon. When I heard that he came aboard and in my opinion is running the show, I shuddered and it is evident by the frightening show that is being paraded in front of the Congress to confirm. I do not think Putin's BFF had enough knowledge about this group to make these choices which are so detrimental to the country.
I am sick thinking just how much damage will be done before something is finally done,something so drastic that maybe those weak kneed McConnell et al will finally have to do something to reign him in. Hopefully it will be an impeachment during the first year.
Session is a night mare but "General" Flynn is as dangerous as anyone and he does not have to be confirmed!
I am sick thinking just how much damage will be done before something is finally done,something so drastic that maybe those weak kneed McConnell et al will finally have to do something to reign him in. Hopefully it will be an impeachment during the first year.
Session is a night mare but "General" Flynn is as dangerous as anyone and he does not have to be confirmed!
6
The first paragraph is grimly hilarious, I can picture Sessions saying "I'm not a racist, some of my best friends are black."
5
Duck Dynasty has elected Caligula. How can anyone be surprised at his cabinet choices? His tweets, his comments to the press, his speeches show well who he is and what he is: deranged andd ignorant. We are the laughing stock of the world. Trump and his actions are lampooned and satirized in the press, in public and in private. Hillary Clinton goes to a play and gets an ovation. Trump, the kid from Queens is popular in the Trump tower and with his family and sycophants but not many other places.
As an historian who studied US History, this presidency is something I would rather read about that happned in the distant past than to watch on a daily basis. Trump and his actions are pretty scary. Sessions for AG?! Tell me this is some awful joke.
As an historian who studied US History, this presidency is something I would rather read about that happned in the distant past than to watch on a daily basis. Trump and his actions are pretty scary. Sessions for AG?! Tell me this is some awful joke.
13
The PEOTUS seems inclined to appoint contemporary versions of Caligula, the Marquis de Sade, and Vlad the Impaler. And, of course, robber barons who clearly match up to their 19th Century equivalents. But of course Trump is endowed with sufficient greed and cruelty to preside comfortably over such an assemblage.
8
I used to believe that others (presidents-elect, congresses) were better qualified to choose who to appoint and who to confirm. Now, for the first time in my life, I discover that I could do a better job than our current president-elect.
It makes sense that quite a few questionable people became early supporters of Donald Trump. He attracts such individuals. And now they are his appointees to weighty positions in our government.
During the past several weeks, we've seen plenty of evidence in the public opinion trial: the people against Jeff Sessions. I vote nay to confirm Jeff Sessions. Senators, please do the ethical thing. Find a better person to serve as Attorney General.
It makes sense that quite a few questionable people became early supporters of Donald Trump. He attracts such individuals. And now they are his appointees to weighty positions in our government.
During the past several weeks, we've seen plenty of evidence in the public opinion trial: the people against Jeff Sessions. I vote nay to confirm Jeff Sessions. Senators, please do the ethical thing. Find a better person to serve as Attorney General.
5
I'm against the death penalty, both for ethical and economic reasons. However, I might change my mind if capital crimes included those which resulted in damages or illegal profit in excess of $500,000 due to gross negligence, fraud, graft, kickbacks, and other forms of political corruption. Republicans should be all for this, since they believe that harsh punishments are the way to deter crime. Imagine how it would change the face of politics!
Regardless of the death penalty, there should be harsher punishments for political corruption, and they should be investigated and enforced more thoroughly. Long prison terms, banishment from public offices, seizure of assets. Instead, the GOP will work on disabling the Office of Congressional Ethics so they can Make America a Swamp Again.
Regardless of the death penalty, there should be harsher punishments for political corruption, and they should be investigated and enforced more thoroughly. Long prison terms, banishment from public offices, seizure of assets. Instead, the GOP will work on disabling the Office of Congressional Ethics so they can Make America a Swamp Again.
4
I really believe that there is one conservative jurist in America who would be a better choice for AG than Jeff Sessions.
1
He looks so happy in the photo, you would never guess he hands out death sentences.
5
That Session is a senator makes me think that Alabama must be a very scary place to live and a state to avoid at all costs. It's as scary to know that Trump nominated Session to his cabinet because Session was one of the few to openly support him when Trump's disgusting actions were revealed -- for Session maybe the more disgusting the better. Given that McConnell is trying to ram this through simply reminds me of how equally disgusting he is.
GOP hierarchy...SAD!
GOP hierarchy...SAD!
13
Now that we are all free not to be politically correct, let's not dance this any more.
It is obvious, transparent, and undeniable: There is nothing beau about Jefferson Beauregard Sessions. We are looking at pure, consistent ugliness. Ugly, ugly, ugly...
It is obvious, transparent, and undeniable: There is nothing beau about Jefferson Beauregard Sessions. We are looking at pure, consistent ugliness. Ugly, ugly, ugly...
6
I say let Trump ram his choices through. Why help him get it right by insisting he do it our way? Let him do this his way -- it will lead to a quicker and more complete end to his presidency.
4
I so wish this were true. But Trump will continue gas lighting to keep us off-balance, and he will be sure we are in a crisis in time for 2020. Basically too few of the electorate understand manipulation 101. The POTUS indeed has the power to replace our democracy with oligarchy, and make it stick.
4
You get executed as punishment for committing heinous crimes against your fellow man. Nothing wrong with that.
4
Fair enough, does that mean we can execute people like the ones responsible for the poisoned water in Michigan?
7
As far as Flint goes, did anyone die? Did a jury convict and hand down the death penalty? If so then yes they should be. I'm surprised a liberal would even bring it up considering the people in charge there were Democrats.
Well, that does it then. On this basis alone, Sessions should be disqualified. Can you imagine a greater moral wrong than executing someone who is innocent? Well, Sessions didn't try to do that, someone might reply. But in not allowing convictions to be reversed in faulty trials, that was likely to happen.
Why do these people hunger to kill people so blindly and quickly?
Why do these people hunger to kill people so blindly and quickly?
7
So sad!
1. The Attorney General of the United States has virtually no responsibility for death penalty issues.
2. Mr. Donohue ignores a number of cases that Mr. Sessions did not appeal, most likely on the grounds that the convictions were improper.
3. When you have a conservative AG, you have to expect that he or she will support the death penalty. And, in handling death penalty appeals, Sessions did not necessarily argue that there were no errors in the cases, a matter that Mr. Donohue wrongfully ignores.
When you have a conservative AG, you have to expect that he or she supports the death penalty, but this is virtually irrelevant to the job. Mr. Sessions is far to the right -- a Tea Party type -- and he has a troubling record on racism. That's good enough reason to oppoose him. Mr, Donohue is trying to throw in the kitchen sink. I don't think it's constructive.
2. Mr. Donohue ignores a number of cases that Mr. Sessions did not appeal, most likely on the grounds that the convictions were improper.
3. When you have a conservative AG, you have to expect that he or she will support the death penalty. And, in handling death penalty appeals, Sessions did not necessarily argue that there were no errors in the cases, a matter that Mr. Donohue wrongfully ignores.
When you have a conservative AG, you have to expect that he or she supports the death penalty, but this is virtually irrelevant to the job. Mr. Sessions is far to the right -- a Tea Party type -- and he has a troubling record on racism. That's good enough reason to oppoose him. Mr, Donohue is trying to throw in the kitchen sink. I don't think it's constructive.
2
Interested readers should also read the LA Times article "The long and complicated road to understanding Jeff Sessions and matters of race" by: Del Quentin Wilber, Dec. 22, 2016. Here is a link:
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-sessions-race-attorney-general-201...
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-sessions-race-attorney-general-201...
2
Of all the gifted Republican attorneys in the U.S., this is the best Trump can do for Attorney General? Reject Sessions quickly.
7
The only way a grotesque remnant of this nation's ugly racist past could be nominated and confirmed by Congress in 2017 is when Hell freezes over or the Republicans control both Houses of Congress and the presidency.
Our last national nightmare ended in '74 with the resignation of Richard Nixon. Our new national nightmare begins January 20th and will not end until the departure of Trump, a man so creepy and odious he will never be addressed as my president, birth certificate or not.
DD
Manhattan
Our last national nightmare ended in '74 with the resignation of Richard Nixon. Our new national nightmare begins January 20th and will not end until the departure of Trump, a man so creepy and odious he will never be addressed as my president, birth certificate or not.
DD
Manhattan
10
The Orange One's appointments are made mostly for transactional, resource based (e.g. Exxon) reasons, they may be political or both. Competency is not what he's looking for. Sen Sessions' political mission, if the Senate accepts him, is to cleanse the US of A of "illegals" so that there are more jobs for Americans. Also, he is to aggravate Democrats/Liberals. If the death penalty is made front and center in his confirmation hearing, he'll have fun.. As a Dem operative, I'd keep it at a level where people think: "oh, this might get hairy, we'll have a race war". Remember, cruelty is an asset these days.
1
A sadistic, pseudo Christian, appointed to be AG, by an ethically challenged, morally bankrupt, defective human, who is coming to power by a faulty system. What could possibly go wrong?
12
For so long, I couldn't decide whether Trump was strategic, misguided or simply clueless in in his incessant, shocking picks. Now I believe none of the above. Trump is Narcissus, gazing into a pool for loyalists who reflect his own image. Like him, this conga line of con-artists know better than to pass up a good "deals." Who else but Trump would elevate them to high positions? As a native Atlantan, my family hails from Alabama and I am a tax-paying landowner. I cringe at those who lump all of Alabama and the entire South into one red racist region. Yet those Alabamians who repeatedly elect officials like Sessions promote the stereotype. Alabama seems forever intent on becoming a hypocritical Theocracy, with Sessions et. al leading the charge. Trump has no such defined agenda beyond promoting his ego and surrounding himself with those willing to stroke it. But many of these, like Sessions, may push more diabolical plans. His slippery ilk has soured my Sweet Home Alabama. Congress, don't let his poison into higher places. Democrats, stand up and fight.
6
Jeff Sessions is a dangerous threat to our Democracy. His ignorant views on Marijuana could effect millions of people who live in States were Marijuana is legal or used as Medicine. I am not surprised he was an enthusiast of the Death Penalty.
4
Need you really be reminded that marijuana is, and has been, illegal by federal law? Like immigration laws, Obama instructed law enforcement to ignore the law. Sanity and enforcement of law is back.
As attorney-general Sessions may follow Trump's endorsement of torture and broaden it to police investigations. It is pitiable to witness the degradation of the United States under even the impending rule of such bullying sadists.
6
This bloodthirst is unspeakable and unhinged.
9
Sessions is a danger to America's civil liberties. But beyond that, he will protect the criminality about to come in the Trump administration. His appointment as attorney general will usher in corruption and repression unparalleled in U.S. History. It is only public outcry that will prevent this terrible appointment. I am writing my representatives and I hope all decent Americans will do the same.
12
one has to remember that without a majority vote America has selected a government with the finest minds of the 17 th century. In Canada our history books I studied in high school celebrate the 800,000 United Empire Loyalists who fled the 13 colonies to help create a real free democracy in Canada with our French, First Nations and African brothers who escaped from your founding fathers slavery.
4
Mr. Sessions likes to order the executions of human beings he labels as "bad." He would have fit right in with those who in power who persecuted and crucified Jesus.
11
If 5% of this article is true then Sessions is 100% unqualified.
16
The death penalty is insupportable. Dirty cops, bad representation, suppressed evidence, bad judges, mentally deficient suspects, and - in high profile cases - a rush to judgement all make for a system than cannot be relied upon to protect the rights of the wrongfully charged and convicted.
The government should not be in the business of executing people. That is the road to hell.
The government should not be in the business of executing people. That is the road to hell.
6
The zealotry and cruelty described in this piece are staggering. That anyone could consider this man fit to serve as AG is shocking. And America may well be stuck with him. Heartbreaking.
29
I am appalled at this selection. In '76 birth control cost $100 month...$430 in today's dollars. How does that work for folks on minimum wage?
That is just the beginning. Voting rights. Separation of church and state...incredible the craziness of this and many other of Trump's nominees.
That is just the beginning. Voting rights. Separation of church and state...incredible the craziness of this and many other of Trump's nominees.
9
Just the precise feelings many of us had for the past 8 years.
Not the least of the legal scandals involving the Republican Party of Alabama is the railroading of Democratic Governor Don Siegelman, now in a federal prison in Alabama. The prosecution was a political hit, executed at a time when Karl Rove and Alberto Gonzales were purging U.S. Attorneys who resisted using the Justice Department to pursue Democrats while shielding Republicans. The key witness against Siegelman, a lobbyist named Lanny Young, also claimed to have made large and apparently illegal payments to Jeff Sessions and William Pryor, now a federal judge, but none of the Republicans he fingered were even questioned, much less charged. When a federal judge threw out the charges against Siegelman, calling them baseless, the prosecutors filed in a different judicial district, before a judge, Mark Fuller, with a long-standing grudge against Siegelman. Fuller, whose mug shot can be found on line -- he was arrested for beating his wife bloody in a Georgia hotel, and forced to leave the bench -- was vindictive enough to have Siegelman shackled hand and foot in the courtroom. Scores of prosecutors from both parties have condemned the Siegelman case as a gross miscarriage of justice. Time is running out for President Obama to grant him the pardon he richly deserves. It shouldn't just be wrongdoers who get pardons from the President; it should also be the innocent.
12
No country is a worse playground of endless venue shopping than this 50 state scam of unequal protection of the law.
3
The racist Jeff Sessions is only one of the grotesqueries that make up the evil roster of the immoral, pathological liar, vulgar, imbecile supposed president elect Donald Trump. These freaks were chosen, all likelihood by Steve Bannon, in order to destroy any semblance of civil rights, health care, democracy, and anything good in our country. All that matters to these ghouls, is that the ultra wealthy enrich themselves into a greed coma, and every one else suffers. If you doubt any of this, actually pay attention and learn who these monsters chosen by Trump really are.
13
Happy you also feel that Bannon's dirty hands had a big part in finding these monsters that are being presented as the future King of America's cabinet.
Sadly I feel most of them will said through. We are going to have to wait until he does something drastic when someone says something that upsets his thin skin. He should be in a mental hospital not becoming President. I won't say mine as I will NEVER recognize him as POTUS.
Sadly I feel most of them will said through. We are going to have to wait until he does something drastic when someone says something that upsets his thin skin. He should be in a mental hospital not becoming President. I won't say mine as I will NEVER recognize him as POTUS.
1
Jeff Sessions is like Jack Kevorkian minus the good intentions. Ironically, his zeal to kill is something that he shares in common with some of the very defendants he prosecuted.
So here we have a self-professed follower of Jesus who enjoyed sentencing people to death. And on top of this contradiction, Sessions claims – without any irony – that he is ardently “pro-life.” Maybe these defendants should have curled into the fetal position during their trials.
Of course, Sessions would thump his Bible and insist that God endorses the death penalty for murder. And this is certainly true. But the same text also endorses the death penalty for sodomy and blasphemy. So the Good Book is hardly a reliable moral authority here.
Consider instead the Constitution. Its 8th Amendment nobly prohibits “cruel and unusual punishments.” And what constitutes “cruel and unusual" is determined not by what a bunch of men thought over 2000+ years ago but rather by what men and women generally think today – “the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society.” By these much more modern standards, the Court has correctly decided that executing the insane and executing the intellectually disabled are cruel and unusual punishments.
The U.S. Attorney General of all people should understand and accept society's “evolving standards of decency.” Jeff Sessions’ prosecutorial (and senatorial) record makes it very clear that he does not satisfy this most basic qualification.
So here we have a self-professed follower of Jesus who enjoyed sentencing people to death. And on top of this contradiction, Sessions claims – without any irony – that he is ardently “pro-life.” Maybe these defendants should have curled into the fetal position during their trials.
Of course, Sessions would thump his Bible and insist that God endorses the death penalty for murder. And this is certainly true. But the same text also endorses the death penalty for sodomy and blasphemy. So the Good Book is hardly a reliable moral authority here.
Consider instead the Constitution. Its 8th Amendment nobly prohibits “cruel and unusual punishments.” And what constitutes “cruel and unusual" is determined not by what a bunch of men thought over 2000+ years ago but rather by what men and women generally think today – “the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society.” By these much more modern standards, the Court has correctly decided that executing the insane and executing the intellectually disabled are cruel and unusual punishments.
The U.S. Attorney General of all people should understand and accept society's “evolving standards of decency.” Jeff Sessions’ prosecutorial (and senatorial) record makes it very clear that he does not satisfy this most basic qualification.
18
Jesus loved Pharisees according to this Pharisee. No skin has been more danced-in by disreputable fools than that of Jesus of Nazareth.
1
The persistence of ignorance or the ignorance of persistence?
1
Sounds like mr. sessions should have been sitting at the defense table speaking with his lawyer rather than visa versa. Disgraceful racist. Democrats are fortunate that vermin like this left the Party after the Civil Rights Act was passed. Grill him good at the hearing. Make him sweat.
4
We are about to have a government run by self-righteous sadists and insatiably greedy robber barons--and headed by a narcissist who combines the worst characteristics of both.
38
Due process? Equality under the law? Good heavens, Mr. Trump hasn't even taken office yet, but it's obvious from the public record of many of his business dealings as well as from the unseemly (And illegal.) rush to confirm his cabinet nominees without vetting that neither of those concepts are among those Mr. Trump holds dear.
The Democrats simply must stand united against this, and every other, morally repugnant nominee. Even if they lose, the battle must be fought.
The Democrats simply must stand united against this, and every other, morally repugnant nominee. Even if they lose, the battle must be fought.
8
There's a page on the web site of Faulkner University, "a Christian University" in Montgomery, Alabama, that tells readers about their chosen 2015 commencement speaker.
It states, "Senator Sessions and his wife Mary Blackshear Sessions (also a native of Alabama) are members of the Ashland Place United Methodist Church in Mobile. He serves as a lay leader and Sunday school teacher there...."
I now ask readers more informed on the subject than I to please respond honestly and calmly to my question, which is sincere and not meant to provoke. I will return here to read and learn from your responses.
Q. May Jeff Sessions be considered a good Christian?
It states, "Senator Sessions and his wife Mary Blackshear Sessions (also a native of Alabama) are members of the Ashland Place United Methodist Church in Mobile. He serves as a lay leader and Sunday school teacher there...."
I now ask readers more informed on the subject than I to please respond honestly and calmly to my question, which is sincere and not meant to provoke. I will return here to read and learn from your responses.
Q. May Jeff Sessions be considered a good Christian?
1
Most people may think the position taken by Senator Sessions in any one of the 7 specific death penalty cases described in this catalog of injustice would disqualify him from serving as Attorney General of the United States. Not President-elect Trump, however, who now wants this particular "law and order" Trumpeteer to administer all of the nation's laws. When neither the President nor his Attorney General can accept evidence of innocence, evidence of impairment, or even DNA exoneration of those falsely accused, what hope can the people have for a fair and impartial judicial system?
151
What a "nasty" man.
4
And you being from CA, wouldn't have a clue he had a KKK member put to death for murdering a 19 year old black man. Still think he is nasty ?
3
The death penalty if it is imposed at all must be considered carefully and every avenue explored. Of course it is final and irrevocable.
The cavalier persuit of it reflects a mind set that does not consider all considerations and circumstances and seeks victory over justice. Senator Sessions as Attorney General would be in a position that requires wisdom not the blind persuit of victory at all costs. The death penalty persued this way without consideration is only one brutal example of his lack of humanity. and shows the way he would run his office.
The question is are we a nation not only of justice, but justice tempered by hinsite and wisdom. it seems that jeff Session's vision of the world centered around winning a case and inhumanity rather than anything that looks like wise use of the law. He will be the new face of Trump callousness and violence, something that his office should be sworn to fight.
The cavalier persuit of it reflects a mind set that does not consider all considerations and circumstances and seeks victory over justice. Senator Sessions as Attorney General would be in a position that requires wisdom not the blind persuit of victory at all costs. The death penalty persued this way without consideration is only one brutal example of his lack of humanity. and shows the way he would run his office.
The question is are we a nation not only of justice, but justice tempered by hinsite and wisdom. it seems that jeff Session's vision of the world centered around winning a case and inhumanity rather than anything that looks like wise use of the law. He will be the new face of Trump callousness and violence, something that his office should be sworn to fight.
71
Drunk on God, drunk on false law and order. Let's mobilize.
6
Sen. Jeff Sessions' record in Alabama speaks to one reality and one alone, that he was enforcing the law of the Confederacy, the law as he adapted it in the current century constrained by federal intervention. His absolutist mentality when it comes to crime stands in sharp contrast to Donald Trumps utter disregard of civil law when it comes to consumer protection. I guess the senator is able to segregate criminal and civil crimes: one mostly committed by people of color, the other mostly by white folks.
5
Execute people convicted twice of drug trafficking?!? Have these people lost their mind? What kind of person supports a law like that? What kind of Christian? There are many high profile people (Rush Limbaugh) that couldn't pass that test.
13
Jeff Sessions embodies the defining trait of fundamentalist Christian America: they possess none of the Christian values of mercy or humility. What they possess is viciousness and the hubris that they can do no wrong. They can't execute the wrong man. They can't execute someone who didn't deserve it. They can't be anything other than a vengeful God's chosen, exempt from the standards they hold others to because they are too blind to their hypocrisy. (Consider how many "tough on crime, good Christians" defended Dennis Hastert as a "good man.")
52
I'm surprised there was no mention that Senator Sessions' is 'pro-life.'
11
We're left to close the barn doors after the cows escaped. We can only hope that this AG topples himself, by overreaching in rolling back individual, criminal and civil rights.
2
Many Trump and Sessions supporters also support the death penalty as do many elected politicians. The terrible (to some: insane) procedure is applauded, and the many nations that have eliminated the death penalty are mocked for their interest in humane policies. The desire to kill, whether it's human beings or anything else one disfavors, may be on the rise now that there's so much interest in and fear mongering about terrorism. The Supreme Court should long ago have snuffed out capital punishment. Perhaps at some future time, history will look upon our vicious clinging to death sentences as a vile blot on the nation that prides itself on magnificence and worldly wisdom. In the coming days, praise will be heaped on Mr. Sessions as if he were Saint Francis come again. Hypocrisy and killing are political soulmates.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
4
What a hypocrite! For a man who claims to have deep Christian faith, Jeff Sessions evidently is unaware of the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." The death penalty is taking a life, period.
Rather than try to impose his religiosity on others, Sessions should try to practice what his religion preaches.
Rather than try to impose his religiosity on others, Sessions should try to practice what his religion preaches.
4
If you knew anything about the Bible, you would know that the context of the verse " thou shall not kill" literally means "thou shall not commit murder".
1
" thou shall not kill" literally means "thou shall not commit murder"."
Were you more conversant with a bible you'd know that isn't true. It ascribes numerous with being eligible for the death penalty. It makes a distinction between murder and an ambush killing or killing while robbing someone. Gen. 9:6 even prescribes state execution punishment for those who kill.
Were you more conversant with a bible you'd know that isn't true. It ascribes numerous with being eligible for the death penalty. It makes a distinction between murder and an ambush killing or killing while robbing someone. Gen. 9:6 even prescribes state execution punishment for those who kill.
2
Please.
The Republic Party has one goal: complete power.
It's principles are clear.....racist, economic Darwinism, aid for the wealthy.
McConnell railed against unvetted appointments with incomplete ethics and financial forms.
Today......not a big deal.
T=Rex needs his team in place on day one.
Sessions recognized Psycho Don's racism and authoritarian streak early.
"President" Pathological is more than happy to reward his loyalty.
And his eagerness to suppress minority voting participation.
We are now all enrolled in Trump U
The Republic Party has one goal: complete power.
It's principles are clear.....racist, economic Darwinism, aid for the wealthy.
McConnell railed against unvetted appointments with incomplete ethics and financial forms.
Today......not a big deal.
T=Rex needs his team in place on day one.
Sessions recognized Psycho Don's racism and authoritarian streak early.
"President" Pathological is more than happy to reward his loyalty.
And his eagerness to suppress minority voting participation.
We are now all enrolled in Trump U
6
It will be a sad day for America, a step back to a worse time, a regression to hatefulness, if this man is confirmed as AG.
5
Too racist for Republicans in '86 to be a federal judge means he's too racist now to be the U.S. Attorney General.
6
Well naturally Jeff "Racist" Sessions is a hideous pick for AG, because Trump picked him. Pretty much all of Trump's picks have been absolutely terrible. That's exactly what I would expect. We have an ignorant, unqualified, arrogant loudmouth as commander in chief, so his entire administration is bound to be awful and corrupt, like him.
But this isn't the worst of what's to come by far. Sure, Jeff the Racist is going to try to kill as many mentally handicapped black men as he can while in office, but as AG that isn't going to be very frequent. The destruction isn't going to be anywhere near the scale of what Trump pulls off when he starts an unnecessary war, and as seems very likely, uses nuclear weapons.
Recall that Trump seems to want to use nuclear weapons because we have them, so we might as well use them. If we're very lucky, he'll get impeached first, or resign because the job is too demanding. If we're less lucky, he will use nuclear weapons, killing millions, but it won't be a full-scale nuclear war, because Russia will be understanding as they ordered it, and it won't be in China's sphere of control, like if he nukes Mexico. And if we're unlucky, Trump will start a full blown nuclear war and civilization or humanity will be over.
So Jeff the Racist is rather small potatoes compared to the damage Trump might do. Yes, he's a terrible appointment, but so are all Trump's appointments, and his evil will be comparatively minor.
But this isn't the worst of what's to come by far. Sure, Jeff the Racist is going to try to kill as many mentally handicapped black men as he can while in office, but as AG that isn't going to be very frequent. The destruction isn't going to be anywhere near the scale of what Trump pulls off when he starts an unnecessary war, and as seems very likely, uses nuclear weapons.
Recall that Trump seems to want to use nuclear weapons because we have them, so we might as well use them. If we're very lucky, he'll get impeached first, or resign because the job is too demanding. If we're less lucky, he will use nuclear weapons, killing millions, but it won't be a full-scale nuclear war, because Russia will be understanding as they ordered it, and it won't be in China's sphere of control, like if he nukes Mexico. And if we're unlucky, Trump will start a full blown nuclear war and civilization or humanity will be over.
So Jeff the Racist is rather small potatoes compared to the damage Trump might do. Yes, he's a terrible appointment, but so are all Trump's appointments, and his evil will be comparatively minor.
5
You guys are really desperate, aren't you? Your primary evidence that Jeff Sessions is a witch -- oh pardon, I meant a racist! -- is that he is a hard line conservative who did not work to advance the anti-death penalty agenda of the New York Times.
It's difficult for me to see how support for the death penalty equals racism. But then, I guess when you own the megaphone you don't really need to have good evidence before you can call someone a racist. And the worst part is, I don't think you even really *care* whether he is a racist or not. I think you are just trying to make life difficult for someone whose politics you hate.
It's difficult for me to see how support for the death penalty equals racism. But then, I guess when you own the megaphone you don't really need to have good evidence before you can call someone a racist. And the worst part is, I don't think you even really *care* whether he is a racist or not. I think you are just trying to make life difficult for someone whose politics you hate.
8
How is it that all these proud, Christian, pro-lifers all seem to be so eager to impose the death penalty, even when it's patently inappropriate?
5
A very credible source, the NAACP, gives Sessions an F rating. Very recently he stood in opposition to hate-crime laws and the removal of the Confederate flag. His appointment is a thumbs up to white southerners. His job will be to prevent the interpretation of laws from benefitting anyone who is not white. Not ONE Democrat had better vote for this man to be confirmed. Yes, he will stand against immigrants but he really is there to stand against justice for blacks in America. He stands for white southern 1958 Alabama justice. His appointment is an insult to the Civil Rights Act, to Martin Luther King and to Rosa Parks. Boycotts, marches, sit downs and intense civil disobedience should not end if he is confirmed and should go on every day of his being in the office of AG. Sessions is a threat and an insult to democracy.
4
And the NRA gave him an A . So your point is? Sessions is exactly what conservatives want. The radical social agenda of the left was defeated at the polls in the same manner all other presidential elections in this country have been.
1
Senators might give this human incarnation of a whites-only lavatory from 1927 a free pass since he's a fellow senator. Don't do it!
3
So if you're pro-life, you're anti-Jeff Sessions. Pro-life Americans need to contact their Senators to tell them to vote against Jeff Session's confirmation.
2
If this man is confirmed, what a chilling message for all Americans. Both of Obama's picks were honorable people who had done good work during their law careers. Following them with such a controversial candidate harkens back to Jim Crow days. This man already failed to be confirmed in the past because he used his power as a federal prosecutor to go after civil rights activists.
The American people need to make sure that our politicians know that we will not stand for such a person to be our attorney general. Should that fail we are going to need to support the ACLU, NAACP, innocence project and any other group who protects our civil rights.
I would like to thank the Times for doing this story. This is the type of journalism we need so we can defend our country against extremists who have no place in our government.
The American people need to make sure that our politicians know that we will not stand for such a person to be our attorney general. Should that fail we are going to need to support the ACLU, NAACP, innocence project and any other group who protects our civil rights.
I would like to thank the Times for doing this story. This is the type of journalism we need so we can defend our country against extremists who have no place in our government.
9
Gave up when you said both of Obamas picks were honorable. Would that be "gun sales to cartels, Holder" and "tarmac meeting" Lynch?
Trump's pick of Sessions for AG is an affront to the very idea of racial equality. What a shame that we must endure the spectacle of Trump selecting rabid bigots to hold the highest offices in the country. A decisive majority of Americans voted against this travesty, and yet The Donald is pleased to shove it down our throats. This fake presidency will be brought down by its own hate and incompetence. Or we will all drown in their surreal stew of ignorance and hubris. Unfortunately, their spastic tactics have the potential to take us all down. Trump will do for us what Mussolini did for Italy. God help us.
5
Several questions ... did Mr. Trump know this history prior to making the appointment? If so, what is his justification and, if not, where was his 'due diligence'?
Then, what can a responsible (??) Senate do in response? Will they vote no, as seems the only responsible response?
Unlike Mike Roddy's comment, I tend to agree with the nomination of General Mattis and am MUCH more worried about the off-the wall General Flynn, whose own staff recognized he wasn't always playing with a full-deck (see: Flynn facts).
And as bad as Flynn is, Sessions is the choice from hell. Trump is demeaned, justice is demeaned, and the country is denigrated.
Senate? Enough. Stand up. Just say no, for all of us.
Then, what can a responsible (??) Senate do in response? Will they vote no, as seems the only responsible response?
Unlike Mike Roddy's comment, I tend to agree with the nomination of General Mattis and am MUCH more worried about the off-the wall General Flynn, whose own staff recognized he wasn't always playing with a full-deck (see: Flynn facts).
And as bad as Flynn is, Sessions is the choice from hell. Trump is demeaned, justice is demeaned, and the country is denigrated.
Senate? Enough. Stand up. Just say no, for all of us.
2
Sessions nomination should be swiftly rejected, but the GOP plans on railroading all of Trump's appointees through the confirmation process. McConnell is the biggest hypocrite of all of them where this is concerned. That said, if Sessions is confirmed, race relations that are already frayed at best will deteriorate further and we will be one step closer to the police state Trump wants. These people have no shame.
5
I read in a local weekly that my senator, Jeff Flake, is "looking forward" to voting for Jeff Sessions for AG. Other than writing him and asking him to have an open mind during the hearings, I don't know what else to do. If the Republicans plan to follow each other down a blind path to the country's ruination, how is a citizen with partisan Republican Congressional representatives supposed to respond? Somehow self-imolation in the middle of the Mall seems too extreme... but I understand why the Buddhist monks were willing to do that in the 1960's.
6
Mr. Sessions and Mr. Bannon are both swell examples of the folks willing to serve in Trump's administration. Wonderfully qualified persons all.
By the way NYT, if Trump's enforcers request a list of all the commenters who have said somewhat unkind words about Trump and his staff recently could you share your policy with us?
Obviously I'm a really big fan of the learned gentleman and expect to see his image on Rushmore in the near future....paid for by Mexico of course.
By the way NYT, if Trump's enforcers request a list of all the commenters who have said somewhat unkind words about Trump and his staff recently could you share your policy with us?
Obviously I'm a really big fan of the learned gentleman and expect to see his image on Rushmore in the near future....paid for by Mexico of course.
3
Not much can be done to stop the GOP until 2018 despite editorials and protest marches opposing them. Energy must primarily be focused on the next election starting yesterday.
6
Messrs. Donohue and Schoening are laboring under the mistaken beliefs that justice, rationality, and ordinary human decency are criteria by which we now live. It is morning in America. Making America great again entails the reinterpretation of those archaic Enlightenment ideas on which this nation was founded. That was then. This is now. And don't give me that Orwellian claptrap. Who better than to signify the new order than Jeff Sessions as Attorney General.
3
Sessions is an evil man and for trump's nomination of him makes him evil as well, along with the GOP in the senate. Sadly, for the U.S., Sessions is not the only evil person trump has selected. Consider Mnunchin, his pick for Treasury secretary, whose company, OneWest, has a record for preying on the elderly, including foreclosing on a 90-year old woman who's check was $0.27 short on a mortgage payment (she paid 3cents rather than 30cents). Mnunchin and Sessions, and the other trump picks, have two things in common: cruelty and ego. His picks is notable for wanting to destroy the departments they will run, or for inflicting pain on the average American. In my worst nightmares or fantasies I could never have imagined a more anti-American bunch of greedy, cruel and evil people. We don't even have a word for the kind of future we will face. Besides the humiliation of seeing trump and his crew of griftes, I wonder how black Americans will greet Sessions, a disgusting and vile hater and obvious racist as the A.G. We are living in a joke without a punchline.
4
Mr. Trump's pending presidency raises the important question 'Where to begin?'
Many of Mr. trump's appointees are not only inappropriate but also arguably incompetent. Nevertheless, congress is anxious to approve them--proving that the inmates have taken over the asylum.
Republicans have argued for years (led by their inimitable ring master Grover Norquist) that our government should be shrunk to the size of a baby the better to 'drown it in the bath.' They apparently are intent on doing so while being cheered on by the minority of the electorate too stupid to know better.
The country is in trouble. Is it too radical an idea to say that perhaps the boundaries of the Civil War define the two nations which Abraham Lincoln unwisely cemented together? Perhaps it is time we recognize the division and allow the climate deniers, the racists, the holy rollers and the plain stupid to have their day in the sun. Give them dixie finally and let's be done with them once and for all.
Many of Mr. trump's appointees are not only inappropriate but also arguably incompetent. Nevertheless, congress is anxious to approve them--proving that the inmates have taken over the asylum.
Republicans have argued for years (led by their inimitable ring master Grover Norquist) that our government should be shrunk to the size of a baby the better to 'drown it in the bath.' They apparently are intent on doing so while being cheered on by the minority of the electorate too stupid to know better.
The country is in trouble. Is it too radical an idea to say that perhaps the boundaries of the Civil War define the two nations which Abraham Lincoln unwisely cemented together? Perhaps it is time we recognize the division and allow the climate deniers, the racists, the holy rollers and the plain stupid to have their day in the sun. Give them dixie finally and let's be done with them once and for all.
7
"Give them dixie finally and let's be done with them once and for all." Dixie was a much smaller country in 1860. Today it might encompass up to 30 states and a much bigger population ratio of the total.
1
the Attorney General should be a person with legal training and high principles.
In Alabama, the death penalty is popular, but Blacks not so much. A cynical mind might think that's what explains Mr sessions' record as explained in this op-ed. Maybe he did those things just to get elected and reelected. in that case, he might not have been a real racist, only an opportunist which would cast him as having no principles.
Or maybe he is a principled man, the racist principled man that was denied a Judgeship in the '80. either way, he is unfit.
In Alabama, the death penalty is popular, but Blacks not so much. A cynical mind might think that's what explains Mr sessions' record as explained in this op-ed. Maybe he did those things just to get elected and reelected. in that case, he might not have been a real racist, only an opportunist which would cast him as having no principles.
Or maybe he is a principled man, the racist principled man that was denied a Judgeship in the '80. either way, he is unfit.
4
John Donohue makes some good points, but he is not convincing.
What would happen in Chicago, for instance, if Jeff Sessions were the mayor and not the existing mayor.
What if John Donohue's fear about Jeff came true, and Jeff whisked these street murderers off to death row as soon after conviction as wheels could take them. One thing we know, the Times probably would not be writing its veto-Jeff editorial. -The Colonel
What would happen in Chicago, for instance, if Jeff Sessions were the mayor and not the existing mayor.
What if John Donohue's fear about Jeff came true, and Jeff whisked these street murderers off to death row as soon after conviction as wheels could take them. One thing we know, the Times probably would not be writing its veto-Jeff editorial. -The Colonel
How much more do we need to learn about Sen. Sessions to see that he would be everything wrong as Attorney General? The question is who is his appointment appeasing?
2
All of the death sentences are automatically appealed as far as to the Supreme Court. How many were overturned? I count one. This article is rife with half truths and remarks that fail any test of sense. To whit:
"To be fair, the lawyer was being paid only “$4.98 per hour to prepare for the defense of a human’s life.” This article fails to mention that his appeals were handled by lawyers making much more than this.
If I may be allowed another: "Mr. Sessions persuaded a federal court to defer to an Alabama court’s findings that Mr. Weeks was competent enough to be killed even though he met “the dictionary generic definition of insanity.” - I have to assume that the authors of this article are aware that the dictionary definition of insanity is far different than the legal definition of insanity. But yet they don't disclose that. I do not know who the authors of this hit piece voted for President but I have a thousand dollars that says it wasn't Donald Trump - any takers?
"To be fair, the lawyer was being paid only “$4.98 per hour to prepare for the defense of a human’s life.” This article fails to mention that his appeals were handled by lawyers making much more than this.
If I may be allowed another: "Mr. Sessions persuaded a federal court to defer to an Alabama court’s findings that Mr. Weeks was competent enough to be killed even though he met “the dictionary generic definition of insanity.” - I have to assume that the authors of this article are aware that the dictionary definition of insanity is far different than the legal definition of insanity. But yet they don't disclose that. I do not know who the authors of this hit piece voted for President but I have a thousand dollars that says it wasn't Donald Trump - any takers?
1
Proof that when the Left cannot lie by commission it will lie by omission.
2
Comrade Sessions is an out and out racist proven time and again over his disreputable 40 year career. I pray that when he gets to present his case to enter heaven, his jury is composed of all those poor folks he railroaded to a death sentence.
4
Sessions is no such thing as he has demonstrated over and over again in his 40 year career. Lefties don't care at all about the truth. Just like Mr. Alinsky instructed you.
Whatever the case, there is the small matter of Sessions not disclosing everything there is to disclose. For a man supposedly interested in justice and following correct procedure, that is worrisome - quite apart from his zeal for the death sentence.
5
So - your major object is that he followed the law - as written and as intended - in the state where he was AG.
Sounds similar to the desires of the folks that elected Republicans in all three levels of government - federally - state-wide and municipally.
But I can appreciate how the good professors/students at Stanford might want an AG that makes it up as he goes along.
Because we all know that laws and constitutions are simply guiding principles subject to the whims of our betters.
Sounds similar to the desires of the folks that elected Republicans in all three levels of government - federally - state-wide and municipally.
But I can appreciate how the good professors/students at Stanford might want an AG that makes it up as he goes along.
Because we all know that laws and constitutions are simply guiding principles subject to the whims of our betters.
3
"So - your major object is that he followed the law - as written and as intended - in the state where he was AG."
The fact that Mr Sessions had death penalty cases overturned by appellate courts and the Supreme Court, that he brought about the execution of individuals who met the definition of mental retardation informs me that Mr Sessions didn't just "follow the law" but operates at the extreme fringes of the law.
Failing to hand over DNA evidence is NOT 'following the law'.
The fact that Mr Sessions had death penalty cases overturned by appellate courts and the Supreme Court, that he brought about the execution of individuals who met the definition of mental retardation informs me that Mr Sessions didn't just "follow the law" but operates at the extreme fringes of the law.
Failing to hand over DNA evidence is NOT 'following the law'.
9
There is no formal "definition" of mental retardation in Alabama unlike some other states.
I'm nauseated.
5
Who says the South lost the Civil War??
4
The "Grim Reaper". Seriously? Another over the top liberal bash fest. This paper has lost all journalistic credibility.
2
Trump has declared all who oppose(d) him his enemies. Sycophant Sessions, the white nationalist eugenics monger, will carry out prosecuting those of us on the Trump enemies list.
Believe it.
Believe it.
3
If the evidence presented by the authors accurately reflects Sessions's priorities as Attorney General of Alabama, the senator should not be confirmed to any position of trust related to the criminal justice system. Donohue and Schoening should also have noted that Sessions opposes the emerging consensus that the federal and state governments incarcerate far more people (disproportionately black young men) than any concern for public safety could possibly justify.
Any individual who supports a system which focuses on punishment rather than rehabilitation betrays a gross misunderstanding of the needs of a free society. Locking up people at a higher rate than even Russia or China, often for offenses which should not require confinement; failing to educate or train them in prison; and then dumping them on the streets without the means or skills to lead a constructive life, all this deprives society of millions of potentially valuable citizens, while doing little to make society safer.
Sessions's endorsement of this vicious system should suffice to disqualify him from an office whose purpose is to enforce justice.
Any individual who supports a system which focuses on punishment rather than rehabilitation betrays a gross misunderstanding of the needs of a free society. Locking up people at a higher rate than even Russia or China, often for offenses which should not require confinement; failing to educate or train them in prison; and then dumping them on the streets without the means or skills to lead a constructive life, all this deprives society of millions of potentially valuable citizens, while doing little to make society safer.
Sessions's endorsement of this vicious system should suffice to disqualify him from an office whose purpose is to enforce justice.
225
Jeff Sessions being confirmed as attorney general of the United States would be a travesty of justice.
7
We can only hope that he will be one of many of t-rumps candidates to be rejected.
3
You need to cut Sessions some slack as Alabama AG. We must all remember that AL was one of the states, not so long ago, that thought castration of the mentally challenged was appropriate protection against the dangers they represented to the virtue of nice, polite white women. So, defending death sentences for those of them convicted of committing murder can't be TOO hard to understand.
Sessions's record in in AL, as prosecutor and as state AG with regard to BOTH the mentally challenged and most clearly the non-freckled, was (and is) hardly outstanding in the South. But, then, we usually don't regard such pillars as suitable candidates for U.S. attorney general.
Sessions's record in in AL, as prosecutor and as state AG with regard to BOTH the mentally challenged and most clearly the non-freckled, was (and is) hardly outstanding in the South. But, then, we usually don't regard such pillars as suitable candidates for U.S. attorney general.
"...cut Sessions some slack..." Sessions can read, can't he? He is educable, isn't he? His prosecutorial record is a direct corollary to the racism of the Deep South, which based its entire economy upon the cold and calculated exploitation of black humans.
7
Alabamians are free to elect Sessions to represent them and their stark views of justice in the consensual body of the Senate. Fair game. But if Sessions becomes AG, he and his bloodthirsty Alabamian worldview will represent all of us and have consequences for all of us, the harshest of which are likely to fall on the most vulnerable constituents: the poor, the marginalized, and the mentally ill.
I believe that it is the duty of all Americans with any shred of compassion for the least powerful among us to stand against Senator Sessions's appointment as AG. We may not ultimately have the political power to stop it, but we must nevertheless demonstrate to the world that not all Americans approve of this man and his bleak and brutal outlook on humanity.
I believe that it is the duty of all Americans with any shred of compassion for the least powerful among us to stand against Senator Sessions's appointment as AG. We may not ultimately have the political power to stop it, but we must nevertheless demonstrate to the world that not all Americans approve of this man and his bleak and brutal outlook on humanity.
8
And what of his push to convict 3 civil rights workers of voter fraud? The jury consisting of black and white jurors. acquitted them of all remaining charges (the judge had thrown out some) in just a few hours.
5
Those who deny the reality of climate change and global warming are dangerous to children and other living things.
Jeff Sessions will use his power to hurt the people he says he cares for.
He seems to think he knows what his god things; this is all too common as these hypocrites ignore the gospels and Jesus's teachings to promote exclusion and wealth.
Not good.
Jeff Sessions will use his power to hurt the people he says he cares for.
He seems to think he knows what his god things; this is all too common as these hypocrites ignore the gospels and Jesus's teachings to promote exclusion and wealth.
Not good.
102
A healthy sense of humor regarding the death penalty? Please explain.
5
Geo:
There are a lot of people down here who find it amusing when a convicted killer gets a paralyzing agent injected, followed by a TRUE heart-stopper.
There are a lot of people down here who find it amusing when a convicted killer gets a paralyzing agent injected, followed by a TRUE heart-stopper.
President The (loud) Donald has cursed our nation by attempting to inflict
Jeff Sessions, an early 19th-century "thinker" weirdly transported into our present day. upon our justice system. The Donald's specific two-word curse on our USA cannot be published in The New York Times, so I dare not enter it here.
Jeff Sessions, an early 19th-century "thinker" weirdly transported into our present day. upon our justice system. The Donald's specific two-word curse on our USA cannot be published in The New York Times, so I dare not enter it here.
73
I can't understand how such a repellent man, whose views are grounded in the 1920s, if not before, can be jammed down the throats of ordinary Americans through this appointment. I know Democrats can't block every single cabinet post, but Mr. Sessions appears uniquely disqualified to be heading up a department called justice.
He's also apparently deliberately omitted part of his requested documentation. I guess his boss is setting a precedent in terms of casually ignoring full disclosure so why not Mr. Sessions?
Tonight Meryl Streep received an award and while accepting, mentioned the cruelty of the man we are forced to live under for four years. Cruelty seems to be the hallmark of Jeff sessions as well. I always thought good jurists should prize mercy as much as justice and find a way to apply both in judicial decisions.
Since Sessions possesses neither, he should not be confirmed.
He's also apparently deliberately omitted part of his requested documentation. I guess his boss is setting a precedent in terms of casually ignoring full disclosure so why not Mr. Sessions?
Tonight Meryl Streep received an award and while accepting, mentioned the cruelty of the man we are forced to live under for four years. Cruelty seems to be the hallmark of Jeff sessions as well. I always thought good jurists should prize mercy as much as justice and find a way to apply both in judicial decisions.
Since Sessions possesses neither, he should not be confirmed.
300
There is deep irony in the contrast between the despicable Republican treatment of the candidacy of Loretta Lynch--superbly qualified as Attorney General--and their cavalier approach to Jeff Sessions. Surely Democrats have more than a little reason for doing everything possible to oppose this unqualified candidate.
9
I cannot imagine the soul of a man who sits in moral rectitude every Sunday at church and then signs off on the death of human beings who have had illegitimate trials and aren't even mentally fit to stand for them.
And how does such a straight arrow find a cozy spot in the House of Trump, where lying, greed, and manipulation are on full display each and every day. How do you do it, Mr. Sessions?
And how does such a straight arrow find a cozy spot in the House of Trump, where lying, greed, and manipulation are on full display each and every day. How do you do it, Mr. Sessions?
320
Greed for power.
3
"And how does such a straight arrow find a cozy spot in the House of Trump, where lying, greed, and manipulation are on full display each and every day."
The answer is that Sessions knows that he will actually be working for Pence -- quite literally, after Trump abdicates the throne (I give him less than a year in office). Theocracy, anyone?
The answer is that Sessions knows that he will actually be working for Pence -- quite literally, after Trump abdicates the throne (I give him less than a year in office). Theocracy, anyone?
10
Nothing demonstrates the problem with the death penalty more than the enthusiasm with which some people would impose it. It's ironic enough that we express our outrage at the wanton taking of a life by killing the alleged perpetrator, but it's worse when our elected officials make no allowance for mental illness, extenuating circumstances or even the law itself.
It's also chilling to imagine the number of people who have been put to death who didn't commit the crime. But whatever the arguments that might be used to justify the death penalty, enthusiasm should not be a factor in its application. Mr. Sessions seems a bit too enthusiastic.
The laws of the United States should bend toward certainty, fairness and compassion, and should impose the least amount of punishment necessary to protect our citizens, and to compensate victims for their loss. The wholesale dealing of death is extreme. Almost all civilized countries have discontinued this barbaric practice.
The United States is about to be run by zealots, racists, cronies, incompetent appointees and billionaires. While Mr. Sessions may fit the profile, we might want to consider if it's appropriate for him to be part of the final solution.
It's also chilling to imagine the number of people who have been put to death who didn't commit the crime. But whatever the arguments that might be used to justify the death penalty, enthusiasm should not be a factor in its application. Mr. Sessions seems a bit too enthusiastic.
The laws of the United States should bend toward certainty, fairness and compassion, and should impose the least amount of punishment necessary to protect our citizens, and to compensate victims for their loss. The wholesale dealing of death is extreme. Almost all civilized countries have discontinued this barbaric practice.
The United States is about to be run by zealots, racists, cronies, incompetent appointees and billionaires. While Mr. Sessions may fit the profile, we might want to consider if it's appropriate for him to be part of the final solution.
343
The Innocence Project has found 0 people who were executed that they were able to prove innocent. I oppose the death penalty but I think responsible opposition requires recognition of the truth.
1
Gemli, I disagree. Our elected officials make great allowances for mental illnesses when you consider their own narcissism and megalomania, sociopathy, and phobias. In fact, they are constantly trying to write laws that promote and perpetuate these disorders.
What you are pointing out is that they have a different set of rules for their disorders versus other people's disorders. "It's good to be the king."
What you are pointing out is that they have a different set of rules for their disorders versus other people's disorders. "It's good to be the king."
2
The election of Trump, and the list of fellow travelers, sycophants and flying monkeys he's put up for cabinet posts makes perfect sense in a country where actual innocence has been declared insufficient grounds for an appeal of a conviction. Look at the various fights going on about what drugs may be used for executions, it's a battle to insure the most possible pain and suffering, we already have extremely efficient pharmacological means to end life painlessly. A little midazolam, followed by fentanyl (or it's more powerful relatives) in slowly incremented doses, is enough to put anyone out, then out of the picture. This is the one I know about, I'm certain there are many more combinations like this. This is merely and extension of a regime frequently used as an alternative to general anesthesia for people with COPD and other conditions that make general too risky. In our brave new Orwellian nation, making sense is becoming a crime.
1
This actually tells us more about Donald Trump than about a racist grifter from Alabama. Trump, after all, chose this man, as well as "Mad Dog" Mattis for Secretary of Defense, private thugs for private security phalanx, and the head of Exxon Mobil for State, a man who hid Exxon's findings of global warming dangers from the public and chose to tell us lies instead.
It's not that Mr. Trump "has no moral compass", or whatever language you reporters choose to employ. Our president elect is a vicious fascist, who will try, and fail, to lead our country into a dark place of violence and repression. After he is discredited, and the Democrats (temporarily, of course), find their hearts, there might be change.
Provided they themselves pick someone who is not entranced with the military, or dazzled by corporate yachts. They are out there. It's the corporate Democrats who enabled our fascist takeover, just as the Wiemar Republic gave the world Adolf Hitler.
It's not that Mr. Trump "has no moral compass", or whatever language you reporters choose to employ. Our president elect is a vicious fascist, who will try, and fail, to lead our country into a dark place of violence and repression. After he is discredited, and the Democrats (temporarily, of course), find their hearts, there might be change.
Provided they themselves pick someone who is not entranced with the military, or dazzled by corporate yachts. They are out there. It's the corporate Democrats who enabled our fascist takeover, just as the Wiemar Republic gave the world Adolf Hitler.
364
My opinion is that Mattis is one of the sane picks. Please don't lump him in with Sessions and the others. He has shown some balanced thinking and I hope he is able to curb the extremists elsewhere in this bunch.
Trump appears not only to be entirely lacking in any ethical sense, but he appears not to know there is any such thing.
Trump appears not only to be entirely lacking in any ethical sense, but he appears not to know there is any such thing.
110
How much is Trump's doing and how much is Pence's doing is hard to discern. We know Trump is overly-unqualified for the presidency and we also know that Pence is in charge of the transition. Trump is gloats about himself, while Pence is a reactionary strategist. I wouldn't be surprised to fine out that Pence is behind Jeff Session and many other nominees.
3
Sorry, Mike, but I disagree.
The "corporate Democrats," whoever *they* are, did not enable this fascist takeover. Sure, we should have had a more endearing candidate--I liked Martin O'Malley a lot. But he got no traction, and Bernie would have gotten smacked down harder than Hillary.
The Dems will never regain control of the government until they come up with mouthpieces like you hear on AM radio literally 24 hours a day. Go ahead, turn on a radio and there they are:
Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Glenn Beck and lesser lights who simply repeat what they just said.
The GOP and these minions have perfected what Joseph Goebbels could have only dreamed of: non-stop, coast-to-coast propaganda, hate speech, white rage/immigrant bashing/racist dogwhistles and half truths (along with outright lies).
As far as I'm concerned, the Republic is finished. Whatever bad happens in the next four years will be Obama's fault, the Dems fault (although they control NOTHING) and liberals' fault, according to the AM radio Ministry of Propaganda.
Those of us in the center and left of it better find our own speakers who can present a compelling message of progressivism and not use $1000 words to explain it.
The "corporate Democrats," whoever *they* are, did not enable this fascist takeover. Sure, we should have had a more endearing candidate--I liked Martin O'Malley a lot. But he got no traction, and Bernie would have gotten smacked down harder than Hillary.
The Dems will never regain control of the government until they come up with mouthpieces like you hear on AM radio literally 24 hours a day. Go ahead, turn on a radio and there they are:
Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Glenn Beck and lesser lights who simply repeat what they just said.
The GOP and these minions have perfected what Joseph Goebbels could have only dreamed of: non-stop, coast-to-coast propaganda, hate speech, white rage/immigrant bashing/racist dogwhistles and half truths (along with outright lies).
As far as I'm concerned, the Republic is finished. Whatever bad happens in the next four years will be Obama's fault, the Dems fault (although they control NOTHING) and liberals' fault, according to the AM radio Ministry of Propaganda.
Those of us in the center and left of it better find our own speakers who can present a compelling message of progressivism and not use $1000 words to explain it.
16
Pope Francis in June 2016.
But here we have the "good Christian" from Alabama actvily promoting the death penalty. This alone should be more than enough reason to stop his appointment.