"Gary Cohn, director of the White House Economic Council, nearly resigned after Mr. Trump’s Charlottesville remarks."
But he didn't did he? This is the kind of weenie posturing that says Mr. Cohn isn't a serious man.
But he didn't did he? This is the kind of weenie posturing that says Mr. Cohn isn't a serious man.
9
Cowardly. Trump should be impeached!
6
Why is anyone surprised by the pardon of that bigoted little tyrant, Arapaio? Why is anyone surprised that Trump has no respect for the Constitution. Why is anyone surprised that Trump pardons a person as despicable as himself? Why is anyone surprised that our Bigot-In-Chief would stand beside someone who, like himself, relishes bullying those weaker than him and those with no one to protect them from abuse? Donald J. Trump is a stain on humanity. He is not crazy and stupid as so many want to believe. He is evil. Period!
9
The New York Times just figured out that Trump speaks for himself because he only stands for himself?
Was that not clear to you on June 15, 2015 when he announced? Are you New Yorkers, or do you write from the back woods of some place like Arkansas or Idaho? C'mon. He is a reality tv "star." That is all he has ever done on his own and all that he "knows" how to do. And he does even that poorly.
Oh, I forgot ... you fell all over yourselves giving him way more press than he deserved during the election. And you spent way too many galley-inches on HRC's emails than on substantive issues.
Now there are few "substantive" issues other than Trump's demonstrated incompetence. And Melania's heels.
Was that not clear to you on June 15, 2015 when he announced? Are you New Yorkers, or do you write from the back woods of some place like Arkansas or Idaho? C'mon. He is a reality tv "star." That is all he has ever done on his own and all that he "knows" how to do. And he does even that poorly.
Oh, I forgot ... you fell all over yourselves giving him way more press than he deserved during the election. And you spent way too many galley-inches on HRC's emails than on substantive issues.
Now there are few "substantive" issues other than Trump's demonstrated incompetence. And Melania's heels.
7
This is about Trump and his contemptible attitudes about racial discrimination.
But as much as Trump it is about our Secretary of State. What does he mean he "speaks for himself." He's the leader of the free world and essentially the director of the Cabinet of incompetent fools who run the country. Trump is not just some recognizable celebrity standing on a street corner. He speaks for the US, all of us. But he doesn't speak for me.
Tillerson was spinelessly -- like the whole Trump Administration -- trying to slink past the idea that the leader of the free world has principles that he doesn't agree with. As Secretary of State, either he can live with those principles or not. The slimy business of trying to ride the fence contemptible and lacking in integrity and moral courage. Bite the bullet. If it is wrong, say so and quit or run the risk of being fired.
Dante: "The lowest levels of hell are reserved for those who stay silent during a crisis."
But as much as Trump it is about our Secretary of State. What does he mean he "speaks for himself." He's the leader of the free world and essentially the director of the Cabinet of incompetent fools who run the country. Trump is not just some recognizable celebrity standing on a street corner. He speaks for the US, all of us. But he doesn't speak for me.
Tillerson was spinelessly -- like the whole Trump Administration -- trying to slink past the idea that the leader of the free world has principles that he doesn't agree with. As Secretary of State, either he can live with those principles or not. The slimy business of trying to ride the fence contemptible and lacking in integrity and moral courage. Bite the bullet. If it is wrong, say so and quit or run the risk of being fired.
Dante: "The lowest levels of hell are reserved for those who stay silent during a crisis."
8
It's time to get SERIOUS before it's too late. It's time to IMPEACH.
The weaselly coward is in the process of destroying the government. What took 241 years of trying to perfect the government will be gone by the end of this year.
It took 7 years to build the twin towers and about 5 hours to destroy them.
The weaselly coward is in the process of destroying the government. What took 241 years of trying to perfect the government will be gone by the end of this year.
It took 7 years to build the twin towers and about 5 hours to destroy them.
4
Trump has become the sounding board for hatred and ignorance in this country. He is saying to his millions of supporters, "Its OK to hate immigrants and people of color. I do, and I an so-called president".
The parallels between Trump's rise to power and that of Adolph Hitler cannot be ignored. Hatred of those who are different is the underlying theme of both.
The parallels between Trump's rise to power and that of Adolph Hitler cannot be ignored. Hatred of those who are different is the underlying theme of both.
8
Donald Trump's next pardon: One of these "fine people" on the Klan "side":
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/26/us/charlottesville-arrests.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/26/us/charlottesville-arrests.html
1
How does the NYT know that Gary Cohn "nearly resigned"? I nearly ran a marathon today: prove me wrong.
3
And a donkey brays. For himself.
3
I sure wish the New York Times would do at least one story on whom Mike Pence did not pardon as governor of Indiana.
By the way, the Washington Post at least did a story.
By the way, the Washington Post at least did a story.
2
My step mom (who I still love) is one of the low-intelligent, uneducated persons (from First Baptist, Dallas & EVIL pastor Jeffress ) who thinks Trump can do no wrong. My siblings promised my dad, a Democrat, that we wd love her and take care of her....but I've intentionally moved away from her, and my loyalty and affections have dropped substantially bc of he dog-poop, stupid loyalty towards our president. She is hopeless and stupid but benevolent.
4
I would invite Republicans to not see Donald Trump as any kind of surprise. He is, rather, the fruit of a poisonous tree that the Republican Party has been fertilizing for several decades now.
4
It seems to me that Tillerson's remark is misconstrued. I think he may have meant, "Ask the president about his values. I do not presume to speak for him."
1
It isn't just about "illegals." The point of the matter is that Arpaio harassed and abused perfectly legal, born-in-the-USA, native (in both the original and the contemporary sense) Americans just because of their looks. Descendants of original Southwesterners who were almost certainly there long before Arpaio's Italian immigrant parents. The unmitigated gall.
4
DJT 'speaks' for the percentage of his voters who, like Sheriff Arpaio, are racist, xenophobic birthers who never heard of a bust, a prison, or a sadistc punishment they didn't like. (No, not all DJT voters are like that, just too many of them.
It serves him because he a) he shares those beliefs, b) enjoys bombthrowing, and c) revels in the adulation from said voters whenever he does it. It's like a drug, a kick similar to what he gets from his endless rallies. Most importantly it keeps this not insignificant base engaged to turn out, pitchforks and all, for the 2018 midterms in country carefully gerrymandered to amplify their votes.
So, Dems, whatcha gonna do about it?
It serves him because he a) he shares those beliefs, b) enjoys bombthrowing, and c) revels in the adulation from said voters whenever he does it. It's like a drug, a kick similar to what he gets from his endless rallies. Most importantly it keeps this not insignificant base engaged to turn out, pitchforks and all, for the 2018 midterms in country carefully gerrymandered to amplify their votes.
So, Dems, whatcha gonna do about it?
3
Trump is our national mirror. If we don't like what we're seeing than we need to do something about the forces that put him there. Trump's values resonates with a larger portion of the American people than we're comfortable admitting too.
He didn't become the face of the Republican party by accident. He is everything they stand for he's just more brazen about it. They voted for his morally questionable cabinet picks as well as his ultra conservative and even racist, LGBT-phobic judiciary picks. The Republican party doesn't just own his agenda they and many of their supporters actively support it.
His decision to pardon this racist sheriff isn't a surprise. His timing isn't either. Trump probably figured Harvey would give him cover. Everytime he does something brazen it's too distract us from something larger that will cause lasting damage. Tell us that story but please spare us the moral outrage because we didn't get here overnight or by accident.
He didn't become the face of the Republican party by accident. He is everything they stand for he's just more brazen about it. They voted for his morally questionable cabinet picks as well as his ultra conservative and even racist, LGBT-phobic judiciary picks. The Republican party doesn't just own his agenda they and many of their supporters actively support it.
His decision to pardon this racist sheriff isn't a surprise. His timing isn't either. Trump probably figured Harvey would give him cover. Everytime he does something brazen it's too distract us from something larger that will cause lasting damage. Tell us that story but please spare us the moral outrage because we didn't get here overnight or by accident.
2
The Republican Party leadership encountered Rosemary's baby--the Trump candidacy--and failed to strangle it in its crib. Then they stood back in horror as the baby grew. When the baby achieved maturity, the GOP leadership chose to aid and abet this monster in belief that the monster would prove instrumental in achieving the GOP's pro-plutocratic objectives. Now the GOP leadership cringes as this full blown bully of a monster menacingly threatens the Republican Party's future. The GOP leadership should have commenced its hand-wringing when it had a grip on the baby's throat.
1
And this from a guy who helped hide the truth about climate change for all those years. How DO people so compartmentalize their moralities? Does he have a "value" somewhere after all or is he just burnishing his image so he can return to a private industry job soon? Pulleeze.
4
Does the judicial branch still mean anything, in our system of checks and balances, when Trump will simply pardon any of his cronies who is convicted of contempt of court for blatantly defying court orders?
2
How disgusting was it that Trump admitted and boasted that his lawless pardon of the criminal Arpiao was timed with Harvey's landfall on Friday evening in order to get enhanced "ratings."
But honestly, I would not be surprised if Trump was just being his usual contrarian self when someone in the press asked him if this was a Friday night "news dump," and was too clueless to realize how badly his push-back would play.
But honestly, I would not be surprised if Trump was just being his usual contrarian self when someone in the press asked him if this was a Friday night "news dump," and was too clueless to realize how badly his push-back would play.
4
though I know that Trump's election was not determined by the will of most people, I will never understand how any objective morally upright person could have been conned to vote for this immoral, tyrannical, miscreant.
3
All these nasty comments about the President and yet he was elected. And Michael Moore thinks he'll be reelected. As someone who had to endure Obama for eight years I know just how you feel. Isn't schaudenfreude wonderful?
2
As Mueller inches ever closer to Trump I am sure Trump will be sitting in the oval office with his finger on the pardon button to save his band of merry men.
I wonder what Hon. Neil Gorsuch would have to say about the Sheriff's pardon. Mr. Mueller, a nation awaits.
1
Congress and the cabinet either need to get rid of Trump or shut up about him. All their morally imperious talk comes to nothing. He is an abomination and should be removed immediately.
1
I hope sherrif joe beats out Flake in the primary and may even send joe a check.
He's really the face of the gop and they should embrace him.
MAGA, make America gag again.
He's really the face of the gop and they should embrace him.
MAGA, make America gag again.
1
The trouble is, Trump THOUGHT he was elected to be a 'king.'
Tillerson and the rest of the Trump cabinet are a hypocrites. They doth protest too much because they still stand with Trump who is a self-confessed racist and White Supremacist.
Everyone coming in contact with Don the Con is diminished. Plain fact. Real news.
Mussolini and Hitler understood what Trump understands. If someone appearing to be a hero exploits the hankering for soil and blood, the populace will abandon all rationality and transfer the power of every ethical decision to that person. As Mueller closes in Trump will increasingly abandon any semblance of being anything other than a fascist leader for his base. A Martyr even when he's ousted. Tillerson and others who have the power to do it should not wait for the sake of tax reform or whatever. They should acknowledge this is a desperate fight to the bitter end by Trump. Racism, the war card, the environment, paralyzing the government--nothing matters to him if it can be used in this war he has declared on everything America stands for for the sake of holding on to power. They should take matters in their own hands and protect the country from this cunning narcissist. Don't think he's too stupid and isolated to do more harm. A cornered tiger is most dangerous.
Eleven million people are defying our immigration laws and there are sanctuary cities for them.
And you are upset over ONE 85 year old man not going to prison?
For shame!
And you are upset over ONE 85 year old man not going to prison?
For shame!
2
No one other than children still listen to Uncle Donald's stupid stories about his non-existent exploits told from the corner after the family has enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner and the adults have quietly walked away from his lunacy.
1
And yet, to Republicans in Congress, Obama was a lawless president. I am no longer sure if they or Trump are the real joke.
8
A very indiscreet, amoral, president lacking all insight is now exercising very substantial discretionary powers. Terrible mix and more to come.
A president who "speaks for himself" and the base he represents, but definitely not for all America.
The Texas disaster is far less of a threat than Trump.
A president who "speaks for himself" and the base he represents, but definitely not for all America.
The Texas disaster is far less of a threat than Trump.
2
I have been trying to comprehend how about half of America's voters (and more who didn't vote)) came to worship a morally and ethically degenerate man? The answer is obvious: These people are also morally and ethically degenerate. I just can't bring myself to accept the fact there are so many. Most do not look like characters in a Wes Craven Movie (A Nightmare on Elm Street or Scream), but I am hard pressed to understand why they are drawn to an individual filled with malice, meanness and cruelty. Where is the nobility in all of this? How do they go to their Houses Of Worship and declare the goodness of their God while worshiping at the alter of Trump? Everyone seems to be straining trying to understand. Is there an answer or is this just one of the sorry conditions of humanity at work?
11
The phrase should be "The President speaks ABOUT himself" and no one else.
2
Looking forward to seeing Trump and Putin on a cruise in a boat in a Siberian Lake in January.
The POTUS speaks for himself because he only stands for himself.
2
Trump should give Arpaio the Presidential Medal of Freedom
2
Enough already with Gary Cohn "nearly" doing the right thing. He's either a member of the administration or he is not. If a man is nearly courageous, he isn't courageous. If a man nearly acts according to his conscience, he isn't a man who values his conscience. If I nearly admire Mr. Cohn, I don't admire him.
2
Some of the commentators seem to think that America is part of the "WEST". May I disabuse this notion. America is not a western nation - it is beyond the West! It is beyond the western pale - the Western pale!!!
Beyond the Pale America needs enemies - if enemies cease to exist, America has the genius to CREATE and even RECREATE them. America cannot unhitch itself from unbridled "freedom" (lack of respect for the others), unbridled "capitalism" (caring only for the self).
Beyond the Pale America needs enemies - if enemies cease to exist, America has the genius to CREATE and even RECREATE them. America cannot unhitch itself from unbridled "freedom" (lack of respect for the others), unbridled "capitalism" (caring only for the self).
2
If the previous president could pardon a convicted Puerto Rican terrorist and bomb thrower, how dare the Times and all of its wine-and-cheese-party supporters complain about Sheriff Arpaio getting a pardon when his only "crime" was enforcing federal immigration laws which too many of our federal judiciary want to turn a blind eye on. Your standards are more than a little hypocritical.
2
Is it true that Sheriff Arpaio was elected and that he was elected more than once in his 24 year term.
It is easy to rant and rave about an individual, but who elected this man - that seems very scary to me
It is easy to rant and rave about an individual, but who elected this man - that seems very scary to me
2
Thank you NYT. I hope someone reads these editorials to Trump, if only to torture him.
"Rebukes, from his advisers and members of Congress, grow more frequent." More frequent rebukes are simply not enough. It is past time for any member of Congress with even a shred of decency to speak out, to do their duty to stop this would-be tyrant from destroying our country. Anyone who stands by in silence is as guilty as this madman in the White House.
1
Historically, Humankind has created systems of governments, in most instances, as a way to protect themselves from the baser instincts that we all possess and, hopefully, to advance the species forward with the hope that all lives might be better off if we formulate laws that protect all while disenfranchising no one. At least that was what the great philosophers of old wrote and we've been trying to achieve since antiquity, with varying levels of success. In the case of our current federal government, the basic tenets of democracy are being destroyed by ravenous vermin who have no regard for history, morality or the rule of law. For this president to pardon a law enforcement official convicted of violating the CIVIL RIGHTS of even one person is something so grotesque that I cannot muster hyperbole strong enough to express the outrage I feel. As John Adams, Second President would have said, I will "put my faith in divine providence" to judge and punish those that would ruin the lives of innocent people solely to enrich themselves and their spawn.
2
The most chilling part of the pardon is Trump telling every rogue cop they can have their way with the community they are supposed to serve and protect, and Trump will pardon them. His pardon castrates our Constitution and Bill of Rights that will become meaningless in the Trump tyranny that's just over the horizon.
1
Why is Trump still the President of the United States of America?
That's the question.
That's the question.
1
The best for the US is to let this President wander the halls of the White House, like the Ghost in Hamlet, and blurt out his pronouncements on Twitter, while the functioning bureaucracy ignores him. The only danger there is, what if the President goes completely funny in his head. Will the Constitutional separation of the executive, legislative, and judicial powers be sufficiently strong to prevent a global disaster?
1
There is a lot to complain about when it comes to Trump, but I think when historians look back it will be his consistent efforts to undermine the rule of law that will stand out.
1
Thank you, NYT Editorial Board for writing what had to be said and for doing so clearly succinctly and without equivocation.
The normalizing of this president's actions has been horrific to watch, and it simply must stop.
The normalizing of this president's actions has been horrific to watch, and it simply must stop.
27
Obviously the pardon is another stress test of American political culture and constitutional principles. And at every point of stress so far, Trump is demonstrating that the political institutions we revere can be damaged or broken. He is engaged in a systematic process designed to weaken the U.S. He is succeeding becrause a significant portion of the electorate has substituted and/or conflated religious faith for political affiiation. If you search for it you will find the quote that if Jesus Christ ran as a democrat, republicans would vote against him. The same people would vote for Putin against their country, and have done so, by voting for his surrogate who is implementing the Putin game plan - destroy American democracy, and turn America into an illiberal autocracy- and will continue to support Trump regardless of circumstances.
10
Chances are good some cabinet members don't mind suffering the fate of The Mooch.- while others hang on so to make sure their "financial sacrifices" are tax deductible!
8
When will this nightmare end? A number of Republicans in Congress have distanced themselves from Trump, and now he is being spurned by close advisors, such as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Rumors are also beginning to reveal a possible weakening of the various Trump Campaign Loyalists turning on each other.
Whatever happened to being Crime Family bosses being found guilty, when organized and planned the crimes that were done in their name? Doesn't the Trump Regime qualify?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Whatever happened to being Crime Family bosses being found guilty, when organized and planned the crimes that were done in their name? Doesn't the Trump Regime qualify?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
8
According to the 25th Amendment to the Constitution a psychiatric diagnosis is not required to replace the sitting President. It requires the opinion of the VicePresident and a majority of members of the executive department or such other body that Congress may designate that the President is unable to discharge his duties. Except for the opinion of Mr. Trump's base there shouldn't be much argument about that. The President may object, and then it would take a 2/3 vote of Congress to finish the process, and that would take spine. But really, the Emperor not only has no clothes but is also destroying the fabric of really makes America great. Shouldn't we get started to rectify that?
10
jg: "Shouldn't we get started to rectify that?"
If you want to "get started", run for office or get active in a political party. These 25th Amendment fantasies are a waste of time. Trump's cabinet was appointed by Trump, so it is not going to attempt a 25th Amendment coup. Anyway, the result would be a president named Pence.
As for Trump's pardon of Arpaio, there is ZERO that you or anyone else can do about it short of amending the US Constitution, because Article II, Section 2 grants the President the power of pardon. To its discredit, the Times failed to make that clear in this editorial.
If you want to "get started", run for office or get active in a political party. These 25th Amendment fantasies are a waste of time. Trump's cabinet was appointed by Trump, so it is not going to attempt a 25th Amendment coup. Anyway, the result would be a president named Pence.
As for Trump's pardon of Arpaio, there is ZERO that you or anyone else can do about it short of amending the US Constitution, because Article II, Section 2 grants the President the power of pardon. To its discredit, the Times failed to make that clear in this editorial.
It almost....almost seems like the president is doing exactly the opposite of what might be considered "the right thing to do"....or he might be an idiot. Both considerations apply here.
8
And, pray tell, O Wise Ones who speak for others, what's wrong with speaking for oneself?
That's fine. Trump should resign. Then he is completely free to speak for himself.
In the past, most intelligent and serious people have assumed that when the President of the United States speaks, he speaks as the President of the United States. JFK's "Ich bin ein Berliner" did not mean, "hey guys, I'm from Berlin." It meant that the people of the United States of America stood with the people of Berlin.
In the past, most intelligent and serious people have assumed that when the President of the United States speaks, he speaks as the President of the United States. JFK's "Ich bin ein Berliner" did not mean, "hey guys, I'm from Berlin." It meant that the people of the United States of America stood with the people of Berlin.
8
I think the problem here is not so much that Trump is speaking for himself, even if the speech is often hateful, but rather that even members of his own administration are doing their best to distance themselves from those words, so they are not tarred with the same brush.
3
O Not So Wise One , since Trump is President , it is his sworn duty and obligation to foremost speak and act for the good and well being of the Republic and it's Citizens.
1
Your endorsement of the anarchists under any name is as abominable as Trump insensitivity. The editorial board of The NY Times contributed to the disrespect of the laws by the violent mobs on the streets of Berkeley, alas.
3
That's exactly right. The alt left can do exactly as they want with no repercussions. Very sad that half of our country is ok with that. I can tell you the other half is not ok with any kind of violence whatsoever. The left though, by their silence, is ok with violence, property damage, shutting down highways and shutting down free speech. The left are the real bigots and racists. Just check out Baltimore, Detroit snd Chicago, the murder capital of the U.S. Dems in charge of these cities for 4 or 5 decades . What utter hypocrisy.
JPS- just plain silly
Darrel Salmon, what in the heck does the Times have to do with those violent protesters?
Trumps appearance in Corpus Christ was totally for show. His ego only allows him to speak in a new language, called platitudes. Maybe he should bring Christie in since Chris was a big operator around super storm Sandy
4
This is all about racism and a reaction to the elections of Barack Obama. The "birther movement" was all about racism. These people , Trump, Arpaio and their supporters are almost all white people who are afraid of losing their white privilege and power. The "immigrants" that Arpaio targeted were people of color. No one hears about white immigrants being rounded up. I say to these two men and their supporters, cruelty won't help. Hitler was also a cruel racist, and look what happened to him. Died in his paranoid bunker.
18
Just to clarify history. Hitler died by his own hands; He committed suicide.
This pardon is by far the scariest thing Trump has done, in my opinion. Arpaio ignored the peoples' civil rights as granted by the Constitution and Trump said, "That's OK with me." If law enforcement can ignore rule of law than the people have absolutely no protection any more against police overreach and abuse. That was how Hitler set up his brownshirts, to terrorize the populace into keeping quiet while he carried out his vile agenda. If Trump can put in place a police force loyal only to him, ignoring the laws of the nation, then what chance do we have?
16
The laws of the land, is our guarantee. As the old adage goes "He who makes a mess is the one that needs to clean it up".
Yes, especially given Trump's roll-back of providing military weapons and vehicles---grenade-launchers and armored vehicles---to whichever local police departments want them. Yesterday, AG Sessions told a national convention of police officers that they would now have free access to "life-saving" equipment---access they had never lost under the Obama regulations.
So! Sandy, based on what you've written, you agree with me that Obama applauded the misuse of classified information by pardoning Private Manning.
2
And, the Republican controlled Congress keeps Trump in office.
There are two obvious grounds for impeachment: Trump obstructed the Comey investigation, and he sought to have the Justice Dept. drop the case against Arpaio, also obstruction. The emoluments cases are playing themselves out in court, as businesses and communities have been hurt by Trump International.
However, there's a problem. The GOP during the previous administration was the Grandiose Obstructionist Party. It could be they do not see obstruction as a crime, and accept unjust results. Maybe like Trump and his AG, they do not view justice as an obtainable goal, but rather as a tool to obtain what they want, legal or not, as in the case of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
There are two obvious grounds for impeachment: Trump obstructed the Comey investigation, and he sought to have the Justice Dept. drop the case against Arpaio, also obstruction. The emoluments cases are playing themselves out in court, as businesses and communities have been hurt by Trump International.
However, there's a problem. The GOP during the previous administration was the Grandiose Obstructionist Party. It could be they do not see obstruction as a crime, and accept unjust results. Maybe like Trump and his AG, they do not view justice as an obtainable goal, but rather as a tool to obtain what they want, legal or not, as in the case of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
13
This issue of the separation of powers needs to be investigated. The 'contempt of court' is the main tool that the Judicial Branch has to enforce its rulings. Does the President, the Executive Branch, have the authority under the U.S. Constitution to interfere with the rulings in the Judicial Branch? I say, find someone with standing and go into federal court and test the President's ability to take a superior role in the Judicial Branch? The three branches are to be equal under the Constitution.
4
Yes, a pardon for contempt of court is valid, see Burdick v. United States (1915) and also President McKinley's pardon of Alexander McKenzie, the political boss of North Dakota, for contempt.
2
A brief review of Burdick v. U.S. on Wikipedia demonstrates that the Supreme Court did not rule on the issue of whether a pardon for contempt falls within the scope of the pardon power. Instead the Court ruled that a person who is pardoned can reject the pardon, which is what Burdick did. So the Burdick pardon was never even exercised.
In the case of McKenzie, the issue of whether a pardon for contempt is within the realm of the pardon power also was never challenged before a court. McKenzie was serving his contempt sentence, he was pardoned by McKinley and released, and that was the end of it.
In both cases, the issue of whether the pardon power extends to criminal contempt was never an issue and was never ruled on by a court.
In the case of McKenzie, the issue of whether a pardon for contempt is within the realm of the pardon power also was never challenged before a court. McKenzie was serving his contempt sentence, he was pardoned by McKinley and released, and that was the end of it.
In both cases, the issue of whether the pardon power extends to criminal contempt was never an issue and was never ruled on by a court.
2
None of this would be a problem if we had a decent, honorable person in the Presidency. The problem is not the power of pardon; the problem is who we gave it to.
We might actually be better off going back to the old pre-1968 days, when Presidential candidates were picked in smoke-filled rooms, not by angry voters who don't even believe in American values..
We might actually be better off going back to the old pre-1968 days, when Presidential candidates were picked in smoke-filled rooms, not by angry voters who don't even believe in American values..
The US china shop has a loco bull thrashing around in it. The broken pieces are mounting up, yet the only thing that's happening is the bull's owners are standing by watching. They are seemingly okay with all the broken china, and don't care that much about the store owner.
11
Yes, like a spoiled child, bringing destruction.
5
"The President Speaks for Himself’ will go down in history as a famous quote describing the worst president ever.
12
Forget it. It is totally apparent just who Trump is. Stop giving him the attention he craves. Way past the time to figure out how to legally get rid of him!!~
5
Thank you New York Times for FINALLY beginning to use the proper language to describe the abomination: Donald Trump. "Cowardly ways" is an apt description of the deranged, pathological liar's Donald Trump's modus operandi. Hopefully you'll use liar, traitor, and eventually, for our country's and democracy's sake: impeached to describe Trump in the future. I do disagree on Gary Cohn, his, so called, rebuke, was cowardly and pale, if he had any courage and no pathological self interest, he would have resigned. The rest of the awful characters in Trump's cabinet, Tillerson, and Mattis the only possible exceptions, are soulless, craven, shameless and worthless. It's going to be a painfully long four years.
10
From 1996 to 2015, 157 deaths in the desert hoosegow of America's Toughest Sheriff. 39 suicides, 34 found dead, 39 died later in county hospital for reasons unknown, and the others surely suffered until their end.
The Arizona voters of Maricopa County (the much greater than Phoenix area) loved imagining the sentenced filth in their "Arpaio Pink" prison garb toeing Sheriff Joe's line in Tent City.
Arpaio's devoted didn't care to understand "presumed innocent" for those awaiting trial; and they responded with more votes after news stories about the racial profiling and the Justice Department investigations, etc.
Soon enough, The Protector became The Protected. It wasn't until $140M in County legal expenses and victim judgements, that enough of the ram-rod's devotees jumped ship and finally brought him to an ignoble end at the ballot box.
But, thanks to the Grand Old Party's Beachmaster, a pardoned Joe Arpaio has re-validated every callous instinct in his loving flock of fowls. It's like they finally received their Nobel Prize for "Feels Right" Retribution.
No thank you, Mr Prime Time, this nation will not accept the Maricopa County Prize. Send our regrets to The Academy of Clowncraft.
The Arizona voters of Maricopa County (the much greater than Phoenix area) loved imagining the sentenced filth in their "Arpaio Pink" prison garb toeing Sheriff Joe's line in Tent City.
Arpaio's devoted didn't care to understand "presumed innocent" for those awaiting trial; and they responded with more votes after news stories about the racial profiling and the Justice Department investigations, etc.
Soon enough, The Protector became The Protected. It wasn't until $140M in County legal expenses and victim judgements, that enough of the ram-rod's devotees jumped ship and finally brought him to an ignoble end at the ballot box.
But, thanks to the Grand Old Party's Beachmaster, a pardoned Joe Arpaio has re-validated every callous instinct in his loving flock of fowls. It's like they finally received their Nobel Prize for "Feels Right" Retribution.
No thank you, Mr Prime Time, this nation will not accept the Maricopa County Prize. Send our regrets to The Academy of Clowncraft.
11
If the problem was just that Trump has a tin ear when hears his own words, it would be bad enough. If he were a bit more "average," in the sense of having even a minimal sense of modesty or feelings of regret, he would not come across as an ignorant jerk who, coincidentally, happens to President of the United States. No, our problem is that Trump believes every word he speaks is gospel in the biblical sense, and he is the epitome of the bible-thumping fundamentalist preacher, condemning anyone who speaks up to object to his musings.
Trump is a religion unto himself, greater even than the one[[s] born of man's reading of a hodge-podge of collected ancient writings, most of which no one has any idea who penned the originals from which these are derived. His self-grandeur is God-ian. Law? If it did not come from his lips, it is not even a suggestion. The Constitution? Hasn't read it; doesn't intend to. Put it on a cardboard tube and hang it in his private bathroom for all he cares.
It will be interesting to see if Neil Gorsuch is a Constitutional scholar when the first Trump-triggered case is argued before SCOTUS. Or is he the toady Trump anticipated and now expects to abide by Trump's wishes (read, fiats).
Trump is a religion unto himself, greater even than the one[[s] born of man's reading of a hodge-podge of collected ancient writings, most of which no one has any idea who penned the originals from which these are derived. His self-grandeur is God-ian. Law? If it did not come from his lips, it is not even a suggestion. The Constitution? Hasn't read it; doesn't intend to. Put it on a cardboard tube and hang it in his private bathroom for all he cares.
It will be interesting to see if Neil Gorsuch is a Constitutional scholar when the first Trump-triggered case is argued before SCOTUS. Or is he the toady Trump anticipated and now expects to abide by Trump's wishes (read, fiats).
6
Complete agreement on the insidious nature of Trump's destructive showboating. His non-stop dialogue is saturating his Alt Reality into the fabric of American normalcy. His loyal sycophants inside and outside of federal, state, and local governments are using the breakdown in democratic processes to secure power. That's GOP Job 1, so all citizens need to see the urgency in diligent correction of abuses.
Concerning your hope "Neil Gorsuch is a Constitutional scholar", he did accept the Oath-breaker McConnell's stolen nomination. Just sayin...
Concerning your hope "Neil Gorsuch is a Constitutional scholar", he did accept the Oath-breaker McConnell's stolen nomination. Just sayin...
The only way any of this could be considered normal is if he was five. And if he was five, he could be taught. Otherwise, he is just plain nuts with a cruel streak.
10
for too long, many States, especially those in the south, have dumbed down education policies, taking away science curriculum, teaching creationism instead of evolution, ... so we have "produced" a younger generation, without critical thinking and analytical capacity. these are the "best" followers for tyranny and fast-talkers. cry for America !
9
Don Trump's base is the angry white radio crowd. They are angry because they believe in white man grievance. Rich white men are not appreciated for creating all the jobs and paying all the taxes. Middle class whites are aggrieved because the they lost their higher paying jobs to illegals. The enemy is the liberals who allowed this all to happen. To the aggrieved rich folks grow up, you got all the fruits of the global society, you have the money, who else is going to pay the taxes. To white middle aggrieved, you too are the casualty of a global society, more competition, more education, more automation. The globalization of the world was,brought to by big business, both Republicans and Democrats. Guess what, globalization it is not going away and Trump is not and can not help.
4
Trump has never met a petty tyrant that he didn't like.
5
I say and say again: we get the government we deserve.
Nearly half of Americans who could vote did not vote. Millions more voted for people who had no chance of winning. The Electors in the Electoral College failed their Constitutional duty to protect us from a demagogue. So, here we are stuck with an ignorant lying p-grabbing birther as the head of government and the head of state.
Look at Donald Trump and the GOP hacks that control Congress. This is who we are as a nation. The good news is, to quote a character on the television show West Wing, "We get to overthrow the government every two years."
In 2018, give control of Congress to the Democrats, and put a check on Trump.
Nearly half of Americans who could vote did not vote. Millions more voted for people who had no chance of winning. The Electors in the Electoral College failed their Constitutional duty to protect us from a demagogue. So, here we are stuck with an ignorant lying p-grabbing birther as the head of government and the head of state.
Look at Donald Trump and the GOP hacks that control Congress. This is who we are as a nation. The good news is, to quote a character on the television show West Wing, "We get to overthrow the government every two years."
In 2018, give control of Congress to the Democrats, and put a check on Trump.
9
Trump seems to come from a place of weakness and a deep emotional hole. Sadly he is the president though not presidential.
His views favor the 'tough guy' something he probably wishes he were but can only act the part. He is a danger to rule of law and equal treatment under the law.
We must take the pardon ability away from a man who is so immoral and vacuous. Surely Congress could limit how it gets applied and make the criteria more stringent.
There is an ever growing need to rein this guy in. He is not stable. He has no leadership ability unless you count being a huckster as a leader.
Yes, Trump does speak for himself but with each passing day, each passing crisis, it is not worth hearing.
Trump may be the almighty to his supporters but all I can say is that they must be very bored and disconnected from reality. It's time to come out of the bubble folks.
It's time for the adults to step in and take this child away from twitter, nuclear codes and executive orders for the sake of this country.
We need a real president, not a self enriching, shyster who speaks only for himself and doesn't seem to notice what is happening around him unless he sees it on Fox & Friends.
His views favor the 'tough guy' something he probably wishes he were but can only act the part. He is a danger to rule of law and equal treatment under the law.
We must take the pardon ability away from a man who is so immoral and vacuous. Surely Congress could limit how it gets applied and make the criteria more stringent.
There is an ever growing need to rein this guy in. He is not stable. He has no leadership ability unless you count being a huckster as a leader.
Yes, Trump does speak for himself but with each passing day, each passing crisis, it is not worth hearing.
Trump may be the almighty to his supporters but all I can say is that they must be very bored and disconnected from reality. It's time to come out of the bubble folks.
It's time for the adults to step in and take this child away from twitter, nuclear codes and executive orders for the sake of this country.
We need a real president, not a self enriching, shyster who speaks only for himself and doesn't seem to notice what is happening around him unless he sees it on Fox & Friends.
10
The Donald needs to pivot---and fast---the advisors and cabinet members he needs---as opposed to the DeVoss/Carson contingent---have run big/real businesses, been generals in the services. They want to serve their country, but,working for someone who, let's be honest, will not have risen above a private in the service or the mailroom at Exxon, will wear thin if Trump keeps up his juvenile behavior.
3
Republican congressman and senators who publicly support Trump because they fear that they will be voted out of office next year are of no use. If they privately disapprove of Trump that is no excuse for their cowardice. And the top cabinet officials who also are "disgusted" with their boss, but don't resign because they feel "a patriotic duty to stay on and prevent a bigger disaster"? What good is that?
One, just one, of these top officials MUST resign in protest! Stake their whole career and reputation on this one act of courage. If it's all over for them, then so be it. Their consolation can be that they will go down in history for possibly turning the tide against a tyrant. Is there not even one of them big enough to do that?
One, just one, of these top officials MUST resign in protest! Stake their whole career and reputation on this one act of courage. If it's all over for them, then so be it. Their consolation can be that they will go down in history for possibly turning the tide against a tyrant. Is there not even one of them big enough to do that?
2
If there was ever a time for politicians to come out in support of the rule of law and of the importance of the judiciary, it is now. While they are at it, they would do well by their fellow citizens by defending the free press, no matter how miffed they might be by episodes where they have been critiqued. They should keep in mind that in the event that they were threatened in the same manner as both institutions have been attacked, those are the very institutions that would and have come to their defense.
A good rule of thumb that I learned the hard way over the course of adulthood is that when dealing with an authoritarian, disturbed and vindictive personality, there are no exceptions to his/her rule of deflection, blame and punishment. That is true whether or not said person is a friend or foe, a third grade classmate or the president. Sooner or later you will be in the bulls-eye.
In this case, speaking up collectively and refusing to go along with the man who fancies himself king, and a cruel one at that, is not just a matter of self preservation recognizing that whatever one gets, it will be much less than one gives (in this case license), but preservation of our democracy and its institutions for our lawless president. Already far too many boundaries and too much territory has been ceded to the wanna be oligarch busy making a mockery of his office, his party and on the world stage, our country.
A good rule of thumb that I learned the hard way over the course of adulthood is that when dealing with an authoritarian, disturbed and vindictive personality, there are no exceptions to his/her rule of deflection, blame and punishment. That is true whether or not said person is a friend or foe, a third grade classmate or the president. Sooner or later you will be in the bulls-eye.
In this case, speaking up collectively and refusing to go along with the man who fancies himself king, and a cruel one at that, is not just a matter of self preservation recognizing that whatever one gets, it will be much less than one gives (in this case license), but preservation of our democracy and its institutions for our lawless president. Already far too many boundaries and too much territory has been ceded to the wanna be oligarch busy making a mockery of his office, his party and on the world stage, our country.
3
In the end it will be the Republican party that is most tainted, despoiled and degraded, and the American people who are most hurt and dishonored by their toleration of this president. The GOP have little time left to redeem themselves, but they are showing precious few signs that they are inclined to do so.
They have already disqualified themselves from my vote for any candidate under their banner ever again. I am sure there are others who feel this way.
Do they want to try for universal execration?
They have already disqualified themselves from my vote for any candidate under their banner ever again. I am sure there are others who feel this way.
Do they want to try for universal execration?
2
The weak man is always measuring himself against those he thinks are weaker. The truly strong man does not need to measure himself against anyone.
5
Why can't I buck the notion that the worst is yet to come--and I'm not even sure Pumpkinhead will be involved?
2
Trump has brought the America I love to the lowest level possible. And he is your President. To all those Trump supporters, are you happy now? And if yes, why? He represents all that is racist, bigoted, and divisive about our country. Yet you still cheer him. Why?
2
Because he promises to take back america from the rest of us and give it to them.
I am patiently waiting for the Republicans in the House and Senate to find their moral courage and take a stand against the the abuses of power displayed by the President. I wonder if they are capable of it after the Health Care debacle in which so many of them were willing to take away Medicaid and other essential services from needy Americans. If it weren't for 3 courageous Senators our country would be reeling from a new Health Care Bill that would have left millions of Americans in the lurch. Now we have a President with Authoritarian tendencies; a man who is clearly racist and cares only for himself. Will the Republican Party morally bankrupt itself yet further just so they can have the support of one third of the populace? I so hope they are better than that. I am an Independent and don't want to rely just on the Democrats.
Despite all the talk that his voters are sticking with Trump, that is not true. Many have stated out loud that he should be impeached. I have heard this from a number of them (I was never a supporter myself!)
2
He speaks for lots of Americans who are tired of open borders.
4
"Open borders" have never existed. Thanks to Trump and his supporters, though, I'm all in favor of them in the future. Anything to keep you from getting what you want.
They are not tired of open borders. They are afraid of people who are different. Outside of their comfort zone, they see the world as a scary place.
1
We don't have open borders. Thanks to billions spent under Bush from 2006 on to Obama in 2009-10, it is safer than it ever has been. Keep up. Quit spouting falsehoods!
It is interesting that Trump's first pardon is this sheriff and not his son-in-law's father. Trump probably likes this dominant position over his daughter's husband, the woman he would like to date.
4
Correction:
Our President does not speak.
He tweets.
Our President does not speak.
He tweets.
Please don't give Paul Ryan any credit for statements he issues until he has the courage to NAME Mr. Trump and condemn is actions directly rather than in circuitous manner he always speaks. He is cut from the same mold as his fellow Wisconsinites, Scott Walker, Reince Priebus, and other state Republican legislators.
13
Could it be that the investigation into Russia and the U.S. Presidential Election result in the outcome of President Donald Trump's mental health during the campaign before he became President? In other words if found a conspiracy that leads to Donald Trump's actions being a threat to the American people before he became President would it become a crime or due to his mental health at the time.
It is important that there are other ways for diagnosis. His physical health may prevent him from doing his duties as President if not his mental health. But being diagnosed with a disability does not make that job any less than it would make it more problematic if he is incapable of doing his job.
It is important that there are other ways for diagnosis. His physical health may prevent him from doing his duties as President if not his mental health. But being diagnosed with a disability does not make that job any less than it would make it more problematic if he is incapable of doing his job.
Meanwhile Tillerson also speaks for himself, and does the president's bidding in deeds if not words -- by quietly working to dismantle, undermine and/or demoralize the State Department's people and mission.
9
About seven years ago here was a classic episode of the radio program "This American Life" titled "Petty Tyrant" that told in gory detail how a small-time operator can cow and bully hundreds of normally clear-headed people into just accepting things, unquestioningly, on their terms. It was an eye-opener how someone can zoom in on individual hopes, failings and weaknesses, and exploit them - until their inevitable downfall.
"The story of a virtuoso tyrant and bully, a man who made himself feared and untouchable, in a place where no one thought to look for a tyrant..."
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/419/petty-tyrant
"The story of a virtuoso tyrant and bully, a man who made himself feared and untouchable, in a place where no one thought to look for a tyrant..."
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/419/petty-tyrant
3
Wow. Daisy, your comparison is dead-on. Only the aforementioned bully of the radio broadcast went to jail, justice served. The overriding question is: How could this have happened? The podcast spells it out: the Tyrant was "surrounded above and below by people who looked the other way..."
1
When all is said and done and Mueller presents his findings we will learn this has all been a long range Russian scenario. The Russian loans that bailed Trump out in the 90's have been quietly converted to massive loans from Deutsche Bank, who depends entirely for existence from Russia. All Russian banking is controlled by the State which means Putin masterminds all. Thus, we find an American President , fearful of losing his financial kingdom, totally under the whims of a foreign despot. More than this, the infamous Steele dossier is now being re-examined and found perhaps legit. Fear not. Trump is going down hard and along with him an entire Republican Party that has closed its eyes and ears to outright TREASON.
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8
I hope and pray that it all works out as you say. We are all paying close attention and this will be remembered.
1
I think Treason sounds like the correct word as well. But...I've read the Constitution defines treason as a one action crime. Treason is the act of waging war against the United States.
The Confederacy did it, but I don't think Trump has done it. We'll just have to hope Mueller documents some other actual crimes so that the spineless GOP will have cover to do their duty and impeach the crook.
The Confederacy did it, but I don't think Trump has done it. We'll just have to hope Mueller documents some other actual crimes so that the spineless GOP will have cover to do their duty and impeach the crook.
1
Shout it from the rooftops. Let there be no doubt on the record that Trump's horrific worldview is obvious to contemporary observers. He is an ill wind that blows no good.
6
It is now time for the Editorial Board of the New York Times to call for the resignation or removal of Donald J Trump from the office of President of the United States.
12
I think it's long past time for that. Do we have to watch goose stepping rabble marching past our door before the editorial board says "enough?"
3
"But Sheriff Joe DID something about Illegal Immigrants while Liberals only watched!"
Nonsense. If Arapio wanted to prevent illegal immigration, he'd have made it his mission to find and punish every business that hired illegal immigrant labor; after all, someone's hiring & paying these people money -- and it isn't me, or a Wal-Mart clerk, or a bus driver doing it. It's Trump's ilk doing that. But people who hire illegal immigrants never get punished; people who are illegal immigrants do.
Instead, Arapio is a bully and a thug who likes to push people around and gets off on the sheer sadism of making people unlike him degraded and punished. Again, Pardons are for criminals who show remorse -- not for people like Arapio, who are enemies of the constitution & who are *still* proud of what they've done.
Nonsense. If Arapio wanted to prevent illegal immigration, he'd have made it his mission to find and punish every business that hired illegal immigrant labor; after all, someone's hiring & paying these people money -- and it isn't me, or a Wal-Mart clerk, or a bus driver doing it. It's Trump's ilk doing that. But people who hire illegal immigrants never get punished; people who are illegal immigrants do.
Instead, Arapio is a bully and a thug who likes to push people around and gets off on the sheer sadism of making people unlike him degraded and punished. Again, Pardons are for criminals who show remorse -- not for people like Arapio, who are enemies of the constitution & who are *still* proud of what they've done.
14
Mr Trump sure doesn't speak for the majority of Americans who voted against him. Who have, time and time again, voiced their opposition to his persona just as much as to his policies. In the past eight months, Mr Trump has not undetaken a single action, nor enunciated any new policy to advance peace in the world or harmony at home. Althouogh he's been at the helm now for 8 months, he's still not managed to break out of the campaign mode and act like a President of the whole country, we proudly call the melting pot. The progonosis for the future is not encouraging, either. So far luckily for him - and for us - he has not had many testing times, not to speak of real national safety or security crisis. But whatever challenges have come his way, whether in the form riots at Charlottesville, or as vibes and voices from his noisy, boisterous public rallies, he has singularly failed to act as President of the whole country. Instead, he leaves you with the impression that he's most comfortable playing Donald the divider, the disruptor. We can wait until the end of the year, or end of his present term, nothing's going to change. Not for the better, anyway. For the worse? Likely - Very Likely, indeed.
As this train wreck president continues his march to the cliffs, will his base march with him? Will it march the whole way? Will they drag us with them? When will we pull the emergency brake on this runaway train?
7
Mr. Tillerson has a lot of courage to admit that Trump speaks only for himself, and is, of course, ultimately responsible for what he has said and done.
We should have known, when he pretended to be handicapped in order to get out of service in Vietnam, that he was not only a coward, but also a habitual liar. But nobody had ever seen someone like Trump. In the ensuing years we learned, if we watched carefully, that is also a bigot, racist, abuser of women and the handicapped, a supporter of neo-nazis and white supremacists, and a habitual braggart, usually not deserved.
Now that the eyes of a congressional committee are squarely on him, is it wrong to think that he might do something REALLY bad, like use the nuclear buttons to take the spotlight off of him. I believe that he might do that, and I wonder whether there's anything our country can do to protect all of us from his craziness.
We should have known, when he pretended to be handicapped in order to get out of service in Vietnam, that he was not only a coward, but also a habitual liar. But nobody had ever seen someone like Trump. In the ensuing years we learned, if we watched carefully, that is also a bigot, racist, abuser of women and the handicapped, a supporter of neo-nazis and white supremacists, and a habitual braggart, usually not deserved.
Now that the eyes of a congressional committee are squarely on him, is it wrong to think that he might do something REALLY bad, like use the nuclear buttons to take the spotlight off of him. I believe that he might do that, and I wonder whether there's anything our country can do to protect all of us from his craziness.
6
I am a member of Trump's base. A die hard Republican that loved the pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio! (i read the Times to get perspective on the "other side") Yes, Trump represents MY values and the values of the Republicans I know. No, we are not racists. One of the biggest sham arguments the NY Times and most Liberals pose is that because we are Republicans, we are racists. You have thus stereotyped us in the very way you have been fighting for years for Americans to "overcome!" You are nothing but hypocrites! I have nothing against Mexicans, but I am against illegals entering the USA for economic gain at our expense. I am against paying my tax dollars for education, healthcare, food stamps and states giving illegals the same higher education breaks that Americans have earned. These illegals add up to nothing more than the importation of poverty!! Why has the LBJ War on Poverty never been won?? Because, we have been importing it! Finally, Americans, especially many White Americans, got fed up with our tax dollars going to people to do not even belong here. Republicans and Democrats banned together to shout--back at the Obama led idea that minorities are "special." It was a backlash, after Obama's 8 years of pandering to minorities and illegals. Guess what? We think we are special too!! Sheriff Joe? He gets it. The law is the law. Unlike Liberals who think immigration law is only for felons.
11
Lynn --
Was the Sheriff's brutish treatment of innocent people when arrested and after reasonable, moral, and Constitutional? Is that what he "gets"?
Was the Sheriff's brutish treatment of innocent people when arrested and after reasonable, moral, and Constitutional? Is that what he "gets"?
4
Yes, the law is the law and Arpaio broke it through racial profiling.
3
Lynn, you act like you were getting locked up the same way Arpaio was locking up Latinos. That's one false equivalence. Another is that illegals are stealing American jobs. Have you seen what these poor people are doing? The same kind of backbreaking agricultural jobs that Americans did in the 1930s, but don't want to do any more (and haven't for decades). So you've got no evidence for that claim. And here's a third: all those illegal immigrants generate plenty of money for the economy (hint, they spend money too), so don't think of them as some enormous drain that's otherwise preventing you from succeeding. Obama never claimed that minorities and illegals were special. If you actually listened to him, you'd learn that he wanted them to be regarded as co-equals, our brothers and sisters, fellow human beings.
Finally, because some one has to point it out, there are plenty of Republicans that despise Donald Trump, Sheriff Arpaio, and the ultranationalist, racist principles for which they (and evidently you) stand. Don't believe me? Just wait until the next election. You'll see us vote him out in droves.
Finally, because some one has to point it out, there are plenty of Republicans that despise Donald Trump, Sheriff Arpaio, and the ultranationalist, racist principles for which they (and evidently you) stand. Don't believe me? Just wait until the next election. You'll see us vote him out in droves.
2
"You ain't seen nothing yet" I'm afraid. I keep waiting for our Baby Man monster in the WH to reach his low, but there isn't one. He can and will continue to go lower and lower, I betcha. Expect nothing good, rational, meaningful,or different, until he's gone
4
The Republicans are afraid that Trump will bolt and create third party ala Ross Perot. Trump will take with him the racists and bigots who are essential to any Republican victory. These hateful people who spit on everything Americans have fought and died for are the vocal core of today's GOP. No, no matter what new daily insults to our democracy that Trump makes, we will not see any strong moves on the part of the Republican leadership against Trump....they have too much to lose.
5
Since the President vowed to defend the Constitution of the United States, and given that Donald Trump's rule of law includes "a display of personal dominance disconnected from concerns about law and order, equality or the Constitution," have you not just presented a case for impeaching the President? How much deviation from the Constitution is permitted by a President who seems to ignore it altogether whenever this failure to defend the Constitution coincides with his own proclivities? I simply cannot see why this man is still in office. Do Republican Senators of Members of the House of Representatives really believe that the President, who is the flag bearer of their party, has the right to continue in an office whose requirements he has repeatedly ignored?
4
Right on Bannon's path of destruction, thumbing his nose at the people he is supposed to lead and many who voted for him, just as he has for years at the banks and small businesses that gave him credit. He takes what he wants, and leaves America holding the bag.
3
It's truly a watershed moment in our history...let's be brave and honest, just look at the people of TX how heroic they're. Let us speak and fight for our country, this is the only way we can rebuild our less than perfect past.
4
Day by day, my disgust with the Trump supporters grows. As awful as our 'president' is, how can so many people still support him? This includes the too silent Republicans who continue to put party/self over country. We can do better than this (can't we?).
8
To the extent you exalt Charlottesville and ignore Dallas...
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/dallas-police-officers-killed.html
...You're helping to re-elect Trump in 2020 - and encouraging me once more to vote for him
Am reaching the limit of my "tolerance" with the notion that doing any crazy/reckless/harmful thing in the name of equality is fine - but aspiring to supremacy of any kind is evil...
Find me the NFL team that aspires - long-term - to a 9-9 season...
And - if you do - tell Kaepernick to go interview there...
Jim Brown endured more racism than any fifty of today's current NFL players...
He came out, recently...
Not as one of the greatest black NFL players ever...
But as one of the greatest NFL players ever - who happened to be black...
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/08/jim_brown_met_with_bro...
He didn't tell his metaphorical team-mates what to do - but he led them...
Do you think he played to tie, at game's end???
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/dallas-police-officers-killed.html
...You're helping to re-elect Trump in 2020 - and encouraging me once more to vote for him
Am reaching the limit of my "tolerance" with the notion that doing any crazy/reckless/harmful thing in the name of equality is fine - but aspiring to supremacy of any kind is evil...
Find me the NFL team that aspires - long-term - to a 9-9 season...
And - if you do - tell Kaepernick to go interview there...
Jim Brown endured more racism than any fifty of today's current NFL players...
He came out, recently...
Not as one of the greatest black NFL players ever...
But as one of the greatest NFL players ever - who happened to be black...
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/08/jim_brown_met_with_bro...
He didn't tell his metaphorical team-mates what to do - but he led them...
Do you think he played to tie, at game's end???
2
One doesn't tolerate cheating to win and that is what Trump advocates, a do anything to win no matter how immoral it is. That is not fair play.
Aren't you tired of all the winning yet?
1
I guess what we collectively going through is a moment of truth, when we're looking in the mirror and what we see is far from pretty...honestly it's kind of ugly. For too long we've been living in a cloud of self-congratulation, perpetual cycle of delusional existence... oh, look how exceptional we're, how unique, how superior, unsurpassed, etc...time to wake from surreal insanity and face the music. Time to start being honest, time to try and eradicate the evil in a heart of this country, time to rewrite our history manuals, time to stop hiding the inconvenient truth and facts that are part of our history, time to demonstrate to the next generation that we are not spineless wimps and weasels that we can face all the ugliness that happened through history and start at the least, be honest!
5
Contrary to the notion that it is Trump's Base, it is actually the silenced by fear (cowards) congresspersons and senators who are responsible for propping this guy up. How about a little "righteous indignation" form these "elected" officials.
How is it possible for someone who has sworn an oath to defend the Constitution to remain silent in the face of the committing of gross crimes?
How can one be blind to the debasement of human dignity? By not demonstrating "righteousness indignation" one becomes an accomplice to the criminal ugliness.
How is it possible for someone who has sworn an oath to defend the Constitution to remain silent in the face of the committing of gross crimes?
How can one be blind to the debasement of human dignity? By not demonstrating "righteousness indignation" one becomes an accomplice to the criminal ugliness.
6
You could have criticized P. T. some more. Why stop when you did?
You still don't get it, your era is drawing to an end. Super majority in 2018 for Trump is going to be a reality notwithstanding all the anti-Trump drivel you dish up on a daily basis.
You still don't get it, your era is drawing to an end. Super majority in 2018 for Trump is going to be a reality notwithstanding all the anti-Trump drivel you dish up on a daily basis.
1
Trump believes that he can govern as an imperial President. He cannot do so but that will not stop him from trying. Trump was on full display during his campaign. No voter should claim surprise. Those who elected him deserve what they are going to get from this President. He will not escape his reckoning with history. His nemesis is the Special Counsel who will seal his doom. It is but a question of time until he is rendered politically unable to function, at a minimum.
2
Trump mocks and trivializes our most fundamental institutions and principles with relish, thinking that since his audiences love it, it must represent the will of the people he considers his constituency. It is a vacuous attitude which reveals the shallowness of his intellectual life and the dangers that the angry but recalcitrantly resistant to learning anything important about government, foreign relations and such important matters as the science of climate change people who voted for the man present to our democratic form of government. To have the people voting against their own best interests just to cause the rest of the country pain because they are frustrated does not bode well for the future of our republic.
4
Trump's idea of "law" is that which brings himself the most applause from the angry, too-long ignored swarms who are his supporters.
2
Akshully - the president speaks for the country. So does Mr Tillerson unless he makes it clear he's speaking in his personal and not official capacity.
Now interesting that a state official doesn't seem to know that?
Now interesting that a state official doesn't seem to know that?
1
President Clinton pardoned Mark Rich, a fugitive from federal justice, whose wife had contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Clinton re-election fund. Sheriff Arpaio tried to protect Americans and Arizonans from rampant illegal immigration by targeting the very people who broke American immigration laws and entered the U.S. illegally. But of course, Democrats, liberals and progressives see no hypocrisy in demonizing Trump, while praising Clinton.
2
Arpaio grabbed people off the street if they looked like they came from Mexico. That's called racial profiling, and he continued doing it after a court order to stop it.
Is any racist a hero in your estimation?
Is any racist a hero in your estimation?
3
Did Democrats defend Clinton's pardon - I don't recall. What I do know though is that Democrats do not fight to the end to defend every action of Democrat presidents. In fact, Dems are way too willing to criticize their own hoping to show an open mind to the closed minded.
If Trump supporters would look more critically at their president, perhaps the 65% of the country who thinks he is not doing such a great job, would be more willing to listen to their grievances.
If Trump supporters would look more critically at their president, perhaps the 65% of the country who thinks he is not doing such a great job, would be more willing to listen to their grievances.
1
Actually Arpaio targeted anyone who looked latino or indigenous including many whose families have lived longer in that area than any white European settlers. American citizens look and sound different in many parts of the country, they deserve the protection of our law enforcement, not harassment because they "look" illegal.
2
Can't wait for the Mueller report. In the meantime, congresspeople, please act!
4
I simply cannot understand how Arpaio was allowed to run his prison system as his did without legal challenge. The outdoor prison. Humiliating prisoners. Cruelty and too many deaths.
5
As a Canadian working California, I try hard to understand the forces that led America to where it is. Police and judiciary representatives are not appointed by public vote in Canada.
In all the discussions and coverage of Joe Arpaio -- the clear abuse of power he exercised and Trump's affection for him and his actions -- nowhere have I seen a discussion of why this man was re-elected by the people of Maricopa County 4 different times to serve as sheriff for 23 years.
There is something foundational that is wrong when a man like this is voted for so many times, despite all that is known about him. Can you imagine what it would say about America if Trump could run for office 4 times and, each time, be elected?
In all the discussions and coverage of Joe Arpaio -- the clear abuse of power he exercised and Trump's affection for him and his actions -- nowhere have I seen a discussion of why this man was re-elected by the people of Maricopa County 4 different times to serve as sheriff for 23 years.
There is something foundational that is wrong when a man like this is voted for so many times, despite all that is known about him. Can you imagine what it would say about America if Trump could run for office 4 times and, each time, be elected?
3
The Republican party lost its mind with the rise of hate radio and Fox News. This media machinery has created and nurtured an angry, resentful and misinformed base that forms the core of modern conservatism. In order to stay in power now, GOP politicians have to pander to the uneducated and the uninformed, make increasingly crazier statements, and commit to more irrational and irresponsible campaign promises. Now, nothing but outright racism and cuckoo policies that violate our own Constitution will satisfy the unwashed Republican masses.
10
The problem is, it appears that Trump does represent the values of a large number of American people.
3
Consider that by accepting the pardon, Arpaio has accepted his guilt, which might have been overturned on appeal.
5
A pardon cannot be accepted or rejected and is not an admission of guilt. I'm not saying that is right, but that's the law. A pardon is an order by the President that does not require anyone's assent.
He's actually still seeking to have his conviction thrown out.
1
That is not true. One does have to accept the pardon and the admission of guilt.
Pardon Information and Instructions | PARDON | Department of Justice
https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardon-information-and-instructions
Nov 4, 2016 - However, the President cannot pardon a state criminal offense. ... If you have a federal conviction, information about the conviction may be ... and is granted in recognition of the applicant's acceptance of responsibility for the crime.
Pardon Information and Instructions | PARDON | Department of Justice
https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardon-information-and-instructions
Nov 4, 2016 - However, the President cannot pardon a state criminal offense. ... If you have a federal conviction, information about the conviction may be ... and is granted in recognition of the applicant's acceptance of responsibility for the crime.
No one has yet explained to me exactly which law did Joe Arpaio violate in the first place?
1
There's an interconnected set of computers called the Interwebs ...
2
WH: "No one has yet explained to me exactly which law did Joe Arpaio violate in the first place?"
The legal history is lengthy and complicated, but the short answer is that Arpaio was convicted of "criminal contempt of court for defying [a court] order". That is, Arpaio ignored a court order by a Federal judge.
For more, follow the link in the sentence containing this phrase from the editorial:
"... Mr. Trump’s pardon, late Friday night, of the former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio ..."
If you want to dig deeper, the ACLU has all the legal documents on its web site:
Ortega Melendres, et al. v. Arpaio, et al.
https://www.aclu.org/cases/ortega-melendres-et-al-v-arpaio-et-al
(Scroll down for the legal documents.)
The legal history is lengthy and complicated, but the short answer is that Arpaio was convicted of "criminal contempt of court for defying [a court] order". That is, Arpaio ignored a court order by a Federal judge.
For more, follow the link in the sentence containing this phrase from the editorial:
"... Mr. Trump’s pardon, late Friday night, of the former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio ..."
If you want to dig deeper, the ACLU has all the legal documents on its web site:
Ortega Melendres, et al. v. Arpaio, et al.
https://www.aclu.org/cases/ortega-melendres-et-al-v-arpaio-et-al
(Scroll down for the legal documents.)
3
You can begin with racial profiling, for one. Then read from the Readers' Comments and you will find more. The more you read, the more you will learn.
3
There is racial profiling but it is overlapped by crime profiling and the whole issue is a complex one highly dependent on the unbiased approach of those doing the profiling. It is not a simple black and white issue and there are both bad and legitimate profiling practices. The sheriff is obviously a hard liner on immigration violations but that is how he is sworn to carry out the law. It comes down to how reasonable is it to question someone who to the individual seems to be an illegal alien in an area frequented by illegal aliens? Why is the sheriff supposed to ignore what he considers reasonable evidence that someone is here illegally? Are his ideas of reasonable evidence acceptable or unacceptable to a disinterested judge?
Bill, being brown is not reasonable evidence to stop anyone. That is what the courts found. Arpaio gleefully continued his unconstitutional behavior, and made it clear that he would not stop. That is where the contempt of court charge comes in, and the reason he was being taken to court.
5
The problem was that there was no reasonable evidence. The sheriff was going after anyone who appeared latino whether they were legal citizens or not. No evidence was needed by him. His officers were ordered to stop any brown skin people for no reasons except they were brown.
And in doing so, he ignored real crimes like rape that were being committed.
And in doing so, he ignored real crimes like rape that were being committed.
For someone who claims he wants to "Make America Great Again" he has done the exact opposite, he has dragged America through the mud and into the sewer. Why is this not obvious to his followers?
13
Maybe it is and they just don't care.
3
Mr. Trump,
The President of the United States swears to uphold the Constitution.
Many of your actions, including the pardon of Mr. Arpaio, call into question your understanding of spirit, if not the letter, of the Constitution which includes an independent judiciary.
Unlike dictatorships and other authoritarian governments, the United States Constitution provides for tripartite form of government, with separate judicial, legislative and executive branches. There is a reason for that explained by Montesquieu in "The Spirit of Laws" in 1748. Its a fundamental system of checks and balances so that governmental powers are not all held by a single person.
Certainly in spirit, your actions call into question whether you understand that in fact the United States has an independent judiciary. A federal court issued an order that Mr. Arpaio, an member of the executive branch of an Arizona county, undeniably violated. That in turn was based upon a prior determination that he violated the rights of prisoners. You chose to not only voice your disagreement with the court, which is your right as citizen, but you also chose to nullify its factually correct determination that its order was violated. You have constitutional authority to pardon crimes against the United States, but in the real world the Constitution does not provide unfettered pardon authority to be exercised, as it appears in this case, for short term political gain with your constituency.
The President of the United States swears to uphold the Constitution.
Many of your actions, including the pardon of Mr. Arpaio, call into question your understanding of spirit, if not the letter, of the Constitution which includes an independent judiciary.
Unlike dictatorships and other authoritarian governments, the United States Constitution provides for tripartite form of government, with separate judicial, legislative and executive branches. There is a reason for that explained by Montesquieu in "The Spirit of Laws" in 1748. Its a fundamental system of checks and balances so that governmental powers are not all held by a single person.
Certainly in spirit, your actions call into question whether you understand that in fact the United States has an independent judiciary. A federal court issued an order that Mr. Arpaio, an member of the executive branch of an Arizona county, undeniably violated. That in turn was based upon a prior determination that he violated the rights of prisoners. You chose to not only voice your disagreement with the court, which is your right as citizen, but you also chose to nullify its factually correct determination that its order was violated. You have constitutional authority to pardon crimes against the United States, but in the real world the Constitution does not provide unfettered pardon authority to be exercised, as it appears in this case, for short term political gain with your constituency.
3
It's a ponzi scheme really. And like all ponzi schemes it is maintained by the silence by those who benefit or think they will benefit --until it implodes of course.
Arpaio commits unrestrained judicial and administrative outrages and freely owns it. Trump pardons Arpaio and now owns him. Republican legislators and officials remain silent on Trump and Arpaio (and other) outrages and own them. And 35% of right wing Republicans support Trump and Arpaio and now own the Republican Party. And Republicans are silent.
Arpaio and Trump become the poster children for the Republican Party. Republicans are silent.
By default, Republicans' agenda becomes racism and pardoning criminal behavior. Republicans are silent..
Trump doesn't have to fire Mueller, He shows us he will call it a 'witch hunt' and pardon everyone incriminated in treasonous behavior and money laundering. Republicans are silent.
Trump and Arpaio are really bad hombres. Their brand of outrage appeals to some very bad hombres. Bad hombres with bad values doing bad things to judicial integrity, human rights and American values. Harming all of us and undercutting the rule of law. And Republicans are silent.
But they owe the rest of us and they're bankrupt and we occupy the moral high ground. We're ascendent. We will not remain silent. And we will win out in the end.
Arpaio commits unrestrained judicial and administrative outrages and freely owns it. Trump pardons Arpaio and now owns him. Republican legislators and officials remain silent on Trump and Arpaio (and other) outrages and own them. And 35% of right wing Republicans support Trump and Arpaio and now own the Republican Party. And Republicans are silent.
Arpaio and Trump become the poster children for the Republican Party. Republicans are silent.
By default, Republicans' agenda becomes racism and pardoning criminal behavior. Republicans are silent..
Trump doesn't have to fire Mueller, He shows us he will call it a 'witch hunt' and pardon everyone incriminated in treasonous behavior and money laundering. Republicans are silent.
Trump and Arpaio are really bad hombres. Their brand of outrage appeals to some very bad hombres. Bad hombres with bad values doing bad things to judicial integrity, human rights and American values. Harming all of us and undercutting the rule of law. And Republicans are silent.
But they owe the rest of us and they're bankrupt and we occupy the moral high ground. We're ascendent. We will not remain silent. And we will win out in the end.
14
I will never forget the night Barack Obama publicly and with impeccable delivery, humiliated and exposed Donald Trump to be the shallow and small man that he is. Now the whole world gets to see just how shallow and small many Americans who voted for him are. I keep hanging on to the FACT that the majority didn't vote for him. But what are we going to do about those who did. What were they thinking?
17
No, HE speaks for all the deplorables. His base, the army of racists, sexists and assorted rage filled misfits responsible for Him. Thanks, GOP. I really look forward to the glorious day when he officially starts his own Party.
The New Trump Confederacy. YOU built that, enjoy.
The New Trump Confederacy. YOU built that, enjoy.
14
In the midst of a raging hurricane, the foghorn announcement of Arapio's pardon served two purposes: one to deflect attention focused on the hurricane back onto the president, the second was reiterate his belief that he is, indeed, an absolute monarch above the law.
That he obviously doesn't understand what a pardon is, only underscored his unfitness to lead this country. So where does that leave We, the People.
I can only hope the West Wing Junta has truly sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States because it's becoming increasingly clear most of Congress will not.
We, the People, are living not so much in interesting times as in dangerous times. I'm just not totally convinced there is a hero waiting in the wings who will speak for us.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/2017/08/its-not-coup-its-junta.html
That he obviously doesn't understand what a pardon is, only underscored his unfitness to lead this country. So where does that leave We, the People.
I can only hope the West Wing Junta has truly sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States because it's becoming increasingly clear most of Congress will not.
We, the People, are living not so much in interesting times as in dangerous times. I'm just not totally convinced there is a hero waiting in the wings who will speak for us.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/2017/08/its-not-coup-its-junta.html
11
This article is a waste of space as everyone is already aware the Presidency is vacant & in need of someone we can look up to & respect, a wise leader.... When will Republicans start to gain self respect again?
4
In regard to Trump and Arpaio, dirt attracts dirt. Both apparently believe that law means whatever they want it to mean at the moment. Law is nothing more than an obstacle to be challenged or ignored when it gets in the way of what they believe is proper. Two pea's in a pod. What more need be said?
6
yet another reason to get rid of Trump ASAP:
boot him before he pardons again. next time it could easily be a murdering Nazi.
And if that's too blatant, bring up McConnell and the Court seat boondoggle.
Trump may be crazy like a fox, but he's still crazy.
25 45
boot him before he pardons again. next time it could easily be a murdering Nazi.
And if that's too blatant, bring up McConnell and the Court seat boondoggle.
Trump may be crazy like a fox, but he's still crazy.
25 45
7
I worked, as a consultant in Phoenix for many years, and found most people very tolerant and friendly...Hispanics and Anglos alike. Sheriff Joe was an insult to many of them, but it did not pay to speak out given his propensity to break into homes and otherwise intimidate. So he was a bit in embarrassment jokes after a beer or two. Kind of like the confederate flag that few over the South Carolina capital (thanks for getting it removed Nikki Haley). What all this mean for me an many others I knew was if we had a Hispanic or Hispanic appearing relative was to avoid bringing them there for a vacation, even in areas out of Joe's reach. Phoenix doubtless lost millions of dollars thanks to this creep.
45
Sorry, as a Canadian I don't understand something. You elect Sheriff's right? How did this guy keep getting elected if the people didn't want him? I'm not being nasty here, I'm trying to understand. I believe he was elected many times. Is this true? If so, is it because most people can't be bothered to vote or did they really want him? Did he intimidate or buy off people? What's the truth. After Drumpf I can believe anything. Help me people.
1
"That distorted understanding of justice is cleaving the nation between the majority who support the principles of American democracy and those who support only him."
Perfectly stated.
Perfectly stated.
10
The pardoning of Arpaio is just the latest indication that America has a Scofflaw in Chief. Trump has no respect for the rule of law. He is the most "ab-normal" and unfit president in American history. This authoritarian bully disregards the moral and political norms essential to effective democratic governance. Again and again, Trump acts contrary to presidential customs and traditions, and shamelessly promotes his own and his family's interests, regardless of the harm to his or the nation's reputation.
President Trump is the hollowest of the many hollow mean currently operative on the American political scene. The void within him is an absolute soulless vacuum.
Yet his passively authoritarian supporters remain unflaggingly loyal to this actively authoritarian icon of transgression.
Trump, his party, his media enablers and supporters are shameless and devoid of what George Washington referred to as "republican virtues." The leaders of the GOP should embrace the title "The Anti-Democracy Party." They should put their elephant out to pasture and shamble on honestly beneath the banner of the ostrich.
President Trump is the hollowest of the many hollow mean currently operative on the American political scene. The void within him is an absolute soulless vacuum.
Yet his passively authoritarian supporters remain unflaggingly loyal to this actively authoritarian icon of transgression.
Trump, his party, his media enablers and supporters are shameless and devoid of what George Washington referred to as "republican virtues." The leaders of the GOP should embrace the title "The Anti-Democracy Party." They should put their elephant out to pasture and shamble on honestly beneath the banner of the ostrich.
4
The time to pick sides is long passed. You are either with DJT and all that he stands for, or you are against him.
I am firmly against DJT and see nothing short of his removal in 2017 as satisfactory. I used to think that this could wait until the 2018 midterms but no longer believe we can wait.
Mueller needs to have a public declaration (charges) ready so this nation can move forward and the country can get back to answering to the majority of Americans and not a fringe element that is allergic to facts.
Lock him up.
I am firmly against DJT and see nothing short of his removal in 2017 as satisfactory. I used to think that this could wait until the 2018 midterms but no longer believe we can wait.
Mueller needs to have a public declaration (charges) ready so this nation can move forward and the country can get back to answering to the majority of Americans and not a fringe element that is allergic to facts.
Lock him up.
8
How about this for a scenario? He pardons everyone involved in the Mueller investigation. Congress finally develops a spine. The house issues articles of impeachment and there is a trial in the senate. Before he is removed from office he either tries to test the constitution to pardon himself OR he declares martial law to prevent his removal. Is this too far fetched? Not after everything else that he has done.
7
Trump has made it clear that he prefers to wallow in the praise coming from neo-Nazis and White Supremacists more than serving the nation as a real president would. These are his people and he is with them. The results of Trump's lifetime of racism is plain for all to see. He is more comfortable waving the swastika than the stars and stripes. Trump is the Republican Party personified unless and until the Republican leadership finds the courage to reject Trump and stand with Americans.
6
"...in ways we would not have imagined the day before"? Still? In our lives, when will this hideous episode end? My only hope is to live long enough to see it through safely for all.
2
Please don't make it seem as if Gary Cohn almost resigning somehow puts him on some moral high ground.
It is a very binary decision you resign and show you don't aupport the President's hateful rhetoric and actions or you stay on which is an implicit show of support.
When I hear he almost resigned I almost think he has principles.
It is a very binary decision you resign and show you don't aupport the President's hateful rhetoric and actions or you stay on which is an implicit show of support.
When I hear he almost resigned I almost think he has principles.
6
"Rebukes, from his advisers and members of Congress, grow more frequent."
But no more sincere or persuasive.
But no more sincere or persuasive.
9
If I were in Tillerson's shoes, I'd be forced to answer the question the same way -- "The President speaks for himself," i.e., that's not what I think but he's the boss. Trump was obviously a racist & sexist bigot from the campaign trail, obviously a liar who won't tell the truth about his personal finances or pay his debts, doesn't respect marriage, and just wants to satisfy an insatiable appetite for press coverage of himself. I am disgusted by the swing voters who originally supported other candidates, including Sanders, and voted for Trump because they were too stupid to recognize that good policy & efficient government cannot come from a man who's a total sociopath with no moral compass whatsoever. He even bragged about gaming the system for himself! Well, the voters made their bed of idiocracy and now they have to lie in it.
8
Thoroughly
Racist
Unethical
Malevolent
Pardon
Racist
Unethical
Malevolent
Pardon
6
There once was a so-called enforcer
Whose policing couldn’t be coarser
And who broke many laws
So that a judge found cause
To jail him not be his endorser
Whose policing couldn’t be coarser
And who broke many laws
So that a judge found cause
To jail him not be his endorser
3
Mr. Trump does not respect the human rights of all persons or the laws and judicial structure of this nation which he swore to uphold when he took the oath of office.
3
Trump's "character" was on full display from day one.
He hid very little.
If it applies, blame the person in the mirror.
He hid very little.
If it applies, blame the person in the mirror.
7
As a nation, we sacrificed our blood and treasure to erase Nazi's and White Supremacy. In one election we have resurrected both of the defeated.
Can someone explain how the honor of fighting for Nazi's and White Supremacy is the same as my relatives that fought against those very same things?
Only one of those two groups can be Patriots.
Germany purged their country of Nazi statues after the war.
Did that erase the memory of Nazi's? It did not.
Removing Confederate statues has everything to do with unwriting the rewriting of the Civil War.
The rewriting is that that Civil War was a Nobel Cause.
It was not.
And it doesn't matter how those statues come down, in the dead of night, pulled down by angry mobs, removed with pomp and ceremony with speeches, blown up by the Army Corps of Engineers or dismantled by city workers and carted off to the dump like trash. Doesn't matter the how, what's important is that they all go away and quickly be removed from our civic public areas. If you identify as an American Patriot then you are against White Supremacy and Nazi's. There is no middle ground. They are the enemy of the United States of America, same as Russia is. Seems like some Americans have forgotten who our enemies are. They are the same enemies we've had in the past and we must put our collective foot on the neck of Totalitarians and White Supremacists now or disrespect the memory of the Millions of Americans that fought and killed those people in the past.
Can someone explain how the honor of fighting for Nazi's and White Supremacy is the same as my relatives that fought against those very same things?
Only one of those two groups can be Patriots.
Germany purged their country of Nazi statues after the war.
Did that erase the memory of Nazi's? It did not.
Removing Confederate statues has everything to do with unwriting the rewriting of the Civil War.
The rewriting is that that Civil War was a Nobel Cause.
It was not.
And it doesn't matter how those statues come down, in the dead of night, pulled down by angry mobs, removed with pomp and ceremony with speeches, blown up by the Army Corps of Engineers or dismantled by city workers and carted off to the dump like trash. Doesn't matter the how, what's important is that they all go away and quickly be removed from our civic public areas. If you identify as an American Patriot then you are against White Supremacy and Nazi's. There is no middle ground. They are the enemy of the United States of America, same as Russia is. Seems like some Americans have forgotten who our enemies are. They are the same enemies we've had in the past and we must put our collective foot on the neck of Totalitarians and White Supremacists now or disrespect the memory of the Millions of Americans that fought and killed those people in the past.
3
In 2016 the nation learned that it was home to enough sadistic registered voters to put a major sadist in the White House.
7
Excellent editorial!!! President Trump is a failure as a President, and more importantly, as a moral leader. He has no real depth. He has no real empathy. It is hard to believe he is our President.
9
Isn't it long past time to lock him up.
10
When will this nightmare starring Trump end?!!!!!!!!!
3
The Esteemed Editors of the NYT are big on American values, the US Constitution and the Rule of Law. All those great institutions. Except when any and all of those American values get in the way of The Editors' agendas.
Take the Electoral College for example. Take it away, say The Editors. It is anachronistic and based on white paternal supremacy.
Take the Second Amendment. While you're at it, take some of the First Amendment, too. Not the part about a Free Press - that's sacred, for God's sake. The part about Free Speech. At least, get rid of Free Speech for those who dare to express an opinion that does not kowtow and cower to the dictates of the leftist supremacists. You can read about it in last week's Op-Ed section.
The Esteemed Editors practice the Paradox of Inclusion. That is the inclusiveness that welcomes everyone, every creed, everything EXCEPT those that pass the smell test of the leftist gatekeepers.
That's what they mean by their American values.
Take the Electoral College for example. Take it away, say The Editors. It is anachronistic and based on white paternal supremacy.
Take the Second Amendment. While you're at it, take some of the First Amendment, too. Not the part about a Free Press - that's sacred, for God's sake. The part about Free Speech. At least, get rid of Free Speech for those who dare to express an opinion that does not kowtow and cower to the dictates of the leftist supremacists. You can read about it in last week's Op-Ed section.
The Esteemed Editors practice the Paradox of Inclusion. That is the inclusiveness that welcomes everyone, every creed, everything EXCEPT those that pass the smell test of the leftist gatekeepers.
That's what they mean by their American values.
2
I never thought the Exxon Mobile guy would be the voice of reason and humanity in this horrific cabinet, but here we are.
6
The scary thing is that Trump reflects the views of more than 60 million voters. That's a lot. While I'm against this pardon, I'm sure more than 60 million Americans are for it. American values change, and this is a time of great change. It scares me to death.
6
Their seems to be historical pattern here that is similar to
the ones in Germany and Italy during the 1930's.
the ones in Germany and Italy during the 1930's.
10
President Trump's response to events in Charlottesville and his pardoning of Sheriff Arpaio are further evidence of a very disturbing trend.
Let's set the record straight. Many of those Democrats who voted against civil rights legislation became Dixiecrats and then Republicans. Nixon employed Lee Atwater's "Southern Strategy"--dog whistles and all--to welcome these politicians and their supporters--prejudices and all--into the Republican fold. These White GOP politicians were and continue to be supported by their White followers.
The GOP is no longer the humane "Party of Lincoln." Through gerrymandering, voter suppression and funding from ultra-right-wing billionaires, the GOP has become and remains the inhumane "Anti-Democracy Party."
With the scofflaw and authoritarian Trump now "enthroned," the GOP will even to a greater extent manifest the ultra-right, alt-right and even neo-Nazi proclivities of the basest members of its base.
Authentic conservatives--John Danforth, George Will, Steve Schmidt, David Brooks, Peter Wehner, Charlie Sykes, Joe Scarborough and many others--cannot stomach this debasing of the GOP and are turning their backs on this increasingly errant Party.
Let's set the record straight. Many of those Democrats who voted against civil rights legislation became Dixiecrats and then Republicans. Nixon employed Lee Atwater's "Southern Strategy"--dog whistles and all--to welcome these politicians and their supporters--prejudices and all--into the Republican fold. These White GOP politicians were and continue to be supported by their White followers.
The GOP is no longer the humane "Party of Lincoln." Through gerrymandering, voter suppression and funding from ultra-right-wing billionaires, the GOP has become and remains the inhumane "Anti-Democracy Party."
With the scofflaw and authoritarian Trump now "enthroned," the GOP will even to a greater extent manifest the ultra-right, alt-right and even neo-Nazi proclivities of the basest members of its base.
Authentic conservatives--John Danforth, George Will, Steve Schmidt, David Brooks, Peter Wehner, Charlie Sykes, Joe Scarborough and many others--cannot stomach this debasing of the GOP and are turning their backs on this increasingly errant Party.
4
One of the comments below says 'the Republican party is wrecked amidst this sordid presidency.' I'm sorry, the Republican Party IS this sordid presidency. The one compliment that can be granted to Donald Trump is that he is 100% true to himself. Everything he's done and does was announced during his campaign, or pretty obvious on the basis of what he said.
The Republican Party knew perfectly well what kind of President he would be. I'm not an expert in the American political system, but I would imagine that no vote in America, on whatever subject, can be enforced upon the voter. Those representatives in the Electoral College who voted Trump as the Republican candidate surely were not isolated from their communities, the media, and the vascular system of their party. They endorsed Trump unanimously, without any indication from the Party at any level to do otherwise.
America has got what the Republican Party wanted it to get. The reduce it all to 'Trump is awful. Of course there are many Republicans, at all levels of the party, who can't abide what he's doing, but where were they before the election? What did they do to prevent his nomination? Why did they stay in the party once he was nominated?
This is a story as old as time. It can be asked about any awful leader, from trivially inept to horrendous. For whom the bell tolls, to quote a classic.
The Republican Party knew perfectly well what kind of President he would be. I'm not an expert in the American political system, but I would imagine that no vote in America, on whatever subject, can be enforced upon the voter. Those representatives in the Electoral College who voted Trump as the Republican candidate surely were not isolated from their communities, the media, and the vascular system of their party. They endorsed Trump unanimously, without any indication from the Party at any level to do otherwise.
America has got what the Republican Party wanted it to get. The reduce it all to 'Trump is awful. Of course there are many Republicans, at all levels of the party, who can't abide what he's doing, but where were they before the election? What did they do to prevent his nomination? Why did they stay in the party once he was nominated?
This is a story as old as time. It can be asked about any awful leader, from trivially inept to horrendous. For whom the bell tolls, to quote a classic.
5
Elections have consequences.
4
So does Obstruction of Justice.
5
Trump speaks for himself all right. Who else could manage to sound so stupid on purpose?
The world is getting wise to the ruse. We have recently traveled abroad and talked with many friends, and many of their friends, about what Trump has wrought. They sympathize. Those who know us well enough are aware of what we have thought about Trump for decades. Last year at this time we assured them there was no way even the most deplorable ignoramus would vote for Trump in large numbers.
And we were right, sort of. Hillary won, but then we had to explain to our friends that the total vote tallied does not count, even though this is our nation's only office which every American has a say. They were astounded. How could that be? Our explanation that the Electoral College goes back more than two centuries was feeble at best. They then asked why hasn't such a ridiculous law been repealed, say, as quickly as Republicans pledged to repeal ObamaCares?
Does any American wish to explain that one? Try it some time, as see the laughs which emanate. Telling foreigners how great America is falls on deaf ears, and with good reason. We are not Exceptional, no matter how many times we declare ourselves to be. Making that erroneous claim is like Trump telling gullible rubes he's the "smartest person in the world". Who in their right mind would believe that lie? Who indeed.
DD
Manhattan
The world is getting wise to the ruse. We have recently traveled abroad and talked with many friends, and many of their friends, about what Trump has wrought. They sympathize. Those who know us well enough are aware of what we have thought about Trump for decades. Last year at this time we assured them there was no way even the most deplorable ignoramus would vote for Trump in large numbers.
And we were right, sort of. Hillary won, but then we had to explain to our friends that the total vote tallied does not count, even though this is our nation's only office which every American has a say. They were astounded. How could that be? Our explanation that the Electoral College goes back more than two centuries was feeble at best. They then asked why hasn't such a ridiculous law been repealed, say, as quickly as Republicans pledged to repeal ObamaCares?
Does any American wish to explain that one? Try it some time, as see the laughs which emanate. Telling foreigners how great America is falls on deaf ears, and with good reason. We are not Exceptional, no matter how many times we declare ourselves to be. Making that erroneous claim is like Trump telling gullible rubes he's the "smartest person in the world". Who in their right mind would believe that lie? Who indeed.
DD
Manhattan
6
If you are a Trump loyalist you have been advised that rules do not apply to you.
5
None of Trump's Presidential actions or statements could be a surprise. He won the COP nomination and the Presidency on this message. This is the ugly face of democracy. If the DEMS want a role in governance, they will have to come up with a platform that appeals to more than minorities and the liberal fringe. I'd start with tax fairness: there is no reason unearned income should be taxed at a lower rate than earned income. And it should be taxed when received, not just at the convenience of the taxpayer.
1
Violated the appeal process. probably warning what he will do for his cronies and himself if necessary. creepy, amoral malignant narcissist. to quote NYC, impulsive, erratic, belligerent, vengeful. A poor excuse of a human being. his entrance into any Episcopal parish or mission (of which he is not a member) should be blocked to tell him he can worship but not receive Communion. He's a low-life.
3
As the pardoning of "Sheriff Joe" further evidences, President Trump openly disdains ethical, constitutional and traditional political norms. What other recent American president has boasted that there are no laws prohibiting presidential conflicts of interest? Has so openly and greedily profited from his brief tenure in office? Has been so disdainful of the judiciary, of the intelligence community, of the free press, of diplomacy and of international agreements? Has congratulated and praised dictators? Has refused to release his tax returns? Has allegedly engaged in secret meetings with lobbyists for foreign interests? Has so frequently resorted to lies, misrepresentations and diversions? Has so thoroughly undermined his own credibility and the nation’s international reputation?
Trump's conception of justice: Demand absolute loyalty from all subordinates and clingers-on; when convenient promote the interests of one's loyalists; when the least disloyalty becomes apparent, punish the individual shamelessly and without remorse.
Vlad the Impaler surely got his money’s worth when he promoted the cause of Donnie the Divisive and Unready.
Trump's conception of justice: Demand absolute loyalty from all subordinates and clingers-on; when convenient promote the interests of one's loyalists; when the least disloyalty becomes apparent, punish the individual shamelessly and without remorse.
Vlad the Impaler surely got his money’s worth when he promoted the cause of Donnie the Divisive and Unready.
3
Isn't there a pattern more insidious and dangerous emerging here?
Taken together, recent actions -- encouraging police brutality, pardoning the defiance of court orders and arming the police with weapons of war -- all undermine public trust in police. The legitimacy of police authority rests on public trust that police will "serve and protect." If I were a police chief, I would be alarmed by all this POTUS is doing to foment distrust.
Do you wonder why? To what end? How does it serve this POTUS to pit citizens against police? How does a discredited and undermined police force respond when POTUS incites "my 2nd amendment folks" to take up arms, for example?
Come on, police chiefs, don't be silent bystanders! Use the authority you still have to call out these corrosive efforts. Defend your institution against attacks on your legitimacy. We the people do need you.
Taken together, recent actions -- encouraging police brutality, pardoning the defiance of court orders and arming the police with weapons of war -- all undermine public trust in police. The legitimacy of police authority rests on public trust that police will "serve and protect." If I were a police chief, I would be alarmed by all this POTUS is doing to foment distrust.
Do you wonder why? To what end? How does it serve this POTUS to pit citizens against police? How does a discredited and undermined police force respond when POTUS incites "my 2nd amendment folks" to take up arms, for example?
Come on, police chiefs, don't be silent bystanders! Use the authority you still have to call out these corrosive efforts. Defend your institution against attacks on your legitimacy. We the people do need you.
4
This behavior tells us something about the man Trump. Our response and ultimate resolution of this behavior will also tell us something about us.
7
The pardoning of Arpaio further diminishes President Trump's authority, his credibility and America's international reputation.
Vlad the Impaler is surely getting his money's worth in return for promoting the political career of Donnie the Divisive and Unready.
Trump's self-interest and the GOP's plutocratic agenda are "Russianizing" the American people:
"Russian life [is marked by] the all-pervasive cynicism that no institution is to be trusted, because no institution is bigger than the avarice of the person in charge."--Michael Idov, "Russia: Life After Trust," New York Magazine (January 23-February 5, 2017), p. 22.
Trump's kleptocratic avarice is beyond reasonable doubt. The plutocratic Trump administration and the pro-plutocratic Ryan-GOP agenda are effectively demoralizing the larger American public and fostering an increasingly cynical view of politics, politicians and America's role in the world.
A demoralized people will view Trump's domestic and foreign policies with increasingly cynical skepticism. A further weakening of public trust in Trump's "leadership" will invite foreign enemies to test American power and resolve.
If Vladimir Putin by his electoral interference had hoped to weaken America's international prestige and leadership, he has already succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Is there much doubt that Putin, Kim and other foreign leaders will seize the moment, test America's resolve and attempt to further diminish our nation's international standing?
Vlad the Impaler is surely getting his money's worth in return for promoting the political career of Donnie the Divisive and Unready.
Trump's self-interest and the GOP's plutocratic agenda are "Russianizing" the American people:
"Russian life [is marked by] the all-pervasive cynicism that no institution is to be trusted, because no institution is bigger than the avarice of the person in charge."--Michael Idov, "Russia: Life After Trust," New York Magazine (January 23-February 5, 2017), p. 22.
Trump's kleptocratic avarice is beyond reasonable doubt. The plutocratic Trump administration and the pro-plutocratic Ryan-GOP agenda are effectively demoralizing the larger American public and fostering an increasingly cynical view of politics, politicians and America's role in the world.
A demoralized people will view Trump's domestic and foreign policies with increasingly cynical skepticism. A further weakening of public trust in Trump's "leadership" will invite foreign enemies to test American power and resolve.
If Vladimir Putin by his electoral interference had hoped to weaken America's international prestige and leadership, he has already succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Is there much doubt that Putin, Kim and other foreign leaders will seize the moment, test America's resolve and attempt to further diminish our nation's international standing?
1
I am finding it increasingly upsetting that the country must hope for the Mueller investigation to free us from this man who is determined to destroy our institutions and our sanity. Russian connections aside, there is ample justification to get rid of him. Why must we wait for Mueller's results, which could be so complicated and fraught with legal pitfalls, when DT's day to day behavior and speech are clearly rising to impeachable levels?
5
While the symbolism of the pardoning of Arpaio even before sentencing shows what Trump hoped to glean from his actions (solidifying his base support), the truth is that many if not all such pardons leave a bad taste in one's mouth. What Trump did was out of the norm, as befitting everything this unstable, inept yahoo says and does, but other examples from other Presidents are equally galling, and more politically cowardly, since they are done on the way out the door, when no backlash could have an effect. The pardon of a prominent democratic donor by Clinton, of a person convicted of serious crimes against the USA by Obama, all of this waving of the hands to undo wrongs should never happen unless there is serious doubt that the convict was properly convicted. Period.
1
What is truly concerning is the rejoicing coming from his supporters and support for the man who flouted federal court orders and by his actions rebuked the constitution. They have revealed themselves as having no concern for the law and need to be regarded as agent provocateurs against your democracy.
10
KF: "... by his actions rebuked the constitution."
Once again, the Times has failed its readers, because the editorial does not clearly state that the US Constitution grants the President the power of pardon in Article II, Section 2:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-secti...
Once again, the Times has failed its readers, because the editorial does not clearly state that the US Constitution grants the President the power of pardon in Article II, Section 2:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-secti...
I read that comment as Arpaio being the one whose actions "rebuked the constitution." No one is arguing that the president doesn't have the power to pardon. As the editorial says, "The president can pardon virtually anyone he wants, which makes it more telling that he chose to wield the power for the first time in favor of Mr. Arpaio, an officer of the law who defied a court order."
3
SH: "I read that comment as Arpaio being the one whose actions "rebuked the constitution."'
"Read" it any way you want, but if there is a fault, it lies with KF's ambiguous comment, not with me.
SH: "As the editorial says, ..."
What "the editorial says" is totally INADEQUATE.
I have read enough comments to know that most people have no idea where presidential powers come from. Some people don't even know the difference between the US Constitution, which is the foundation of the American legal system and government, and the Declaration of Independence, which is a mere political tract.
So why are you defending the Times's biased editorial on an essential point of FACT?
"Read" it any way you want, but if there is a fault, it lies with KF's ambiguous comment, not with me.
SH: "As the editorial says, ..."
What "the editorial says" is totally INADEQUATE.
I have read enough comments to know that most people have no idea where presidential powers come from. Some people don't even know the difference between the US Constitution, which is the foundation of the American legal system and government, and the Declaration of Independence, which is a mere political tract.
So why are you defending the Times's biased editorial on an essential point of FACT?
What is conservative about speaking out in favor of torture, undermining the legitimacy of the judicial branch, encouraging police brutality, and demanding personal (rather than national) loyalty from appointed officials?
Are those the values conservatives stand for? Are they what you're defending?
As a nation we are in need of some serious soul-searching and reflection.
Are those the values conservatives stand for? Are they what you're defending?
As a nation we are in need of some serious soul-searching and reflection.
73
You left out the part where Trump advocated killing the families of terrorists.
He is a threat to America and to civilized humanity at large. He must be removed from office without delay. I have not phoned my climate-change-denying elected officials, but the time is now.
He is a threat to America and to civilized humanity at large. He must be removed from office without delay. I have not phoned my climate-change-denying elected officials, but the time is now.
3
Are there enough republicans in the house with enough conscience to impeach him? Are there enough republicans in the senate with enough conscience to convict him? I hope these are not rhetorical questions.
2
Both Arpaio and Trump are acting like the Constitution does not apply to them. Shouldn't Trump's pardon be an impeachable offense?
1
Tillerson is correct that Trump speaks for himself. Sadly, he doesn't speak for the enormous majority of citizens in the country he is supposed to lead.
64
No, not "sadly." Thankfully, I believe is a more appropriate term. Trump does not speak for America--he speaks for his deplorable (yes) base.
But does he speak for the citizens who elected Arpaio. For the citizens who elected himself.
Trump may outrage many but by no means all. Those aho voted Trump knew what they were voting for that is more frightening tha Trump himself
Trump may outrage many but by no means all. Those aho voted Trump knew what they were voting for that is more frightening tha Trump himself
So Trump is a narcissistic bigot with a penchant for cult of personality and he governs with his exclusive self enrichment in mind. The real question is: why does his cabinet and the Congress condone, ratify and even enable him to be this kind of President? What motivates those who supposedly do not have a personality disorder to be not just passive but now actively trying to stifle the single process (Mueller's investigation) that could stop this man?
3
It is time for wise Republican leaders in the Senate & the House to step up & speak out clearly and loudly against the insanity Donald Trump is cultivating within our nation. I am a Democrat but not ALL Republican leaders align with the Tea Party. They need to do this not only to honor their commitments to the people in the State they serve. They need to do this because Donald Trump did not win the Popular Vote in the Election. If they do not do this, they are failing their people they represent and this country.
3
Remember them in the next election.
The pardoning of "Sheriff Joe" signals Trump's willingness to pardon whomever he views as having promoted his own interests. Trump and other contemporary authoritarians seem to have learned an important lesson. These authoritarians--in Turkey, Hungary and elsewhere--unlike the authoritarians of the mid-twentieth century, are less likely to waste resources directly punishing the innocent. It is far more cost effective to manipulate political and judicial systems so that morally reprehensible "friends" go unpunished.
2
Again, the Times' Editorial Board squawks about Trump as though he were more dangerous than, say, Hillary's emails, which this Board and its news reporters told us were just so much more dangerous than anything that Trump represented. This Board's endorsement of Ms. Clinton's candidacy was weak, and paled in comparison to the extraordinary coverage this paper gave Mr. Trump.
Nothing about Mr. Trump surprises New Yorkers, because of our experience with him over the years. At this most innocent phase, he is a shiny metal object, but now we see him in a much less innocent phase that seems to terrify the Editorial Board. It is a pity this Board was not paying attention for, say, the last 70 years to Trump's impact on New York. The Board would employ less emotional language.
Nothing about Mr. Trump surprises New Yorkers, because of our experience with him over the years. At this most innocent phase, he is a shiny metal object, but now we see him in a much less innocent phase that seems to terrify the Editorial Board. It is a pity this Board was not paying attention for, say, the last 70 years to Trump's impact on New York. The Board would employ less emotional language.
5
The President may be representing the interests of 35% of the American population, but what about the other 65%?
The values of the President are not the values I can support.
SAD!
The values of the President are not the values I can support.
SAD!
3
Forty million voters stayed home in 2016. They gave voice to the hateful minority that shares Trumps racism and bigotry, The Republican leadership demonstrates what cowards they are. We must turn out the vote of patriotic Americans and reject Trump and anyone who supports him.
3
It is abundantly clear that we can document and talk about Mr. Trump's many instances of patent disregard for the law. The issue is whether we are willing to do something about it. As long as he remains president, this will continue.
It is time to make sure that he is removed from office and that we do not tolerate a similar man in office anywhere ever again. Until we do so, this nation is not safe, our democracy is not safe.
It is time to make sure that he is removed from office and that we do not tolerate a similar man in office anywhere ever again. Until we do so, this nation is not safe, our democracy is not safe.
2
"But this is Donald Trump’s rule of law — a display of personal dominance disconnected from concerns about law and order, equality or the Constitution."
It may be his rule of law, but except for a small number of tepid rebukes, the Republicans in Congress are doing absolutely nothing to stop him. This makes them complicit.
It may be his rule of law, but except for a small number of tepid rebukes, the Republicans in Congress are doing absolutely nothing to stop him. This makes them complicit.
11
Remember he did lose the popular vote by 3 million. Won by a .07 margin in the controversial electoral college and at this time has only 35% of the public behind him. NO, he does not represent the USA. He is a voice alone and is not what the American public thinks. It is up to people like Tillerson to continue to make this clear to the world. We can only hope that he does not harm our image around the world so badly we cannot repair it.
4
The pardoning of Arpaio, which signals President Trump's willingness to pardon others, is emblematic of contemporary authoritarianism. Present day authoritarians--unlike those of the mid-twentieth century--are far less inclined to waste their energy and resources directly harming the innocent. It is much more cost effective to insure that the guilty go unpunished.
4
The nation is headed for a Constitutional crisis. Period.
4
Keely: "The nation is headed for a Constitutional crisis. Period."
Evidently, Trump knows more about the US Constitution that you do, because the power of pardon is granted in Article II, Section 2:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-secti...
Evidently, Trump knows more about the US Constitution that you do, because the power of pardon is granted in Article II, Section 2:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-secti...
Bumper sticker alert:
"Trump speaks for himself...not for me."
"Trump speaks for himself...not for me."
3
SecretaryTillerson, in an interview, said that the president speaks for himself. Therein lies the problem.
4
I'm still not certain that Tillerson 'dissed' Trump with his comment. Tillerson hasn't got a lot of credibility on the liberal side, and his pronouncements of American values ring as hollow to me as do Trump's. Saying that Trump speaks for himself could simply be a way to say that Trump made himself clear and that Tillerson isn't willing to be a mouthpiece explaining the president - leave that to Kellyanne and other lackeys. Not that I wouldn't like to see more chaos in Russia House on the Potomac, and see even more stumbling and shambles if more Cabinet people leave.
39
Gaston- Of course you are correct. It is the double meaning that makes his remark so newsworthy. He meant both interpretations.
1
While the pardon of Arpaio is as despicable as noted in your editorial, it should not go without notice that "fine" Americans voted that monster into office for nearly 25 years! Not only is the sheriff an evil bully, but thousands of American citizens rate that title as well! Have we, as a nation completely gone off the rails? I despair!
6
Why can't Ryan make his reasons clear for opposing the pardon......
For that matter....McCain should stop speaking as if he is in a
debate at Oxford. Speak plainly and realizing the level of fear this should
provoke among honorable Americans who hold their Constitution above
everything.
For that matter....McCain should stop speaking as if he is in a
debate at Oxford. Speak plainly and realizing the level of fear this should
provoke among honorable Americans who hold their Constitution above
everything.
1
Strangers helping strangers. Little kids and pets being carried to safety. The courage of the rescuers. Oddly, I feel more positive about America than I have since he was elected.
Trump will somehow put a damper on this tragedy. He'll be there with his presidential jacket on and will deftly take credit for the inherit spirt of Americans. So sad.
Trump will somehow put a damper on this tragedy. He'll be there with his presidential jacket on and will deftly take credit for the inherit spirt of Americans. So sad.
3
writers and commentators on these pages comparing 45% of the population in hitlerian terms certainly gives encouragement to Antifa to continue the beatings of people attending legal demonstrations and shutting down speakers who disagree with leftists.
By ignoring the violent characteristics of the far left which have historically and currently in Venezuela prove to be as big or bigger threats to society than real or imagined right wing groups.
Both my self and spouse's parents lived under Hitler in ww 2 and heard many of the stories of hunger and walking hundreds of miles when their homes were destroyed..and many deaths. They would have scoffed at the ridiculous assertions on these pages.
By ignoring the violent characteristics of the far left which have historically and currently in Venezuela prove to be as big or bigger threats to society than real or imagined right wing groups.
Both my self and spouse's parents lived under Hitler in ww 2 and heard many of the stories of hunger and walking hundreds of miles when their homes were destroyed..and many deaths. They would have scoffed at the ridiculous assertions on these pages.
From the time before Trump's election victory, The Times, The Washington Post, and other newspapers who see this abominable man for what he is and will be have railed against him and mostly to no avail. What then is the next step?
When, if ever, will Congress step in and clamp down?
Trump may be our leader but he is doing such a terrible job that he must be stopped. Who is making the plans to accomplish that?
When, if ever, will Congress step in and clamp down?
Trump may be our leader but he is doing such a terrible job that he must be stopped. Who is making the plans to accomplish that?
1
"Gary Cohn, director of the White House Economic Council, nearly resigned after Mr. Trump’s Charlottesville remarks."
Nearly resigning is not resigning.
Nor is nearly winning the lottery, nearly bowling a 300 game or nearly running out of gas.
Nearly is not.
Nearly resigning is not resigning.
Nor is nearly winning the lottery, nearly bowling a 300 game or nearly running out of gas.
Nearly is not.
5
Can the nation endure another forty months of this administration? Each passing day brings new credence to fears that—whatever the findings of the Mueller investigation—America’s enemies could have hardly planted a more duplicitous president than Donald Trump. When the conduct of the chief executive defies all democratic authority, it poses an existential threat to the republic.
4
This is the pink elephant in the room. He speaks for himself and not for or with the country. That is the major problem but not the only one.
1
This first pardon was a practice run. Trump envisions many more - perhaps a self pardon in the near future. His maniacal rule is crumbling with each and every day. I'm concerned that he might feel the need for some major event to reclaim the monarchy. A war with North Korea might be just the thing. This is a very scary and sad time in our American history. Where are the Republicans? Do they not care or they all hoping for this nasty problem to just go away? This is a major disaster on the scale of Harvey. We need more first responders. Help!
1
So the editorial board understands that Trump will never be a viable president but what is it with his hagiographers in the New York Times news division? When Glenn Thrush writes "Harvey Gives Trump a Chance to Reclaim Power to Unify," what is Thrush smoking? This is another in the long chain of "trump pivot" and "Ivanka and Jerod are moderating influences" and "John Kelly will bring order to the White House" flights of fantasy. I am so glad I dropped print delivery, the Times clearly will never get over it's devotion to false equivalence and "we can't say that or they'll call us a Liberal rag" distortions.
2
And yet today, the NYT has a story promoting the idea that his response to Harvey can yet enable 45 to demonstrate that he can pull people together. Say what? One act of seeming compassion toward flood victims can undo seven months of unbelievably disgusting behavior? I'd have commented on that story, but it had no comment thread.
2
But interesting to note that Gary Cohn is still there, so is Tillerson, and many others. Why? Is it because they believe they can do something to thwart Trump, or diminish his outrageous acts? Perhaps, but they are also seeing that Trump can not be restrained, so why stay? Why not leave and leave Trump and his ilk self destruct sooner rather than later?
The time for hand wringing is way over.
5
And Alabama is about to elect to the US Senate a man, a judge, who has defied federal court orders and decisions of the US Supreme Court.
1
The problem is, Mr. Tillerson, when the president "speaks for himself" he is really speaking and tweeting for all of us as seen through the eyes and ears of the world. No one on any continent is going to listen to little old me! They may listen to you, though. Maybe your future statements on Fox News will reflect all people in America, not just Tr's base. The base is just that...base. Morally limited.
1
Am I correct that Arpaio is an elected official? The people of his community for many years voted for this disgusting sheriff. Apparently they approved and supported his actions....until recently.
Marta Monteiro's visual crystallizes our Presidential disaster. Thanks NYT for your excellent artists.
Tillerson: “I don’t believe anyone doubts the American people’s values or the commitment of the American government or the government’s agencies to advancing those values and defending those values.”
I disagree. A majority of Americans disagrees. The president has essentially endorsed the neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other racists. Most Americans find that appalling. The president's supporters don't care. Most Americans find that puzzling and shameful. Most Americans believe this administration and its agencies are encouraging racist ideas and implementing racist policies.
Mr. Trump pardoned Mr. Arpaio. That act has Nazi and fascist written all over it. Neither man believes in the Constitution, the rule of law or the independent judiciary. Both believe it is OK to arrest, beat and incarcerate somebody because of the color of their skin. Both believe they can use the resources of the government to do anything they want to do. Both men relish violence.
I disagree. A majority of Americans disagrees. The president has essentially endorsed the neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other racists. Most Americans find that appalling. The president's supporters don't care. Most Americans find that puzzling and shameful. Most Americans believe this administration and its agencies are encouraging racist ideas and implementing racist policies.
Mr. Trump pardoned Mr. Arpaio. That act has Nazi and fascist written all over it. Neither man believes in the Constitution, the rule of law or the independent judiciary. Both believe it is OK to arrest, beat and incarcerate somebody because of the color of their skin. Both believe they can use the resources of the government to do anything they want to do. Both men relish violence.
2
The state of Arizona's attorney general I hope, is looking into an illegal state crimes of Arpaio. A pardon from POTUS is only for federal crimes, only a state governor can pardon at the state level. New York state can prosecute any state crimes that Trump and his cronies have violated in New York. Sure Pence could pardon Trump for his federal crimes but that's it.
1
"Mr. Trump, we are reminded every day in ways we would not have imagined the day before, speaks and acts in the interests of himself and no one else."
Why do editorialists feel the need to say things like this? Is it some sort of cognitive dissonance to reconcile the fact that the NY Times spent the entire 2016 campaign filling your pages with false equivalence between Trump and Hillary Clinton because you simply lacked the imagination that such recklessness could help get a monster like Trump elected? I hope all the clicks were worth it.
Millions of us "imagined" all of this watching Trump carry on his insane birtherism and then his campaigning and, unlike those who took him "seriously, but not literally," we knew that he would in fact try to do all the awful, racist, xenophobic things he said he would do. And worse. Nothing that Trump does surprises me anymore. My black, Hispanic and LGBTQ friends are even more pessimistic and fearful. He will pardon anyone including himself and dare Congress to impeach him under the threat of violent uprising of his rabid, heavily-armed right wing racist neo-Nazi militias. If threatened enough, he will start a war or even launch a first-strike nuclear attack to create a crisis in order to stay in power. Please imagine the worst you can and then double or triple that. Trump will do anything to stay in power. This is just the beginning.
Why do editorialists feel the need to say things like this? Is it some sort of cognitive dissonance to reconcile the fact that the NY Times spent the entire 2016 campaign filling your pages with false equivalence between Trump and Hillary Clinton because you simply lacked the imagination that such recklessness could help get a monster like Trump elected? I hope all the clicks were worth it.
Millions of us "imagined" all of this watching Trump carry on his insane birtherism and then his campaigning and, unlike those who took him "seriously, but not literally," we knew that he would in fact try to do all the awful, racist, xenophobic things he said he would do. And worse. Nothing that Trump does surprises me anymore. My black, Hispanic and LGBTQ friends are even more pessimistic and fearful. He will pardon anyone including himself and dare Congress to impeach him under the threat of violent uprising of his rabid, heavily-armed right wing racist neo-Nazi militias. If threatened enough, he will start a war or even launch a first-strike nuclear attack to create a crisis in order to stay in power. Please imagine the worst you can and then double or triple that. Trump will do anything to stay in power. This is just the beginning.
4
Nothing this this crazy man does surprises anymore. It also doesn't surprise us anymore that the republicans are behind his unlawful behavior. He has always looked up to law men that break the laws. Look at his W.H. Full of thugs. He has tried to tone it down by adding military generals who are aching for more wars but we already know who trump's hero's are. Putin's Russia and Saudi Arabia's closed society and strict laws have always received his highest approval. He continues to lie and cheat while his base cheers and congress dreams of their policy agenda's being realized. The country isolates itself from the rest of the world and continues down the road of moral, degradation.
2
Mister Trump has unearthed and shown us the nasty moral underbelly of our society. Although it may be a minority, it has corrupted our politics and contaminated Democracy.
When the way ahead is uncertain, it is up to the Decent Folk to stand up.
When the way ahead is uncertain, it is up to the Decent Folk to stand up.
1
What would we expect from a president and secretary of state who have no experience in diplomacy or government?
Who doesn't suspect both Donald and Rex are trying to get Russian sanctions lifted: Tillerson, so the half trillion dollar Exxon oil deal can go through and Donald, for his own obscure reasons?
Who doesn't suspect both Donald and Rex are trying to get Russian sanctions lifted: Tillerson, so the half trillion dollar Exxon oil deal can go through and Donald, for his own obscure reasons?
1
And he is nowhere finished getting even.
2
When will the Republicans realize that a mob cannot be governed and therefore their efforts to preserve their Power is useless. This president is preparing the country for an unimaginable war both inside the country and outside in the world. Pretty soon other countries will be "helping" the US to build a democracy.
3
I honestly do not know what frightens me more - the fact that we have a man like 45 in charge, or the fact that one third of Americans STILL support him.
It is disturbing to think that one in three of us believes that this is the right way to run the country.
It is disturbing to think that one in three of us believes that this is the right way to run the country.
15
In the midst of the Civil War the US Navy seized a British mail ship carrying two Confederate envoys to England seeking alligiances. England threatened war. Lincoln ultimately gave way releasing the ship with the caveat to his advisors that we'd take care of it after the war. This because once Lewis and Clark returned the immensity of The United State's sea-to-shinning-sea geographical boundaries were known. And Lincoln knew if such immensity could be politically unified under one flag, with a populace overwhelmingly worshipping one god and overwhelmingly speaking one language, no country in the world could compete with it. So, to rid the country of what Lincoln judged to be its most disunfying feature, slavery, he sacrificed 750,000 lives.
Now the party of Lincoln stands by in quiet complicity as trump stokes the embers of disunity left from the fire Lincoln sought to extinguish. Can anything be more treasonous!
Now the party of Lincoln stands by in quiet complicity as trump stokes the embers of disunity left from the fire Lincoln sought to extinguish. Can anything be more treasonous!
6
Talk is cheap. When cabinet members resign and Congressional representatives support impeachment, we will then believe their rhetoric.
7
Trump's pardon showed his contempt for the courts and for the Constitution.
8
At what point will we realize that Trump perjured himself when he took the oath of his office?
11
I think, as a result, he was never really inaugurated.
How does one remove a total imposter?
How does one remove a total imposter?
"The president speaks for himself" is true, but not the whole truth. President Trump also speaks for his supporters, and most importantly, for the republican Congressmen and women who could have and should have impeached him any number of outrages ago, each time he proved himself unfit to lead. He speaks for the republican Senators who tut-tut his every racist remark and his multiple instances of obstruction of justice. By their inaction those supporters, Congressmen and women, and Senators all demonstrate that they support Trump in word and deed.
4
You state that President Trump' pardon of of Joe Arpaio "is the latest example of Mr. Trump’s distorted view of American values". Perhaps rephrasing the statement to say "the latest example of Mr. Trump’s distorted view of LIBERAL American values" would be more accurate?
I have been reading The New York Times almost every day for 37 years, and I AM GRATEFUL TO The New York Times for pushing me to become more and more conservative. I am a white male, who grew up in a Southern lower middle class family. I have two Masters degrees, one from a prestigious, private (and liberal) university in New England. I have many friends who are liberal, many black and Hispanic friends, and a handful of gay and lesbian acquaintances and colleagues. I even count among my friends some illegal immigrants.
The reason that The New York Times pushed me to conservatism is that a disproportionate amount of their coverage is filled with news stories about blacks, gays, and illegal immigrants.
What about the other 80%? (middle class, conservative white people).
While I am not a big fan of Trump's intellect or style of diplomacy, I do respect his accomplishments, and I believe that he does represent the views of a large part of American society, a group who also deserves "unbiased" coverage of news and events.
Perhaps it is time for the New York Times to become TRULY inclusive, and expand your reporting to include stories relevant to the middle class white majority? All Americans are not liberal.
I have been reading The New York Times almost every day for 37 years, and I AM GRATEFUL TO The New York Times for pushing me to become more and more conservative. I am a white male, who grew up in a Southern lower middle class family. I have two Masters degrees, one from a prestigious, private (and liberal) university in New England. I have many friends who are liberal, many black and Hispanic friends, and a handful of gay and lesbian acquaintances and colleagues. I even count among my friends some illegal immigrants.
The reason that The New York Times pushed me to conservatism is that a disproportionate amount of their coverage is filled with news stories about blacks, gays, and illegal immigrants.
What about the other 80%? (middle class, conservative white people).
While I am not a big fan of Trump's intellect or style of diplomacy, I do respect his accomplishments, and I believe that he does represent the views of a large part of American society, a group who also deserves "unbiased" coverage of news and events.
Perhaps it is time for the New York Times to become TRULY inclusive, and expand your reporting to include stories relevant to the middle class white majority? All Americans are not liberal.
1
Whites may still cling to being the majority.
However, the middle class has shrunk. It's no longer the majority!
However, the middle class has shrunk. It's no longer the majority!
This may be off topic, but is there any doubt that Trump's trip to an ongoing storm-ravaged Texas today is solely an opportunistic example of him acting "in the interests of himself and no one else". There is no vital, necessary reason for him and his large, meddling entourage to be there, while the flooding worsens and already taxed emergency services valiantly strain to rescue, house, feed, cloth, and comfort thousands of victims. Federal coordination and support can be adequately done via the White House Situation Room and other monitoring/command centers.
His early tweets in response to the storm tellingly revealed a childlike excitement and infantile awe to its unprecedented force and wide devastation. He urgently wants to personally witness the vast flooding and resultant catastrophic destruction for curiosity's sake, like those who rush to burning buildings and car crashes when they hear the wailing sirens. I never expected to think the very worse of a President thus responding to a natural calamity, but with Trump it becomes a normal response. This is, after all, someone who has mocked the disabled, bragged about his sexual assaults, embraced Naxis and white supremacists, and otherwise confirmed his inability to empathize and humanely respond to the suffering, misfortunes of others. So, Mr. President, take lots of great, amazing pictures today with you and that signature red hat grinning in all of them. Enjoy the ride to the Lone Star state!
His early tweets in response to the storm tellingly revealed a childlike excitement and infantile awe to its unprecedented force and wide devastation. He urgently wants to personally witness the vast flooding and resultant catastrophic destruction for curiosity's sake, like those who rush to burning buildings and car crashes when they hear the wailing sirens. I never expected to think the very worse of a President thus responding to a natural calamity, but with Trump it becomes a normal response. This is, after all, someone who has mocked the disabled, bragged about his sexual assaults, embraced Naxis and white supremacists, and otherwise confirmed his inability to empathize and humanely respond to the suffering, misfortunes of others. So, Mr. President, take lots of great, amazing pictures today with you and that signature red hat grinning in all of them. Enjoy the ride to the Lone Star state!
4
I think Trump was actually jealous of the "ratings" that Hurricane Harvey was getting. He certainly wants to get in front of the cameras and pretend to be a true American president who actually cares about people beyond white supremacists.
2
Yup, he couldn't wait to go and see the devastation!
What a sadist he is.
What a sadist he is.
1
He speaks and acts only for himself. His supporters mistakenly think he speaks for them.
6
"Build the Wall" for Trump really means the opposite, destroy the law.
Trump grotesquely praised Arpaio as "a great American patriot". Trump insulted Sen. McCain whose record of service is uncontested, including his sacrifice as a tortured prisoner of war and his many years as a public servant. Trump insulted all POWs, and he attacked a Gold Star family whose son made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. In Arpaio's jail, a mentally ill Iraq War veteran died after being placed in a chokehold and Tased.
There are true American heroes out there, but Arpaio would not be among them. His abuse of prisoners, having the first chain gangs in the nation for juveniles and for women, notorious Tent City, and other egregious acts do not represent American values.
Like praising the white supremacists who had just killed a young woman and injured others in Charlottesville, Trump's pardon of Arpaio does speak for his moral vacuum. All of Trump's bigotry laws will have to be ended by the courts and the justice system that Trump thinks he is above.
Trump grotesquely praised Arpaio as "a great American patriot". Trump insulted Sen. McCain whose record of service is uncontested, including his sacrifice as a tortured prisoner of war and his many years as a public servant. Trump insulted all POWs, and he attacked a Gold Star family whose son made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. In Arpaio's jail, a mentally ill Iraq War veteran died after being placed in a chokehold and Tased.
There are true American heroes out there, but Arpaio would not be among them. His abuse of prisoners, having the first chain gangs in the nation for juveniles and for women, notorious Tent City, and other egregious acts do not represent American values.
Like praising the white supremacists who had just killed a young woman and injured others in Charlottesville, Trump's pardon of Arpaio does speak for his moral vacuum. All of Trump's bigotry laws will have to be ended by the courts and the justice system that Trump thinks he is above.
5
Donald Trump's Presidency is one of the greatest challenges the United States has faced since the Civil War or the Great Depression. We will see how good our political institutions and American people really are.
8
Yes. Thank you Sharon.
Thank you for this editorial.
There is a link to the Justice Department Civil Rights Report in the beginning of Paul Krugman's excellent op-ed yesterday.
I found in that report:
"Third, witness accounts are consistent with the data: MCSO's immigration enforcement practices are unconstitutional and are harming innocent Latinos. Below are just two of the many examples we discovered during our investigation:
•
AA, a legal resident of the United States who is Latino, was pulled over by an MCSO deputy in June 2008, during a crime suppression operation in Mesa, due to an alleged failure to use his turn-signal. The deputy requested that AA provide a driver license and other documents. AA did not produce a driver license, but did provide the deputy with an Arizona identification card, a valid work visa, a Social Security card, and a Mexican passport. Without any evidence that AA had engaged in criminal activity, the deputy instructed him to sit on the curb of the street for 15 minutes. The deputy then placed AA under arrest for failing to provide any type of proper identification, even though AA had provided him with multiple documents in satisfaction of the Arizona law regarding unlicensed drivers. AA was incarcerated for 13 days before his citation was dismissed.
•
BB ( had it bad) . . . Page 7
https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2011/12/15/mcso_f...
There is a link to the Justice Department Civil Rights Report in the beginning of Paul Krugman's excellent op-ed yesterday.
I found in that report:
"Third, witness accounts are consistent with the data: MCSO's immigration enforcement practices are unconstitutional and are harming innocent Latinos. Below are just two of the many examples we discovered during our investigation:
•
AA, a legal resident of the United States who is Latino, was pulled over by an MCSO deputy in June 2008, during a crime suppression operation in Mesa, due to an alleged failure to use his turn-signal. The deputy requested that AA provide a driver license and other documents. AA did not produce a driver license, but did provide the deputy with an Arizona identification card, a valid work visa, a Social Security card, and a Mexican passport. Without any evidence that AA had engaged in criminal activity, the deputy instructed him to sit on the curb of the street for 15 minutes. The deputy then placed AA under arrest for failing to provide any type of proper identification, even though AA had provided him with multiple documents in satisfaction of the Arizona law regarding unlicensed drivers. AA was incarcerated for 13 days before his citation was dismissed.
•
BB ( had it bad) . . . Page 7
https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2011/12/15/mcso_f...
4
Rex Tillerson's remarks "the President speaks for himself" aptly describes the irony of having Trump as the President of the US who is a negation of everything America stands for in terms of history, culture, history, and the future aspirations. From the toxic and polarising campaign to the Charlottesville racist violence and seven months in office if an objective assessment is made about him, his behaviour and actions, it comes to nothing but a big question mark on the very rationale of his being in office. The sooner he is shown his place the better for the US and the world.
11
The United States Government has helped to overthrow dictators in other countries, and so will be the case with Trump too with the help of our citizenry. The midterm elections will be a start in giving us that chance.
9
No president can ever "speak for himself."
The president is the elected embodiment of the United States. The president's remarks -- whether we like it or not, whether we agree with them or not -- are viewed as the position of the American people.
In part, this is what is so damaging about the Electoral College. The president was not supported by a plurality of people who voted last November, and thus his ability to speak on our behalf will always be questionable.
That a man has been put in that office who, perhaps because of his experiences serving as president of an organization he owned, seems to believe that he exists somewhere outside our laws and the Constitution. Who expects that his will is law. Who feels that he has no obligation to consider the concerns of those who do not support him. Who exists in an echo chamber where the cheers of his supporters are the only input he needs in decision making.
This is not a person with the capability of running a government.
The president is the elected embodiment of the United States. The president's remarks -- whether we like it or not, whether we agree with them or not -- are viewed as the position of the American people.
In part, this is what is so damaging about the Electoral College. The president was not supported by a plurality of people who voted last November, and thus his ability to speak on our behalf will always be questionable.
That a man has been put in that office who, perhaps because of his experiences serving as president of an organization he owned, seems to believe that he exists somewhere outside our laws and the Constitution. Who expects that his will is law. Who feels that he has no obligation to consider the concerns of those who do not support him. Who exists in an echo chamber where the cheers of his supporters are the only input he needs in decision making.
This is not a person with the capability of running a government.
21
The president speaks for himself. He wastes time on Twitter, lambasting any person or organization that disagrees with him, criticizes him, or that points out his ignorance. This is a man who is not governing. He is showboating and his supporters love it.
When Trump is done speaking for himself, when all the lies and venom are done, what will be left of our country? Will we ever be able to trust our elected officials to work for us, tell us the truth most of the time, or will we be destroyed along with the country?
When Trump is done speaking for himself, when all the lies and venom are done, what will be left of our country? Will we ever be able to trust our elected officials to work for us, tell us the truth most of the time, or will we be destroyed along with the country?
18
hen3ry: "He [the president] wastes time on Twitter, lambasting any person or organization that disagrees with him, criticizes him, or that points out his ignorance."
Obviously, you have never looked at Trump's Twitter feed, because he uses it to COMMUNICATE with the public. In that respect, Trump is doing the same thing as what FDR did with his fireside chats.
You can read Trump's Twitter feed from a web browser:
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump
Obviously, you have never looked at Trump's Twitter feed, because he uses it to COMMUNICATE with the public. In that respect, Trump is doing the same thing as what FDR did with his fireside chats.
You can read Trump's Twitter feed from a web browser:
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump
America is now saddled with a president who gives every appearance of being mentally disordered, and having no understanding or concern for what it means to be the leader of this country. Every single day, I wonder how we can possibly endure years more of this chaos and insanity. It is both humiliating and dangerous.
20
Compare Arpaio's pardon with the criminals pardoned by the last two presidents and it seems pretty ordinary.
2
Not true, unless you're talking about Ford's pardon of Nixon.
11
Well, if they weren't criminals who were sentenced to prison they wouldn't need a pardon, wouldn't they? The last two presidents (Obama and Bush), did not question the sentence or the crimes committed - their pardons were true pardons. Trump however, questioned the sentence ("unfair") of Arpaio and refused to acknowledge his crimes against the constitutional rights of American citizens - he actually praised Arpaio's criminal actions. That's as if a bank robber finds himself in the sheriff's seat and releases his accomplices from prison. Trump simply abuses his power to pardon.
2
Not ordinary at all according to all legal experts. There is an office that reviews presidential pardons and makes recommendations, and there are certain criteria involved. You certainly don't leapfrog over the legal process and even before sentencing deliberately overturn the ruling of a federal judge on purely political grounds.
2
Trump is sending another message. "Don't expect me to comply with orders from the Supreme Court. They have no army." This is so Andrew Jackson-like. Apparently Jackson is one of his favorite presidents.
5
Except that in terms of pardoning racists he is more like Andrew Johnson. The Tenure of Office Act was passed over his objections to restrict the power of the President to remove certain office-holders without the approval of the Senate. Something similar has been discussed in connection with Mueller.
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/04/541523326/senators-int...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenure_of_Office_Act_(1867)
Violation of the act led to Johnson's impeachment, which he survived by one single Senate vote. Perhaps Trump will not be so lucky.
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/04/541523326/senators-int...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenure_of_Office_Act_(1867)
Violation of the act led to Johnson's impeachment, which he survived by one single Senate vote. Perhaps Trump will not be so lucky.
4
And, except for Mr. Tillerson's separation from the president's winking 'disapproval' of the horrors of Charlottesville, not one among his cabinet, the body intended to provide guidance on matters of importance, has been deafeningly silent, absent, and like their leader, totally devoid of moral courage. The sooner this is over, the better.
9
“The President Speaks For Himself” said Tillerson and right he is! Indeed the subject in question does NOT represent the American values of decency and, above all, honesty. His deeply ingrained racism is something we all knew when he was candidate and yet the ‘left behind’ rurals have always thought, wrongly of course, that this country is white by evangelical design. They think of themselves as the American Aryans who have been betrayed by the establishment (the swamp). For decades they have been yearning for a new prophet for the exhausted and defeated Aryanism that would truly represent them, as the first one failed miserably.
The mid-west was the perfect cauldron where the extreme ideology of ill-conceived dreams and wishes could be cooked into a repugnant soup of intolerance. Not exactly what the Founding Fathers had in mind. Yet, there they are still undereducated and without a clue that decades of technological advances have left them behind not the establishment. But, as in the 1930s in Teutonic land, somebody must be at fault, not them of course. Back them it was the people of Abraham who paid the price of their ignorance and intolerance. Today it is anyone who Teutonic does not fit their idea of the ‘right people’ not realizing that they are the wrong folks in a new country still in the process of development, thank God! Perhaps if the subject in question would sport a little mustache the underclass might recognize their prophet of doom. Tillerson was right!
The mid-west was the perfect cauldron where the extreme ideology of ill-conceived dreams and wishes could be cooked into a repugnant soup of intolerance. Not exactly what the Founding Fathers had in mind. Yet, there they are still undereducated and without a clue that decades of technological advances have left them behind not the establishment. But, as in the 1930s in Teutonic land, somebody must be at fault, not them of course. Back them it was the people of Abraham who paid the price of their ignorance and intolerance. Today it is anyone who Teutonic does not fit their idea of the ‘right people’ not realizing that they are the wrong folks in a new country still in the process of development, thank God! Perhaps if the subject in question would sport a little mustache the underclass might recognize their prophet of doom. Tillerson was right!
3
Facts about Arpaio that is not mentioned enough is that he destroyed evidence that could be used against him, including patrol records, and investigated one of the judges who heard the case against him in an attempt to bring a bogus case against her.
When considering the various crimes he has committed for which he has never been prosecuted, I wonder if there is still a window of opportunity to do so.
When considering the various crimes he has committed for which he has never been prosecuted, I wonder if there is still a window of opportunity to do so.
16
The list is long and extends for decades. As the editorial states, this man, our president, is a coward.
10
The NYT Editorial Board writes, “Coming from the man the president picked to represent the nation around the world, it was a stunning admission, devastating in its simplicity and painful in its accuracy.”
Indeed! A searing indictment of President Trump by the Secretary of the State that is tantamount to telling world leaders to just ignore our “Dear Leader,” who flies off the handle every now and then and doesn’t speak for the American people but largely for himself.
While Secretary Tillerson’s assessment might seem disloyal, it was strangely reassuring to Americans and the world at large. An important reason why the troika – of Tillerson, Defense Secretary Mattis (who made his own reassuring off-the-cuff remarks to soldiers in Afghanistan over the weekend), and Chief-of-Staff Kelly – is required to keep a lawless president in check.
Indeed! A searing indictment of President Trump by the Secretary of the State that is tantamount to telling world leaders to just ignore our “Dear Leader,” who flies off the handle every now and then and doesn’t speak for the American people but largely for himself.
While Secretary Tillerson’s assessment might seem disloyal, it was strangely reassuring to Americans and the world at large. An important reason why the troika – of Tillerson, Defense Secretary Mattis (who made his own reassuring off-the-cuff remarks to soldiers in Afghanistan over the weekend), and Chief-of-Staff Kelly – is required to keep a lawless president in check.
12
The problem is the he's still destroying the U.S. with his cabinet members and his pen.
Pruitt surrounded by bodyguards who is in the process of selling of our national parks and monuments is one example another is DeVos destroying the public education system.
Look around at that cabinet and what they're doing.
Pruitt surrounded by bodyguards who is in the process of selling of our national parks and monuments is one example another is DeVos destroying the public education system.
Look around at that cabinet and what they're doing.
1
Okay. As far as I am concerned, Donald Trump was honest, very honest in one way only: He showed us exactly who he was and how he would govern during his campaign. So a bunch of ill-informed, angry people voted for him anyway. That ship has sailed. I don't blame Trump any more than I would blame a over-territorial dog for attacking me. That is just who he is, and it was plainly visible and obvious from the get-go. The people who I hold in contempt are the cowardly, borderline traitorous Republican congresspeople who are putting party concerns before their concerns for America as a whole. Just like their party's leader who has no interest in leading America as a whole, just the sliver of it that supports him. The Republican party has lost its legitimacy, and needs to be replaced by something else, some other party that is patriotic enough to entrust our country to.
16
These Republicans were elected also, by a severely flawed electoral process (Citizens United, gerrymandering, voter suppression, the malfunctioning Electoral College). We need to fix our broken electoral system and secure electronic voting machines, or "factions" like the current Republican party will continue to destroy our democracy for their own self interest.
4
It was plainly visible from his birther movement to the grope video/tape and still people voted for him. He'll do what he wants, when he wants, no matter who it harms, because that's what second-rate, execrable, wretched people do. We are witnessing rot. In the meantime, I'll be at the phone banks for the 2018 elections.
So, none of the "brown-skinned" people Sheriff Arpaio locked up were criminals? One wonders how he escaped prosecution for 25 years if that's the case. Could it be that they were ILLEGAL immigrants?
1
Jails are largely populated by recently apprehended people awaiting a bond hearing or else awaiting trial. Other areas of America still believe in and practice "Innocent until proven guilty."
9
RJ: "Could it be that they were ILLEGAL immigrants?"
You don't know what you are talking about. The lawsuit against Arpaio and the MCSO concerned racial profiling and other discriminatory treatment of Latinos. There is too much to summarize here, but the ACLU web site has all the legal documents:
Ortega Melendres, et al. v. Arpaio, et al.
https://www.aclu.org/cases/ortega-melendres-et-al-v-arpaio-et-al
(Scroll down for the legal documents.)
You don't know what you are talking about. The lawsuit against Arpaio and the MCSO concerned racial profiling and other discriminatory treatment of Latinos. There is too much to summarize here, but the ACLU web site has all the legal documents:
Ortega Melendres, et al. v. Arpaio, et al.
https://www.aclu.org/cases/ortega-melendres-et-al-v-arpaio-et-al
(Scroll down for the legal documents.)
3
Why don't you read the Pulitzer-winning story of how Arpaio's vendetta against Hispanics negatively affected law enforcement for everyone:
http://www.pulitzer.org/winners/ryan-gabrielson-and-paul-giblin
Besides, why the fascination with illegal immigrants when there are far more illegal drug users in the US, whom Arpaio ignored.
http://www.pulitzer.org/winners/ryan-gabrielson-and-paul-giblin
Besides, why the fascination with illegal immigrants when there are far more illegal drug users in the US, whom Arpaio ignored.
1
"The president speaks for himself." Those words should be plastered on billboards around the nation!
Not for me. Not for you. But for himself "alone." ("I alone" he said. And how prescient was that promise.)
I'm a year older than he is. What an abomination he is - to my generation, to my race, to my nation. I reject him entirely as worthy of holding any office. No matter how low his elected office, I cannot imagine one where he would "speak for anyone" BUT "himself."
Let every Congress-Person ask himself or herself: "Would you let this man speak for you?"
Would you let him manage your money? Would you allow him to make your healthcare decisions? How about decisions regarding your childrens' welfare? Your neighborhood - would you want him in charge? Or your town or city? In charge of a police dept?
Ask yourselves, what you'd feel safe having him supervise. Come up with a list if you can.
I feel particularly vulnerable - even one year older than him. I fear him being in charge of anything that affects my life! I fear him in charge of anything that affects your life!
This man is a danger to civil society. He is a danger to our Republic. He is our greatest national security danger.
He's busy ruining his own "brand" and "obituary." Leave him to that!
I want him prevented from further ruining our country and the world.
Not for me. Not for you. But for himself "alone." ("I alone" he said. And how prescient was that promise.)
I'm a year older than he is. What an abomination he is - to my generation, to my race, to my nation. I reject him entirely as worthy of holding any office. No matter how low his elected office, I cannot imagine one where he would "speak for anyone" BUT "himself."
Let every Congress-Person ask himself or herself: "Would you let this man speak for you?"
Would you let him manage your money? Would you allow him to make your healthcare decisions? How about decisions regarding your childrens' welfare? Your neighborhood - would you want him in charge? Or your town or city? In charge of a police dept?
Ask yourselves, what you'd feel safe having him supervise. Come up with a list if you can.
I feel particularly vulnerable - even one year older than him. I fear him being in charge of anything that affects my life! I fear him in charge of anything that affects your life!
This man is a danger to civil society. He is a danger to our Republic. He is our greatest national security danger.
He's busy ruining his own "brand" and "obituary." Leave him to that!
I want him prevented from further ruining our country and the world.
24
Despite mumbling from the GOP Senate and House leadership, nobody is overtly complaining. We now have a government full of morally compromised people who have sold their souls to be part of the most corrupt and cynical administration in my lifetime. Trump may be the oozing boil that is the face of this nation, but the infection is widespread and life-threatening. Neither party has leaders with the courage to stand up and call this man a fraud and liar.
7
Like every demagogue before him the end justifies the means. With the desertion of many of his inner circle & the murmuring in a frighten Republican congress that Trump may cause them to lose their Jobs, Trump is looking for someone to protect his back, & what better than Nazi’s Racists & a combination of the two with Arpaio.
2
I'm not sure why reporters, Op/Ed writers, editorial boards, readers and social media participants continue to be reluctant in naming the orange pumpkin in every living room: Donald Trump's ultimate goal isn't the presidency -- he aspires to nothing less than the title and power of Dictator-In-Chief. Anyone who really listened to his bombast during the campaign, anyone who has followed his Twitter account, anyone who has watched and listened since his inauguration should have no doubts.
Our Constitution and the laws that proceed from it mean nothing in the face of DJT's "I want." A man bereft of accepted moral standards, of ethics, integrity, honor, and intelligence based on accredited and accepted sources cannot be expected to act in the best interest of anyone/anything but his own desires -- and he proves this daily. The WaPo published a summary of his "undo Obama" actions recently, describing in grim detail that he has done NOTHING for the common good and much to create personal and environmental disaster.
This man is dangerous, he is not aligned with historical US principles, he is an incubating dictator. His innate racism is a powerful indicator of his warped innate attitudes and has no place in amalgamated America. When will America wake up? Start naming his obvious intention: dictatorship is his goal!
Our Constitution and the laws that proceed from it mean nothing in the face of DJT's "I want." A man bereft of accepted moral standards, of ethics, integrity, honor, and intelligence based on accredited and accepted sources cannot be expected to act in the best interest of anyone/anything but his own desires -- and he proves this daily. The WaPo published a summary of his "undo Obama" actions recently, describing in grim detail that he has done NOTHING for the common good and much to create personal and environmental disaster.
This man is dangerous, he is not aligned with historical US principles, he is an incubating dictator. His innate racism is a powerful indicator of his warped innate attitudes and has no place in amalgamated America. When will America wake up? Start naming his obvious intention: dictatorship is his goal!
9
I think that, as a nation, we are going to have to do what Trump is doing. He is, pardon the pun, constitutionally incapable of doing the right thing. If someone advises him to go left, he will go right. If someone advises him to go right, he will go left. If someone advises him to look up, he will look down. If someone advises him to look down, he will look up. He thoroughly enjoys being a jerk, and it obviously amuses the bananas out of him to do the opposite of what anyone who was not a sociopath would think of as right, decent, moral and respectful. It doesn't make any difference what the topic of discussion is; he will do the opposite just to be a jerk.
So I say we take a leaf from Trump's book. Since he is constitutionally incapable of doing the right thing, let us prove ourselves to be constitutionally incapable of doing the wrong thing. Let us, as a nation, continue to go out of our way serve as a contrast to someone who delights in being morally-depraved. Let us, as a nation, continue to be kinder, wiser, more circumspect, more compassionate, more honorable, more humane, more courageous, more decent, more honest, more respectful and better human beings. By letting Trump be Trump, let him serve as a perfect and shining example and role model of how NOT to be, and let us take a leaf from his book and be the opposite.
So I say we take a leaf from Trump's book. Since he is constitutionally incapable of doing the right thing, let us prove ourselves to be constitutionally incapable of doing the wrong thing. Let us, as a nation, continue to go out of our way serve as a contrast to someone who delights in being morally-depraved. Let us, as a nation, continue to be kinder, wiser, more circumspect, more compassionate, more honorable, more humane, more courageous, more decent, more honest, more respectful and better human beings. By letting Trump be Trump, let him serve as a perfect and shining example and role model of how NOT to be, and let us take a leaf from his book and be the opposite.
4
That's not going to work! Trump is clever but nuts. We have to take to the streets en masse and scare the bejeesus out of congress so that that they actually do their job and impeach.
1
Putting an 85 year old in jail who has served for years as sheriff and in the military makes no sense. He*s not sheriff anymore, is he? If not, he cannot do any harm.
The judiciary is off kilter. The conviction was unjust and Trump, even apart from the clemency aspects of this, was right to overturn this judicial political statement.
The sheriff allegedly selectively stopped people to enforce immigration laws. Well, what of it? The court*s ruling defies common sense. Here they are, within spitting distance of the Mexican border. There is a flood of illegal aliens who have crossed the border from Mexico. Despite what anybody says, there is a very high degree of resemblance among a lot of Mexicans. Admittedly, not all, but a lot. There is nothing wrong with preferentially stopping people who look like the predominant number of Mexicans--assuming there is otherwise a valid reason to stop the person. There is no real reason to be sure you stop a proportionate number of 75 year old Norwegian-looking women for running a red light. If you choose to give the 75 year old Norwegian looking lady a free pass on the broken tail light, and not stop her, and instead stop someone who has a broken tail light and looks like most Mexicans, there is nothing wrong with that. It is simply common sense. If a court ruled this to be illegal, the judge should be impeached and the president should pardon anyone convicted of ignoring a court order trying to implement such idiocy.
The judiciary is off kilter. The conviction was unjust and Trump, even apart from the clemency aspects of this, was right to overturn this judicial political statement.
The sheriff allegedly selectively stopped people to enforce immigration laws. Well, what of it? The court*s ruling defies common sense. Here they are, within spitting distance of the Mexican border. There is a flood of illegal aliens who have crossed the border from Mexico. Despite what anybody says, there is a very high degree of resemblance among a lot of Mexicans. Admittedly, not all, but a lot. There is nothing wrong with preferentially stopping people who look like the predominant number of Mexicans--assuming there is otherwise a valid reason to stop the person. There is no real reason to be sure you stop a proportionate number of 75 year old Norwegian-looking women for running a red light. If you choose to give the 75 year old Norwegian looking lady a free pass on the broken tail light, and not stop her, and instead stop someone who has a broken tail light and looks like most Mexicans, there is nothing wrong with that. It is simply common sense. If a court ruled this to be illegal, the judge should be impeached and the president should pardon anyone convicted of ignoring a court order trying to implement such idiocy.
Wow. Little tyrant in the making, how would you like to be pulled over every other day? And be treated disrespectfully and each time have to prove your citizenship?
Please get a copy of the constitution and read it.
Please get a copy of the constitution and read it.
2
If it were as simple as you put it, I would agree with you 100%, but the more you dig into this case, the more you see that Arpaio had left the reservation. It was clear he was abusing his authority and detaining many innocent people for extended periods of time. He exhibited a clear pattern of racist behavior towards Latinos. Pure and simple, that is why he was convicted. If it had been only simple stops, conducted in a polite and judicious manner, he would never have been convicted and possibly not even charged.
2
Sheriff Arpaio broke numerous laws in his zealous pursuit of illegals. And he continued in contempt of lawful court orders to stop.
And he was not sentenced to jail or prison, he had not been sentenced at all.
Your writing suggests the end justifies the means. This has been recognized as unConstitutional by courts and as unethical and immoral by most of your fellow Americans.
http://www.trialinsider.com/?p=6888
And he was not sentenced to jail or prison, he had not been sentenced at all.
Your writing suggests the end justifies the means. This has been recognized as unConstitutional by courts and as unethical and immoral by most of your fellow Americans.
http://www.trialinsider.com/?p=6888
4
Trump has one value: Donald J. Trump. He serves himself and only himself. Each decision is about how it makes him look and how he can benefit from it. Why else go to a ravaged city STILL being drowned but to make sure he appears Presidential?
History is prologue; look at Trump's history, it has always been there.
History is prologue; look at Trump's history, it has always been there.
2
This year a wonderful little book was published, written by our eminent historian, David McCullough, titled "The American Spirit - Who We Are and What We Stand For". Reading this book will refresh your soul in this tragic time in our history when we have an administration without ethics or a moral compass, and a GOP Congress that ascribes only to power, without consideration of country. These so-called leaders of our country do not represent "The American Spirit" or who we are, and what we stand for! Almost 66 million of us voted against Trump - 3 million more than voted for him, so maybe there is hope that the majority can prevail at some point.
2
You are such a one-sided newspaper, NYT. Your writing is good and that is the only reason I still read you online. But the fact is that President Obama pardoned a FALN Terrorist and Murderer. Hard to hear and admit, correct. Yup, he did. At least the Sheriff was attempting to do good and no, he didnt pick on people walking down the street because their skin was brown, for heaven sakes. You are as bad as Trump in making up things from time to time. Now just stop it. Stop it Times. I take the Arizona Sheriff's release over the FALN murderer, anytime/anywhere
2
Amen.
2
Yes, I agree with your critique and commentary of our dictator-wannbe currently occupying the White House, but what are you (we?) going to do about it?
3
Joe Apaio ran what was pretty dam close to a concentration camp in the USA. The difference between Joe Apaio and Heinrich Himmler who operated the camps in Germany for 10 years is a matter of scale. Himmler had cart blank form Hitler and if Apiao was still in office Trump would have his own Himmler in Arizona. Lets call a thing by what it is, Apaio was an American Nazi and he had total contempt for the Constitution.
Our glorious leader has total contempt for the rule of law and the Constitution, his base and most vocal supporters include neo-Nazis, white supremeisists, the KKK, the so called alt right, he calls for violence against the free press his supporters are violent and let's face it, if the shoe fits wear it Trump is not only a fascist which is obvious by now but like the Nazis he uses his power to enrich himself, he is what the Founders called a tyrant and the most understandable appellation is American Nazi.
The German people were seduced by Hitler's lies and promises of persecution of scapegoats, ditto 35-40% of the American people with their can do no wrong leader.
Our glorious leader has total contempt for the rule of law and the Constitution, his base and most vocal supporters include neo-Nazis, white supremeisists, the KKK, the so called alt right, he calls for violence against the free press his supporters are violent and let's face it, if the shoe fits wear it Trump is not only a fascist which is obvious by now but like the Nazis he uses his power to enrich himself, he is what the Founders called a tyrant and the most understandable appellation is American Nazi.
The German people were seduced by Hitler's lies and promises of persecution of scapegoats, ditto 35-40% of the American people with their can do no wrong leader.
4
I feel like singing, "Round them up, Rawhide!"
3
"Gary Cohn, director of the White House Economic Council, nearly resigned after Mr. Trump’s Charlottesville remarks. " The only conclusion I can make is that cozying up to Nazis and the KKK is ok with Mr. Cohn as long as there's a possibility of a big, fat tax cut. Disgusting.
5
What a joke. Trump pardons an 85 yr old man who's been in law enforcement for 50 yrs. He was convicted of a misdemeanor without a jury, by a leftist judge, so the fix was in.
Clinton pardons master-criminals who pay him for their pardon. Obama pardons drug dealers and traitors. Nary a peep from the leftist media.
Hypocracy is rampant.
Clinton pardons master-criminals who pay him for their pardon. Obama pardons drug dealers and traitors. Nary a peep from the leftist media.
Hypocracy is rampant.
3
Not to forget the pro-illegal immigrant stance if the last administration that was directly leading to this this sort of conflict.
Shame on those who set up a failure in the system and then blamed the ones sworn to enforce the law.
Shame on those who set up a failure in the system and then blamed the ones sworn to enforce the law.
2
"Shame on those who set up a failure in the system and then blamed the ones sworn to enforce the law."
You mean like Trump is doing to the ACA (Obamacare to you)?
Plus, the "leftist" media DID question and disagree with many of those pardons you hyperbolically allude to. The right-wing media is the group that can't criticize their own no matter how bad they get, and Trump has gotten pretty bad. Will you be talking out of the other side of you mouth when Trump, his pals, and his family are convicted of colluding with an enemy foreign power to gain control of the US government? Come back with your "I'm all for law enforcement" argument then. But of course, it won't really be the rule of law, will it? It will be just Hillary's lawyer pals getting her way. If right-wing predictability wasn't so treacherous it would be funny. Hypocrisy (note spelling) IS rampant, and it rules the conservative "Christian" right. One small example: Obama went home to Hawaii twice a year, and Faux News spent hours griping about how the taxpayers were being ripped off. Now that the wheeler-dealer, globe-trotting, golfing Trump Inc has already exceeded the Secret Service's budget for the year, where is the outcry? So please, spare us you right-wing victimhood when you are the ones slanting every fact.
You mean like Trump is doing to the ACA (Obamacare to you)?
Plus, the "leftist" media DID question and disagree with many of those pardons you hyperbolically allude to. The right-wing media is the group that can't criticize their own no matter how bad they get, and Trump has gotten pretty bad. Will you be talking out of the other side of you mouth when Trump, his pals, and his family are convicted of colluding with an enemy foreign power to gain control of the US government? Come back with your "I'm all for law enforcement" argument then. But of course, it won't really be the rule of law, will it? It will be just Hillary's lawyer pals getting her way. If right-wing predictability wasn't so treacherous it would be funny. Hypocrisy (note spelling) IS rampant, and it rules the conservative "Christian" right. One small example: Obama went home to Hawaii twice a year, and Faux News spent hours griping about how the taxpayers were being ripped off. Now that the wheeler-dealer, globe-trotting, golfing Trump Inc has already exceeded the Secret Service's budget for the year, where is the outcry? So please, spare us you right-wing victimhood when you are the ones slanting every fact.
1
“I don’t believe anyone doubts the American people’s values or the commitment of the American government or the government’s agencies to advancing those values and defending those values.”
Nice, Rex. And what exactly are those values?
Nice, Rex. And what exactly are those values?
3
An African-American member of the Virginia clergy who was in Charlottesville on the Friday night when some of those "good people" were marching and chanting "Jews Will Not Replace Us" and "Blood and Soil," softly observed, "There are a great many people who are hurting. We should pray for them."
With every vile, repulsive, vulgar, ignorant, divisive, racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic,, and anti-American word and deed he mutters and performs, just remember, "There is a man who is hurting. We should pray for him."
With every vile, repulsive, vulgar, ignorant, divisive, racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic,, and anti-American word and deed he mutters and performs, just remember, "There is a man who is hurting. We should pray for him."
3
"elect a clown, expect a circus"
is more like
"elect a tyrant, expect a dictatorship"
The president has declared war on the United States of America, with this pardon. We need to declare war back. This is Trump's Pearl Harbor, but he is Tojo.
is more like
"elect a tyrant, expect a dictatorship"
The president has declared war on the United States of America, with this pardon. We need to declare war back. This is Trump's Pearl Harbor, but he is Tojo.
3
I have finally found the term that most accurately describes Donald Trump and his presidency: "Iconoclast- a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions."
3
The man is horrible and cannot or will not change. We all know this. Of more interest to me is how America will respond to such a president. Will we allow our values to be debased and our institutions undermined, or will we summon the strength to come together as a nation and reaffirm what it means to be American in the best sense of the word? I think it is an open question.
2
From the Editorial Board...more lies and distortions
All right folks this is our trashing of Trump today. Apparently Donald Trump pardoned an 85 year old lifetime law man, he was pardoned for doing his job, keeping illegal activity under control. How Schocking !!!
However, speaking of pardons, I don't recall the indignation the NYTimes feels this morning compared to the historical precedents of his predecessors. Such as Marc Rich, Marc was indicted and convisted on 65 counts including racketeering, tax abuse and evasion and wire fraud.
Denise Rich had contirbuted to the Clinton's private resources, that was how they bought their perdon from Dollar Bill Clinton.
So invisible Editorial writer, you can fool your liberal minions but don't ever try to fool the rest of us, we read, we remember and we vote.
written at 6:39est
All right folks this is our trashing of Trump today. Apparently Donald Trump pardoned an 85 year old lifetime law man, he was pardoned for doing his job, keeping illegal activity under control. How Schocking !!!
However, speaking of pardons, I don't recall the indignation the NYTimes feels this morning compared to the historical precedents of his predecessors. Such as Marc Rich, Marc was indicted and convisted on 65 counts including racketeering, tax abuse and evasion and wire fraud.
Denise Rich had contirbuted to the Clinton's private resources, that was how they bought their perdon from Dollar Bill Clinton.
So invisible Editorial writer, you can fool your liberal minions but don't ever try to fool the rest of us, we read, we remember and we vote.
written at 6:39est
2
So you "read" [and] "remember", eh? Read and remember this - it's what your "lifetime law man" did while "doing his job":
falsely arrested American citizens;
had prisoners routinely beaten and brutalized;
deprived prisoners of adequate food, water, medicines, and medical care;
ignored myriad cases involving rape and sexual assault;
arrested journalists under false pretenses;
intimidated citizens who spoke out against abuses;
paid for a fake terrorist attack during an election campaign;
rounded people up into concentration camps and detained them under inhumane conditions;
ignored the courts when ordered to end these practices.
And that is just the short list. While the Rich pardon was certainly an extremely bad choice, the Arpaio pardon is inexcusable on every level
Who's the fool?
falsely arrested American citizens;
had prisoners routinely beaten and brutalized;
deprived prisoners of adequate food, water, medicines, and medical care;
ignored myriad cases involving rape and sexual assault;
arrested journalists under false pretenses;
intimidated citizens who spoke out against abuses;
paid for a fake terrorist attack during an election campaign;
rounded people up into concentration camps and detained them under inhumane conditions;
ignored the courts when ordered to end these practices.
And that is just the short list. While the Rich pardon was certainly an extremely bad choice, the Arpaio pardon is inexcusable on every level
Who's the fool?
1
The grifter's execrable presidency (only 8 months old!) is really nothing more than an extension of 'The Apprentice.'
He cares only for cheap glitz and ratings. The wretched content and wrongful actions are collateral damage.
Once the Republicans have their tax cut-pays for itself! creates oodles of jobs!-I'm sure we'll see actions taken by them to halt this madness.
Right?
He cares only for cheap glitz and ratings. The wretched content and wrongful actions are collateral damage.
Once the Republicans have their tax cut-pays for itself! creates oodles of jobs!-I'm sure we'll see actions taken by them to halt this madness.
Right?
2
Cohn does not deserve credit for almost resigning. Stop mentioning it! McCain, Ryan, et al., do not deserve credit for weak little statements of disagreement. These are all pathetic men with no principles. And where are those much ballyhooed ladies, Murkowski and Collins? Maybe they issued statements. Nobody cares.
Somebody needs to do something.
Somebody needs to do something.
1
Just remember this abomination in the WH including Pence - a more sneaky and more effective and thus more dangerous purveyor of social justice Right Wing regression and oligarch cuddling - would probably easily win the election tomorrow if only 50% of us voted.
And given our Electoral College system unless the Dems put up a charismatic candidate capable of connecting with the people personality-wise even 60% EVTO may not be enough to unseat the abomination. Witness 2016!
And if the Progressives "criminally" split the vote up by independent candidates and then proceed to vote for them like National elections are the time to register their dissatisfaction that all isn't perfect in the Dem Party - redemption could be sunk even with 70% EVTO.
No the only sure way to cleanse this Nation from the Right Wing fascist dangers the R Party poses with puppets in the WH is all of good will and intelligence to VOTE. Maybe 80% EVTO is what it takes - and if it does we much achieve it somehow!
And Conservatives - those that really have the Nation's best interests at heart and aren't philosophically at war science or with people that are different or less well off than you - remember the next elections are existentially important - it goes far beyond what is a fair tax rate or the best approach to some problem. You CAN work with the Dems .. DO THE RIGHT THING and save the Nation from the current filth that has usurped your banner.
The Nation's fate hangs on the 2018/2020 elections!
And given our Electoral College system unless the Dems put up a charismatic candidate capable of connecting with the people personality-wise even 60% EVTO may not be enough to unseat the abomination. Witness 2016!
And if the Progressives "criminally" split the vote up by independent candidates and then proceed to vote for them like National elections are the time to register their dissatisfaction that all isn't perfect in the Dem Party - redemption could be sunk even with 70% EVTO.
No the only sure way to cleanse this Nation from the Right Wing fascist dangers the R Party poses with puppets in the WH is all of good will and intelligence to VOTE. Maybe 80% EVTO is what it takes - and if it does we much achieve it somehow!
And Conservatives - those that really have the Nation's best interests at heart and aren't philosophically at war science or with people that are different or less well off than you - remember the next elections are existentially important - it goes far beyond what is a fair tax rate or the best approach to some problem. You CAN work with the Dems .. DO THE RIGHT THING and save the Nation from the current filth that has usurped your banner.
The Nation's fate hangs on the 2018/2020 elections!
1
No he doesn't. He speaks for White Supremacy.
It couldn't be any clearer - why else would he futilely attack Obama's birth?
Why else would he say 'America First'? His wink-wink to America is to white supremacy.
It explains everything.
It couldn't be any clearer - why else would he futilely attack Obama's birth?
Why else would he say 'America First'? His wink-wink to America is to white supremacy.
It explains everything.
3
It is bigly unfortunate...but, the Secretary of State is bigly, and badly, mistaken, very bigly, very badly...For, sadly, Trump speaks for a bigly lot more than just his own bloody bigly self.
Firstly, and most obviously, he speaks for his ardent base (30 something percent). He speaks for the "see no evil, hear no evil" Republican legislators (a majority of both chambers of Congress) and, of course, he speaks for all the bigoted little redneck racist out there who skew the polls to show Trump doesn't speak just for his racist self...
While it may not yet be a majority...Twitter-twit-in-chief speaks for a whole lot more than just himself...and that's bigly unfortunate.
Firstly, and most obviously, he speaks for his ardent base (30 something percent). He speaks for the "see no evil, hear no evil" Republican legislators (a majority of both chambers of Congress) and, of course, he speaks for all the bigoted little redneck racist out there who skew the polls to show Trump doesn't speak just for his racist self...
While it may not yet be a majority...Twitter-twit-in-chief speaks for a whole lot more than just himself...and that's bigly unfortunate.
2
We have a sociopath in the White house. I've stopped being disgusted by him. I'm starting to get afraid.
2
The presidential pardon of the racist Arpaio is the establishment of the law of the jungle in America ...
2
Rilliant editorial. Trump and his stupid unhinged choice of pence must both go now
1
No, the "President" speaks for himself and on behalf of many other Americans, namely racists, reactionaries, xenophobes, misogynists, neo-Nazis, anti-Semites, White supremacists, bullies, gun fetishists, fake patriots, fake Evangelicals, filthy rich kleptocrats, all manner of angry-at-whatever white dimwits, and murderous autocrats around the world. He's not lonely, he's crazy. But luckily for him (and not for us), there are a lot crazy people. It's virtually a constituency, and he is the leader of it. How is that not Hitlerian?
1
Trump's admiration for Putin and other dictators reflects his own attitudes about how to govern. They seem to all be people with a similar approach to governing. This could be why Trump expresses his admiration for these people, they are just like him.
2
Most likely the framers of the constitution included the presidential pardon as a check against judicial malfeasance but in theory they've opened a backdoor to tyranny and repression, the things they feared the most. Suppose for example, that Trump wants to get rid of a devastating witness in the Russia investigation. He could simply ask a supporter to do the deed, and if caught, he'd be pardoned. Then he could pardon supporters who physically harm peaceful protesters and so on. It is clear we need a check on the power to pardon, and we should create it before the situation gets out of hand.
President Trump is racist. We always knew this.
He said President Obama was born in Kenya.
He called for the execution of 5 young black teenagers who where later proved to be innocent.
He praised Joe Arpaio, who refused to stop detaining Latinos just because they were Latinos, even before he pardoned him.
How many more examples do we need?
He said President Obama was born in Kenya.
He called for the execution of 5 young black teenagers who where later proved to be innocent.
He praised Joe Arpaio, who refused to stop detaining Latinos just because they were Latinos, even before he pardoned him.
How many more examples do we need?
6
The President may think what he wants. I want to start seeing editorials which don't give a rat's mouthwash for how addled his mind is, and instead demand action to remove him from office, and redress unconscionable harms he has already inflicted. Let his supporters have something legitimate to cry about.
4
Arpaio is a criminal, Trump forgave him... is there anything else to say?
4
One dimensional support for America.....Trump's "Personal Gain"!
1
Times: "But this is Donald Trump’s rule of law — a display of personal dominance disconnected from concerns about law and order, equality or the Constitution."
The power of pardon is granted by the US Constitution, so Trump's pardon is completely CONNECTED to the US Constitution.
See Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-secti...
2017-08-29 13:08:22 UTC
The power of pardon is granted by the US Constitution, so Trump's pardon is completely CONNECTED to the US Constitution.
See Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-secti...
2017-08-29 13:08:22 UTC
1
Arpaio is the lawbreaker. Trump is merely the enabling stooge.
1
Unfortunately he does not just speak for himself especially on foreign policy. Some idiots made him President, and Tillerson is deluded if he thinks he can ameliorate the President's words.
For instance, the President is now talking to North Korea and that is not just one old man telling war stories around the barbecue, not yet any way.
For instance, the President is now talking to North Korea and that is not just one old man telling war stories around the barbecue, not yet any way.
1
Trump has just found a new super power and is now testing its limits. He still thinks that he is king, not president, and lets be for real, cares nothing about the constitution he swore to uphold. Let's not forget that Trump fired James Comey, who say what you will was a man of intelligence, integrity and respect for the rule of law, for refusing to kneel and kiss his ring. He now goes on to pardon a vile and brutal man who Comey's polar opposite. A man who has total disregard for rule of law, gives the finger to the constitution and is proud of it.
Now that he found he could successfully use this new power and nobody can stop him, the sky is the limit. In pardoning this poor excuse for a human being, he is not only signaling that his cronies don't have to worry about a grand jury, he is signaling to law enforcement that there is no limit as to how low he will go in protecting his fascist proteges.
There are no good fascists, Nazis or white supremacists. And collaborators with fascists, aka the Republican congress, have chosen the side they want to be on.
Now that he found he could successfully use this new power and nobody can stop him, the sky is the limit. In pardoning this poor excuse for a human being, he is not only signaling that his cronies don't have to worry about a grand jury, he is signaling to law enforcement that there is no limit as to how low he will go in protecting his fascist proteges.
There are no good fascists, Nazis or white supremacists. And collaborators with fascists, aka the Republican congress, have chosen the side they want to be on.
2
Bring on the sheetcake!
2
Bannon and Gorka may be gone but their handprints are in the oval office. Narcissistic Personality Disorder with sociopathic and psychotic features. That is Trump. America should be very afraid. He will pardon more people like Arpaio because they donated to his campaign and they are racist like him. Trump may SAY he isn't racist, he's racist. He is using this as a warning that if his family is threatened, he will pardon them. Mueller is going to have to be careful how he condemns Trump and his Russian connections and his obstructions of justice, which are two now.
1
I must admit that this commentary surprised me. To me, it seems to present opinions slanted toward the Board rather than a more neutral fact-providing vessel that I expect from the Times. But then, this is the "Opinions" section of the Times, isn't it..........
1
No one seriously believes Trump shares American values. He is clearly modeling himself on authoritarian dictators like Putin and Mussolini. The cowardice of the Republicans in Congress, may well prove the end of our democracy.
3
Cohn "nearly" resigned, which makes him still complicit. This holds the same for his family and every member of the GOP who supports this petty little tyrant in anything.
1
There have been so many seemingly watershed moments in the Trump presidency, that it's hard so far to settle on one that people might look back on and say was the turning point. Charlottlesville was definitely one, but the pardoning of Arpaio stands alone as total disregard for the rule of law. It's difficult to see either of these presidential failings as an example of Trump "faithfully" executing the Office of the President of the United States.
3
People who support and vote for a man like Arpaio or David Clark who abuse prisoners and allow inmates "to die under suspicious circumstances" see themselves as strong when in fact they are weaklings. They're afraid of Mexicans, Sharia law and the government, none of whom have ever affected their lives. They need daddy figures to protect them from fictional boogeymen.
2
Republican voters and their candidates have almost always in my lifetime been scared little men. Trump is the epitome of that characterization.
2
Psst...NY Times?
You don't speak for everyone, either. Just a small percentage of the country.
You don't speak for everyone, either. Just a small percentage of the country.
2
The emphasis on Donald Trump detours us from the real danger that afflicts our nation. Presidents come and go. But the Klan, American Nazis and White Supremacists endorsed by Trump and seconded by his "base" also ratified his endorsement of these same Nazis, Klanners and Supremacists brandishing assault weapons in broad daylight threatening American citizens. While Trump is no Hitler, his supporters at his rallies resemble the cheering crowds of the Nazi Fuhrer in the thirties and forties. I have talked to many people who defend Trump and everything he does and says. In every other way these people are pleasant, generous, polite, friendly, successful and "American". When some found out I voted for Hillary Clinton, that I am a supporter of Governor Jerry Brown of California for President and that I am a Democrat, they looked at me with a shock and revulsion that people would reserve for a Charles Manson. This base may very well produce the genuine article, an attractive, oratorically, politically skilled and cunning politician who knows how to pave a critical path to power and establish an American Reich. The leadership of the Democratic Party must somehow develop the message, the spokespersons, the political skill and the media savvy to persuade Trump's base to consider their program, to send Trump to retirement and to compel the Republicans in Congress, the Generals in the Trump Administration and the right wing media to erase the barriers that prevent bipartisanship.
4
Trump is the man Thomas Jefferson warned you about. A false populist demagogue who duped (or colluded with) enough of the system to "elect" him. Jefferson's Electoral College was supposed to intercept that error and negate the Trump presidency before it started. That was the sole rationale for the Electoral College. But the one time it was actually needed, the one time it could have actually saved Jefferson's democracy, it failed miserably. So let's abolish it NOW and start having the will of the people, not the will of the party, elect our presidents.
1
Sorry to spoil the fun guys but your narrative of evil Nazis marching in VA was just another Passion Play based not on reality but myth and designed to stir dissension. You say wrong it was all true. Then please provide evidence like autopsies, medical reports, dental records, blood analysis, dna analysis, ballistics, detritus, debris, corroborated identification etc. Otherwise how about a Golden Globe.
1
You don't seem to understand American politics or American English, so maybe commenting here was not your brightest move.
1
Two ad hominem attacks but no evidence to contradict my claims that there is no evidence for a march and a great deal of evidence for staged and directed public theatre.
Have you even taken just one single minute to review the pardons of the last four Presidents??? The list is complete with traitors, terrorists, family members, friends, business associates etc!!!!!!!
3
Sorry to hear that you see that as a reason to continue a practice you think has been abused.
The more Republicans and Trump supporters stand behind him, the more they demonstrate he represents their values. We have laws and a constitution to determine what is acceptable and what is not. Interpretation of those laws is not arbitrary. Sometimes you agree with the decisions, sometimes you don't, but ultimately you have to accept those decisions and live with them. Until the laws are changed and upheld by the legal branch. If you cannot see that basic fact, we no longer have a democracy with three separate, but equal branches of government. When one branch refuses to follow what another branch does and you agree with that, you are no longer American. Rationalizing a leader who feels he runs all three branches of government is where atrocity begins. If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. The people of Germany went along with Hitler thinking he was right. Until he wasn't. By then it was too late. We must not be too late.
1
A pardon does not reverse conviction, expresses no opinion on guilt. It works on punishment only, in this case, a six month sentence on an 85 year old Sheriff, who took a principled stand on what he believed was excessive illegal immigration. Trump's pardon was a one-time action showing kindness an old man hounded by lefty Obama-ites. An immensely brave, wholly appropriate use of executive action, that's without doubt, gotten resounding two thumbs up from Trump's base, this commentator included.
Listen, Trump's base is FOR law enforcement, even if law enforcement occasionally errs, as long as it errs on the side of enforcement. It is NOT for winks, nods, twisting existing laws and titles, issuing executive orders later ruled as abuse, and mass-writing of opinions, all with single-minded purpose of cutting convicts loose from prisons/execution chambers.
Nah nah nah nah. Pardon me.
Listen, Trump's base is FOR law enforcement, even if law enforcement occasionally errs, as long as it errs on the side of enforcement. It is NOT for winks, nods, twisting existing laws and titles, issuing executive orders later ruled as abuse, and mass-writing of opinions, all with single-minded purpose of cutting convicts loose from prisons/execution chambers.
Nah nah nah nah. Pardon me.
2
The fact that Arpaio's pardon got two thumbs up from Trump supporters shows his and their disdain for the rule of law. Taking a " principled stand" against the principle of law is the exact opposite of principle. Do you also believe that homophobes who refuse to sell to gays in defiance of the law are taking principled stands? That scofflaws like Clivan Bundy, that gun-totin' darling of the law-enforcement right, took a principled stand not to pay his grazing fees? Where does it end for Trump and the fascist supporters he depends on? You warped ideas of what makes America great while carrying the flags of it's enemies, will be the destruction of the country you purport to love. But it ticks off the liberals, so why should you care?
@wcdevins
I believe that Trump's pardon was appropriate based on Arpaio's age, record of service in law enforcement, and his stand on illegal immigration, one shared by millions.
As already explained, pardons do NOT undermine convictions.
It is true what lefty liberals think is (unfortunately) no longer relevant. Blame Obama, the NYT, Stanford, and Harvard for that. It's gotten to a point now that howls of protest from these usual suspects on whatever it is that Trump's doing, is in fact confirmation that he's doing it right.
To correct, these folk need to shift to center on abortion, immigration, curtailed health care, law enforcement including support for tough sentencing and executions, and rid themselves of junk science and big data arguments to advocate the opposite.
That won't happen overnight, which means what they (you) say or think will unfortunately have no impact on Trump other than bolster his positions, for eventual cashing at the elections in the form of landslide victories.
So, welcome to one-party rule foreseeable future. Otherwise move to Canada, land of free marijuana, "artificial" intelligence etc. Sorry.
I believe that Trump's pardon was appropriate based on Arpaio's age, record of service in law enforcement, and his stand on illegal immigration, one shared by millions.
As already explained, pardons do NOT undermine convictions.
It is true what lefty liberals think is (unfortunately) no longer relevant. Blame Obama, the NYT, Stanford, and Harvard for that. It's gotten to a point now that howls of protest from these usual suspects on whatever it is that Trump's doing, is in fact confirmation that he's doing it right.
To correct, these folk need to shift to center on abortion, immigration, curtailed health care, law enforcement including support for tough sentencing and executions, and rid themselves of junk science and big data arguments to advocate the opposite.
That won't happen overnight, which means what they (you) say or think will unfortunately have no impact on Trump other than bolster his positions, for eventual cashing at the elections in the form of landslide victories.
So, welcome to one-party rule foreseeable future. Otherwise move to Canada, land of free marijuana, "artificial" intelligence etc. Sorry.
1
The Arpaio pardon merely underlines and rubs in your faces the Charlottesville tirade. He has let us know in no uncertain terms that he sides with right wing hate groups and white supremacists over main stream America. He expresses more hate and anger and bile toward our democracy and toward us the general public than he does toward ISIS, No. Korea, or his dearly beloved Putin and Russia. Yesterday he had yet another opportunity and yet again he could not bring himself to utter one critical word toward Putin. This nasty boy and sleazey rumor monger will attack anyone and everyone. There is no one he won't vilify EXCEPT Putin. The rules of law to be followed and obeyed are just encumbrances to this antisocial tyrant. Tump believes his every wish and whim should rule the day not principles of democracy or laws of our legal system.
At this point the silence is deafening of McConnell and Ryan. As Dr. Krugman wrote yesterday we are now in the territory of Nazi brown shirts and collaborators. If these two leaders of the congress do not deliver a message that Trump is on thin ice heading toward impeachment until he begins to respect and follow the law, then the Press should make a note a note of it daily. The tabloid playboy from Queens needs to be reigned in or removed.
At this point the silence is deafening of McConnell and Ryan. As Dr. Krugman wrote yesterday we are now in the territory of Nazi brown shirts and collaborators. If these two leaders of the congress do not deliver a message that Trump is on thin ice heading toward impeachment until he begins to respect and follow the law, then the Press should make a note a note of it daily. The tabloid playboy from Queens needs to be reigned in or removed.
2
We're in a Saturday Night Live skit,
with the character "drunk uncle" presiding over our nation.
Every knee-jerk, angry-white-man exclamation has become policy:
Un-write the rules on climate!
That call for a white-power rally in Charlottesville drew good, decent people!
Who here likes Sherriff Joe?
We've got "great talent" on the ground in Houston,
so gut FEMA and National Flood Insurance!
Can't get a date? Grab 'em by their wherever! That's what I do!
Yeah, Trump "speaks for himself", but he damages all of us with every new insult to decency, integrity, and the democratic process.
with the character "drunk uncle" presiding over our nation.
Every knee-jerk, angry-white-man exclamation has become policy:
Un-write the rules on climate!
That call for a white-power rally in Charlottesville drew good, decent people!
Who here likes Sherriff Joe?
We've got "great talent" on the ground in Houston,
so gut FEMA and National Flood Insurance!
Can't get a date? Grab 'em by their wherever! That's what I do!
Yeah, Trump "speaks for himself", but he damages all of us with every new insult to decency, integrity, and the democratic process.
3
I've been thinking Trump is influenced by Adolph Hitler: "If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed."
Winston Churchill told people this statement was the main thing that convinced him Hitler was a danger to the world when most people were still convinced Der Fuhrer was a reasonable man who meant no harm.
Remind you of anyone?
Winston Churchill told people this statement was the main thing that convinced him Hitler was a danger to the world when most people were still convinced Der Fuhrer was a reasonable man who meant no harm.
Remind you of anyone?
1
We have historic precedent, and so much richer science and education since then, yet it's brazenly, openly ignored by both the Trump supporters and their GOP enablers, going all out Christofascism.
Joe Arpaio was pardoned to explicitly show that lawless, Christofascist racial hate is now declared the Open Season of the Land.
Joe has thanked the President for what is in his heart, that is: for having likewise duly nurtured and raised white supremacist ChristoFoxNews hate in his heart.
America is today coming down almost as fast and as hallucinatingly incredibly as the World Trade Center at 911.
"But hey, why shed even a tear. Don't you see what we get in return? Don't you see those tax cuts for the ultrawealthy on the horizon? Those - cough, cough, doctor, what, how come I have cancer? - beautiful polluter profits?"
The oligarchs got a lot of tax tricks, unregulated polluting profits, and on- & offshore tax havens to defend. Even awarding some policy peanuts to a wing of the political spectrum that is moderate mainstream in Western Europe or Canada, was deemed too harmful to them today, which is why they co-created and ride the Christofascist tide, while simultaneously keeping the same voice of reason checked by the strangling grip of their intra-Dem Party lobbyist ties and puppets.
They also love the plan to have Christofascist schools teach kids to put on beautiful blinders and become as pretend-pious and conformist to power as Pence, while pickpocketing their parents.
Joe Arpaio was pardoned to explicitly show that lawless, Christofascist racial hate is now declared the Open Season of the Land.
Joe has thanked the President for what is in his heart, that is: for having likewise duly nurtured and raised white supremacist ChristoFoxNews hate in his heart.
America is today coming down almost as fast and as hallucinatingly incredibly as the World Trade Center at 911.
"But hey, why shed even a tear. Don't you see what we get in return? Don't you see those tax cuts for the ultrawealthy on the horizon? Those - cough, cough, doctor, what, how come I have cancer? - beautiful polluter profits?"
The oligarchs got a lot of tax tricks, unregulated polluting profits, and on- & offshore tax havens to defend. Even awarding some policy peanuts to a wing of the political spectrum that is moderate mainstream in Western Europe or Canada, was deemed too harmful to them today, which is why they co-created and ride the Christofascist tide, while simultaneously keeping the same voice of reason checked by the strangling grip of their intra-Dem Party lobbyist ties and puppets.
They also love the plan to have Christofascist schools teach kids to put on beautiful blinders and become as pretend-pious and conformist to power as Pence, while pickpocketing their parents.
2
Just a small grammar point: shouldn't it be "... who humiliates those weaker than he" (rather than "him")? We wouldn't write the sentence in full, but, if we did, it would read "... those weaker than he (is weak)." As you can see, I'm trying to distract myself from the subject of the editorial and all the rest of the mess we're in these days.
2
Sheriff Joe worked FOR America, not against it like the Times does.
1
#45 has only contempt for the rule of law, for the constitution, and for the American people. Though mentally ill, he knows what he is doing in this regard and he does it deliberately. He is a traitor to this country and should be treated accordingly by full prosecutory powers.
The office of NY State Attorney General has not been reluctant to prosecute violations of state laws governing business and financial dealings. Perhaps we will see indictments of Trump et Cie executives or associates for crimes under state statutes that are not pardonable by a president, including those committed by Trump himself prior to his election.
1
We were always told that we have "Checks and Balances" in our system.
If one powerful person can pardon anyone irrespective of his or her crime without any recourse, where is the check?
If the elected representatives are supposed to provide the check, then we have elected people who are too greedy, too corrupt and without any morality and are not worthy of the positions they hold.
If one powerful person can pardon anyone irrespective of his or her crime without any recourse, where is the check?
If the elected representatives are supposed to provide the check, then we have elected people who are too greedy, too corrupt and without any morality and are not worthy of the positions they hold.
5
Cool, you go, NYT, a little fire and fury from the gut of intellectuals.
Another feel good article for progressive liberals who take the law into their own hands. What a great President! He pardoned an innocent man!
"Innocent"? Did you even read this editorial?
6
Path to U.S. Dictatorship
First, immunize the police from control by the law as embodied in the U.S. court system. DONE, with Arpaio pardon.
Second, turn the police forces into paramilitary forces, equipped to almost-full military levels. DONE, with decision to resume equipping police with surplus military equipment announced August 28.
Step up police “crowd control” and anti-terrorist training, with accompanying reinforcement of ”Us vs Them” and “Thin Blue Line” mindsets.
Ramp up right-wing propaganda against any form of protest against Trumpian outrages, painting it as subversive, disloyal, unpatriotic, etc. (Remember the treatment of those who opposed the Iraq invasion?)
Encourage white supremacists, neo-Nazis and their ilk to create a steady stream of confrontations between them and protesters. Turn a blind eye to general thuggery and intimidation by these elements: think of roving SA bands hunting down Socialists in 1930s Germany.
Plant agents provocateurs in the protest ranks to guarantee violence and outrages on an escalating scale: another Reichstag fire?
Demonize those “violent protesters,” and encourage police to employ “strong measures.”BEGUN with Trump's urging police not to be too nice to people detained.
Ignore efforts by the courts to rein in unconstitutional behavior.
And, do what you want, without let or hindrance.
First, immunize the police from control by the law as embodied in the U.S. court system. DONE, with Arpaio pardon.
Second, turn the police forces into paramilitary forces, equipped to almost-full military levels. DONE, with decision to resume equipping police with surplus military equipment announced August 28.
Step up police “crowd control” and anti-terrorist training, with accompanying reinforcement of ”Us vs Them” and “Thin Blue Line” mindsets.
Ramp up right-wing propaganda against any form of protest against Trumpian outrages, painting it as subversive, disloyal, unpatriotic, etc. (Remember the treatment of those who opposed the Iraq invasion?)
Encourage white supremacists, neo-Nazis and their ilk to create a steady stream of confrontations between them and protesters. Turn a blind eye to general thuggery and intimidation by these elements: think of roving SA bands hunting down Socialists in 1930s Germany.
Plant agents provocateurs in the protest ranks to guarantee violence and outrages on an escalating scale: another Reichstag fire?
Demonize those “violent protesters,” and encourage police to employ “strong measures.”BEGUN with Trump's urging police not to be too nice to people detained.
Ignore efforts by the courts to rein in unconstitutional behavior.
And, do what you want, without let or hindrance.
7
We are citizens of this country and it is time to demand that something be done about this Crazy Person posing as our President. The law provides solutions to this problem Demand Action Now.
4
Regarding the Arpaio pardon, the case is more complicated than this editorial would have it. Yes, from the perspective of unrepentant contempt for a legal ruling from a federal court, Sheriff Joe is a poor candidate for a pardon.
But from the perspective of upholding federal immigration laws, many of us see him as a figure upholding the rule of law. That has been in the face of Democratic and Republican administrations which have refused to do so -- egged on every step of the way by the Times editorial page.
Let's be honest here. The same people condemning Arpaio's admitted excesses are happy to turn around and applaud the lawlessness of sanctuary cities and sanctuary churches, which decide unilaterally to undermine the laws and policies enacted by duly elected federal officials.
The same people demanding that Arizona or Alabama not pre-empt our relatively permissive and expansive federal immigration laws, are happy to see New York or California pre-empt those laws when they feel they are not permissive and expansive enough.
The Times editorial page has been a leading advocate for states and municipalities to defy and negate federal immigration law. It has been a leading advocate for rewarding those who break our immigration laws with citizenship. Its appeal to "the rule of law" comes across as rank hypocrisy.
But from the perspective of upholding federal immigration laws, many of us see him as a figure upholding the rule of law. That has been in the face of Democratic and Republican administrations which have refused to do so -- egged on every step of the way by the Times editorial page.
Let's be honest here. The same people condemning Arpaio's admitted excesses are happy to turn around and applaud the lawlessness of sanctuary cities and sanctuary churches, which decide unilaterally to undermine the laws and policies enacted by duly elected federal officials.
The same people demanding that Arizona or Alabama not pre-empt our relatively permissive and expansive federal immigration laws, are happy to see New York or California pre-empt those laws when they feel they are not permissive and expansive enough.
The Times editorial page has been a leading advocate for states and municipalities to defy and negate federal immigration law. It has been a leading advocate for rewarding those who break our immigration laws with citizenship. Its appeal to "the rule of law" comes across as rank hypocrisy.
3
No, this case is not complicated at all. The Sheriff violated the law. Period. He disobeyed judicial rulings and did so while physically mistreating Latinos who are NOT undocumented aliens- some of them are naturalized citizens and some of them were born here. You can argue the legality of the "sanctuary city" concept but doing so hardly justifies Mr. Arpaio's excesses or his disregard for the ultimate authority of the courts.
4
The difference is that it's legal for cities to choose whether or not they want to help the federal government enforce federal law. On the other hand, it's not only illegal, but unconstitutional, for a sheriff to deny people their due process rights.
3
He actually did a terrible job enforcing the law he was responsible for enforcing. His office had 40,000 plus felony warrants that were never served. 911 response time went up under his watch. Crime in the county went up when it was going down in the rest of the State. He protected us from the evil swarm that pick our food, tend to our gardens, clean our homes and take care of our elderly. Lets round them up, who cares if they might actually be US citizens. They aren't Americans, they couldn't possibly be Americans they don't look like me...
4
All this hand wringing, all this tale of woe and troubles - where is it getting us? Trump is so outrageous, anyone who is reasonable sounds shrill. Where is the real blame? Look at Congress. That is where the check and balance needs to start. Trump doesn't care, and the "fake-media" sounds more and more like a broken record. I only hope that the majority of sensible Americas will wake up and "throw the bums out" and vote in people who will stop this horrible disaster of a President.
3
Most frightening is the thought that the fate of our democracy rests on this group of Republican congress-people, who have never shown an ability to act for more than their few. If they allow pardons to those implicated in the Russian investigations, our Constitution will be rendered impotent.
4
In fact, as long as he holds this office, Donald Trump does speak for the United States.
1
I think the rest of the world understands he is not speaking for the majority of citizens!
1
There was a replay on TV last night of Seb Gorka remarking gleefully after Trump won: "Say goodbye to Pajama Boy (referring to Obama). The Alpha Male is back". It was a vile, disgusting remark.
Trump pardons a man who disobeys and open flaunts his disrespect for our nation's laws, constitution, and decency. Naturally, Trump only (and repeatedly, as if in a morning cartoon show) calls him by his fourth grade nickname "Sheriff Joe." Perhaps our alpha male should only be called President Don.
Trump promotes a book by "Sheriff David" Clarke on the day Houston and surrounding communities are drowning in water from a storm he bragged about on Twitter in all caps as "HISTORIC", followed by "Thanks!" Very alpha male: my storm is bigger than yours.
So, America, you got your "Alpha Male", who fits the definition perfectly in "a display of personal dominance disconnected from concerns about law and order, equality or the Constitution."
Meanwhile, back in the real world, perhaps in 2018, every voter will make a concerted effort to elect some grown-ups instead.
Trump pardons a man who disobeys and open flaunts his disrespect for our nation's laws, constitution, and decency. Naturally, Trump only (and repeatedly, as if in a morning cartoon show) calls him by his fourth grade nickname "Sheriff Joe." Perhaps our alpha male should only be called President Don.
Trump promotes a book by "Sheriff David" Clarke on the day Houston and surrounding communities are drowning in water from a storm he bragged about on Twitter in all caps as "HISTORIC", followed by "Thanks!" Very alpha male: my storm is bigger than yours.
So, America, you got your "Alpha Male", who fits the definition perfectly in "a display of personal dominance disconnected from concerns about law and order, equality or the Constitution."
Meanwhile, back in the real world, perhaps in 2018, every voter will make a concerted effort to elect some grown-ups instead.
2
For Trump, no problem in the legal system lacks a physically abusive solution, the more physical the solution, the better.
Why do we not have more background information on his father and mother. They must have been doozies.
Why do we not have more background information on his father and mother. They must have been doozies.
All you guys keep forgetting that this is exactly the kind of president his supporters want because as they idiotically claim, "He's beholdin to no one".
When will someone find the courage to hold Trump's base responsible for what Trump is doing to America?
When will someone find the courage to hold Trump's base responsible for what Trump is doing to America?
2
The president only has the power to pardon those in the federal judicial system, not in any state systems. When the facts come out about Russia, abuse of Latinos by Sheriff Arpaio or anything else, the states should carefully examine them to see if any state laws were also broken.
States have civil rights and tampering laws but generally defer to federal laws. The time has come for the states to be empowered to act and to charge under their own laws for any misconduct.
States have civil rights and tampering laws but generally defer to federal laws. The time has come for the states to be empowered to act and to charge under their own laws for any misconduct.
3
Rex Tillerson speaks for himself.
According to Article II of the Constitution of the United States of America Donald John Trump is the one and only President of the United States of America. And Trump speaks for the entire Executive Branch of our divided limited power republic unless and until the President is checked or contradicted by the legislative and/or judicial branches. Trump also speaks for his 320 million fellow Americans
Anyone who thinks or says or writes anything to contrary is dealing in the delusional denial of our current American reality. Anyone within and without the Trump administration who does not openly condemn and distance themselves from the inaction and action along with the words of Trump is a complicit co-conspirator. We the people cannot blame Trump on either divine royal coronation nor a violent tyrannical coup.
According to Article II of the Constitution of the United States of America Donald John Trump is the one and only President of the United States of America. And Trump speaks for the entire Executive Branch of our divided limited power republic unless and until the President is checked or contradicted by the legislative and/or judicial branches. Trump also speaks for his 320 million fellow Americans
Anyone who thinks or says or writes anything to contrary is dealing in the delusional denial of our current American reality. Anyone within and without the Trump administration who does not openly condemn and distance themselves from the inaction and action along with the words of Trump is a complicit co-conspirator. We the people cannot blame Trump on either divine royal coronation nor a violent tyrannical coup.
3
It is exhausting to say once again that Democrat and Republican, we elected officials to uphold the law. The President has shown that he does not uphold the law, and needs to be removed. He has pardoned someone who attacked the constitutional rights of other people. If officials do not remove this President, they are obstructing justice and should also be removed for their inability to preserve the Constitution and the principles of American democracy.
This is not a matter of policy.
This is not a matter of policy.
1
Sadly, we are no longer surprised by what Trump does. If he behaved like our past Presidents, that would be news.
I think we now need our other arms of government, the legislative branch and the judicial branch, to stay vigilant and call him out. We do have bells and whistles and they need to get employed. It was heartening to see both Mr. Tillerson and Gen. Mattis start to stand on their own two feet instead of parroting the President.
I think we now need our other arms of government, the legislative branch and the judicial branch, to stay vigilant and call him out. We do have bells and whistles and they need to get employed. It was heartening to see both Mr. Tillerson and Gen. Mattis start to stand on their own two feet instead of parroting the President.
President Projection pardoned himself.
8
Albert: "President Projection pardoned himself."
You will need to say more than that, if you expect anyone to get your point.
You will need to say more than that, if you expect anyone to get your point.
Don't you just love that the Dumpster Fire of Vanity revels in every kind of human misery as long as it puts him on center stage.
The man without a heart ...
The man without a heart ...
12
Yes, and that is why he is going to Texas, at great taxpayer expense and diverting of resources that could help people in need.
2
SA: "The man without a heart ..."
Obviously, Trump has a "heart" for Arpaio, or Trump wouldn't have pardoned him:
"I am pleased to inform you that I have just granted a full Pardon to 85 year old American patriot Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He kept Arizona safe!"
— Donald J. Trump
Obviously, Trump has a "heart" for Arpaio, or Trump wouldn't have pardoned him:
"I am pleased to inform you that I have just granted a full Pardon to 85 year old American patriot Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He kept Arizona safe!"
— Donald J. Trump
Article states "locking them up for the crime of having brown skin". So the NYT thinks that breaking into our country and being here in the U.S. illegally had nothing to do with it.
2
He didn't go out and find white illegals, and he scooped up plenty of legals and failed to provide them with due process. You haven't been paying attention.
10
America is growing increasingly annoyed with people who continue to ignore the fact that the Sheriff and his deputies repeatedly stopped and detained law abiding American citizens based solely on the color of their skin; not because they were so called "illegals." Ignorance of the facts is no excuse for shooting one's mouth off against one's critics which Trump and supporters seem to do constantly.
7
Not everyone with brown skin is an illegal immigrant.
4
"...who humiliates those weaker than him..."
Where's Safire when we need him?
Where's Safire when we need him?
Why this man is still "president" is beyond my comprehension. Where is Congress? Stand up for the people and send this would be tyrant back down the hole he crawled out of. Now.
22
Trump is hardly alone.
3
How long can this go on?
5
Tillerson commenting on American values is a scream. The only values he knows is Exxon Mobil pleasing the shareholders boot licking, and he's fully incorporated those in his fast destruction of the State Department.
The United States is in the midst of a silent coup d'etat. We are at undeclared civil war, and the domestic enemies are not confined to the White (supremacists') House, but are each and every silent Republican in the legislature aiding and abetting the monster they foisted upon our beloved country and Constitution.
The United States is in the midst of a silent coup d'etat. We are at undeclared civil war, and the domestic enemies are not confined to the White (supremacists') House, but are each and every silent Republican in the legislature aiding and abetting the monster they foisted upon our beloved country and Constitution.
10
Mr. Trump is depraved, consequently, we can only expect more of the same until he is removed from office. It appears that the "size of the crowd" in Arizona has become an issue for him, adding to his already agitated state of mind. Perhaps because he senses that even his base is leaving him, the people who may or may not know better, but went along because, hey, they're Republicans. At the core of the base, though, is an equally depraved group of people, who are just like Trump in mind and spirit. We musn't forget this. As absurd and as sureal as the current polictical situation may appear to be, it is, never the less, very real, tragically so, and as he continues to play to that core group, we will become even more astonished, especially when Mr. Mueller starts producing the goods, which is inevitable, as we know Trump only too well. I used to think that at the core was ignoance, but it is not so. Ignorance may be the fringe in the Republican Party but at the core is something very mean and dispiriting. Not all the people in the Nazi Party were bad people, but those that went along closed their eyes eventually to incredible brutality. Hostilities are already beginning to escalate, so it is only a matter of time before our imagination is stretched once again in terms of just how depraved this man is.
9
What we have here is a failure to communicate....
We have a nation that is deeply divided on whether immigration laws should be enforced at all.
Sheriff Arpaio fell on one side of that opinion poll, the NY Times editorial board on the other.
We have a nation that is deeply divided on whether immigration laws should be enforced at all.
Sheriff Arpaio fell on one side of that opinion poll, the NY Times editorial board on the other.
1
No. There are laws to be upheld and the sheriff went way beyond them
1
This editorial reveals nothing that students of the Apprentice
Emperor do not already know. Trump's core strategy is to
never explain or apologize, never admit a mistake, always stay on the
attack, re-attack, and lie for explanations. H is the star pupil of
the master manipulator Roy Cohn, Joe McCarthy's attorney. Based on the
past seven months, Trump will not change, listen to any advice
from his cabinet, or have any inclination to tell the truth.
Going forward, only Mueller's investigation and the 2018 congressional
election will have any impact on the Trump brand of thinking.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks.? Doubtful.
Emperor do not already know. Trump's core strategy is to
never explain or apologize, never admit a mistake, always stay on the
attack, re-attack, and lie for explanations. H is the star pupil of
the master manipulator Roy Cohn, Joe McCarthy's attorney. Based on the
past seven months, Trump will not change, listen to any advice
from his cabinet, or have any inclination to tell the truth.
Going forward, only Mueller's investigation and the 2018 congressional
election will have any impact on the Trump brand of thinking.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks.? Doubtful.
4
This editorial makes it clear what Trump voters—or should they just be called white supremacists—bought into. The question these people should be asking themselves: aren't you ashamed yet or is the siren call of racism by demented old power mongers too enticing for the cowardly un-American GOP to resist?
6
Trump and his band of misfits- Roger Stone, Sheriff Joe, Scott Pruitt, Rick Perry, Jeff Sessions, Steve Bannon - and the list goes on. These people have no regard for the well being of the country - and are supported by generals and former generals who are drafting their own rules. From compassion to contempt for our way of life in eight months. Pruitt comes from a state that has a four day school week to save money, where teachers earn less than a fast food employee. where police exercise the brutal behavior Yrump loves. Sheriff Joe jailed legal Hispanics and liked to photographed in his tent jails. Can anyone imagine living in 115 temperatures and the only water came from a vending machine? And what if he women in these concentration camps? Rick Perry revelled in a non- regulation state - Houston is now floooded beyond imagination becusef of uncontrolled buildind. Roger Stone plots the release of Bundy. Jail the good guys - free the bad. Trump has distain for law - not paying taxes, exploiting the disadvantaged with his Trump University, his business dealings while a President. Not a Republican - just another shyster on the make. Ivanka the moderator is nowhere to be seen. Men of intelligence turn a blind eye - they too are fodder for Mad King Trump.
6
Republicans' silence speaks for itself too.
11
Yea, yea...Trump is demonstrating again that he's an unfit and out of control racist"...Same story different day.
If the unfit and out of control twitter-twit isn't doing something that's possibly an impeachable offense, ignore the bloody blighter...I'd have said.
If the unfit and out of control twitter-twit isn't doing something that's possibly an impeachable offense, ignore the bloody blighter...I'd have said.
1
The Boy King has spoken. Look for more pardons of his cronies in the next few months.
3
Once again, I appreciate what you at The New York Times have been doing and continue to do to make those of your readers aware of just how truly horrific the person sitting in the Oval Office is. He is demonic, associating himself with the likes of this horrific sheriff. Thank you, thank you, thank you, The New York Times where there is no such thing as "fake" news.
9
Is this an equal opportunity editorial board? Don't recall too many complaints about Obama's or Clinton's pardons. Are omissions pardonable?
2
If any of their pardons were as deplorable as Trump's pick this time, I would have been just as livid with them, too.
Neither Obama nor Clinton pardoned people who made it their business to trample on the Constitutional rights of others or defied federal court orders.
2
Right, simply convicted felons, that's all. Minor detail.
The frightening thing is that one third of America agrees with Trump. In addition, he is the GOP's mouthpiece, which should scare everyone because it is a fascistic entity at heart and is holding this country hostage.
Be afraid, be very afraid for your country, Americans.
Be afraid, be very afraid for your country, Americans.
10
" ... he issued [the pardon], in his cowardly way, as the nation was riveted to the impending landfall of Hurricane Harvey."
Or he was miffed at being upstaged by a weather event and had to insert himself into the news coverage. Who knows with this clown.
Or he was miffed at being upstaged by a weather event and had to insert himself into the news coverage. Who knows with this clown.
9
If Vladimir Putin's goal was to destroy American democracy, he's getting his wish.
4
In a related NYT story, Trump stated that he timed his announcement for maximum television ratings, since so many Americans were watching hurricane coverage at that moment. While many people believed the Friday evening announcement was his way of hiding his evil deed, the opposite is actually true: he was shamelessly throwing the pardon in our collective face and boasting about it afterward.
Anyone who supports this behavior is as contemptible as Trump.
Anyone who supports this behavior is as contemptible as Trump.
5
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government"
Perhaps it's time to do it again...
Perhaps it's time to do it again...
4
Before you begin pointing your finger at Donald Trump, I suggest you take a close look at pardons (or clemency) given by former Presidents Clinton and Obama. How soon we all forget how Susan Rosenberg was arrested unloading 740 pounds of dynamite and weapons into a storage locker. When compared to Mark Rich, Susan Rosenberg, Oscar Rivera, Carlos Vignali or Chelsea Manning, Joe Arpaio is a choir boy.
2
For the record,
Commute com•mute
reduce a judicial sentence, to one less severe.
synonyms: reduce, lessen, lighten, shorten, cut, attenuate, moderate
"his sentence was commuted"
Susan Rosenberg was sentenced to 58 years in prison on the weapons and explosives charges. She spent 16 years in prison, during which she became a poet, author and AIDS activist. Her sentence was commuted by President Bill Clinton.
Several U.S. Congressmen supported López Rivera's release from prison.
On January 17, 2017, President Barack Obama commuted López Rivera's sentence and he was released from prison on May 17, 2017, after 35 years in prison.
Carlos Anibal Vignali had his federal prison sentence commuted by President of the United States Bill Clinton just prior to leaving office. At the time, he was serving the 6th of 15 years in prison.
Barack Obama commuted Manning's sentence to nearly seven years of confinement dating from the date of arrest.
Marc Rich is a different sordid story.
Joe Arpaio is no choir boy.
Commute com•mute
reduce a judicial sentence, to one less severe.
synonyms: reduce, lessen, lighten, shorten, cut, attenuate, moderate
"his sentence was commuted"
Susan Rosenberg was sentenced to 58 years in prison on the weapons and explosives charges. She spent 16 years in prison, during which she became a poet, author and AIDS activist. Her sentence was commuted by President Bill Clinton.
Several U.S. Congressmen supported López Rivera's release from prison.
On January 17, 2017, President Barack Obama commuted López Rivera's sentence and he was released from prison on May 17, 2017, after 35 years in prison.
Carlos Anibal Vignali had his federal prison sentence commuted by President of the United States Bill Clinton just prior to leaving office. At the time, he was serving the 6th of 15 years in prison.
Barack Obama commuted Manning's sentence to nearly seven years of confinement dating from the date of arrest.
Marc Rich is a different sordid story.
Joe Arpaio is no choir boy.
1
They ARE Collaborators. Vichy Republicans. There is NO impeachable Act, that the Presidential Apprentice could, and probably will, perform. The Founders expected Presidents to abuse power, thus the system of checks and balances. However, the Founders did NOT expect the Congress to completely acquiesce. Thanks, GOP. Stay classy, sniveling cowards.
7
Trump pardoned this convicted racist because he is so tired of winning.
A partial list of all the wins so far (please feel free to add):
• Hillary locked
• Wall built and paid for by Mexicans
• Obamacare repealed and replaced on the same day and the same hour
• Coal jobs are back
• China defeated in the Trade Wars
Trump indeed speaks for himself. But to whom is he speaking to?
Maybe to his fellow racists who are also so tired of winning they are begging "Please, Mr. President, we don't want to win anymore!"
Guess what?
Trump is gonna keep on winning.
A partial list of all the wins so far (please feel free to add):
• Hillary locked
• Wall built and paid for by Mexicans
• Obamacare repealed and replaced on the same day and the same hour
• Coal jobs are back
• China defeated in the Trade Wars
Trump indeed speaks for himself. But to whom is he speaking to?
Maybe to his fellow racists who are also so tired of winning they are begging "Please, Mr. President, we don't want to win anymore!"
Guess what?
Trump is gonna keep on winning.
1
Well said!
Eventually Trump's reign will come to an end --preferably sooner than later. What will the 'base' do then?
It is obvious that Trump not only will not, but cannot do anything that actually fixes any of their complaints. His self serving actions will only exacerbate them. And with the cabinet he has selected hell bent on undoing all that previous presidents --plural -- have done, they do not realize things will become worse.
One example; Instead of resurrecting the coal industry that is death to its workers, and harmful to everyone else, he makes no effort to instigate other opportunities. That requires thought and study, two attributes of leadership that are anathema to him.
Mayor Bloomberg was right; he knew a con man when he saw one.
It is obvious that Trump not only will not, but cannot do anything that actually fixes any of their complaints. His self serving actions will only exacerbate them. And with the cabinet he has selected hell bent on undoing all that previous presidents --plural -- have done, they do not realize things will become worse.
One example; Instead of resurrecting the coal industry that is death to its workers, and harmful to everyone else, he makes no effort to instigate other opportunities. That requires thought and study, two attributes of leadership that are anathema to him.
Mayor Bloomberg was right; he knew a con man when he saw one.
3
Rex Tillerson's memoir after he leaves the State Department will be all about, "I stayed because we needed some adults in the room." "Man that guy was crazy." "I did it for the country." Blah, blah....Ryan will have no excuse. He could have gotten rid of the nincompoop in chief.
2
Congress can take action to remove this dangerous sociopath from office. How much suffering must take place before they do so?
2
“That disturbing truth was nowhere more evident of Mr Trump’s pardon, late Friday night, of the former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio …” Call me pedantic, but I believe the correct form should be “... Mr Trump’s pardoning, late Friday night, of the former Arizona sheriff …” In essence, it should be "pardoning of." Pardon me for steering this conversation to a discourse on grammar.
1
Most informative was Trump's news conference yesterday where he gave the reasons for pardoning the criminal sheriff: "he's a patriot", and "he loves America", "was just doing his job", and was "treated unfairly" by Obama. So it appears that indeed Trump could shoot someone on fifth avenue and not get arrested because he could simply claim he's a patriot and loves America. But if he did, the immoral, avaricious sycophants in the GOP congress would just say the President speaks and acts for himself, wouldn't they? The gravy train still runs around the GOP congress. All aboard !
213
Trump could start executing random citizens on Fifth Avenue and the GOP Congress would still play along.
You are very quick at branding someone criminal. I would be very afraid of living in a country governed by someone like you. What would you do with those that don't follow your believes? Kill them? exile them?
1
About 63 million American voters delivered Donald Trump a meaningful Electoral College majority right to temporarily occupy the Oval Office of our White House. Coupled with the election of a Republican majority in the U.S. Congress the American people have the government representation that they deserve. The ignorant incompetent ineffective Democratic Party minority in Congress is to blame for it's own shrinking message and messengers.
2
It is interesting that everyone in the media calls Arpaio a "racist". For me a racist is someone who will say things like "I don't like these people, they should not be here, they should not live in my community, they steal jobs, they are not like us etc.". How do you name someone who rounds up people (many lawful US resident) based on racial profiling, puts them in a unheated/uncooled camp depending on the season, humiliates them with inappropriate clothes, feeds them rotten food, chain gangs them, refuses them medical care etc. And refuses to comply to the law. If in another country the US would call him a thug and even a war criminal. And yet this is the upstanding man that deserved a pardon.
354
Yes indeed he deserved a pardon. He was an elected official for 24 years. What does your opinion say about the voters that elected him?
Excellent point. Racism may be the motivator, but Arpaio is a criminal and will be forever, pardoned or not.
2
I see....so are you talking about Israel and its treatment of my Palestinian relatives?
This editorial observes, "Mr. Trump, we are reminded every day in ways we would not have imagined the day before, speaks and acts in the interests of himself and no one else."
This editorial is only partially correct in this statement. Mr. Trump has aligned himself with a base of people in this country and panders to their interests to get the power that is his interest. He plays to them with every utterance and every tweet, and sometimes by his silence. These are the people who put him in office. When he stages rallies, he plays to them and not the country at large. He continues to divide rather than unite.
Any president with a shred of decency would have called out the right wing demonstrators in Charlottesville who were making Nazi salutes and shouting "Heil/Hail Trump." That video was readily available on the internet. Those demonstrators were crystal clear about what they meant. And Mr. Trump said absolutely nothing about them. He should have singled them out as being against everything for which America stands, and he failed.
Mr. Trump, and the GOP leadership as well, knew to whom to appeal to get into office. They knew what buttons to press to get a knee-jerk reaction in the voting booth. This was not a majority of Americans, but enough to get the needed votes in the Electoral College. Mr. Trump continues to appeal to their interests in order to further his own, the most recent being the presidential pardon for the 'patriot' Joe Arpaio.
This editorial is only partially correct in this statement. Mr. Trump has aligned himself with a base of people in this country and panders to their interests to get the power that is his interest. He plays to them with every utterance and every tweet, and sometimes by his silence. These are the people who put him in office. When he stages rallies, he plays to them and not the country at large. He continues to divide rather than unite.
Any president with a shred of decency would have called out the right wing demonstrators in Charlottesville who were making Nazi salutes and shouting "Heil/Hail Trump." That video was readily available on the internet. Those demonstrators were crystal clear about what they meant. And Mr. Trump said absolutely nothing about them. He should have singled them out as being against everything for which America stands, and he failed.
Mr. Trump, and the GOP leadership as well, knew to whom to appeal to get into office. They knew what buttons to press to get a knee-jerk reaction in the voting booth. This was not a majority of Americans, but enough to get the needed votes in the Electoral College. Mr. Trump continues to appeal to their interests in order to further his own, the most recent being the presidential pardon for the 'patriot' Joe Arpaio.
175
But why does he play to his supporters?
For himself alone!
For himself alone!
2
Superficial bad actor Trump PANDERS to people's entertainment and nothing else.
Tillerson's "The president speaks for himself " and Cohn's " The administration can and must do better" are not all that different from Trump's "very fine people on both sides".
Anyone with a shred of moral compass should not equivocate and resign this administration immediately.
Anyone with a shred of moral compass should not equivocate and resign this administration immediately.
1
The "law and order" president pardons an officer of the court who violated an order of the court and violated our most fundamental of laws, the constitution. How much lower can he go?
3
If we only could have known about about Trump's character prior to the election. Oh yes, we did know. Sad.
7
"I alone can. . ." whatever. Trump is rapidly divesting himself of what allies he had, and is headed toward the solipsistic position of being truly alone.
And we will get to find out just what "he alone" can accomplish, when it comes right down to it.
And we will get to find out just what "he alone" can accomplish, when it comes right down to it.
You think he's bad now, wait until you tell him he has to leave office.
He won't.
You read it here first.
He won't.
You read it here first.
3
Let's not forget that in addition to his racist persecution of people of color, Arpaio was a big believer in birtherism; he declared that Obama was not born in the U. S. Similar lies helped catapult Trump to the presidency. The lesson here? Persecute others, exercise racism, and, above all, lie, lie, LIE. This is the road to success in Trump's America.
4
I submit for your consideration that "this is precisely what the American common man WANTS him to do." And he knows it.
Up until this time, the Oval Office was occupied by men with one of two qualifications: they were either career politicians who had reached the top of the heap, or they were retired military Generals. In both cases, they had a lifetime of experience that taught them to calculate and to measure every single thing that they said – to never really offend anyone because that person might step on your toes and keep you from moving up.
The people of America rejected the latest career politician that was offered to them – a career politician that they already knew far too well – and purposely elected someone with no prior political experience at all. This was neither a mistake nor a "Russian hack." It was a very purposeful decision.
"Career politics" has failed this country utterly, and has lead to the destruction of many of the fundamental social covenants that a government makes to its people: education, health care, job security, retirement. And, self-absorbed as it is, the apparatchik finds no fault in this. The common man determined to turn this apple-cart upside down, and deliberately did so. I suggest that you should expect future Presidents to be a whole lot more like this one.
Up until this time, the Oval Office was occupied by men with one of two qualifications: they were either career politicians who had reached the top of the heap, or they were retired military Generals. In both cases, they had a lifetime of experience that taught them to calculate and to measure every single thing that they said – to never really offend anyone because that person might step on your toes and keep you from moving up.
The people of America rejected the latest career politician that was offered to them – a career politician that they already knew far too well – and purposely elected someone with no prior political experience at all. This was neither a mistake nor a "Russian hack." It was a very purposeful decision.
"Career politics" has failed this country utterly, and has lead to the destruction of many of the fundamental social covenants that a government makes to its people: education, health care, job security, retirement. And, self-absorbed as it is, the apparatchik finds no fault in this. The common man determined to turn this apple-cart upside down, and deliberately did so. I suggest that you should expect future Presidents to be a whole lot more like this one.
The "common man" did not select/elect this man to be president. HRC won by over 3 million votes. And there certainly was very targeted Russian influence. And the EC-- a slave-era relic-- failed miserably yet again, twice now in the 21st century. Most Americans hope and expect that this presidential folly is a one-off, from which we can survive; only time will tell.
2
Your comment reminds of HL Mencken:
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
Just remember that your "common man" and Mencken's "plain folks" are not really representative of everyone in this country (recall the popular vote count); rather, they're a subset of voters frightened at the prospect of losing whatever cultural, social, and economic dominance they've historically enjoyed. You can hoot about "career politicians" being rejected all you want, but that doesn't change the fact that you're celebrating the election of an incurious, hapless, boastfully ignorant, would-be authoritarian.
I suggest that the country would actually be much better off if voters as a whole learned to fight through the boredom of critically engaging with policy—the forte of the oft-maligned "career politician"—as opposed to the spectacle of empty politics and reality television/social media posturing, which the current president has mastered.
As for what you suggest the government owes its people: keep in mind that Trump and the GOP are working to limit all of those for everyone who doesn't have the economic means to secure them for themselves. That's the politics/policy gap: saying vs doing. Note that they're doing the opposite of what you write.
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
Just remember that your "common man" and Mencken's "plain folks" are not really representative of everyone in this country (recall the popular vote count); rather, they're a subset of voters frightened at the prospect of losing whatever cultural, social, and economic dominance they've historically enjoyed. You can hoot about "career politicians" being rejected all you want, but that doesn't change the fact that you're celebrating the election of an incurious, hapless, boastfully ignorant, would-be authoritarian.
I suggest that the country would actually be much better off if voters as a whole learned to fight through the boredom of critically engaging with policy—the forte of the oft-maligned "career politician"—as opposed to the spectacle of empty politics and reality television/social media posturing, which the current president has mastered.
As for what you suggest the government owes its people: keep in mind that Trump and the GOP are working to limit all of those for everyone who doesn't have the economic means to secure them for themselves. That's the politics/policy gap: saying vs doing. Note that they're doing the opposite of what you write.
1
Career politicians and the Citizens United ruling are a problem for many of us.
This is what America is like without out a real president.
1
Can I say I'm tired of hearing about how Gary Cohn "nearly resigned"? Especially given yesterday's headline "Two Bankers Are Selling Trump's Tax Plan. Is Congress Buying?" Tillerson's startling comment aside for the moment, I don't have a lot of faith in the putative "moral integrity" of the people who work for Trump. And I'm sure Gary Cohn went home after Charlottesville and drowned his sorrows in some very expensive Scotch.
2
What Trump did with this pardon is a travesty. Then again, let us all get real about pardon abuse. Trump didn't invent it.
President Bill Clinton, on his last day in office, pardoned a felon and scoundrel named Marc Rich who was hiding out in Switzerland. No doubt money was "donated" to all the right places.
So let's not tag Trump with a transgression he hardly invented when he just followed a long line of use and abuse by his "illustrious" predecessors!
Google pardon abuse. That should open your eyes. Perhaps the NY Times might want to give some of these "equal time" in the name of journalistic objectivity.... Something hardly found anymore!
President Bill Clinton, on his last day in office, pardoned a felon and scoundrel named Marc Rich who was hiding out in Switzerland. No doubt money was "donated" to all the right places.
So let's not tag Trump with a transgression he hardly invented when he just followed a long line of use and abuse by his "illustrious" predecessors!
Google pardon abuse. That should open your eyes. Perhaps the NY Times might want to give some of these "equal time" in the name of journalistic objectivity.... Something hardly found anymore!
2
I suspect the sheriff did not have similar bags of money to "contribute".
Not to worry - at least we know Trump already has ways to support himself through his businesses and will not have to rely on the "charity" of others like the Clinton family.
Not to worry - at least we know Trump already has ways to support himself through his businesses and will not have to rely on the "charity" of others like the Clinton family.
Given the number of court challenges and suits that are liable to result due to Trump's somewhat questionable grasp of the law and the constitution, has anybody calculated the cost to the American taxpayer of defending these avoidable blunders? Surely there must be someone in the West Wing who could save the taxpayer some money with a few well timed words in the shell-like ear of the POTUS?
You said Mr. Arpaio was an abomination, who terrorized the Latino population of Arizona. How, then, did he get re-elected. President Trump has been criticized for his Charlottesville remarks, but the only make plain what has been couched in evasive language. A large number of Americans think other Americans are inferior because they have a different skin color. They kept re-electing an abomination like Arpaio, I expect they will continue to support the deplorable in the White House.
Shame on the Republican Congress that enables him. SAD!
Shame on the Republican Congress that enables him. SAD!
8
I check in from time to time just to be reminded as to why I don't read the NYTs on a regular basis. This is an excellent example.
1
A well-reasoned argument.
1
We really didn't need another affirmation that this President does not speak for America . The Arpaio pardon was indeed an appeal to those in the cheap seats but 45 may have inadvertently opened the door for those truly aggrieved.
By accepting the pardon Arpaio had to admit guilt. So he has admitted to violating the constitutional rights of hundreds ,if not thousands. Hopefully civil lawsuits by all those aggrieved will ensue. Now they can tell their story of "concentration camp -like humiliation" to a sympathetic jury and watch huge verdicts leveled against Sherriff Joe in a speedy fashion.
By accepting the pardon Arpaio had to admit guilt. So he has admitted to violating the constitutional rights of hundreds ,if not thousands. Hopefully civil lawsuits by all those aggrieved will ensue. Now they can tell their story of "concentration camp -like humiliation" to a sympathetic jury and watch huge verdicts leveled against Sherriff Joe in a speedy fashion.
5
Defenders of Trump, and there are defenders say "nothing to see here...stop complaining...you're just in denial of his accomplishments". But as the ad asks "what did you think?". The chickens are coming home to roost but we don't know who is guarding the chicken coup and if all the Russian foxes will get pardons.
None of it is normal.
None of it is good.
What's left?
Tar and feather anyone?
None of it is normal.
None of it is good.
What's left?
Tar and feather anyone?
6
When Secretary Clinton suggested that half of Donald Trump's supporters belong in a "basket of deplorables" she may have grossly underestimated.
12
But you like his imperial gestures. MOABS and missiles and more wars abroad. That's when you say his behavior is presidential.
In fact, at home and abroad, his actions are of a piece. If you insist on US dominance round the world, then you must have militarism at home as well.
In fact, at home and abroad, his actions are of a piece. If you insist on US dominance round the world, then you must have militarism at home as well.
2
the strange Kafka-esque trial of Joe Arpaio brings to light several curious situations:
1. How was Sheriff Joe convicted in the first place? In a nation which supposedly requires "trial by jury"....how was one judge able to pronounce guilt and nature of the sentance??? During the trial no evidence of the Sheriff's wrong doing was ever presented ... only opinions of the nature of Joe Arpaio's thoughts and how they conflicted with the views of the Judge.
2. I am still not certain of exactly which law the Sheriff was convicted of violating.....as most of the evidence presented thru a very biased media indicates that it was in fact the Sheriff that was abiding by the immigration laws NOT the Judge.
3. After insulting America with pardons for the likes of Ollie North and Marc Rich.......actual law BREAKERS.........Trump should be lauded for pardoning someone who's only error in judgement was to ENFORCE the wrong law.
1. How was Sheriff Joe convicted in the first place? In a nation which supposedly requires "trial by jury"....how was one judge able to pronounce guilt and nature of the sentance??? During the trial no evidence of the Sheriff's wrong doing was ever presented ... only opinions of the nature of Joe Arpaio's thoughts and how they conflicted with the views of the Judge.
2. I am still not certain of exactly which law the Sheriff was convicted of violating.....as most of the evidence presented thru a very biased media indicates that it was in fact the Sheriff that was abiding by the immigration laws NOT the Judge.
3. After insulting America with pardons for the likes of Ollie North and Marc Rich.......actual law BREAKERS.........Trump should be lauded for pardoning someone who's only error in judgement was to ENFORCE the wrong law.
The law he was sanctioned for violating is called The Constitution of the United States.
1
Remember Olie North was one of Reagan's Darlings from the Iran Contra sceme, and Ford pardoned Nixon etc, seems like the right wing has a very bad habit of protecting their stooges, Scooter Libby was one who messed that boat.
And he was rounding up normal US citizens just because they were brown and treating them like they had fake papers, THAT is what he was busted for and the amount of information available being so overwhelming, and Arpaio himself happy grandstandly admitting it all, was found guilty by a Judge since sitting judges can, do, and are expected to make rulings on such actions as Arpaio's actual crimes of detention without cause due to the fact that they are equal branches of Government and it is the DUTY of the Courts to reign in bad acting lawmen.
It is the CONSTITUTIONAL Right to Not be detained without just cause, He was ordered to cease and desist, and refused, thus he was convicted.
And he was rounding up normal US citizens just because they were brown and treating them like they had fake papers, THAT is what he was busted for and the amount of information available being so overwhelming, and Arpaio himself happy grandstandly admitting it all, was found guilty by a Judge since sitting judges can, do, and are expected to make rulings on such actions as Arpaio's actual crimes of detention without cause due to the fact that they are equal branches of Government and it is the DUTY of the Courts to reign in bad acting lawmen.
It is the CONSTITUTIONAL Right to Not be detained without just cause, He was ordered to cease and desist, and refused, thus he was convicted.
1
Do you honestly believe what you just wrote? It has very little connection to the reality of our US Justice System.
In short, you have been trained to beleive something that simply isnt true.
The US Constitution is the guideline for how each jurisdiction is to write its own legal code.
You are arguing opinions over what exactly defines "detained without just cause".
If someone is interogated in whatever circumstance AND it is determined that individual, is in fact, breaking the law......well? sounds like "just cause".
In short, you have been trained to beleive something that simply isnt true.
The US Constitution is the guideline for how each jurisdiction is to write its own legal code.
You are arguing opinions over what exactly defines "detained without just cause".
If someone is interogated in whatever circumstance AND it is determined that individual, is in fact, breaking the law......well? sounds like "just cause".
I'm not a big fan of Rex Tillerson.
But if you look at the line of presidential succession:
1 Vice President Mike Pence
2 Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
3 President pro temp of the Senate Orrin Hatch
4 Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
5 Secretary of the Treasure Steve Mnuchin
6 Secretary of Defense James Mattis
7 Attorney General Jeff Sessions
8 Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
9 Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
10 Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
Tillerson, Hatch and Mattis are the only semi-presidential material in the bunch - and that's stretching it. Trump packed his cabinet with so many unfit people, and there are so many unfit people in the Congress (Paul Ryan!!!!) that I'd take Hatch and Tillerson over Trump and Pence any day. At least I wouldn't be worrying myself to death about their sanity.
But if you look at the line of presidential succession:
1 Vice President Mike Pence
2 Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
3 President pro temp of the Senate Orrin Hatch
4 Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
5 Secretary of the Treasure Steve Mnuchin
6 Secretary of Defense James Mattis
7 Attorney General Jeff Sessions
8 Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
9 Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
10 Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
Tillerson, Hatch and Mattis are the only semi-presidential material in the bunch - and that's stretching it. Trump packed his cabinet with so many unfit people, and there are so many unfit people in the Congress (Paul Ryan!!!!) that I'd take Hatch and Tillerson over Trump and Pence any day. At least I wouldn't be worrying myself to death about their sanity.
5
"The President speaks for himself."
In other words, "We are not on the same page".
You go, Rex!
In other words, "We are not on the same page".
You go, Rex!
3
It is the editorial staff that is out of touch with American values! Arpaio was targeted by the very political Obama Justice department. Arpaio was targeted for enforcing Federal immigration law a hing that was unpopular with Obama and many Democrats. He was convicted for a misdemeanor. As to respect to disregard for the law few have shone less regard than the Obama administration.
1
The procedure against Joe Arpaio started under Obama's predecessor President George W Bush.
2
Actually Obama had a much higher level of deportions than ANY other president ever. On top of that, it was NOT Obama Officials, it happened to be Bush Officials that started the inquiries and only finshed up in the Obama Admin.
Too bad that FACTS have such a liberal bias that the right wing is totally unaquainted with them and repudiates them at every chance.
Too bad that FACTS have such a liberal bias that the right wing is totally unaquainted with them and repudiates them at every chance.
1
Uh, no. Arpaio was found to have systematically violated the rights of brown people he targeted, essentially pulling over and arresting people because they looked hispanic, and holding them in outrageous conditions until they could prove the had a right to be here. Do you drive around with your birth certificate or US passport? I didn't think so. Pulled over lately for looking too white? Also probably not. When told to stop by a Bush appointed federal judge he doubled down and refused. For that he was found in contempt of a federal court order.
1
So Trump's pardon of Arpaio is "morally reprehensible" but apparently not enough for the Editors to call for his removal. This is probably one reason why Trump continues to mock the "failing NYT" knowing it's a paper tiger.
1
It continues to be distressing that about 75% of Republicans still support Donald Trump. What does that say about the Republican Party?
It is also distressing to see Republicans in Congress continue to enable Trump through their collective silence.
Where is the tipping point? Does the country have to hit bottom through Trump's failed leadership before it re-establishes itself as the country founded on law?
It is also distressing to see Republicans in Congress continue to enable Trump through their collective silence.
Where is the tipping point? Does the country have to hit bottom through Trump's failed leadership before it re-establishes itself as the country founded on law?
5
Donald Trump clearly views his current position as nothing more than a sequel to his hit TV show, "The Apprentice". His every action seems intended to promote this new show, called "The President" and by extension the entire Trump brand.
Trump's electoral base seems to be fine with Trump using the presidency to promote his brand. Further, it seems the base thinks that all politicians do the same thing. Since most politicians claim to enter politics with modest means and all seem to end their careers as extremely wealthy individuals is treated as de-facto evidence that politicians are corrupt and line their own pockets. To his base, Trump's overt use of the presidency to line his pockets is not exceptional, it is expected and they applaud Trump for not hiding it.
Trump is a symptom of a system in crisis. He is only the tip of an iceberg of political self dealing and governmental favoritism. We need to control the symptom in the short term but we need to attack the cause to really fix the problem.
Trump's electoral base seems to be fine with Trump using the presidency to promote his brand. Further, it seems the base thinks that all politicians do the same thing. Since most politicians claim to enter politics with modest means and all seem to end their careers as extremely wealthy individuals is treated as de-facto evidence that politicians are corrupt and line their own pockets. To his base, Trump's overt use of the presidency to line his pockets is not exceptional, it is expected and they applaud Trump for not hiding it.
Trump is a symptom of a system in crisis. He is only the tip of an iceberg of political self dealing and governmental favoritism. We need to control the symptom in the short term but we need to attack the cause to really fix the problem.
2
And yet, those in Congress who could actually do something about this awful man are doing nothing. In fact, one such member has declared that he'll attempt to stop the Mueller investigation.
3
Mr. Trump is slowly but steadily solidifying his base with an eye towards 2020 elections through his actions such as pardoning Mr. Arpaio, This action is one of many that is yet to come. These actions are good talking points for his 2020 bid and we got a taste of it during last week's Arizona rally.
Sad to say, "the president speaks for himself" doesn't address the fact of those who voted him into office by means of the electoral college: they are, and remain, his enablers. And, from all accounts in Trump's so-far-short-term-at-the-top, his supporters aren't going away anytime soon. Granted, they may step back slightly into a hazy background our country offers, but that's not even the same as saying "your cancer is in remission". The voice that needs to be heard is a near-universal demand for Trump's impeachment and removal from office. At this juncture, it's more likely to find Trump in a literal bed with Putin.
1
The pardon of Arpaio was nothing more and nothing less than a shot across the bow to show how the bully-in-chief intends to keep his treasonous allies from being prosecuted by the Mueller investigation.
As outrageous as this pardon is, it is only an indication of the dictatorial inclinations of the current resident in the White House. Wringing our hands about this unprecedented and unjustifiable pardon misses the larger perspective that DJT can and will do anything to support and provide cover legal for his "friends."
It is clear that Friday night's pronouncement was a vehement signal of president's impudence, and the will give great comfort to the likes of Manafort, Flynn, Stone, Page, Caputo, et al. Heaven help our country!
As outrageous as this pardon is, it is only an indication of the dictatorial inclinations of the current resident in the White House. Wringing our hands about this unprecedented and unjustifiable pardon misses the larger perspective that DJT can and will do anything to support and provide cover legal for his "friends."
It is clear that Friday night's pronouncement was a vehement signal of president's impudence, and the will give great comfort to the likes of Manafort, Flynn, Stone, Page, Caputo, et al. Heaven help our country!
2
How many more times do members of this administration have to offer thinly veiled explanations for their president? How many more times do members of this administration have to turn a blind eye or deaf ear to their leader's bigoted, racist, ignorant, unctuous, bullying, sexist and moronic comments or twisted opinions on just about anything ad everything? How do bulwarks of the GOP and his cabinet justify his antics, actions and attitudes? Are these inappropriate or unrealistic questions that McConnell, Pence and Ryan should be asked to weigh in on? Maybe someone can provide answers to these queries from a concerned American who is totally done with the never ending fiasco that continues to unfold with this incompetent administration. To paraphrase... the more things change, the more they stay the same.
2
With 30 or 40% of Republican voters still staunchly supporting Donald Trump and most of the rest of them still at least tacitly supporting him by their failure to speak out uniquivically, the few that are left to help put an end to this reign of madness are likely to have to give up everything if they want to have any hope of saving something, that something being their soul.
2
A Distinct Difference...
One of the fundamental differences between Trump and his predecessors is that unlike him, they did not attack the very foundations of Democracy. The Arapio pardon is just one more example. For past Presidents, whatever harm they did- there was a legitimate expectation they could be peacefully removed from power, whether through election or impeachment. But the nature of Trump's quest for Fascist power is to destroy any institutional impediment that stands in the way of his lust for power and money.
Another point...what we are seeing now on display is a semi-sclerotic American electorate. This was as much true under Obama or Trump. What is more surprising now is how so many cannot discern evil from good. How many have "forgotten' the history books- and like lemmings are totally unprepared for what will come.
One of the fundamental differences between Trump and his predecessors is that unlike him, they did not attack the very foundations of Democracy. The Arapio pardon is just one more example. For past Presidents, whatever harm they did- there was a legitimate expectation they could be peacefully removed from power, whether through election or impeachment. But the nature of Trump's quest for Fascist power is to destroy any institutional impediment that stands in the way of his lust for power and money.
Another point...what we are seeing now on display is a semi-sclerotic American electorate. This was as much true under Obama or Trump. What is more surprising now is how so many cannot discern evil from good. How many have "forgotten' the history books- and like lemmings are totally unprepared for what will come.
3
I went door to door in Phoenix promoting Paul Penzone, our new sheriff. I game money to the Penzone campaign. Still, all this outrage over Arpaio's pardon is irritating. We locals did what we had to do to beat Arpaio. The Obama Justice Department was with us to the end, and then some. A lot of people spent a lot of time on this, and we're proud of our success. We taught Arpaio a lesson and we humiliated him.
The practical effect of the pardon is that Arpaio doesn't go to jail. That's no big deal. As for the significance of his offense, it mostly was that it helped get rid of Arpaio. Those who make convoluted constitutional arguments, suggesting that Arpaio's contempt was a unique and monumental matter, have been talking to too many law professors with their heads in the clouds. Arpaio was convicted of a minor misdemeanor. If his offense were earth-shaking it wouldn't be a lowly misdemeanor.
We beat Joe, we convicted Joe and, after 25 years, he's a part of the past. Trump could have given him the Medal of Honor and it wouldn't change the fact that right-minded people, with the assistance of right-minded lawyers, have cleaned up Phoenix. Those who enter the fray at the end and tell us that Trump's pardon undid everything just don't get it. We did the work at the local level. Trump's pardon is meaningless unless those late to the game keep insisting that it was a travesty of justice. Law professor types too often miss fundamental truths.
The practical effect of the pardon is that Arpaio doesn't go to jail. That's no big deal. As for the significance of his offense, it mostly was that it helped get rid of Arpaio. Those who make convoluted constitutional arguments, suggesting that Arpaio's contempt was a unique and monumental matter, have been talking to too many law professors with their heads in the clouds. Arpaio was convicted of a minor misdemeanor. If his offense were earth-shaking it wouldn't be a lowly misdemeanor.
We beat Joe, we convicted Joe and, after 25 years, he's a part of the past. Trump could have given him the Medal of Honor and it wouldn't change the fact that right-minded people, with the assistance of right-minded lawyers, have cleaned up Phoenix. Those who enter the fray at the end and tell us that Trump's pardon undid everything just don't get it. We did the work at the local level. Trump's pardon is meaningless unless those late to the game keep insisting that it was a travesty of justice. Law professor types too often miss fundamental truths.
4
Trump says that the timing of Joe Arpaio's pardon was done to gain maximum exposure with people tuning in to watch Hurricane Harvey. Given a choice, Trump never chooses the truth.
2
Since the first day that Trump claimed that Obama was not an American citizen and he could prove that Obama had been born in Kenya, Trump has flaunted all decency and morality by his actions, his words, his behaviors.
That he effectively, in the slang of today, told America to go do the physically impossible and if we didn't like it, it matters not at all as he was POTUS and could do as he pleased by his pardoning of a man under conviction and awaiting sentencing.
Arpaio's pardon is just one of the many things that make Trump unsuitable for office. But right now, he is a shining example of how Trump holds the rule of law in contempt.
That he effectively, in the slang of today, told America to go do the physically impossible and if we didn't like it, it matters not at all as he was POTUS and could do as he pleased by his pardoning of a man under conviction and awaiting sentencing.
Arpaio's pardon is just one of the many things that make Trump unsuitable for office. But right now, he is a shining example of how Trump holds the rule of law in contempt.
2
Number 45's full, absolute and complete pardon of Joe Arpiano was a horrible mistake. Still, the action was fully within the president's broad pardon authority. Some may challenge it as yet another example of his horrible judgment, *but the action violate no law or any part o our Constitution. The power is virtually absolute and we should not waste any words on the subject.
Was it wise? No, and not even close. Sheriff Joe was convicted because he violated a judge's order to cease violating inmate's most basic rights; no more and no less. Sheriff Joe deserves his conviction and even 'white trash,' like me understand that he went much too far. Number 45's pardon grant is over and above - and should not stand. It will stand, but only because #45 does not have to defend his action. Ever. If anything, becomes of this, it may enhance resignation or removal pressure on #45, that cannot happen quickly enough. While far from 'illegal,; it is also a horrible choice for a president under fire. not entirely bad. (Sheriff Joe is 85 and nearly dead - no worries about him over the longer term.)
Said before and I'll say it again: "Number 45 must go - and the mechanism of action no longer matters. He is a genuine fool and entirely incapable of his awesome responsibilities; he does not know what to do or how to do it. OUT with the fool and ANY means, short of physical violence, has now become acceptable. He cannot even hire and retain competent staff. Number 45 must be FIRED!
Was it wise? No, and not even close. Sheriff Joe was convicted because he violated a judge's order to cease violating inmate's most basic rights; no more and no less. Sheriff Joe deserves his conviction and even 'white trash,' like me understand that he went much too far. Number 45's pardon grant is over and above - and should not stand. It will stand, but only because #45 does not have to defend his action. Ever. If anything, becomes of this, it may enhance resignation or removal pressure on #45, that cannot happen quickly enough. While far from 'illegal,; it is also a horrible choice for a president under fire. not entirely bad. (Sheriff Joe is 85 and nearly dead - no worries about him over the longer term.)
Said before and I'll say it again: "Number 45 must go - and the mechanism of action no longer matters. He is a genuine fool and entirely incapable of his awesome responsibilities; he does not know what to do or how to do it. OUT with the fool and ANY means, short of physical violence, has now become acceptable. He cannot even hire and retain competent staff. Number 45 must be FIRED!
1
We might all remember John Donne's words when viewing Trumps pardon of a man who consistently denied basic human protections to the people under his care.
"no man is an island…everyman is a piece of the Continent…any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind…"
Is this dictator and his henchmen who we really want to lead us????
"no man is an island…everyman is a piece of the Continent…any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind…"
Is this dictator and his henchmen who we really want to lead us????
3
Since Arpaio is said to have violated Individual Human Rights, the World Court could become involved and prosecute Arpaio. Trump may have pardoned him, but the World Court hasn't. ---- Also, the Trump evangelicals that claim to be Bible Experts should know about a "hot" place where people are punished.... Arpaio's punishment has only been postponed, at best.
Trump is sustained by his appeal to a minority (34%) of Americans. He uses fear of the "other", prejudice, and anger too maintain this favor. Mix this with his facade as a street fighter (but, remember how he cowered when a protester attacked him on the podium during his campaign), local economic stagnation and a cowardly congress that is ruled by ideology, and you have a perfect storm. He is simply a bully, and he gravitates to other bullies who share similar modus operandi, like Arpaio, Putin, Duarte, and Erdogan. His affinity to Arpaio and his unusual use of the power to pardon is not unexpected.
Trump suffers from acute Putin-envy, a disease of the heart, or the absence of one. In Russia Putin points his finger, or just whispers, and his will is executed no matter how corrupt or cruel. Trump wishes he had that power. Putin-envy can be cured, but it requires removal.
1
Donald J. Trump is the most stupid, unprepared, incompetent person to ever have been elected POTUS. He is totally ignorant of most things he has the power to affect. American 'values' will be scorned by historians for decades after he leaves the Oval Office. That more than 60 million people could have voted for him after they saw how he behaved during the 2016 primary campaign is a frightening blot on the reputation of this country. This country will be a banana republic in the eyes of the civilized, politically correct world for a long time until all the Trump supporters are dead and buried and a new generation of morally conscious younger voters replace the ignorant hatred of the Trump era. Trump should have made America great again. Unfortunately he doesn't have the intelligence, knowledge or moral bearing to do so.
1
There are many frequent comparisons between Hitler in the 30's and Trump's regime today. There is a more recent example though of a rapid migration from a secular democracy to a religious despotic regime. Erdogan has taken control of Turkey and has instituted a police state crushing any and all opposition. Turkish voters, who friends of mine spoke to, said they voted for Erdogan for 'stability'.
There are ominous signs every day regarding the path Trump is pushing for: 1) absolute disregard for the rule of law; 2) disassembling the federal government with his cronies in key positions; 3) releasing DOD surplus weapons to local police, including grenades; 4) impulsively negating anything Obama instituted while serving as POTUS, 5) corrosive, deep seated racism is out in the open, and more each day. Trump can't help himself. He is what he is now and forever more.
The GOP generally, but especially the leadership, now appear to be collaborators. Internationally we are viewed as having lost our minds. Mattis, and perhaps Tillerson, seem to remain as the sane ones in our government at least as long as they last. State and local governments across the country are rebelling against some of the worst Trump is throwing at us. And, now it is up to the Democrats to overcome this in the next election.
There are ominous signs every day regarding the path Trump is pushing for: 1) absolute disregard for the rule of law; 2) disassembling the federal government with his cronies in key positions; 3) releasing DOD surplus weapons to local police, including grenades; 4) impulsively negating anything Obama instituted while serving as POTUS, 5) corrosive, deep seated racism is out in the open, and more each day. Trump can't help himself. He is what he is now and forever more.
The GOP generally, but especially the leadership, now appear to be collaborators. Internationally we are viewed as having lost our minds. Mattis, and perhaps Tillerson, seem to remain as the sane ones in our government at least as long as they last. State and local governments across the country are rebelling against some of the worst Trump is throwing at us. And, now it is up to the Democrats to overcome this in the next election.
If Donald Trump was smart he would take heed and live his life by the words a first grade teacher gives to a bullying child: use your inside voice
Trump is the CEO of a privately owned company who has never been accountable to anyone. In his mind, what he says, goes. Who disagrees or hesitates to execute his orders is incompetent or, worse, a traitor. His whole life, he has been rescued by friends and shielded from the consequences of his actions. He has bullied and cajoled, lied and cheated, and been applauded and called "successful" for it. The rules, even the law, were for suckers, for cowards, for those too poor to afford astute and unscrupulous lawyers.
I still don't understand where you got the idea that he would behave any differently after he got the keys to the White House... It's his conniving ways and his coarse language that got him that prize!
So yes, he pardoned Arpaio, because he's a guy to his liking. And yes, he'll pardon anybody and everybody he pleases, regardless of the mockery this makes of the rule of the law.
Trump has no concept of "proper" or of "right". Good is what you can get away with, and, boy, the things you can get away with when you are President of the United States!!! Unimaginable.
Don't be surprised if you start having $500 bills with his image on them!
I still don't understand where you got the idea that he would behave any differently after he got the keys to the White House... It's his conniving ways and his coarse language that got him that prize!
So yes, he pardoned Arpaio, because he's a guy to his liking. And yes, he'll pardon anybody and everybody he pleases, regardless of the mockery this makes of the rule of the law.
Trump has no concept of "proper" or of "right". Good is what you can get away with, and, boy, the things you can get away with when you are President of the United States!!! Unimaginable.
Don't be surprised if you start having $500 bills with his image on them!
1
Trump has only one vote, his own.
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves."
"Don't boo, vote!
"Trump can't hear your boos. He CAN hear your votes." -- President Obama, campaigning for Hillary Clinton, 2016
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves."
"Don't boo, vote!
"Trump can't hear your boos. He CAN hear your votes." -- President Obama, campaigning for Hillary Clinton, 2016
Imagine worrying about ratings while the rest of the country is concerned about Hurricane Harvey. Wonder how much he donated for the victims. This madman, racist, incompetent thinks he's still running the apprentice. Our wonderful country is far from a reality show. Sadly it will take an eternity to repair the damage he has done and is doing. And, as far as Arizona loving sheriff joe, that couldn't be further from the truth. The two of them make a great pair....lock 'em up!
Forgive ex Sheriff Arpaio was worse than Trump's words about Charlottsville, for it was to give action to his supremacist support. Nobody with values and criteria can be deceived: Trump is racist...
1
The Times is speaking. Cohn and Tillerson are speaking. Speech is a newspaper"s job, and you're doing it. Cohn, Tillerson, and the Congressional leadership need to ACT. It's not enough just to issue vague condemnations.
The decent men in the Cabinet should be working on a 25th Amendment removal of Trump because of his mental instability. Pence is not a decent man, but he longs to be president and will go along with it.
Congress has enough incriminating information to impeach and convict. It's time to move on that.
If none of that happens, all the mild rebukes are just sign of complicity and collaboration.
The decent men in the Cabinet should be working on a 25th Amendment removal of Trump because of his mental instability. Pence is not a decent man, but he longs to be president and will go along with it.
Congress has enough incriminating information to impeach and convict. It's time to move on that.
If none of that happens, all the mild rebukes are just sign of complicity and collaboration.
1
Tillerson is also a disgrace - "I don;t believe anyone doubts....blah, blah..." Well I do.
As for Trump? He is American values whether or not you like it. He is the democratically elected President of the USA - contrary to widespread rumours, no Russians were invited to vote. As such, as the leader of the nation, Trump is the de facto embodiment and expression of American values as willed by the people under current election rules - whether or not you agree or like it. Not pretty, are they? There's one thing you can't argue with... it's the only democracy in the world today that could elect such an unworthy buffoon. What does that say about the will of the people and Tillerson's "no doubts... blah"?
As for Trump? He is American values whether or not you like it. He is the democratically elected President of the USA - contrary to widespread rumours, no Russians were invited to vote. As such, as the leader of the nation, Trump is the de facto embodiment and expression of American values as willed by the people under current election rules - whether or not you agree or like it. Not pretty, are they? There's one thing you can't argue with... it's the only democracy in the world today that could elect such an unworthy buffoon. What does that say about the will of the people and Tillerson's "no doubts... blah"?
1
Birds of a feather flock together. Enough said.
1
Of all Trump's terrible tramplings of American values and Presidential responsibilities this is perhaps the most flagrant and alarming - to date. Given that it undermines the judiciary's role and standing, it also exposes the US system of Government, inasmuch as it reveals that a rogue leader can act as Caesar - or somesuch tin-pot dictator - with no check on his capriciousness and malevolence. What's next on his executive power list? Mueller's firing? Nuclear preemptive strikes? Paul Krugman in the NYT called this for what it is - fascism American style.
If Trump were the leader of another country, you can pretty sure the US would be doing all in its power to destabilise his regime.
It cannot be right that a country of 300 million souls is let down so grievously by one bad man. America has a vainglorious fool in the White House who is leading an entire nation down the road to ruin. Shame on him and shame on those complicit in the sorry affair.
If Trump were the leader of another country, you can pretty sure the US would be doing all in its power to destabilise his regime.
It cannot be right that a country of 300 million souls is let down so grievously by one bad man. America has a vainglorious fool in the White House who is leading an entire nation down the road to ruin. Shame on him and shame on those complicit in the sorry affair.
When, I wonder, are the blind and deaf republicans going to wake up and join the Democrats in removing this vile clown? His behavior, his tweets, his pardoning of a known foul inhumane criminal are all actions that strongly add up to the high crimes and misdemeanors that the constitution states are the grounds for impeachment. So where are all those oh so self-righteous republicans?
It is not new for a president to pardon someone who has violated the rule of law. People who have not violated the law,by definition, are not in need of a pardon right? Enforcing immigration laws as they exist is not a crime. Enforcing a policy of selective application of immigration laws is in violation of the rule of law isn't it? Trump is childishly baiting the press and the left - this is idiotic but not surprising. What is disturbing is that the NYT rises so easily to the bait at the expense of the issue, which is: What Needs To Be Changed in Our Immigration Laws?
So I hope these facts are clear now.
Trump is a tyrant. He is what the Founding Fathers were afraid of. He is the greatest threat this Republic has faced since the Civil War.
He has not overthrown our democratic republic yet. But he is trying to. He will continue to try to. And he will never stop trying to change the US into a dictatorship.
Nothing is beyond him. He will, if allowed, try to stop democratic voting (this is already underway). He will try to get rid of term limits. He will try to shut down the media.
If you think he won't, you're living in a dreamland.
His sole mission is to work for white male supremacy with himself as the supreme white male.
Nothing else matters to him.
And nothing else matters to some 20% of the American electorate.
At this point, none of these claims is disputable.
Trump is a tyrant. He is what the Founding Fathers were afraid of. He is the greatest threat this Republic has faced since the Civil War.
He has not overthrown our democratic republic yet. But he is trying to. He will continue to try to. And he will never stop trying to change the US into a dictatorship.
Nothing is beyond him. He will, if allowed, try to stop democratic voting (this is already underway). He will try to get rid of term limits. He will try to shut down the media.
If you think he won't, you're living in a dreamland.
His sole mission is to work for white male supremacy with himself as the supreme white male.
Nothing else matters to him.
And nothing else matters to some 20% of the American electorate.
At this point, none of these claims is disputable.
1
Trump has absolutely no respect for the law whatsoever. It's Trump's law. If you don't like it, too bad.
Trump is "in your face" and giving America the middle finger. You can't stop him, you can't restrain him. He. Will do what he wants, when he wants until such time as a group of Democratic and Republican senators arrive at the oval office with a set of handcuffs and a jumpsuit to match his hair.
Trump is "in your face" and giving America the middle finger. You can't stop him, you can't restrain him. He. Will do what he wants, when he wants until such time as a group of Democratic and Republican senators arrive at the oval office with a set of handcuffs and a jumpsuit to match his hair.
1
We should stop being shocked by Trump. There are no depths to which he will not sink in order to 'win'. What should shock us are the Lawmakers, who refuse to act for the nation's sake. This is nothing to do with Democracy and everything to do with immorality, fear and cowardice. The very fabric of western democracy is being frayed away with each passing day of Trump's miserably self-triumphant and destructive administration.
As a matter of human principle, not politics, Trump must be removed from office, even if such action skirts perilously with maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. Yet inaction will consign the American democratic process to the same fate as Russian democracy. Meaningless.
It is abundantly clear Trump has no interest in governing for the people, or for the good of the nation. He is bringing America to its knees, bending it to his will with a measure of sadism and ignorance unknown in American history.
Lincoln warned us. The Lawmakers need to find their courage, and behave in a manner commensurate with their positions. A tall order, to be sure, but there is no other way.
As a matter of human principle, not politics, Trump must be removed from office, even if such action skirts perilously with maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. Yet inaction will consign the American democratic process to the same fate as Russian democracy. Meaningless.
It is abundantly clear Trump has no interest in governing for the people, or for the good of the nation. He is bringing America to its knees, bending it to his will with a measure of sadism and ignorance unknown in American history.
Lincoln warned us. The Lawmakers need to find their courage, and behave in a manner commensurate with their positions. A tall order, to be sure, but there is no other way.
277
"in order to 'win'." The most pathetic thing in all of this is that Trump rarely, if ever, truly WINS. Most all of his biggest ventures failed, including now his presidency. His constant mantra of "you'll be so tired of winning....". Yeah, I really, REALLY tired of his false notion of "winning".
2
I long ago stopped being shocked by Trump. The fact that the man is still in office is what shocks me. The government has failed it's duty. There is really no more to be said.
LC: You left out an important word. Those you refer to are *Republican* lawmakers.
1
It is in vain to say that enlightened statesmen will be able to adjust (…) clashing interests, and render them all subservient to the public good. Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.
James Madison
James Madison
What should the country do with a President who seeks out the company of thugs, liars, Russian colluders, fast-money artists, alt-right enthusiasts, bully boys, professional wrestling types and former beauty contestants and appoints them whenever possible to positions normally occupied by persons of high respectability before pardoning them?
It should recognize that the country is now firmly in the grip of a man very much untethered from reality and act forcefully and deliberately to remove him office before the lives and fortunes of all of us are irretrievably damaged.
Mr. Mueller, I believe the nation is calling you.
It should recognize that the country is now firmly in the grip of a man very much untethered from reality and act forcefully and deliberately to remove him office before the lives and fortunes of all of us are irretrievably damaged.
Mr. Mueller, I believe the nation is calling you.
326
... untethered from ethics and reality ...
1
My comment is more a question. A president can pardon someone imprisoned for committing a crime. I don't understand how he can "pardon" someone who is imprisoned for failing to obey a lawful court order. Wasn't the court order in a civil case, not a criminal one?
1
There is a difference between civil and criminal contempt. Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt which is an actual criminal offense.
A "federal crime" is any offense/act made illegal by federal laws.
It's a federal court that convicted Arpaio for breaking federal law, so a US president can indeed decide to pardon him for his illegal act.
It's a federal court that convicted Arpaio for breaking federal law, so a US president can indeed decide to pardon him for his illegal act.
Is it constitutional for the president to pardon anyone he wants? In the 1974 case Schick v. Reed Chief Justice Warren Burger suggested that the president's pardon power is limited to "conditions that do no offend the Constitution." Pardoning Arpaio certainly seems to offend the Constitution. Yes, the Court has generally interpreted the president's pardon power broadly. And yes, James Madison did say that impeachment is the only remedy for an abuse of that power. But Madison wrote those words before the power of judicial review was established--by Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury v Madison in which Madison was the defendant. The Court would have no power to enforce a judgement against the president in the Arpaio case. But they could declare his actions an unconstitutional use of the pardon power. Then it will be up to Congress, and ultimately we the people, whether President Trump stays in office.
2
"I don’t believe anyone doubts the American people’s values or the commitment of the American government or the government’s agencies to advancing those values and defending those values.” Seriously, Rex? This coming from a guy who subverted American values every time he negotiated with tin pot dictators on behalf of Exxon-Mobil, every time he hid the truth about global warming in order to prop up his firm's profits (and his own bonuses), every time he violated America's Russia sanctions in order to keep his company's Putin oil deal moving forward, and every time he made personnel decisions at the State Department that weakened our ability to project soft power around the globe, furthering Russia's ability to advance its own interests. So, Rex, don't waste your hypocritical breath talking to me about American values.
279
Henry John- Don't you know? Corporations are the new first class citizens of America. There are the values of which Rex speaks. US governments especially state governments are committed to defending corporate values.
To anyone watching the USA from the outside, putting profits first seems like *the* American value.
Honor, even late in the game, is welcomed.
Trump's rule of law is comprised of what he can get away with, and that means that until brakes are applied he will continue to push against laws, rules, and customary practices he finds inconvenient. One element of braking resides within a Republican Party that seemingly would rather mostly just look out the window.
As suggested recently by Danforth, a lot of Republicans must decide to either try conscience as their guide or, conversely, join the party of Lying Trump where conscience (and law?) plays almost no role.
As suggested recently by Danforth, a lot of Republicans must decide to either try conscience as their guide or, conversely, join the party of Lying Trump where conscience (and law?) plays almost no role.
6
Anyone who serves a lying, cheating racist accepts the mantle of those values. A limp protest does not wash away the stench.
16
Trump's phenomenon is not an isolated poisonous nest od snakes, it has been brewing for a long time within the ranks of the republican party. Otherwise, Why do you think republicans are silent, complicit in Trump's misrule?
13
The real and lasting problems with the Trump presidency are the conflicts that it is creating among Americans who formerly got along or were friends or close family. At least three out of every 10 Americans believe in and support Trump's racism and bigotry. They are mostly white folks on all points of the socio-economic scale who feel threatened by and afraid of anyone whose skin is not white like theirs. I have stopped trying to talk to or understand the three of 10 that I know. They don't want to hear anything that I have to say that doesn't support Trump and I have no talking points left any way. These divisions will continue for years based on decisions like Arpaio's pardon, the Charlottesville false equivalence, and the Russian investigation. How deep the divisions go will depend how long Trump stays in office and how many more of these decisions continue to feel like slaps in our collective faces.
13
Donald Trump might certainly speak for himself, but all the nonsense coming out from his disturbed mind, are perceived worldwide as „American“ thinking. As much as this fact might disturb decent Americans, it is inevitable because the President represents his citizens! Trump shames not only Americans to be sure, he shames every decent human being on earth, but it was Americans who gave him the power to do so much harm!
13
Forget the usual Bush standard of Republican incompetence. This is new territory: the Trump Standard. HE can, and will, make anything worse.
Any where, any place, any time. It's his Superpower. Seriously.
Any where, any place, any time. It's his Superpower. Seriously.
6
One has to wonder if this nation can survive the almost daily assaults on its standards and underpinnings from this narcissistic Incubus of a president. We're not even a quarter of the way into an administration that is ripping out by the roots the very foundations of our purported beliefs in freedom, equality, and dignity of our citizens. Yes, as Tillerson noted, he speaks for himself, but fully a third of the nation is so comfortable and enthralled with this personality cult of this person is truly disheartening.
12
While I read on, I could've stopped at the two words that all but completely sum up Donald Trump; "morally vacuous.
Add to that, his rationale for the timing of announcing his pardoning of the equally morally vacuous Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who by any other standards, belongs in jail (along with Trump. But, I digress); TV ratings.
I'm guessing here, but could it be possible that Trump is also treating his presidency as if it were another reality TV show? ....And, since photos of the crowds at both his inauguration, and his recent rally in Arizona, contradict his claim of there being "millions" (in attendance), he figured out, that TV ratings would justify the kinds of numbers his narcissistic ego can't live without?
Add to that, his rationale for the timing of announcing his pardoning of the equally morally vacuous Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who by any other standards, belongs in jail (along with Trump. But, I digress); TV ratings.
I'm guessing here, but could it be possible that Trump is also treating his presidency as if it were another reality TV show? ....And, since photos of the crowds at both his inauguration, and his recent rally in Arizona, contradict his claim of there being "millions" (in attendance), he figured out, that TV ratings would justify the kinds of numbers his narcissistic ego can't live without?
5
DT doesn't speak for only himself - he speaks for the millions of Americans who were deeply offended at Mr. Obama's presidency ("But it has nothing to do with racism!"), who see themselves as so horribly aggrieved by the system that any reference to the Rule of Law is seen as pinko-liberal commie nonsense, and who are so fed up with the complexities of genuine governing that they are thrilled to see a John Wayne cowboy wannabe swaggering around, forcing others to "do the right thing" through physical and psychological subjugation.
We keep talking about DT, and by now it's starting to sound like a broken record. The problem is not DT - it's the third of American citizens who still think he's doing a great job. Until Americans once again become willing and able to unite under a common purpose and a shared system of values, we'll only see more and more of the garbage we've witnessed since DT took office.
We keep talking about DT, and by now it's starting to sound like a broken record. The problem is not DT - it's the third of American citizens who still think he's doing a great job. Until Americans once again become willing and able to unite under a common purpose and a shared system of values, we'll only see more and more of the garbage we've witnessed since DT took office.
21
And this, my friends, is just the beginning. This immature attention junkie
has to keep "upping the ante" to keep his twisted ego on the front page.
When the next miss-managed crisis appears there could very easily be a war
started as a result of bumbling diplomacy or simply as a distraction from the
Russian investigation
has to keep "upping the ante" to keep his twisted ego on the front page.
When the next miss-managed crisis appears there could very easily be a war
started as a result of bumbling diplomacy or simply as a distraction from the
Russian investigation
10
Ryan did not say he opposed the pardon; his spokesman said it. He didn't have the guts to say it himself.
16
Yet the folks in Arpaio's district kept electing him. He's not some kind of aberration or one-off, and Trump's pardon plays well to the people who vote for all the Arpaios everywhere. You all need to understand that Trump and Arpaio are not outliers. They are the heart of us.
6
Long time Phoenix resident here. For those of you not familiar with Arpaio, a brief summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maricopa_County_Sheriff%27s_Office_controv...
2
Donald Trump's abuse of the president's power to pardon, elevating Arpaio above the law, is only one of many ways he abuses the Constitution. He assumed the role of president to enrich himself and his family. He is a role model for everything morally grounded people of principle stand against.
Cohn nearly resigned? Ryan had a spokesman say he didn't approve? Tillerson says Trump speaks for himself? Flake said he did not approve? Only McCain gave a strong rebuke. Republicans in Congress are cowards, spineless weasels, bereft of morals and ethics. They may as well have pardoned Arpaio; they enabled it.
I am absolutely disgusted with Trump, I disdain the Republicans in Congress and I am bewildered, alarmed and repulsed by people who continue to support Trump. However, responsibility for any civil unrest, the collapse of our institutions and values, the diminishment of America on the world stage, all that and more belongs to Republicans in Congress.
Cohn nearly resigned? Ryan had a spokesman say he didn't approve? Tillerson says Trump speaks for himself? Flake said he did not approve? Only McCain gave a strong rebuke. Republicans in Congress are cowards, spineless weasels, bereft of morals and ethics. They may as well have pardoned Arpaio; they enabled it.
I am absolutely disgusted with Trump, I disdain the Republicans in Congress and I am bewildered, alarmed and repulsed by people who continue to support Trump. However, responsibility for any civil unrest, the collapse of our institutions and values, the diminishment of America on the world stage, all that and more belongs to Republicans in Congress.
10
We are caught up in a national nightmare and are being kept hostage by the minority of the electorate. I was repulsed yesterday when trump said during his news conference that Arpaio got a "raw deal." What upset me the most is trump's utter contempt for the judicial system in the country. What possibly qualifies him to be judge and jury? What qualifies him to step over the judicial system and pardon this man before sentencing and ignore the norms of the pardoning process?
9
Were Trump a student of history (rather than of TMZ) he would understand that tyrants flame out very quickly. The Philippine population, in the wake of one extrajudicial killing too many, have realized that they, too, have elected a monster.
1
Tyrants don't always "flame out very quickly." Stalin lasted nearly thirty years, Franco almost forty, Castro longer than that. And in two of those three cases, the dictatorship survived the dictator.
1
The imbalance of wealth equals the imbalance of justice. "Affluenza," Stand your ground, and other examples of law misapplied to the benefit of a privileged defendant cement the expanding perception that money/power is the only law and morals are for the poor and powerless. Uneducated and misinformed voters see people with power, (Trump and Arpaio are the two momentarily preeminent examples), doing what they like and successfully skirting the law. They envy the arrogance to skirt the law, like Bundys, while convinced that those who do and gain exoneration act out of courage and independence rather than greed and ignorance.
2
Just when you think Don the Con can sink no lower he finds a new dozen ways to do so. To me perhaps the saddest thing is the people he's Conned into believing in him & who get their "news" from Fox-Faux News, Brietbart & other even worse sources in the Conservative Media Swamp so they have No Idea how Despicable he is.
When his time is up in the White House We the People better devise ways to prevent another Trump from ever attaining the Highest Office in the Land! My Dad was a NYC Cop & I remember him studying diligently for both the Lieutenant & Captain exams with books spread all over our dining room table. IF attaining those positions requires that kind of study we Should Expect no less from Any Presidential Candidate who Should Know some American History & how OUR Government works which obviously the current occupant of the White House Does Not. And IF We the People are going to give Any President the Ultimate Power over nuclear weapons then I don't think it's to much to ask that they be given a battery of psychological testing.
OUR Country has had Bad Presidents before but we always assumed that things would get better with the next occupant of the White House but with Don the Con it'll take some heavy lifting from ALL of US to fumigate & remove ALL Traces of how he has harmed OUR Democratic Institutions & OUR Standing around the World!
When his time is up in the White House We the People better devise ways to prevent another Trump from ever attaining the Highest Office in the Land! My Dad was a NYC Cop & I remember him studying diligently for both the Lieutenant & Captain exams with books spread all over our dining room table. IF attaining those positions requires that kind of study we Should Expect no less from Any Presidential Candidate who Should Know some American History & how OUR Government works which obviously the current occupant of the White House Does Not. And IF We the People are going to give Any President the Ultimate Power over nuclear weapons then I don't think it's to much to ask that they be given a battery of psychological testing.
OUR Country has had Bad Presidents before but we always assumed that things would get better with the next occupant of the White House but with Don the Con it'll take some heavy lifting from ALL of US to fumigate & remove ALL Traces of how he has harmed OUR Democratic Institutions & OUR Standing around the World!
6
I disapprove of many of the things Trump does or says. However, the NYT and its Editorial Board, with their selective and bias reporting, need to work on their own 'values' and sense of professionalism.
1
True, and I suppose the Clinton pardon of the fugitive financier, Marc Rich, was an example of the Clintons trumpeting American values. Time to call for an amendment to the pardoning power - of just accept that our system is corrupt
2
.
The white walkers did not vote for Trump.
They also have feelings.
The White Walkers are human beings of a dead sort, they do want something.
They are fighting with a moral compass that just might be slightly different than ours. It’s not that they don’t have morality.
Their priorities are different: nihilistic destruction of everything that’s been in the world.
Think of their self-esteem !!
.
The white walkers did not vote for Trump.
They also have feelings.
The White Walkers are human beings of a dead sort, they do want something.
They are fighting with a moral compass that just might be slightly different than ours. It’s not that they don’t have morality.
Their priorities are different: nihilistic destruction of everything that’s been in the world.
Think of their self-esteem !!
.
1
If you believe in the rule of law:
Protest and resist every day in every way!
Protest and resist every day in every way!
4
Yeah, and he continue to destroy the world from his perch in the White House while the rest of us looks on helplessly. Is this in fact the silence before the storm?
The one that's going to bring down the world in a flash and end all the human sins with it?
This is what American democracy looks like in the 21st century, confusion,chaos and pointlessly noisy.
The one that's going to bring down the world in a flash and end all the human sins with it?
This is what American democracy looks like in the 21st century, confusion,chaos and pointlessly noisy.
1
Trump represents fascism in the making while Republicans in Congress sit idly by, dumbfounded by The Con's inappropriateness yet unwilling to do a thing about it. Trump has dumped the Constitution in return for loyalty and Republicans in Congress have forfeited any notions of a realistic platform in exchange for a Lilliputian seat at the table of a corrupt president.
2
Yup, he speaks only for himself. Unfortunately, he is supposed to, by reason of being president, speak for all Americans. He is incapable of that. He knows how to incite a crowd into a frenzy, but does not seem to have have the ability to have a train of thought to hold onto and develop either strategies or solutions. And Congress, enjoying their majority in all three branches of government, are eager enablers. With the focus on Donald's outrageous behavior daily, they are protected from close attention and are like weaklings who have taken over a gym and can flex their muscles without either oversight or effectiveness. The drawing accompanying this column says it all...Our democracy, like Romes, is falling into ruin.
1
The law, it is me. Both men, both evil men, share that philosophy. Their actions follow naturally. I'm not surprised, barely shocked. But what does shock me is the numbers of supporters who see nothing wrong with what either man did. That, I fear, will be the true legacy of the Trump presidency. I fear for our nation.
2
I am not sure that Mr. Tillerson knows the every day American's values. He is as removed as the rest of the Cabinet from the American people. Very much like his leader, Trump.
Mr. Arpaio is not the only "little tyrant" who has no respect for the law. We have Jeff Sessions heading up the Justice Department treading on people's civil rights, among many other rights. Another "little tyrant"
Mr. Cohn's near resignation means nothing. He is not resigning because he wants the power to further erode the economic life of those who cannot defend themselves. Who depend on the very financial advice of Mr. Cohn's associates, who invested their money in dubious investments.
These three players alone are doing much damage to our country. Imagine what the whole bunch are going to do.
And the Congress and Senate are ultimately responsible for this horror show.
They voted to appoint these people.
Mr. Arpaio is not the only "little tyrant" who has no respect for the law. We have Jeff Sessions heading up the Justice Department treading on people's civil rights, among many other rights. Another "little tyrant"
Mr. Cohn's near resignation means nothing. He is not resigning because he wants the power to further erode the economic life of those who cannot defend themselves. Who depend on the very financial advice of Mr. Cohn's associates, who invested their money in dubious investments.
These three players alone are doing much damage to our country. Imagine what the whole bunch are going to do.
And the Congress and Senate are ultimately responsible for this horror show.
They voted to appoint these people.
1
Apart from being morally despicable, Trump's pardon of Arpaio is politically stupid. Because they involve forgiving criminals of their crimes presidential pardons are, almost by definition, unpopular, which is why politically savvy presidents wait until the end of their terms to issue them. The fact that Trump pardoned Arpaio at the start of his presidency shows just how politically naive he is. Trump then compounds his naivete with the bogus claim that the decision to pardon Arpaio is supported by the vast majority of Arizona's voters. In fact just 21 percent do, so for Trump to conclude that issuing a pardon that barely a fifth of voters agree with will help him during Arizona's upcoming elections makes him as dumb as he is dishonorable.
2
Well, the President speaks for himself, and has done so, over and over again, with with depressing frequency and depressing words, since long before the election. He spoke for himself when he denigrated his predecessor as non-American, when he admitted that rich and powerful guys can grope women, when he wanted to kill families of terrorists, and deport children-citizens along with their non-citizen parents, and when he suggested that police rough up suspects.
And yet, he got elected. That makes us, and our Congress, our Administration, the yahoos. The rest of the world know it too, Why else would North Korea being lobbing missiles over Japan?
So Tillerson can try to distance himself. McConnell can feud with the President he personally got elected with his own decision to make the Supreme Court an election prize. But they are complicit, because they are working for him and with him.
Tillerson cannot speak for himself if he is obligated to speak for Trump. Congress cannot legislate on its own, if they are obligated to speak for Trump.
Figure it out guys, because y'all got him elected. Trump is speaking for the GOP, for America. If it makes you cringe, fix it.
And yet, he got elected. That makes us, and our Congress, our Administration, the yahoos. The rest of the world know it too, Why else would North Korea being lobbing missiles over Japan?
So Tillerson can try to distance himself. McConnell can feud with the President he personally got elected with his own decision to make the Supreme Court an election prize. But they are complicit, because they are working for him and with him.
Tillerson cannot speak for himself if he is obligated to speak for Trump. Congress cannot legislate on its own, if they are obligated to speak for Trump.
Figure it out guys, because y'all got him elected. Trump is speaking for the GOP, for America. If it makes you cringe, fix it.
1
When will this end? Is there absolutely no way to salvage our country? How is Trump allowed to do whatever he wants, to whomever he wants to; say whatever he wants about whatever he wants to; and NO ONE holds him accountable? If this had been President Obama or Senator Hillary Clinton, they would have been impeached by now. I just do not understand it and I want the country that I love, that I represent overseas every day, back again. America, where are you now don't you care about your sons and daughters?
2
I am starting to believe that he wants out. He wants to work with Breitbart, Bannon and create a mega-conservative network. If the dems get congress back, he is finished. If Mueller keeps doing what he is doing, Trump is finished. I think he is getting his parachute ready.
1
I don't see the difference between Trump and Arpaoi and all elected Republicans, from the party leaders to the rank and file, who do not clearly and forcefully denounce Trump every time he hacks away at the heart and soul of the country. This isn't about political ideology; this isn't a Republican or Democratic crisis. It's an American crisis.
Ryan, McConnell (and his wife Elaine "I stand by both my men" Chao, for crying out loud) and all those who support Trump through tepid responses or silence -- until low poll numbers rattle them to do something -- are not only cynical politicians gaming their chances at re-election and greater wealth. They are cowards. If I were in the army, I would not want any of them in my foxhole. They would offer me to the enemy to save their own skins.
Ryan, McConnell (and his wife Elaine "I stand by both my men" Chao, for crying out loud) and all those who support Trump through tepid responses or silence -- until low poll numbers rattle them to do something -- are not only cynical politicians gaming their chances at re-election and greater wealth. They are cowards. If I were in the army, I would not want any of them in my foxhole. They would offer me to the enemy to save their own skins.
2
The lack of reasoning by some of the SCP's supporters, the militia specifically, who rant about the overreach of the Government, and who support the violation of the 4th Amendment by Arpaio is frightening, but expected.
The lack of courage by many Republican members of Congress to forcefully denounce the SCP's support of the violation of the Constitution is - well I guess expected as well, but still disheartening.
The lack of courage by many Republican members of Congress to forcefully denounce the SCP's support of the violation of the Constitution is - well I guess expected as well, but still disheartening.
1
The support or lack of confrontation of Trump from the GOP is all about Trump's ratings. There is a bottom line and when it hits that, they will abandon him. The GOP has to calculate how much damage they will incur hanging onto Trump's coattails. Only when their power is diminished enough and their future livelihoods threatened, will they come around. Let's hope we have a Democracy left when that happens.
2
Tillerson says the American government is committed to advancing & defending American people's values. In that case:
a) the majority GOP in Congress will stop enabling this POTUS & end his disgraceful leadership, or
b) American values include ... racism by some "very fine people"?
In the past "We shall overcome" didn't need a question mark after it.
a) the majority GOP in Congress will stop enabling this POTUS & end his disgraceful leadership, or
b) American values include ... racism by some "very fine people"?
In the past "We shall overcome" didn't need a question mark after it.
3
Enough is enough. Force Trump's resignation. Shame the republican Party to finally act in defense of America,
2
How long is the republican congress going to allow this monster to rip this country apart? This country cannot handle the damage he is doing... he is pushing every law up against the wall and forcing our attention to define just what the laws are to find out he is monstrously just within the law. then we need to go forward with the glacial process of all the hierarchy of the courts to set right what he has done... this is wrong it is indecent and it is inhumane
2
The president also speaks about himself. A lot.
2
All persons, including the government are accountable under the law in our precious nation.
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. "
__James Madison, Federalist Paper No. 51 (1788)
"There can be no free society without law administered through an independent judiciary. If one man can be allowed to determine for himself what is law, every man can. That means first chaos, then tyranny."
—U.S. Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter, United States v. United Mine Workers (1947)
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. "
__James Madison, Federalist Paper No. 51 (1788)
"There can be no free society without law administered through an independent judiciary. If one man can be allowed to determine for himself what is law, every man can. That means first chaos, then tyranny."
—U.S. Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter, United States v. United Mine Workers (1947)
1
Trump is a morally bankrupt thug. His ambition is to enrich himself and his family and undermine our democracy. The Republicans in Congress act as cowards refusing to stand up to this bully. Our only hope is that Mueller investigation uncovers criminal activity.
2
Krugman is right. Republicans who don't do something definitive immediately to end a corrupt and lawless presidency are, and will go down in history, as cowardly collaborators. No amount of Koch and Mercer billions can change that. The US is now a third-world banana dictatorship. A fatal weakness is now manifest in the US constitution. We are now in a full blown constitutional crisis where--because of the actions of a depraved man and whining, do-nothing-except-posture, self-interested, as well as self-dealing cabinet members--the judiciary is no longer a coequal branch of our formerly tripartite government. I have heard the Republicans pathetic counter arguments that Trump's pardon can be equated with, and is simply redress for federal failure to pursue expulsion of illegal immigrants. They fail absolutely in the face of the Supreme Court decision that nobody can be arrested by police in the absence of actual evidence of a crime.
3
Advanced age does have its benefits; I won't have to deal with the aftermath of Donald Trumps philosophy of life; but my children, grandchildren and future children will. Living here in Arizona, I'm totally embarrassed by what took place here last week and how for years, its citizens continued to support the worse sheriff in our nation. As a cinematographer, I've filmed him on 2 differerent occasions. When you do that, you get to see the real person up close and personal. This is an evil man. There are lots of evil people on this planet, but thankfully, most of them aren't the sheriff of a county as large as Maricopa. Unfortunately, I put the President of the United States into the same category. Two peas in a pod. Yikes!
1
Until the Republican Party steps up with a full-throated denunciation of Mr. Trump's racially and socially divisive policies and rhetoric, he speaks for it.
2
Trump is a disgrace and a strong candidate for impeachment. His performance during the first nine months of his Presidency does not bode well for our country.
A stunning admission indeed. So why is Rex Tillerson still Secretary of State? He should have resigned long ago, as should many Cabinet members who privately disagree with so many of Trump's words and actions. Does anyone in Washington -- Congress, the military, the White House -- have the guts to do what a majority of this nation keeps asking them to do?
1
"To most people with any awareness of American politics, Mr. Arpaio is an abomination to the rule of law, the principle of equal justice and plain decency." Let's not overlook the fact that Sheriff Arpaio was chosen for an elected office six times by Arizona voters. Rex Tillerson may say that "The president speaks for himself," but the reality is that Trump, with all his rascist and ethnic hate, speaks for a disturbingly large segment of the American public.
Everything Trump does is for his personal political gain. He has no interest in policy one way or the other, despite his statements otherwise. He's only interested in maintain contact with his "base" so that he can be re-elected (god forbid!). He's all politics, all the time, in front of the camera or the microphone.
1
Our president believes that he can do anything he wants and can do it all by himself. So far, he has. He wants to be a dictator, wants a crown, wants to replace our laws with his edicts, wants to replace Congress with whatever and whenever lightning strikes, and wants to get rid of any person who disagrees with him..
It appears that Mr. Tillerson would be on board for implementing Article 25 to get Trump out of office. He's the first cabinet member to break the ice regarding Trump.
It appears that Mr. Tillerson would be on board for implementing Article 25 to get Trump out of office. He's the first cabinet member to break the ice regarding Trump.
Trump is a sorry spectacle; a mentally derelict man doddering in early senescence; who cannot focus, cannot plan, cannot comprehend bills, cannot count, cannot tell if it's raining. He is the creature of the Mercers and other mad billionaires in his entourage who whisper in his ear and suggest inappropriate appointees and executive orders. There is no point in re-enumerating Trump's evident deficiencies which serve as a smoke screen for the destruction Trump's people are engaged in every day, not to mention the repeated efforts of the GOP Congress to wreak havoc while Trump distracts the media that should be investigating the GOP's own peculiar debilitating madness and lamentable venality.
1
How long must America endure this nightmare? The president and the majority of congress are without moral compass. To evangelicals who supported trump, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Where are those family values in this administration? Consider yourselves used and dumped.
Any other organized religion supporting trump, used and dumped. Decent republicans, used and dumped. America in the end, used and dumped.
The trump family will walk away from their time in office like a dog who fouls your beautiful lawn. No conscience as to what it has done.
Any other organized religion supporting trump, used and dumped. Decent republicans, used and dumped. America in the end, used and dumped.
The trump family will walk away from their time in office like a dog who fouls your beautiful lawn. No conscience as to what it has done.
Should we still believe in what we call American exceptionalism?
Definitely not!
Definitely not!
2
I cannot convince myself that Trump is a racist. "Racist" refers to having a constant tendency to have a negative bias towards people who biologically are different from yourself (except for misogynists of course).
But then I believe that true racists are a rare species. Much more common is racist behavior and racist ideas/opinions. Those have been adopted for a reason, and they can change over time, so they do not characterize an individual's "nature".
But now, right after showing his inability to unequivocally condemn racism in Charlottesville, Trump decides to pardon a sheriff condemned for his racist behavior. The worst, here, is not THAT he pardons him, but his explanation for the pardon: Arpaio "did his job". That's literally condoning racist behavior, and even using the power of your office to do so, all over America.
Of course, this was NOT why Trump issued this pardon. He told us why he did so: ratings. His racist base would love it, and that's enough, as justification.
Why is it enough? Because he probably believes that there are "very fine people" among those supporting Arpaio. And he's probably right about that. But that goes for 99% of the American people.
Condemning certain types of BEHAVIOR, as president, does not mean rejecting the PERSON as being essentially bad/evil, and that is the distinction Trump seems to ignore - and with him his Fox News audience, that was taught to confound both conceptual categories when it comes to Obama on a daily basis...
But then I believe that true racists are a rare species. Much more common is racist behavior and racist ideas/opinions. Those have been adopted for a reason, and they can change over time, so they do not characterize an individual's "nature".
But now, right after showing his inability to unequivocally condemn racism in Charlottesville, Trump decides to pardon a sheriff condemned for his racist behavior. The worst, here, is not THAT he pardons him, but his explanation for the pardon: Arpaio "did his job". That's literally condoning racist behavior, and even using the power of your office to do so, all over America.
Of course, this was NOT why Trump issued this pardon. He told us why he did so: ratings. His racist base would love it, and that's enough, as justification.
Why is it enough? Because he probably believes that there are "very fine people" among those supporting Arpaio. And he's probably right about that. But that goes for 99% of the American people.
Condemning certain types of BEHAVIOR, as president, does not mean rejecting the PERSON as being essentially bad/evil, and that is the distinction Trump seems to ignore - and with him his Fox News audience, that was taught to confound both conceptual categories when it comes to Obama on a daily basis...
Trump can do all these things because he knows there are no consequences. The calls for his ouster must begin, by the NYT, other media sources, and elected and appointed officials. Whether by resignation, impeachment, or finding of mental imbalance, this man must be removed from office. Anyone who doesn't call for his removal and work toward that, is equally responsible for his behavior. This is supposedly a government by the people. Let the people speak!
Anybody paying minimal attention knew what Trump would do if given power. What is astonishing is the republicans that still support this miniputin.
Joe Arpaio means nothing to Donald Trump, who disregarded all protocol and came in on his white horse to rescue him. When Trump asked the audience at his Arizona rally their opinion of Arpaio, had they given Arpaio a thumbs-down, Trump would not have pardoned him. Like everything he does, Trump's sole mission is to pander to his base in order to receive adulation in return. I just hope he doesn't ask his base if he should attack North Korea. And, by the way, it's just a matter of time before Trump cashiers Tillerson, who had the utter gall to say the president speaks for himself. Tillerson did not run interference for the king, and in this administration where Trump's minions do daily battle to clean up Trump's messes, that is usually fatal.
It is time to go beyond calling trump incompetent, crazy, stupid, corrupt, all the rest (which he is).
He's just plain cruel and mean. He is devoid of any human value, of any humanity.
He's just plain cruel and mean. He is devoid of any human value, of any humanity.
Jeeesh. It's like when that uncle comes for Thanksgiving dinner, has a bit too much to drink and tells awful jokes. He amazes the kids with card tricks but all in all you can't wait for him to leave. That's how I feel about Trump. All in all it's time for him to go home.
Too bad this is his home...
George Orwell looks at us from the great beyond, shaking his head in complete amazement at how well he described the future of GroupThink and DoubleSpeak......used so well these days by the Wealthy Liberal Establishment.
Big Brother is Watching.
Big Brother is Watching.
Trump shows so many signs of mental illness. Can we allow a mentally ill person to run our country? Who will have the courage to step up and get him out? McCain, Tillerson, Ryan, McConnell? Who has the courage to save our world?
We still have Sheriff's? Elected prosecutors and judges? If we don't want the fears of a stirred up mob personified as arbiters of "liberty and justice for all", then we'll have to get rid of the septic systems that allow the equivalent of playground punks the absolute power to run the playground.
In regards to Arpaio's pardon, Trump said "he was treated unbelievably unfairly."
His continued verbiage denotes a serious disorder.
His continued verbiage denotes a serious disorder.
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY 101: Psychopaths are so outrageous and so consistently outrageous that we can become numb to the chaos they cause. If you roll back the clock to the beginning of the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump's antics pale in comparison to the destruction he is causing now. However, our numb and dumb acceptance of his conduct is an inevitable outcome of human behavior. Emerson said, "Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Wake up America and get rid of this horrible man.
Suppose a black church in a small Alabama town is firebombed, and evidence for the crime points to the Ku Klux Klan. The local sheriff - who is black - begins detaining people who display Confederate flags in their truck windows, and jailing them until they can prove they aren't members of the local Klavern. A Federal judge (correctly) rules that the sheriff has violated their Constitutional rights, and orders the sheriff to stop the practice. The sheriff refuses, and is held in contempt by the Court.
If you think the sheriff is being prosecuted for simply doing his job, you're wrong. His job is to enforce the laws of his jurisdiction and those of the United States, and to protect everyone's Constitutional rights - not to decide for himself what those laws should be, or when the Constitution no longer applies.
The President has now pardoned a sheriff who considered himself above the law of the land. You might agree with Sheriff Arpaio's views regarding illegal immigration - as is your right - but don't kid yourself: the President has now set a dangerous precedent. If you disagree, then ask yourself: would you have approved if President Obama had pardoned the black sheriff in Alabama?
If you think the sheriff is being prosecuted for simply doing his job, you're wrong. His job is to enforce the laws of his jurisdiction and those of the United States, and to protect everyone's Constitutional rights - not to decide for himself what those laws should be, or when the Constitution no longer applies.
The President has now pardoned a sheriff who considered himself above the law of the land. You might agree with Sheriff Arpaio's views regarding illegal immigration - as is your right - but don't kid yourself: the President has now set a dangerous precedent. If you disagree, then ask yourself: would you have approved if President Obama had pardoned the black sheriff in Alabama?
The moral test of the Times that makes the Joe Arpaio pardon abhorrent to American values versus the pardon of Chelsea Manning or Marc Rich is deeply flawed to say the least.
though not running and on the record as refusing to serve if elected, here's the take on sherriff joe from this oval office: hold the pardon (and btw, have the press office notify those among the media lot who keep referring to his contempt citation as a "conviction").
next cite, for contempt, the electeds who are refusing to comply with immigration laws and enforcement thereof, indeed flaunting their flauting on camera with a certainty one might be forgiven for taking as a sense of moral, whatchamacallit...
"supremacy."
then, everybody into the rose garden for tea and cookies, and pardons for all the boys and girls in the basket of "contempt-ables."
next cite, for contempt, the electeds who are refusing to comply with immigration laws and enforcement thereof, indeed flaunting their flauting on camera with a certainty one might be forgiven for taking as a sense of moral, whatchamacallit...
"supremacy."
then, everybody into the rose garden for tea and cookies, and pardons for all the boys and girls in the basket of "contempt-ables."
In sharp contrast to Sen. McCain's remark that Trump undermines his own claim for the the respect of rule of law - which he has been prone to do ever since he was inaugurated -, Speaker Ryan's 'opposition' of the pardoning of the vile ex-Sheriff Arpaio was once more extremely weak.
Hi Trump's own admission during his presser with the Finnish president that he let the country and the world know that he chose the time of pardoning of Arpaia only because of 'high ratings' while a force 4 hurricane was to make landfall in Texas that night.
Once more that empty and corrupt vessel of a man proved to the nation that we have a TV reality show Apprentice president completely unfit to serve, but one who enjoys playing a banana republic little fascist dictator as the greatest role he ever in his life.
Hi Trump's own admission during his presser with the Finnish president that he let the country and the world know that he chose the time of pardoning of Arpaia only because of 'high ratings' while a force 4 hurricane was to make landfall in Texas that night.
Once more that empty and corrupt vessel of a man proved to the nation that we have a TV reality show Apprentice president completely unfit to serve, but one who enjoys playing a banana republic little fascist dictator as the greatest role he ever in his life.
1
Whenever you think that sorry excuse for a president cannot sink any lower, he commits yet another action even more despicable. Joe Arpaio and Donald Trump deserve each other. They are both men without honor, decency or moral restraint. The point is how long are we Americans to remains idle without doing anything about it.
405
how long was it between 1933 and 1945?
1
There is no bottom to the depths Trump's behavior sinks because he has never had negative consequences for his action. Ever. He knows he will be permitted to get away with anything because Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnel et al GOPers in congress are terrified of him.
1
While Bill Clinton's pardons were disgusting, Trump's is TOO. Two wrongs do not make right.
Trump is an amoral man, a grifter out for as much as he can grab for himself.
It was right for Rex Tillerson to place him on an island alone.
The rest of America should do so as well. Our executive branch may not function well with Trump isolated but that is what we need to do. Every day Trump shows himself to be even more devoid of any redeeming character and sinks lower into his cesspool.
Trump is now 'arming' our local police forces with military grade weaponry. Is he in fact setting in place all the elements required for warfare in the streets? Is this what Trump thinks is "law and order"? What would Trump order the police to do the next time there is a protest? He has already given the police the wink and the nod of 'you will be pardoned' if violence escalates.
The GOP Congress needs to do more to further isolate Trump. Spineless, gutless wonders in suits. We the people need to set up our game too. Trump loves money second to himself. We can boycott and refuse to purchase or pay for any Trump product or service, including those products or services of any companies who continue to do business with Trump Inc. The recent Mar-a-Lago cancellations are a start.
The best and most effective way to get rid of Trump is to overwhelmingly vote him out of office. In the meantime, nationwide efforts to taint the Trump brand and all it stands for - Donald - must continue 24/7/365.
Trump is an amoral man, a grifter out for as much as he can grab for himself.
It was right for Rex Tillerson to place him on an island alone.
The rest of America should do so as well. Our executive branch may not function well with Trump isolated but that is what we need to do. Every day Trump shows himself to be even more devoid of any redeeming character and sinks lower into his cesspool.
Trump is now 'arming' our local police forces with military grade weaponry. Is he in fact setting in place all the elements required for warfare in the streets? Is this what Trump thinks is "law and order"? What would Trump order the police to do the next time there is a protest? He has already given the police the wink and the nod of 'you will be pardoned' if violence escalates.
The GOP Congress needs to do more to further isolate Trump. Spineless, gutless wonders in suits. We the people need to set up our game too. Trump loves money second to himself. We can boycott and refuse to purchase or pay for any Trump product or service, including those products or services of any companies who continue to do business with Trump Inc. The recent Mar-a-Lago cancellations are a start.
The best and most effective way to get rid of Trump is to overwhelmingly vote him out of office. In the meantime, nationwide efforts to taint the Trump brand and all it stands for - Donald - must continue 24/7/365.
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"Amoral in YOUR opinion, but perhaps not in the eyes of many others.
@Elizabeth We did not overwhelmingly vote Trump into office. Unless the voters in States that won the electoral vote change their votes, Trump will be back in 2020. He also is continually re-energizing his base with his rallies and drcision-making, reaping affirmation of his greatness, and likely by combining campaigning with official business, has us paying his way to, from, and overnight.
The accurate response Mr. Tillerson: the whole world , including the UN, now questions American values, whatever that is or was.
Values require effort to develop and maintain. Values require examination, patience and judgement.
The current president has none of this, and has no values shy of worship of fame and money. Kim Kardashian would be just as stunningly wretched of a choice. Thats how the world sees us now.
Values require effort to develop and maintain. Values require examination, patience and judgement.
The current president has none of this, and has no values shy of worship of fame and money. Kim Kardashian would be just as stunningly wretched of a choice. Thats how the world sees us now.
The job of the President of the United States is supposed to be speaking for All the Citizens of the country.
170
Good luck with that!
Yes, are correct. But Trump speaks only for himself and his selfish interests.
One would think.
Sadly, we may need a mild recession to save the country. If Trump's approval rating drops low enough, perhaps congress will act to control his misdeeds with as little reservation as Trump wields the pardon pen. Judgment was never a prerequisite to lead in democracy, since voters have never been required to show judgment to secure the right to vote.
1
A mild recession? That I am afraid is whistling past the graveyard. In either case Republican orthodoxy will dictate that their disastrous economic policies haven't had enough time to work. I fear they will recreate the trashed Kansas economy on a much larger scale.
Is democracy perfect? No, Mr. Trump has become a tyrant though elected democratically. He has proven himself to be above the law because he is rich and powerful. Lot of rich and powerful also supports him. GOP leaders and good patriotic citizens do not support Mr. Trump's actions but how does it help us the ordinary people? we had been lecturing the world that communism is bad. Fortunately, communism is changing or falling on its own. How about Trump's democracy - four more years of abuse of law and 40% of white nationalist's tyranny?
1
The Trump Era will go down in history, if we still have a history, as the worst period in our Country.
deToqueville predicted it, although he had no idea how it would take shape. He saw that our obsession with everyone being equal would somehow backfire on us. While much of the Country hoped for, understood and championed equality for women, people of color and those with untraditional sexual orientation, for some individuals – unfortunately the people who can and do vote -- seeing that growing equality had a different read. It registered as non-male, non-white and non-straight individuals being made more equal than me -- being more valued than me, getting more press sympathies than me, and making more money than me.
Having created a Fellowship of angry individuals, most notably with the Southern strategies, the Republicans exploited that anger, and Trump rode in on its coattails.
Good for Tillerson for finding a way to frame it for himself, but a large enough group in Congress better ask “What have we done?” or we’re looking at Armageddon.
deToqueville predicted it, although he had no idea how it would take shape. He saw that our obsession with everyone being equal would somehow backfire on us. While much of the Country hoped for, understood and championed equality for women, people of color and those with untraditional sexual orientation, for some individuals – unfortunately the people who can and do vote -- seeing that growing equality had a different read. It registered as non-male, non-white and non-straight individuals being made more equal than me -- being more valued than me, getting more press sympathies than me, and making more money than me.
Having created a Fellowship of angry individuals, most notably with the Southern strategies, the Republicans exploited that anger, and Trump rode in on its coattails.
Good for Tillerson for finding a way to frame it for himself, but a large enough group in Congress better ask “What have we done?” or we’re looking at Armageddon.
6
Some conservative commentators have argued that President Obama pardoned drug dealers and terrorists, so criticizing Trump is once again a liberal double standard.
But they are wrong. First they confuse commutation of a sentence with a pardon. Obama commuted many sentences. But those individuals went through the legal system, obeyed court orders and and served their sentences, utilized the appeal process and finally qualified for commutation based on guidelines established by the DOJ.
Sherriff Arpaio did none of these things. Trump circumvented the legal process, effectively over ruled the judge and declared that "Sheriff Joe" was above the law.
What he never mentioned was that Sheriff Arpaio violated the constitutional rights of hundreds of American citizens, simply because of their Mexican American heritage. Their "crime" was they didn't have "proof of citizenship" on them when they were stopped. Some spent 72 hours in jail until a family member could produce documents.
Despite being warned several times Arpaio continued to use racial profiling for seventeen months before a judge finally held him in contempt.
President Trump then decided that just like that "Mexican judge" in one of his civil cases, that couldn't be fair to a rich white man, that Sheriff Joe shouldn't be subject to our legal system.
No-one is supposed to be above the law, except the president has declared that this basic principle doesn't apply to him.
But they are wrong. First they confuse commutation of a sentence with a pardon. Obama commuted many sentences. But those individuals went through the legal system, obeyed court orders and and served their sentences, utilized the appeal process and finally qualified for commutation based on guidelines established by the DOJ.
Sherriff Arpaio did none of these things. Trump circumvented the legal process, effectively over ruled the judge and declared that "Sheriff Joe" was above the law.
What he never mentioned was that Sheriff Arpaio violated the constitutional rights of hundreds of American citizens, simply because of their Mexican American heritage. Their "crime" was they didn't have "proof of citizenship" on them when they were stopped. Some spent 72 hours in jail until a family member could produce documents.
Despite being warned several times Arpaio continued to use racial profiling for seventeen months before a judge finally held him in contempt.
President Trump then decided that just like that "Mexican judge" in one of his civil cases, that couldn't be fair to a rich white man, that Sheriff Joe shouldn't be subject to our legal system.
No-one is supposed to be above the law, except the president has declared that this basic principle doesn't apply to him.
7
I heard a report on NPR last week about how younger voters tend not to turn out in mid-term elections.
They also reported how Trump's disapproval ratings fall demographically, and 70% of Millennials fall into the "strongly disapprove" category.
So I'm thinking maybe that trend of younger voters not turning out to vote in mid-terms may well change in 2018.
As long as Trump has a Republican congress, he's not going anywhere. We need it to flip.
They also reported how Trump's disapproval ratings fall demographically, and 70% of Millennials fall into the "strongly disapprove" category.
So I'm thinking maybe that trend of younger voters not turning out to vote in mid-terms may well change in 2018.
As long as Trump has a Republican congress, he's not going anywhere. We need it to flip.
16
The president is president for himself.
The president pardoned Arpaio for himself.
The president breaks the rules and the law for himself.
The president takes health care away from millions for himself.
The president cuts taxes for himself.
The president walls the country in for himself.
The president fights Russian sanctions for himself.
The president divides America against itself for himself.
The president orders the destruction of the environment for himself.
The president is for Trump-Law and disorder for himself.
...
Imagine the number of Hispanic-Americans and undocumented Hispanics that will be involved in the clean up and reconstruction of Houston and surrounding areas!
The president pardoned Arpaio for himself.
The president breaks the rules and the law for himself.
The president takes health care away from millions for himself.
The president cuts taxes for himself.
The president walls the country in for himself.
The president fights Russian sanctions for himself.
The president divides America against itself for himself.
The president orders the destruction of the environment for himself.
The president is for Trump-Law and disorder for himself.
...
Imagine the number of Hispanic-Americans and undocumented Hispanics that will be involved in the clean up and reconstruction of Houston and surrounding areas!
22
Don't forget -
The president will close down the government and declare national bankruptcy for himself too.
The president will close down the government and declare national bankruptcy for himself too.
1
There is a basic difference between the Arpaio pardon and Ford's pardon of Nixon.
Ford pardoned Nixon to move past Watergate.
But Ford did not endorse Nixon's actions and did not say Nixon did nothing wrong.
TRump explicitly approved Arpaio's actions and said Arpaio did nothing wrong.
Trump said a person may disobey a court order if TRump disagrees with that court order.
Ford did not say that.
I have mixed feelings about the Ford pardon but Trump's pardon of Arpaio with his endorsement of disobeying a court order is clearly wrong.
Ford pardoned Nixon to move past Watergate.
But Ford did not endorse Nixon's actions and did not say Nixon did nothing wrong.
TRump explicitly approved Arpaio's actions and said Arpaio did nothing wrong.
Trump said a person may disobey a court order if TRump disagrees with that court order.
Ford did not say that.
I have mixed feelings about the Ford pardon but Trump's pardon of Arpaio with his endorsement of disobeying a court order is clearly wrong.
22
And where are the Congressional Republicans who are going to restore the rule of law?
19
With regard to Trump's view of his responsibilities and his respect for others far more experienced than he is in Washington, D.C. and this country, here is a direct quote from his Arizona rally that I don't think has received enough attention:
"So, in Washington, we're taking power out of the hands of donors and special interests [a lie in itself], and putting that power back into the hands of the people that voted for us, OK? For us."
"Putting power back in the hands of people who voted for us, OK? For us." I would say those are the people Trump thinks he's president of and who are OK with the Arpaio pardon. The rest of us, the majority of us? He has no regard for.
"So, in Washington, we're taking power out of the hands of donors and special interests [a lie in itself], and putting that power back into the hands of the people that voted for us, OK? For us."
"Putting power back in the hands of people who voted for us, OK? For us." I would say those are the people Trump thinks he's president of and who are OK with the Arpaio pardon. The rest of us, the majority of us? He has no regard for.
27
Trump's pardon of Arpaio shows us that he stands with the racists. And that he stands for order, but not the law.
As dismaying as it is that Trump is a racist dictator, it is equally dismaying that his quest for unchecked power is encouraged by most Republican Congressmen and by Fox News and its offshoots. John Roberts, used to be a good reporter. But he lobbed a softball question at yesterday's press, conference about the pardon that allowed Trump another platform to spew lies about Arpaio. Shameful.
As dismaying as it is that Trump is a racist dictator, it is equally dismaying that his quest for unchecked power is encouraged by most Republican Congressmen and by Fox News and its offshoots. John Roberts, used to be a good reporter. But he lobbed a softball question at yesterday's press, conference about the pardon that allowed Trump another platform to spew lies about Arpaio. Shameful.
14
Of course every president speaks for himself, thinking otherwise is idiotic. Now just what "values" are we talking about. The value that many place on the idea that burning carbon based fuels is driving climate change? We don't really have values that we should be propagating around the world.
1
Until now, every time a president spoke publicly, he articulated the nation's values as he understood them to pertain to a particular matter. This is vastly different than speaking for himself. People may have agreed or disagreed and may even have felt unrepresented, but few doubted that the president intended to speak for the country or that his words stemmed from a shared sense of national identity.
Today, Trump speaks to a base reserves Americanism to itself and demonizes those who are not true believers in Trumpism. He speaks for himself on behalf of himself.
Today, Trump speaks to a base reserves Americanism to itself and demonizes those who are not true believers in Trumpism. He speaks for himself on behalf of himself.
5
Trump provides a good example of what is called a plebiscitary president, a chief executive who believes that the voice of the sovereign people overrides the limitations on his power imposed by the Constitution or statutory law. The fact that he lost the popular vote and won a fairly narrow victory in the electoral college holds no significance for an individual who manufactures his own reality out of fantasies spawned by his outsized ego.
From this perspective, the "people" rule directly, through their chosen agent, unmediated by institutions whose purpose reflects a distrust of personal power. The framers of the Constitution, deeply skeptical of democracy, sought to embed the authority of government officials in a matrix of competing institutions which would prevent any individual or group from acquiring unlimited power.
But the framers' plan cannot enforce itself. Congress and the judiciary have the responsibility to restrain the president. Surprisingly, the main resistance to Trump has originated in the executive branch, in the form of resignations and thinly-veiled rebukes to the president. But only the GOP leaders of Congress can effectively challenge the president, and so far they have limited themselves to verbal opposition, apparently fearful their constituents will embrace Trump's conception of his power.
Ultimately, they may discover that an abdication of their duty will cost them more politically in the long run than will a determination to act.
From this perspective, the "people" rule directly, through their chosen agent, unmediated by institutions whose purpose reflects a distrust of personal power. The framers of the Constitution, deeply skeptical of democracy, sought to embed the authority of government officials in a matrix of competing institutions which would prevent any individual or group from acquiring unlimited power.
But the framers' plan cannot enforce itself. Congress and the judiciary have the responsibility to restrain the president. Surprisingly, the main resistance to Trump has originated in the executive branch, in the form of resignations and thinly-veiled rebukes to the president. But only the GOP leaders of Congress can effectively challenge the president, and so far they have limited themselves to verbal opposition, apparently fearful their constituents will embrace Trump's conception of his power.
Ultimately, they may discover that an abdication of their duty will cost them more politically in the long run than will a determination to act.
10
A brilliant comment.
How much longer? How much more damage?
40
Who would have imagined a year ago that the power to pardon might become one of the most divisive, controversial, dangerous Presidential prerogatives? What do we or the Congress do when he issues wholesale pardons to everyone even remotely connected to the Russia investigation? Must we then depend on the state attorneys general to bring state and local charges?
11
These pardons have been an issue for a long time, the difference is that folks like say Obama waited until they would not suffer consequences. Trump not being a typical politician does not care. Now Joe is 85, was denied a jury trial on a technicality and is not very important either.
2
The U.S. Census Bureau reported an interesting finding in 2015. The majority of babies under the age of one, (50.2 percent) were of minority and ethnic minority descent. Perhaps those kids will stick it to Trump's grandchildren like Trump stuck it to their parents. Doubtful. Those children will likely be one of the finest American generations.
10
Well Gee I bet they are mostly children of the poor, so being great might be a stretch.
1
If you have to be rich to be great, you're probably right.
It ought to be evident to any reasonable person that Trump has little comprehension of the powers and responsibilities of the different branches of government and is unfit to hold any office in he Federal Government. Case in point the pardon of convicted Arpaio. Based on his own statements it appears that Trump does not understand that it was the Judicial Branch of government that convicted Arpaio. More over, Trump fails to understand that any involvement by himself during investigation is obstruction of justice. Lastly, based again on Trump's own rationalization of the pardon Trump completely fails to appreciate that Arpaio's methods, ostensible targeting illegal aliens, while popular to his base supporters denied basic constitutional rights to many completely legal citizens in addition to denying rights granted to non citizens.
26
Apparent to biased people, he understands plenty enough. Now president's job is not reading briefing books, making people feel good, etc. He is the head of the administration first, and that he has a great team doing the work.
Such is the purpose of a subversive. Mr. Trump possesses neither the intellect nor the discipline needed to permanently damage or alter our values on his own. We need to pay closer attention to that.
17
You are correct -- we will be undone by all of those elected to lead and govern, but who remain silent in this time of our national, moral crises.
24
Come now no one individual has such, unless they are divine.
I know that I am preaching to the choir on this site. I am completely at a loss to understand how even 35% of my fellow citizens are enthusiastic about Mr. Trump. Is he entertaining? Diffusing anger? Encouraging Racism? Draining the swamp? fighting political correctness? Or is there a serious political debate that he represents? Our political system depends on mutual trust. Without it we will fall. The Civil War split our citizens into 2 camps and now we seem to have 2 camps again. It seems to me to be a dangerous time for our system and our unique American culture and values. But what are the two sides? I don't know what the other camp actually wants and why it supports a man like Mr. Trump, who seems to be destroying comity and the system we all respect.
38
I could explain, but you probably would not listen. We had a choice, HILLARY or Trump. We chose a person not traditional because we were not satisfied with traditional politicians. I don't support everything he does or says, but I am very satisfied with my choice.
1
I dint believe the 35% figure myself. If all of us have learned anything in 2016 it is how far off polls can be. Even 90% sure President Hillary would agee.
Your response is extremely thought provoking, what does the other side what, do they even know?
They want to return to the days of "Leave it to Beaver" or Father knows best", beautiful white families that conveyed an ideal. Those were the days when Union factory jobs (unskilled) were a path to the middle class. Those were also the time of unfettered pollution. Jim Crow laws effectively kept blacks in their place and if they became uppity, there was always lynching. This was also the time of Nazism, to murder those others, vermin. America had it phobia, too, the internment of American Japanese. A strong Government offered many men jobs and Social Security Children hid under their desks to survive a nuclear war.
What do they even see in trump or the Republican Party? Is trump the great Oz, hiding behind the curtain?
Be careful what you wish for.
They want to return to the days of "Leave it to Beaver" or Father knows best", beautiful white families that conveyed an ideal. Those were the days when Union factory jobs (unskilled) were a path to the middle class. Those were also the time of unfettered pollution. Jim Crow laws effectively kept blacks in their place and if they became uppity, there was always lynching. This was also the time of Nazism, to murder those others, vermin. America had it phobia, too, the internment of American Japanese. A strong Government offered many men jobs and Social Security Children hid under their desks to survive a nuclear war.
What do they even see in trump or the Republican Party? Is trump the great Oz, hiding behind the curtain?
Be careful what you wish for.
From a 1992 Washington Post column by William Raspberry, "Defining Deviancy Down":
"(Emile) Durkheim's interesting theory is that there can be no such thing as a 'crime free community' but only communities that redefine "crime" to accommodate their means of dealing with it. Judging only from the amount of deviancy they punish, there's no difference between a halfway house and a monastery....Behavior that once was deviant and punishable (whether by law or social sanction) can, when our correcting mechanisms are overloaded, be redefined as acceptable."
Trump is overloading our correcting mechanisms.
"(Emile) Durkheim's interesting theory is that there can be no such thing as a 'crime free community' but only communities that redefine "crime" to accommodate their means of dealing with it. Judging only from the amount of deviancy they punish, there's no difference between a halfway house and a monastery....Behavior that once was deviant and punishable (whether by law or social sanction) can, when our correcting mechanisms are overloaded, be redefined as acceptable."
Trump is overloading our correcting mechanisms.
16
I wonder if he'll rethink his encouragement to law enforcement to rough up criminals when he's found guilty of treason. When he's found guilty of destroying our government and our country, will he approve of torture then?
"There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered ones."
Tears are coming. Those who have supported DJ Trump and his Arpaio pardon, what would appear to be a peccadillo, have yet to deal with the fallout. It is another axe blow into the foundation of law along with a not so nuanced stance on white supremacy that is being processed by all concerned parties and will play itself out. It is one thing for the President to howl at the moon. But quite another to erode the sensibilities of the electorate by attacking the pillar of our democracy.
Tears are coming. Those who have supported DJ Trump and his Arpaio pardon, what would appear to be a peccadillo, have yet to deal with the fallout. It is another axe blow into the foundation of law along with a not so nuanced stance on white supremacy that is being processed by all concerned parties and will play itself out. It is one thing for the President to howl at the moon. But quite another to erode the sensibilities of the electorate by attacking the pillar of our democracy.
17
Every morning I wake with trepidation, fearing what the president has done or said to bring more damage to our country. Hoping in vain that the worst is past us. The cowardly pardon of Arpaio, wipes out all hope for the application of justice for all and for the power of our three branches of government as long as this man heads the seemingly unbridled power of the presidency. Only under him are we learning the weaknesses in our constitution. The judiciary has been rendered powerless in one fell swoop, and our Congress has chosen to remain on the sidelines and let this man carry out his abhorrent will with unbridled power. How devastating for this country.
40
I might question your mental health if you are actually personally afraid.
1
I now know that years of right wing lies and a government full of sold out political parties have now brought us to the edge of collapse of our government... Where are the few good men in government who will save our country from the madness that is our president ???