Holder should be in jail for much longer than nine years. Pretty pathetic including his "opinion" on this.
2
I’m not aware that Holder — I assume youmean Eric Holder — committed any crime. Please reply with specifics of real criminal charges he should be liable for. And then tell me why, if he’s actually done some evil deeds, the Trump Justice Dept hasn’t gone after him in the past three years. Will be interested to see your answer.
39
@Orrin-As is often, the case with many Trump supporter's comments, Orrin's comment is falls into the same pattern. Instead of explaining why or how they reached their opinion, they simply push a statement with no back. Okay they believe, "Holder should be in jail for much longer than nine years"... The question is why? Same with "Pretty pathetic including his "opinion" on this". Why is his opinion 'pathetic'? Clearly comments like these are not meant to explain or persuade, rather they are meant to provoke their opponents and rile the base. Trump supporters have adopted the language of Trump.
42
@Alex It resembles the language of Fox News more than anything else; which is probably where Orrin heard something that triggered him, without stopping to think if it made the slightest bit of sense.
10
Wake up Americans! It's time to be in action. Enough with the complaining and whining. It is time to stand up and speak out. Write a letter to the editor, call up your senators and congresspeople, give $1 to the person who is running for office on All levels of government. Vote them in, vote them out. All of us need to make this noise -- liberals, independents, conservatives and Republicans. This outrage of a president bludgeoning his enemies, coercing allies to do his bidding is wrong. It is a threat to our way of life. We are Americans. We are not an autocracy, a plutocracy, dictatorship or authoritarian government. We are a country of the people, by the people and for the people. Our elected officials serve us. They are not better than us. They are our servants tasked with carrying out what we hold as valuable, our priorities. A president who puts his personal agenda above that of the people he SERVES does not belong in that position of power. His power is not for personal gain, but to serve and protect the Constitution and thus the people of this country. We are capable of revolution when revolution is needed. And when our government stops working for US and begins to serve at the behest of a single man or a small group of men a revolution is needed. That is how we began, it is in our blood. We can do it now.
9
UK. Non Partisan Prosecutorial Court System Exists - Non Partisan Justice Department Prosecutors Needed To Balance Out Scale!
1
Abuse of power...you think??? The Senate Republicans gave Trump free reign. Why is anyone surprised ..... I feel like we witnessed a non-violent coup. Nothing and no one can stop the Republican party and their leader. I, for one, am scared. Scared for my children and grandchildren. Our fragile democracy is strangled. I am sick with grief.
10
These senators fit the definition of "Stockholm Syndrome". This is when the captives are beaten down to the point of identifying with their captor. Patty Hearst comes to mind. In this case, his subordinates have become captive to Trump's mental illness. If they want to keep their jobs, they have no choice but to madly keep trying to clean up his messes, and when, as he often does, he actually admits the acts he's done, they scramble to excuse him on the basis that "He was joking" or "The media misinterpretted him".
Another prism to look through in trying to understand the Trump phenomenon is: if his cultists admit what he is, they'd then have to admit what about themselves reflect him.
7
The Vietnam War draft dodger consistently, and true to form, automatically goes to the defense of Caucasian males of privileges who he deems are, or were, treated unfairly, shamefully, or wrongly. He intentionally punctuates his rash, incoherent, bellicose diatribes with casting blame at others, and why are those persons being prosecuted. Par for the course. But don't be fooled by the grandeur of the incessant maligning of others and the 'poor me' excuses. The public tirade is all about inciting his less than college educated base that 'they' are under siege, and that he is their savior. Cut to the chase, all he has do to right now, tonight, is simply grant a pardon to Roger Stone and move on with life. His MAWA supporters will eat it up, applaud him, and justify the reasons for the pardon! No need to go through all the machinations of deception and distortion. Stone can attend dinner at the White House, pose for MAWA campaign photos, and sign autographs! And the Republican senators and House members will not, and they will dare not, register contempt, disdain, complain, or object publicly. And when they do so privately, that is the extent of disagreement. They know they do not want their head on a pike, or challenged in a primary because they want to protect their political positions. So the draft dodger has them compromised. But a day of reckoning is coming. The abject corruption will end horribly. Malcolm X's words "the chickens are coming home roost." Race matters.
10
I hope the judge throws the book at Stone. His actions and threats to the judge alone should take the original sentencing guidelines and double them. As for Trump, once he’s out of office hopefully Jan 20, 2021, the legal proceedings should begin in earnest against him.
11
Trump must be indicted NOW! He is a criminal. We can no longer wait till after the election. Trump is trying to get his buds (Flynn and Stone) off before they spill all the beans. Trump and them know they are guilty of far more than lies and obstruction. They got the support from Russia (DT Jr. ‘This is part of Russia’s support for your father.’ ‘Love it, especially at the end of Summer’) and are still making deals with oligarchs around the world to interfere in the next election. Trump’s quid pro quo with Ukraine was not a one off. This is how he operates like a mafia boss. Who is going to stand up to him? The time is now. Justice must be served. The day of reckoning will come. Praying Evangelical leaders take a stand for righteousness, emboldened by the Holy Spirit. Praying that Republicans NOW realize what is at stake and do their job to defend our country from enemies foreign or domestic.
10
Well, Senator Collins, did the President learn his "lesson"?
14
Stone threaten a federal judge and Barr seeks to reduce Stone’s sentence. Has William Barr promoted an all out war on Federal Judges? Barr runs the department of injustice.
9
This is what the monarchy of a mad king looks like. He is a law unto himself. And the "attorney general" who has taken a constitutional oath ("... so help me God") to uphold the American system of justice on behalf of all us is, instead, the most eager enabler for a lawless demagogue who constantly undermines it.
8
This is how it ends...
3
Manufacturers of news...
I assume you by that you mean Trump and his would be monarchy. With Barr now clearly working for him, Tump can do just about anything with impunity. And you love it because you refuse to see the truth about the man who would be king. Hint: he doesn’t give a hoot about his base. FYI: Watch out, he’s coming for your Social Security and your Medicare in order to pay for all those tax cuts for the rich. Good times ahead.
4
Paging Robert Mueller...
Seems like a good time to reconsider letting your report somehow speak for itself. Seems like you, sir, should speak for yourself.
6
How can any Trump supporter expect the rest of us to respect the office of the President when Trump finds new ways to debase it each day?
4
America in turmoil; the rule of law suspended. Exactly what Vladimir Putin wanted when he influenced the 2016 election.
8
Because Democrats did not aggressively pursue treason and obstruction charges against Trump, we now have our first president who operates outside the Constitution as a Fascist. He owns the Senate; Majority of SCOTUS could care less and they are sitting on cases involving Trump with no sense of urgency.If he gets reelected or RBG dies, our democracy is finished.
And Bernie is not much better with radical ideas for transforming the country into a socialist or communist state since he hates capitalism.
Trump and his bunch of gangsters will make sure Trump stays in the White House after January 2021.
Democrats gaining control of both houses of Congress is desperately needed.
2
Why does the NYT continue to treat Trump statements like “even Muller lied to Congress” seriously, as if they needed to be judged for accuracy?
This is a person who continually lies and makes up anything he feels like, in a concerted and consistent assault on the very concept of truth.
Serious media outlets like this one must drop the pretense that Trump’s statements and actions deserve the respect and scrutiny due those of a normal U.S. President. This is a fascist leader trying to gaslight the country and put the mainstream media out of business. Wake up.
7
Kick Trump to the curb.
4
Let's hope that the judge takes all this chicanery into account, and uses the original recommendations, based on the sentencing guidelines that apply to all of us.
If the President wants to intervene, let him pardon his friend.
8
Trump is behaving like an angry dictator and is manipulating the rule of law. How can we allow a two-tiered system of justice in which cronies of Trump get lenient sentences, but "enemies" get attacked? AG Barr must bear some blame for this situation.
Do any GOP Senators feel the danger of a President who seeks to undermine the rule of law?
3
Republicans " feel" danger by withdrawing completely. Complicit, controlled, without any independent thought. Reference: last Senate vote
3
The President, bit by bit, continues to bring Steve Bannon's vision of America into reality. Capitalism, Nationalism and a slow descent into dystopian fascism. Well done, Mr. Trump.
4
Because Roger Stone is a patriot? He has served the country well?
1
Of course Donald Trump is interfering in the sentencing of Roger Stone. When the man in the White House says " I can do anything I want as President" and that man is totally uneducated on the process of governance, the history and context of everything he is faced with and on which he must make decisions and lacks any curiosity to educate himself, the danger of mismanagement and corruption is a clear and very present danger. I am in a constant state of anxiety wondering what awful thing Trump will say next, what terrible decision he will make today. And since the end of the trial it as if all the qualities that so worry me have gone from black and white to Technicolor. He was brazen and reckless before. Now he is worse. His henchmen: William Barr, Mitch McConnell, Linsey Graham, Mike Pence coddle and praise him. Fox News distorts and exaggerates his accomplishments. And then there are the masses that are so infatuated with his glitz and glamour that they have abandoned any slight ability to judge his performance. They are blinded by the supposed richness of the economy and jobs. Morals have been tossed aside for a 401K that is doing well. When combined together these things are a threat to our Democracy. And my deep fear is this awful, horrible man will get reelected.
14
Reimpeach, give the senate a chance to do the right thing!
8
Vote in a new Senate first!
2
How many times recently have we see blacks being brutalized by white authorities? The stories go away from the front pages and then there is either no trial or a finding of not guilty a few years later. These occurrences have a backdrop which have been part of recorded American history. Extra judicial killings of slaves and their descendants, with impunity. There was lynching which the Senate had difficulty outlawing until the Civil Rights law of the 1960s. What Trump and his AG are now accused of doing has been a practice across this country in adjudicating offenses from Jay walking to murder. Is not the Sentencing Project freeing scores of poor men from being killed by dishonest legal authorities? Trump and his AG are showpieces for this white American tradition.
1
Trump observation just based as usual on
Speculation for a pal.
No facts cited, as usual!
Trump justice in action.
5
Trump 'said that prosecutors “ought to apologize to" Stone.'
You first, Trump.
4
Impeached Trump should apologize to American and the world but of course that's not in his DNA, like empathy, compassion, understanding, truth, intelligence, decency, morality, courage and a zillion other decent qualities, that most humans possess and understand....
Impeached Trump is simply a cancer on EVERYTHING he touches...
But you New Yorkers always knew that.
6
“Party if law and order”
*eyeroll*
3
Roger Stone should be prosecuted for treason.
6
Along with Corrupt Trump.
2
Time to perp-walk both Trump and Barr out of the White House before they finish creating their autocratic white Christian nationalist dystopia.
9
25th Amendment time unfortunately the morons who can do it all need to go too.
5
there is no rule of law. for so long the people in USA and outside were deceived by successful propaganda from USA's propaganda apparatus. the truth is in USA, the powerful can do what they like and the powerless suffer what they must.
5
Remember the Bernie Bros. in 2016: “Hillary and Trump are the same.”
Don’t ever forget how often they said that. They are the people to blame for this.
5
I “am with”...nah blame her
This will not end well. The party seems under spell, his base will support him whatever he does or say. Unfortunately violence is to be expected in November if not sooner.
4
@Bruno They're pod people from Invasioin of th Body Snatchers
Trump should award Roger Stone the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
1
He made it worthless with his cynical, abuse
1
Trump, Stone, McConnell and Barr should be rewarded with prison time.
2
Really? Apologize to anyone with a tattoo of Nixon on his body?What would Mamie Eisenhower think?
3
Craven. Reprehensible. Authoritarian.
This reprobate in the oval cheapens the office and drags us into the sewer with him. Sadly, his precedents will linger long after he is gone.
9
I am so angry about this situation, Trump would have us all bow down to him if he could get away with it. Throw the book at Barr and I'm surprised the only recourse we have for Trump is the Senate which obviously are his henchmen, my gosh a den of mobsters running the country, just sickening...
13
To quote the magnificent Fiona Hill, “ We came as fact witnesses.” Donald Trump is an inveterate liar, a criminal, and the worst president that America has ever had. Vote him out on November 3.
16
What goes around, comes around. Trump and the rest will get their due. So will the Republicans and Christian Right who don't have a brain among them.
5
I read these comments about the damage Trump is doing to your democracy and how he needs to be removed but am constantly dumbfounded that the single greatest voting bloc in US politics is the 40-45% who can't be bothered to vote.
Now more than ever before politics has become a negative process, whereby parties are more willing to criticise and condemn opponents than talk about future policy directions (this applies all over the world not just the US). In the US in particular, the conservatives have become particularly adept at creating negative platforms to discourage voters from turning out and casting their rightful vote - lower voting turnout increases conservative chances at re-election. The whole process is a disgrace.
The only way to overcome this is for citizens to turn out in greater numbers than ever before - if you regularly vote then encourage and take along friends who do not. It is vitally important to drive that 40-45% non-voting number as close to zero as possible. Greater voting turnout is what scares these "rusted on" barnacles of politicians more than anything else. Keep them on their toes and don't allow them the satisfaction of believing they will be secure come election time.
11
I’m not at all shocked with Trump’s whiny plea for an apology,... this is his schtick,... falsely complaining that he and his colleagues are persecuted at every turn. He’s going to continue to be an angry whiner until he is in the old folks home.
I am quite shocked at the Republican Senators and Congressmen who enable him at every turn. If any of these guys had 1/10th the integrity of their Republican predecessors, then Trump would have been gone a year ago and we would be dealing with Pence instead. How did so many elected officials get convinced that supporting Trump is more important than maintaining integrity?
13
Trump needs to apologize to the American people.
13
Is Stone the poster boy for Melania's "Be Best" campaign? That's the only way this perversion of our justice system makes sense. We've descended into the rabbit hole and this isn't a dream from which we will easily awaken. November can't come soon enough.
5
Something needs to be done before November, Corrupt Trump can do a lot more damage in the ensuing months, with his corrupted DOJ & his “friends” in other departments and now setting his sights on having the Inspector General removed, we are on a fast track to a dictatorship , in the same mound as Russia.
2
Donald Trump is in-American. He despises everything that makes America special. He has weaponized the Presidency against the Constitution and our Institutions. He has convinced throngs if people that this a great thing. And the GOP either cheers it on, hides from it, or rationalizes it away with magical thinking.
No wonder Trump is going after speakers of truth - the truth will set us free. He wants us captive to him.
13
Trump revels in erratic inconsistency. But in some behaviors he’s as constant as a clock.
Give him a reason, ANY reason, to declare, “End of witch hunt. I have been fully and absolutely exonerated!” and Don will overplay his hand.
Trump may be the only person on Earth to believe he’s been proven “absolutely innocent,” but his twisted excuse for rational thinking insists that he celebrate the end of the terrible injustice to which he’s been unjustly subjected, by openly behaving like the spoiled child he is.
Right now he’s rubbing the corrupt verdict awarded him by the Republican senators in our national face. He’s proving that he can make a joke of our justice system. That he, “can do anything he wants.”
The president is psychologically ill and not very bright. He IS however sufficiently arrogant and stupid to arrogantly get himself impeached again, before the 2020 election.
We’re dealing with a reckless out-of-control, unbalanced child who now believes he holds all the cards.
He doesn’t.
7
I thought this could only happen in a banana republic. Never in my life had I expected this to happen in the US. Voters, please do your duty.
23
Fact: President Trump broke no laws by stepping his foot on the scales of justice in America. What Trump has demonstrated is that any sitting President of the United States has to much power when enabled by a Justice Department political appointment like Barr.
10
you are correct. I cringed when people repeated the propaganda that USA has rule of law vis a vis other countries. previous presidents at least try to be subtle in bending the law but Trump is more transparent in welding his power.
Hopefully Judge Jackson will show that at least part of the judiciary is still independent.
11
Unfortunately the USA does not have an independent judiciary. Trump makes this painfully visible, but Heorge W. Bush and Barack Obama used their influence to not pursue prosecution of Wall street criminals, or 'Fast and Furious' weapons dealers.
As long as the Dept. of 'Justice' resides under the WH, this will remain problematic.
Currently we can see that gangsters and criminal elements in the upper levels of government enjoy immunity, and their cronies are protected by the presidential power of Pardon, as we can surely expect to see after November, at the latest.
Remember President Gerald Ford' pardon of the criminal Richard Nixon.
The foundi g fathers apparently saw nothing wrong with layi g the foudations for this.
3
Trump is a Fascist. What more do we need to consider?
15
Nazi and Fascist previously came to power via democracies so there are plenty of fascist supporters in USA if a Fascist can be elected to the top position of power. Let's see if he is reelected at the end of 2020.
2
It’s kinda hilarious that Democrats are now trying to intimidate and bully the Obama judge into handing down the harshest sentence possible.
They don’t do irony, I guess.
2
Stone was convicted of crimes that could have give him 50 years. The prosecutors had already given Stone
a huge break.
The new rules under the Trump Administration is anyone Trump likes does not get punishment, no matter how that damages our nation.
Trump fired the head of the Navy and the head of the Navy Seals in order to keep a Navy Seal who had been convicted of an international war crime on the job. His fellow Navy Seals were terrified of him. They won’t be serving with him however...since that convicted Navy Seal—pardoned by Trump—put the names of all the other Navy Seals he worked with on social media so they can no longer work in the elite forces. Trump has jeopardized National Security and destroyed a major taxpayer investment: it costs $500,000 to train one Navy Seal and $1 million per year to keep one Navy Seal operational.
5
That's funny, I always thought that after a prosecutor notched a conviction, s/he would not normally turn and "apologize" to the convicted criminal. And that in our justice system any leniency requested from the court would come from the convicted criminal's attorney.
8
I'm with Lolita. This kind of story is no longer news or worthy of mindshare.
yeah and on the same day the president interferes and the prosecutor reduces the sentencing rec... in Chicago... a gop prosecutor refiles dropped charges against jusse smollet for the identical crime of lying to the government.
so in fl. stone gets a reduced sentence... in Chicagopractically identical charges once thought gone away have been reinstated.... hw come nobody has picked up on this?
7
Trump needs to apologize to Uncle Sam.
13
The guy has a Nixon tattoo on his back, he’s guilty of something
7
Prayers for both Stone and Trump. Oh yeah, for Barr too.
3
Two words: banana republic.
21
Stone knows about Trump and his association with Jeffery Epstein.
Trump knows if he is voted out of office, an indictment is very possible on a number of fronts..but, most probable is income tax evasion. The Southern District of New York no doubt has a sealed indictment on other issues, too!
If Trump looses, he may refuse to leave office..call out the National Guard or suit in court to reverse the election. These possibilities are more than speculation, but rather in line with the criminal mind he possesses. We truly have an evil mind in the WhiteHouse and our republic is at risk,
17
Trump should be apologizing to the entire country for making a mockery of the rule of law. Basically Trump doesn’t want active members of his mafia to be charged, prosecuted or convicted of anything. He is destroying the rule of law,
16
Leftist Department - Justice Department Changes Name To Leftist Department Since The Roger Stone Prosecution!
Not sure I understand this comment. Did you mean that the name should be changed to: Justice Has Left This Department
1
Donald Trump seems to think that when he was elected, he obtained sole ownership of the US Government.
Memo to Donnie:
I own ONE share of the 330 million or so shares of the US Government. You only own ONE share. Every other resident also owns only ONE share.
My rights are just as valid as your rights.
You think you can do whatever you want because you appear to believe that Article II of the US Constitution gives you that power. You should read the US Constitution (yeah, I know, ... so many words ... so hard to understand).
Guess what?
Article II does NOT make you the KING or the Emperor.
We got rid of King George III in 1776.
We are also going to get rid of you and your misbegotten sham of an administration on November 3, 2020. I am sure that Susan Collins will offer you a shoulder to cry on.
Joe From Boston
39
Great post!
6
You have to give Trump credit. He doesn't speak in euphamisms or beat around the bush. If he is going to do something repulsive, dishonest, or immoral, he does it in full view and challenges you to do something about it. OK, Senate majority, do something about it!! Don't hide behind platitudes, euphamisms and double talk. This will not get better by itself.
10
@JLBMD
How about We The people do something about it?
Vote out every Republican who is on the ballot.
They are all Trump enablers, charter members of the Cult of Trump.
They do not represent the people who elected them, and to whom they are required to answer.
They all look the other way, mouth platitudes, and change the subject so fast your head would spin.
FIRE. EVERY. REPUBLICAN.
Vote as if our democracy depends on it, BECAUSE IT DOES.
9
I used to vote for some Republicans who I felt represented all the people. No more!
I voted for Mark Kirk the House Representative several times since he truly cared about his constituents. I am glad I did not vote for him as Senator: the moment he won that election he began lying, saying how he won by a landslide when he had barely won. I noticed his speech was almost identical to other Republicans who had won. He then voted against bills he had previously voted for. He hid $143,000 he had given his girlfriend in his divorce settlement, and said, well, she was a subcontractor...
Even the terrific Republicans become despicable when they rise in leadership.
Who cares, other than Trump and the Strumpets, what Trump tries to “think”. The law is all about justice...7-9 years is justice...so...
2
This is a slow-motion coup of rich old white men finally taking absolute control of your country in plain sight.
17
@LauraF
Yes it is.
But the Cult of Trump, a minority who get to elect a majority of the senate, do not care.
2
@Joe From Boston
The Cult of Trump has done so much damage to your country I can't see how you'll get past it.
I hope the judge sentences him to more than what was requested by corrupt Barr's justice dept.
19
Really? Prosecutors should apologize to Roger Stone? Huh, maybe the jury who convicted this felon should also apologize to Stone for finding him guilty. Another moronic statement by the Moron-in-Chief. Vote Trump out in 2020!
32
Trump is the kind of guy who thinks that he must do injury to anyone who does not kowtow to him or finds fault with him or even questions what he does.. He is just a silly and mean spirited little man.
17
No one owes Roger Stone, the mendacious slime, an apology for anything. His sentence should have been much longer.
23
The prosecutors were allowed to suggest 50 years. They had already significantly reduced his sentence from the maximum.
Remember when Obama was sworn in and many wanted him to punish Cheney and other war criminals? He took the high road and said he wanted to move the country forward. If Trump doesn’t win four more years we should try him, Barr and the rest of these sorry excuses for Americans. They tried to do everything in their power to turn us into Nazi Germany. If he wins, then what used to be America is no longer.
34
Senator Collins continues to be alarmed at such unusual actions. But at least he didn’t utter “heads on pikes”
7
@Bob Senator Collins will be required to wear a clown suit in future appearances.
12
@NotSoCrazy
She just needs to be voted out.
In 1996, she promised she would only serve two terms.
She is now running for her FIFTH term.
6
It is what we get for limiting and rushing impeahment
1
Republicans would have given Trump total exoneration no matter how long the trial was.
3
And Lindsey Graham sees nothing wrong with any of this?????
8
@DM Gotta love that sellout Lindsey Graham - gotta feel bad for his family.
5
You have to hand it to Franco and Mussolini; at least they knew how to do Fascism. Trump is terrible at it. Not that he’s not trying, but he’s just so lame, so unskilled, so stupid and so inept. Thank God!
7
These prosecutors are dedicated lawyers who work for the federal government in order to ensure that the law is upheld. No, they should not have to apologize to Stone. He broke the law. Just because Trump thinks that it was justified because it helped him, the law was broken nonetheless. I hope that the day will come when we, the American people, will be able to thank these prosecutors and others who have been bullied by this administration. May that day come sooner than later.
15
What I find astonishing is the way everyone is responding to this latest debacle.
Why is anyone surprised? Everything that is happening is consistent with what has been going on since the man began his term of office.
It is only going to get worse, "no guard rails" is a term one hears regarding what it is he does. Not only are there no guard rails ,he has the support of his entire party. Everything he does is unsanctioned and permissible. This is only the beginning.. Put on your seat belts. This is a catastrophe in the making with no apparent end in sight.
12
@Lolita - staking my hope on the 2nd amendment.
1
Has the NY Times ever considered that by printing his disgraceful tweets, it is doing exactly what he wants, and only serves to get his message out?
And then to follow his ridiculous charges by noting that "[Trump] did not explain the accusation against Mr. Mueller..." He doesn't "explain" anything; he hurls baseless charges in all directions, and doesn't care where they land. And no one ever holds him accountable, the press included. Why does the Times need to quote someone saying that this man is a corrupt authoritarian? Just say it. It's not opinion; it's FACT.
15
Has the NY Times ever considered that by printing his disgraceful tweets, it is doing exactly what he wants, and only serves to get his message out?
And then to follow his ridiculous charges by noting that "[Trump] did not explain the accusation against Mr. Mueller..." He doesn't "explain" anything; he hurls baseless charges in all directions, and doesn't care where they land. And no one ever holds him accountable, the press included. Why does the Times need to quote someone saying that this man is a corrupt authoritarian? Just say it. It's not opinion; it's FACT.
5
Trump just keeps pouring gasoline on the White House fire.
He just can't help himself. It is what he is.
8
After all this I have to ask: what will it take for Americans to get into the streets to protest this corrupt, anti-American administration?
13
Barr is an ardent - ardent - ultra-conservative Catholic, allied with the fascistic Opus Dei branch and a fellow traveler of Leonard Leo, macher of the Federalist Society and Catholic SCOTUS appointments (ALL of the past five GOP SCOTUS appointments have been conservative Catholics). He and Terwilliger have a Catholic-victim bunker mentality. It's not for nothing that Leo and Terwilliger were Barr's handlers at his AG confirmation hearing this go-round.
Barr's mentor, Boyden Gray, is a plutocratic hard-rightist and still a power behind the scenes such as in SCOTUS appointments (attended the Kavanaugh appointment announcement). The iron fist in GHWB's velvet glove as WH counsel, GHWB had to regularly tone him down. Tobacco heir, he's the son of Gordon Gray, Ike's national security advisor and supporter of CIA psychological warfare programs.
Barr seems rather clumsily biased these days. Not sharp or circumspect as he once was. Some mental slippage may be giving him false bravado as well as subconsciously letting his authoritarian devil slip out inadvertently. By rockboy
9
@j fender "Not sharp or circumspect as he once was. Some mental slippage ... " Bravo, well stated.
4
When is the NYT going to stop reporting Trump’s conduct as anything but the corrupt thuggery that it is?When is the media and government officials going gather the courage to remove these criminals from office? None of Trump’s behavior has ever been acceptable. He is now committing an impeachable offense on almost a daily basis that would have gotten Obama or Hilary Clinton impeached/incarcerated long ago. I think that the US has moved passed the point of saving itself.
5
Donald Trump is the head of a criminal syndicate. Nothing he says has a basis in truth nor should be heeded by any law-abiding American.
6
There is no one in the White House who can rein in this man anymore. He’s unhinged and more dangerous than ever.
8
Well, we all know who is sitting on one side of the scales that Lady Justice holds. Our very own emperor, Donald Trump.
For those who are watching democracy burn, we need to RUN INTO THE FLAMES and save it from this man and his minions Bill Barr and Mitch McConnell, who—shocker—has no comment on anything regarding this matter today, or probably ever.
5
A country of laws and not of men? Not anymore. When the men in charge ignore the laws they supposedly took an oath to uphold; when they turn their corruption and criminality against the constitutional norms of truth and justice; when they use the news media to spout endless lies reminiscent of the worst fascist propaganda and turn reality on its head, America is lost.
There is nothing “Conservative” about Donald Trump and William Barr. They are radical extremist gangsters who, with the help of a Congress neutered by years of white supremacy and greed, are using fear and misinformation to crush a democracy that was once the envy of the world. It’s an outrage.
3
Please! Somebody start selling tee shirts with the names of 53 Republican Senators who are doing their best to flush the American experiment and dream down the toilet. Maybe like sleeping sheep? Or leaping lemmings? Or dutiful donkeys?
Remind us all that we need to clean the stables.
7
Aaargh
Please make it stop!!!
This overwhelming nonstop nonsense is just too much
Please vote Democrat in 2020
14
Simple trump should be impeached again, for he thinks he is a king!
6
Uh, huh... apologize to the felon ... Trump is so vile and this is another insult to the America...
5
This guy is a sick joke. Truly, mango unchained.
4
Democracy: drip, drip, drip, ...
2
Corruption, brought to you by a gutless GOP.
4
Why does anyone keep trying to deal with Trump? Or analyze his intent? He has no vocabulary, he doesn’t use logic, he has no moral code. He might as well be tweeting Russian. As we used to say in my youth, “He’s a load”.
The media and the Dems should just keep asking him, over and over, day after day, about the infrastructure, the climate, the cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the dirtying of our water and air, the horrible deficit, the pruning of Scientists from the government, the destroying of our relationships with our allies, the ruining of our farmers, etc., etc., etc.
Don’t fall for his shenanigans of show biz. He’s such a load.
Let’s not play his game.
11
@ASW He will simply retreat to the White House kitchen, and order more ice cream, then communicate via Twitter. He will work in a manner a lot like L. Ron Hubbard, and his devotee's will swallow every byte.
2
I always had the feeling, but now I am convinced. Trump is never leaving the WH.
I am just waiting for the day when he cancels the Constitution, makes all officials swear loyalty to him personally, abolishes Congress and cancels all future free elections.
I truly expect the GOP to fully support him in all of this and take over rule of this nation on a permanent basis.
4
@supereks - General Curtis LeMay - we need you today.
2
This sentence the prosecutors wanted illustrates that not only are these prosecutors out of control but in our criminal justice system in general. The sentences for many non violent crimes are very excessive and has given this country the distinct honor of having the highest incarcertion rate in the world. It was good to see Trump run an ad during the Super Bowl highlighting these unreasonable sentences. Criminal Justice reform is badly needed.
1
For a man who presents himself as strong, wise and big, DJT spends a remarkable amount of energy sputtering about the unfairness of opponents and need for people apologize to apologize for responsibly doing their jobs.
2
Jurors convicted Stone. Prosecutors only presented evidence. The jury thought the evidence was so compelling they convicted him. Why is Trump blaming prosecutors for simply doing their job?
14
I also wonder what Trump would say if the same prosecutors presented a convincing case against "Lying Hillary" which led to her conviction for whatever reason. Would Trump object to the sentence there as being "too harsh?"
2
45*, if he really cared about Roger Stone, he could pardon him, easily. But, this is not what he has in mind. 45* is seeking the dismantling of the US government, its branches, its voters’ faith and trust in our democratic system, as stated in the US Constitution.
The future is getting darker by the day under this administration.
9
In 2017, the media held Trump to account for making a statement revealing his erroneous notion that the Attorney General of the United States is the president’s personal lawyer.
Jeff Sessions wasn’t.
However, it seems Bill Barr is.
Who’s laughing now?
There has to be some way to stop this insanity before January, 2021. Who knows how much more damage these miscreants can accomplish between now and then?
We are still living in a constitutional republican democracy, right?
4
In light of the seriousness with which the offense of lying to Congress is taken, when can we expect Clapper to be charged for the obvious lies that he told in Congress testimony regarding the activities of the NSA?
I assume, then, that you agree with Stone’s conviction and support the initial sentencing recommendation.
Almost 50 years ago, John Dean told Richard Nixon that a “cancer is growing on the Presidency.” Today this sentence might might be rephrased to read “a cancer has infected the Government in the person of the president himself.” In less than one term it has infected the all the norms of conduct in the Executive branch and half of the legislative houses. It has attacked mainstream media, relationships of decades with allies, and debased the concept of truth. It has metastasized into the judiciary and eaten away at the apolitical civil service and the military.
Our marvelous republic is rotting away under this unbound cancer and like Humpty Dumpty can’t be put together again.
1
Stone broke the law...and the prosecutors should apologize? This sounds like an alternate universe...but it’s only too real. Enough!
6
I agree with the president. If he can lie to the American people and ignore Congressional subpoenas and get by with it, his friend Roger should be able to also. Apologies due to all of the Trump swamp creatures.
@abigail49 - "swamp creatures" - well said abigail49, that sums them up. Remember "drain the?" Such don Foolery......
1
I must say i'm surprised the president hasn't changed the rules that a sitting president can only serve a maximum of 2 terms in office. That kind of law change suits his dictatorship nature to change the rules so he can keep rigging endless elections to stay in power, just look at what happened in Zimbabwe with Robert Mugabe.
4
The judge should go ahead and give him the maximum allowable by law, regardless of whatever wrist-slap penalty Bill Barr ends up recommending. Not that they weren't already there, but this further shows up the spineless GOP senators for the enablers they are. Susan Collins saying Trump was chastised was not even delusional, she knew it to be a pure and simple lie. Hope the voters in Maine realize what a self-serving individual she is, and vote her into retirement.
5
American Democracy is at a crossroads. Why would anyone other than Donald Trump want to wreck our Democracy?
1
And Obama instructed the JD to not enforce the "Defense of Marriage" Act....cause of his evolution of though about marriage. He got away with it, why is Trump being pillared? Surely the executive has some oversight on his departments?
Make no mistake about it, the fake President Tramp will be an enduring danger to the fundamentals upon which this country is based for many years to come. Irrespective of whether he is
re-elected or defeated.
I truly fear for what the future holds for our country because of what President Tramp and his minions have done so far.
1
To Republicans, crime and punishment is for other people, not them.
Gerald Ford pardons Nixon.
George H. W. Bush pardons Cap Weinberger and others associated with Iran Contra.
Trump pardons Lewis 'Scooter' Libby.
Trump pardons Joe Arpaio.
Expect more pardons. Expect more obstruction. Expect more investigations of Trump's enemies, who are by association, the enemies of the Republican Party.
3
Well, Trump probably actually ordered Stone to lie to investigators under oath and also try to block the testimony of a witness who would have exposed his lies.
1
@Pete Thurlow - I'm confused - are you absolving trump/stone or condemning them?
Evil does not stop by itself.
And the American people are accomplices.
They cannot save themselves from it.
2
Does Trump now get to appoint new prosecutors or does that fall to Barr?
Can any non partisan lawyers explain if this a fruit of the poison tree argument such that since the fisa process was less then on the up and up then the downstream charges may be dismissed?
Looking for serious comments here not more the world is ending unhinged left protests.
1
Actually, they should urge the judge to throw the book at Stone.
1
Stone is a horrible being as is trump. Why aren't millions of Americans marching on Washington? I just got my ballot today! Can't wait for November to show up.
1
People who voted for Trump should apologize to the rest of the country. That's the true disgrace.
3
Roger Stone has been convicted of numerous crimes and all Trump can do is downplay this and insult everyone else. Its disgusting. Trump will pardon him anyway. Wake America, Trump is the ooze that is below the swamp.
2
You have murderers and drug addicts who don't get nine years so says our president. Wow. He forgot to slam the jury, or does he want the DOJ to apologize to them as well, you know, for pulling the wool over their eyes. God bless America.
This moron needs to consider that a jury of 12 people heard the evidence as presented, heard from Stone's attorneys and any witnesses they chose to present - and from Stone, if he chose to testify, and thereafter deliberated about what they saw and heard. And thereafter were convinced "beyond a reasonable doubt" that Stone was guilty of the charges on which the jury convicted him. This was not a kangaroo process like Trump was treated to in the US Senate, where no evidence was gathered, and all evidence was allowed to be obstructed by the president and his enablers. Trumps attacks are in effect on both the 12 jurors who heard the case, as well as on the system of justice. Stone was accorded full due process, and it was obvious to the jury (and undoubtedly to the court) that he was guilty as charged. And he will be sentenced as the judge believes befits the offense and the defendant. What is not stated by anyone, but it also implicit in all of this, is that Trump is essentially an unindicted co-conspirator with Stone. And certainly the beneficiary after the fact of all of Stone's wrongdoing. So Trumps involvement in this matter amounts to trying to obstruct the jury and threatening a federal judge - also a federal crime. But for AG Barr's wrongheaded notion that a sitting president can't be charged, Trump would be in handcuffs by now.
3
I hope Judge Jackson gives Stone 9 years or more, especially since he put her in the crosshairs.
3
What for a criminal and corrupt President we have. Mind blowing that the GOP again defending this unlawful behavior
Another point for NEVER voting for an Republican again. They are just criminal's.
1
Remember this in November 2020
1
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
20
Facing reality is a tough pill to swallow. It angers me to no end that the fix was in to get Trump elected to one term and the fix still is in to get him into a second term. When will journalists understand that by the time Trump and his supporters start murdering them, an autocratic Republican led regime will be firmly established? This “both sides” quoting, context free, minimizing, and appeasing coverage of Trump is madness. Obviously Trump is crooked. Obviously he is a criminal. Obviously he has the support of media companies. Why are you playing along?
31
Have to admit America, things are not looking too good for you right now.
34
@aeemrr
No they are not. And at this rate they are not looking good for you "up North" either.
Congratulations to Republican party for turning one of the most civilized society into a 3rd world mess...
47
@Tumpu
Our home grown Oligarchs and their descendants think they will do just fine thank you.
@Tumpu No congratulations boot them out.
This article should be a banner headline about unprecedented and dangerous presidential action. Instead it is framed as just more Trump being Trump and is dwarfed by the preordained "Democrats in Disarray" stories. The Times is once again adopting the Administration's framing. "Both-sides-ing" this issue is not reporting; it is a disservice to journalism's function to inform the public.
20
@Robin Snyder It should be an Emil Zola moment "J'accuse "!
1
He’s trying to provoke violent rebellion. Ignore. Vote. And share pictures of his ridiculous make up.
16
Donald Trump and Roger Stone and their "friends" should apologize to the country - rather than the other way around. Shame on them! Worthless citizens. Put Roger Stone in jail and throw away the key.
33
Trump doesn't even know how to pronounce apologize.
16
Late breaking news ...
JUDGE SENTENCES ROGER STONE TO HOUSE ARREST IN SUSAN COLLINS’ HOME
Feb. 12, 2020
WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—In a decision that Donald Trump called “incredibly unfair,” Judge Amy Berman Jackson has sentenced Roger Stone to ten years of house arrest in the home of Senator Susan Collins, of Maine.
As part of the sentence, Senator Collins will be required to live under the same roof as Stone, in Bangor, and insure that he is properly fed, clothed, and exercised until 2030.
The sentence immediately drew howls of protest from Stone, who claimed that living with the ceaselessly waffling Collins would “send me over the edge.”
“Judge, can we revisit the whole prison idea?” Stone begged Jackson.
For her part, Collins said that she was unsure whether becoming Stone’s jailer was a good idea, adding that she would “need more time to think about it.”
Jackson said that Stone’s house arrest will not go into effect until after the 2020 election, at which point Collins is expected to be home on a permanent basis.
https://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/judge-sentences-roger-stone-to-house-arrest-in-susan-collinss-home
18
After you apologize, President Trump, to the people of the United States of America.
17
I see where trump has turned his ire-and-insult-by-tweet-machine on U.S. District Judge Berman,
Yep, that's just the way to influence the decision of a federal judge, who holds a life-time appointment.
9
My money is on Judge Berman.
1
Why did the front-line prosecutors recommend such a harsh sentence against Stone? Is that consistent with other recommendations of similar convictions and offenses?
I am still sympathetic to this argument: the government completed the Mueller report which was initiated partially as a result of tainted or false evidence (Steele dossier). No collusion was established in the Mueller report, which was its primary (only) purpose. People then lie to the investigators and are convicted. This feels like a situation where leniency is in-order, following the principle that the government should have a high burden in criminal cases, including not using shoddy materials for initiating investigations.
An analogy is a police investigation that become known as largely flawed, such as having negligently failed to obtain exculpatory witness statements. Someone then lies to the police during the investigation and is convicted of obstruction. In my opinion, the person who lied to the police should be sentenced very lightly.
4
@AW Stone has been no good since he staged Nixon's fake press conference. He is a republican dirty trickster his whole life. He was the main link to getting wiki-leaks released, He should have gotten 20 years. By the way Muller was looking for conspiracy not collusion but did nit think Don Jr. was smart enough to form one. The thing is they found eight counts of obstruction of justice which toddy Barr hide and covered up for this piece of garbage president.
1
I'm running out of superlatives - but this literally beggars belief. Those who predicted a hurricane of revenge after the Senate's mock trial acquitted Trump - got it right.
The only possible response to National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien's comment ' We Are Not a Banana Republic' - is to stop acting like one.
But Trump's previous attacks on all and sundry play second banana to his dismantling of the DoJ.... for this is textbook chapter and verse on how the seed is planted in a Banana Republic.
6
Well, this is a switch. Republicans always used to accuse Democrats of being "soft on crime." Now the party has taken over that mantle. For a "president" to interfere in a pending prosecution is despicable, but it's all in a day's (dirty) work for Trump, and the party has now fully bought into that.
10
Trump is trump. The number of people (Republicans, Attorney General, Cabinet Appointees, Fox News) who enable him to tear down the fabric of our republic are the ones who should be held accountable here. How is it possible that so many people enable this behavior?
13
The USA was supposed to have 3 pillars of political power: the President, the Courts and the Senate and House. This was supposed to make it balanced. This illusion comes tumbling down with Trump who have a serious case of dictator envy, worshipping the likes of Xi, Kim and Putin and have demonstrated how easy it is to wield immense political power. Americans should stop preaching how democratic their political system is compared to other countries, yours is becoming a dictatorship too.
7
The prosecutors are my heroes.
10
Trump is the king. The US is his property. The rule of law has officially ended.
10
Sadly, this convicted felon will probably be pardoned before sentencing, allowing Mr. Trump to show his contempt for a federal judge appointed by President Obama.
3
Here's an idea. The President gets his personal attorneys to write the apology to Roger Stone. Sean Hannity adds some words about their membership in Deep State. Then Puppet Barr forges their names to the document. At next MAGA Rally, the President can tell us how they were crying as they wrote it.
5
Every American who voted for Donald Trump should APOLOGIZE to the country and the future - you have put both in jeopardy!
14
Since when does the law apologize to the criminal?
10
What more proof do you guys need? This man is following Goebbel's playbook:
There was no point in seeking to convert the intellectuals. For intellectuals would never be converted and would anyway always yield to the stronger, and this will always be "the man in the street." Arguments must therefore be crude, clear and forcible, and appeal to emotions and instincts, not the intellect. Truth was unimportant and entirely subordinate to tactics and psychology.
Propaganda works best when those who are being manipulated
are confident they are acting on their own free will.
This is the secret of propaganda: Those who are to be persuaded by it should be completely immersed in the ideas of the propaganda, without ever noticing that they are being immersed in it.
...the rank and file are usually much more primitive than we imagine. Propaganda must therefore always be essentially simple and repetitious.
We shall reach our goal, when we have the power to laugh as we destroy, as we smash, whatever was sacred to us as tradition, as education, and as human affection.
7
Well, I figure that Trump will have to wait until the day after the November elections to pardon each and everyone.
To pardon someone who was convicted of a crime to help the President is...a High Crime and Misdemeanor?
Hugh
3
The Crook defends a crook. Jailbirds of a feather flock together. Our democracy is becoming an endangered species.
22
Let's face it, Trump supporters want an emperor, dictator, fascist, anyone who cuts through the hard work of having a democracy that relieves them of thinking too hard. And when it all goes south, someone who explains it all away as the fault of all that democracy, institution and people that their favorite demoguoge has already run into the ground. Just like every failed dictatorship throughout history.
27
Not easy, having a mobster and a mad king running the White House. The tragedy is that Americans think they're immune from the lessons of history.
24
In addition to his oh-so-transgressive Nixon tattoo, I think Mr. Stone would look way cool with a red dot on his forehead and two exes for eyes.
7
Trump had better step lively. His crony Duterte is closing a media outlet that has criticized Dutere's bloody extrajudicial killings of some 6000 suspects, but we still have some uncowed networks here. Come on, Donny, Duterte's getting out in front of the dictator contest.
8
Isn't it obvious that Donald Trump has been running his presidency just like how Vladimir Putin is running Russia? Both have been behaving just like a couple of mafia bosses! Trump is truly a cancer in our democracy and a serious and deadly threat to the nation's security and survival as a dignified and respectable nation. Removing Trump now is as urgent as eradicating the Chinese Wuhan coronavirus!
22
Trump is being his typical fascist self... no news there.
In the meantime, CO2 levels hit record daily average of 416 ppm.
8
And Trump pardons Stone in 10...9...8
7
Tell Roger to get a tattoo of Trump on his back right next to the one of Nixon. That should compensate him.
7
@Stephen. The Nixon tattoo is large and takes up a lot of area on Stone’s back. Perhaps the Trump tattoo needs to be wedged in somewhat south of Nixon.
1
Sorry, dear readers. Pausing to heave.
The USA no longer exists.
13
Prosecutors should apologized to the criminal ??
Only in the age of a completely corrupt criminal President like Trump would such an absurdity be uttered .
19
The impeached Liar will say anything as long as his for ever trumpers are listening. He has been using the same words over and over, he only adjusts them to fit his tantrum of the day.
Nothing new, except that his voters are so jubilant to see the foul mouth going at it again.
12
I think we could have another headline about something else, there are other things going on in the world besides Stone/Election/Coronavirus.
My opinion about NYT's editorial choices has nothing to do with the fact that if a jury of 12 people examining all the evidence found Stone guilty, that's the ruling and he needs to pay the price. Stone can appeal like everyone else in the justice system.
4
Imagine how different this country would be if this newspaper reported the real story:
Trump wants to reward those who lie to cover up his corruption and punish those who tell the truth instead of covering up his corrupt actions.
Just because White House officials use the fascist playbook to identify those who cover up corruption as "loyal" and those who don't as "disloyal" is no excuse for this newspaper to use those same terms to mislead readers and normalize Trump's actions.
Firing someone for not covering up your corruption is a lot worse than firing someone for being "disloyal". Firing someone for reporting when a law is being broken in order to advance the president's political campaign is very different than firing someone for being "disloyal".
So why does this newspaper continue to ONLY identify the people on Trump's "enemy list" as "disloyal" instead of properly identify them as people who would not cover up corruption?
Trump is firing people loyal to the US Constitution who won't cover up corruption, and this newspaper continues to describe these people as "disloyal" to normalize what Trump is doing.
Stop it.
15
Is it just me or did this send shivers down your spine as well? We can’t take democracy for granted.
14
Absolutely mind blowing ... long live The Great Leader ;-(
4
Barr and Trump are equals in lying and arrogance. A marriage that thrives on intrigue, conspiracy theories, corruption while drunk on self importance and underserved power.
6
The President is clearly out of control, and learned (only) that he can get away with ANYTHING, following the Senate "not being moved" by Impeachment. They'll be moved, when their removed from their seats in the Senate!
I can tell you [as a Clinical Psychologist with 25+ years of experience]-that that's the worst thing-one can give to a Narcissist- Criminal... We call it 'Narcissistic Supply' & it's like a Drug to the Narcissist-they'll do just about ANYTHING to obtain & (then) maintain their 'Supply' just like an addict. The average American has NO CLUE just how this type of person/personality thinks & operates, much less how Dangerous their potential actions could be. What a 'Perfect Storm' of Disastrous Outcomes... ~ Sincerely, Dr. J.
13
This is what the GOP has unleashed on us...an angry, revengeful man who has made it very clear to his enablers what is expected of them.
We lost four very intelligent, talented and thoughtful people today who believed in the rule of law only to be undermined by the top echelon of the Justice Department.
This is an unprecedented act. One that should be investigated.
I weep for all those who still believe in democracy. It is yet another sad day
9
Wow, what is this? Am I living in a third-world country Intervening the justice system and now asking prosecutors to apologize? Wow, Mr. T really thinks he is above the laws and that no one can control him now after he got out of the impeachment trial. Since the GOP-controlled Senate is so incapable of fulfilling their duty, let's vote him out of the WH in November, my dear fellow Americans.
12
@RndWalker
His in fact above the law. Who will control him?
No one.
Guess Founding Fathers did not think it can be this bad.
Fortunately, it's becoming easier to simply ignore Donald Trump.
Guessing that would make him furious, which is one of his typical emotional states.
3
“Nine years for doing something that no one can even define what he did.”
In November, Mr. Stone was convicted of obstructing a congressional inquiry — the House Intelligence Committee’s examination of Russian interference in the 2016 election — lying to investigators under oath and trying to block the testimony of a witness who would have exposed his lies.
8
But is there any weight given here to the fact there were abuses of the FISA process that kick this whole investigation off?
1
@Norville T. Johnston No proof for your assertions/deflections.
Mr. Trump said that Mr. Stone was treated “very badly,” and that prosecutors “ought to apologize to him.”
I think the American public is being treated very badly and Mr. Trump "ought to apologize to them."
Trump went on saying “Nine years for doing something that no one can even define what he did.” Well Mr. Genius, here is what your little buddy Roger did: obstructing a congressional inquiry — the House Intelligence Committee’s examination of Russian interference in the 2016 election — lying to investigators under oath and trying to block the testimony of a witness who would have exposed his lies. Not exactly jaywalking!
If your little buddy Roger was innocent, then why did a jury of his peers find him guilty of all those charges? Why didn't little Rogers lawyers present a more compelling case to find him innocent? I'll tell you why, because he was as guilty as heck and deserves a sentence befitting his crime. May he get the 9 years recommended.
8
I want a leader who can tell me what I can do to make things right and good.
Mr. Stone is a convicted criminal and is in line for an appropriate sentence. Since Mr. Trump aligns himself with several convicted criminals (Sheriff Joe and the disgraced soldiers come to mind), it isn't appropriate for him to comment on any criminal case, much less put pressure on to change things. A change in leadership in the White House can't come soon enough.
6
How many more appalling acts by this President and his enablers must the American people endure until the end of the Trump Presidency?
How much lasting damage will this pathological. defective and vindictive President inflict on American Democracy and the Rule of Law?
I fear that if Trump is re-elected I will no longer be a Washington DC expat but will want to be an American expat.
8
Welcome to the club
1
When I read these headlines I keep thinking I’m reading about Venezuela. I always thought there were three branches of government. Under Trump it appears there is only one.
5
Later on Wednesday, Mr. Trump said that Mr. Stone was treated “very badly,” and that prosecutors “ought to apologize to him.”
. . . .
Right. So exactly how much more do we have to see from Donald Trump before the 25th Amendment is seriously discussed?
3
“You know what we used to do in the old days when we were smart with spies and treason, right?” -- Donald Trump, September 26, 2019
Roger Stone has been found guilty of conspiring with a hostile foreign government to subvert a US election in 2016. No matter how much time he winds up serving, he will have gotten off easy. There is no crime against the country that is more serious (except maybe starting a war under false pretenses, but that was during the last Republican administration).
3
Maybe they could assign Matthew Whitaker (remember him?) to the case.
I'm sure he'd be happy to apologize to Stone
If citizens of the United States who voted for Donald John Trump aren't deeply appalled by his actions and behavior in office and before, they should reflect on what their responsibilities as a citizen are.
While this sounds vitriolic, I see them as traitors.
6
Trump says that Roger Stone deserves an apology. Stone lied in service to the President.
Trump says that Lt. Col. Vindman must be punished. Vindman told the truth when the President expected Vindman to either lie or cover up his wrongdoing.
And this newspaper still reports on those facts in a way that "normalizes" them. It's all about "loyalty" and nothing about crimes. Trump just feels bad for the Stone because of the mean prosecutors. Vindman is excoriated by Trump's minions in a front page story in this newspaper without a single mention that Vindman's only "disloyalty" was not lying or covering up for Trump.
Thus goes the end of the democracy, with this newspaper being complicit.
4
Every day there is more writing on the wall.
3
Roger stone is indisputably a convicted felon. Why is he entitled to apology by the prosecutors? Has Trump ever apologized to the central park five for his full page ad urging that they receive the death penalty? 
4
Insert pouting face saying "I'm the president and I said so!"
3
Continued criminal behavior by the President and the Attorney General and Americans are surprised by this conduct?
Not this voter.
I expect these grifters to keep tearing our institutions apart and breaking the law until the GOP finds their spine and speaks up and does their oversight duties.
The Dems are powerless.
1
DT's a criminal, plain and simple, who thinks only of serving himself and his allies, until they're not his allies. Every day brings just more examples,
4
"Asked whether he would pardon Mr. Stone, the president said, 'I don’t want to say that yet, but I tell you what, people were hurt viciously and badly by these corrupt people.'"
On its face this statement is ludicrous. Stone is a fabled dirty-trickster who must finally pay the price
In its foundations, the statement of dangerous developments, a portent of the foundering of our democracy. Now acquitted, Trump wishes to be king.
4
Yes, the president's behavior is appalling--again. But let's not deflect blame away from Barr. Whether or not Trump tweeted before Barr made the recommendation, Barr still made it. Whether or not Trump told him to, Barr has declared himself the sole authority on whether to investigate presidential candidates. Whether or not it was Trump's idea, Barr is still accepting "information" gathered by Giuliani in Ukraine. Barr is his own man, and he needs to be impeached for his own actions. Bring it.
10
Mr Trump perhaps the prosecutors should apologize but not until you have first apologized for your behaviors and tweets. Since that will never occur I guess we know the likelihood of responsible prosecutors for apologizing for their actions.
Prosecutors say Trump should apologize to them ...
He has no law degree, never served as a magistrate or judge, and hence is unqualified to render an opinion on Oliver Stone’s, or any else’s sentence for that matter.
He does have experience on evading prosecutions, maybe he could help Stone out there?
4
Any one who thinks that people in the current administration, republican senate, or republican house will do anything to stop or even attempt to impede trump’s authoritarianism is thinking wrong. Everyone involved with this guy is getting exactly what they want: low taxes, an inflated stock market and the ability to run rough shod over the environment. The U.S. has become a Trump LLC, and the only way to stop it is to vote him and his main supporters (e.g., McConnell, Graham, Rubio) out of office in November.
5
We are now living in a different kind of United States -- through the looking glass. And if Trump gets re-elected it is only going to get more and more bizarre. So you Democrats who are thinking my way or the highway, I hope you do some very serious soul-searching. As for me, absolutely I will vote for whoever the nominee is, left, center, or right.
4
No, Mr. trump should apologize to citizens of the United States for trying as hard as he can to subvert its institutions, such as equal justice for all.
3
Trump can commute all federal sentences. If he thinks the sentence is so unfair he should have done that instead of trying to pass the buck. I hope the judge throws the book at Stone.
2
Enlighten us please about who abused their power and how specifically they broke the law. Can’t imagine where the coup attempt language comes from, especially since VP Pence would be president if enough Senators cared about the Constitution.
"He [Graham] also said there was a letter from a victim who disputed feeling threatened."
Regardless of whether the victim felt threatened, the threat was public. The issue is that threatening a witness is illegal, not just for Stone, but for everyone. Graham is a lawyer. He knows better. He will do, or say, anything to please Trump.
I would be interested in reading a well- reported article as to whether US Presidents do or do not have a right to fire anyone who will not cover up their corruption for them. I would be interested in reading a well-reported story as to whether US President do or do not have a right to punish staff who truthfully testify when the President wants them to lie because the President does not want his corrupt actions revealed.
I would be interested to get quotes from Trump's White House staff and William Barr to go on the record as to whether the President does or does not have the right to fire anyone who won't go along with illegal activities the President wants done.
But those are not the stories this newspaper writes. Instead reporters pretend the ONLY story is the one that the White House wants.
So we have endless articles in which the reporters ask whether the President can fire people he doesn't like or reward people he likes, without any mention of what the real story is -- can the President fire people who won't go along with his corruption?
This newspaper has done tremendous harm to democracy by ignoring the real story - a shocking one! and reporting only a story to normalize Trump's shockingly corrupt actions. Trump is punishing people who didn't cover up his corruption and rewarding those who lied for him. Why can't this newspaper simply state what is right in front of their eyes?
2
Considering the entire Russia influence investigation was determined to be non existent and the impeachment went nowhere people like Stone are collateral damage. Something really smells on this deal. Barr's investigations will reveal the real criminals.
1
POTUS is fooling himself if he thinks that his actions today will not feel the harsh punishment of Justice after he leaves office - be it in 2020 or four years there after. Like other dictators he is wholly transactional with no long term view.
William Barr should also pause to consider the fate history shows us awaiting the enablers of dictators who subvert Justice and rule of law..
Our country is on the brink of destruction. The elected officials who have allowed DJT to dismantle all rules and do as he pleases are responsible for this debacle. He has become an embarrassment internationally and a cult like leader. He is given a pass on his behavior regardless of how egregious it is. It is scary to think of how far he will go to have his way. Voting is the only recourse that we have to try to reclaim Our country... and truly work together to make it great.
1
I'm so glad he learned his lesson and is behaving now, just as Senator Collins predicted.
1
The punishment for Stone was by far excessive. And Trump intervention is right. The witch hunt by the demos now in its 4th year just strengthen the Trump base. Now it is pay back time. Trump 2020 and God bless the USA.
1
Probably the most vicious and vile person ever to sit in the Oval office calls honest career prosecutors "vicious."
47
We are witnessing the birth of fascism in the United States of America.
52
Permit me a correction; fascism in the US started on November 8, 2016.
1
How do you like your blue eyed boy now, Senator Collins?
45
What were the excuses Mueller (and his team?) used to describe their failure to prosecute a made to order criminal conspiracy that undermined our democracy?
didn’t want to go over budget...
not enough time...
DOJ wrote a memo...
Oh my, a memo!!! God forbid you challenge a memo.
Now that Trump’s calling you a bunch of liars, now that our nation’s worst fears are reality,...what say you
Mr. Mueller?
13
GOP are felons and criminal thugs.
Is anyone really surprised?
McCarthy, Nixon, Cheney and Trump same thugs and liars. Just different decades.
We the tax paying public pay for it all.
Trump is just a lot more a ‘common criminal’ who has trouble with the cover up part.
23
Sure, let's us praise famous liars.
Trump
Finn
Stone
Giuliani
Barr
Cohen
Manafort
Papadopolous
Let us have a day of atonement and sacrifice lambs on the altar of
Dolos and Apate. (I'll save you the trouble of looking them up. They are the god of lies, fraud and deception in Greek mythology)
27
Spare me. Poor little lawbreaker Stone.
15
After destroying our judicial system Next up Trump will takeaway first amendment rights with teeing up shutting down the “major” networks which leaves us with the state run Fox and Fiends!
God help us!
13
Trump ought to apologize to the people of America.
38
Sounds to me like Trump needs to apologise to the American Public for his ludicrous statements about the innocence of his long time buddy.
20
@Narayanan Ramachandran
Sweet thought. However, the man is never wrong and never apologizes. He’s a very sick man.
Trump and Barr ought to apologize to me -- and the rest of America -- and resign. Stone ought to go to jail.
33
This guy probably should've been arrested many, many years years ago, so spare me the "he's close to 70 and he's old" routine. Roger Stone was very deliberate in everything he did -- and he finally got caught. He has only himself and his abominable behavior to blame.
23
United States or the Banana Republic here we are.
15
The man who destroyed livelihoods by for example not paying the artisan who installed his chandeliers : Had one tactic — “sue me” or retaining top legal talent — now has the ultimate legal wall, weapon of not machine to investigate others — this disgusting immoral Attorney General.
One day they will say again — “the Attorney General”
11
This is the perverse mind of this president.
Trump thinks Stone who lied to Congress and who intimidated a witness deserves an apology. Of course he got away with it and wants his little crime friends to get away with it too.
Pound sand, Trump.
17
Wow I’m witnessing the fall of America.
20
Trump needs to apologize to the American People already....
9
Its time, you included in any reference to Mr Trump with the following adjectives "Mr Trump, a well documented , persistent and pervasive liar and fraud ".
Otherwise you are also inadvertantly, serving as his propaganda arm.
10
Trump should apologize to America for being the worst President ever.
12
Wow, talk about a state of mind not wanted. Who is your Daddy, Republicans and Trump supporters and evangelical Christians?
Come on now, don't you realize that you are hostage to Trump?
His will will only hurt you, his will only imprison and only those who listen to him. The only cure for you is not to listen to the god you made, but to turn to the only God, the one who is Love and whose Law is love.
6
Me thinks our Electoral College winner is one sick dude.
8
McConnell continues to have no opinion on anything. He continues his spineless cowering to this madman. The Republicans are becoming a party to hate. I rarely use that word when speaking of people, but really feel it is justified.
9
But her emails!
7
Is it too soon to impeach him again?
18
I’m not surprised. That’s what happens when the Mafia runs the country and the opposition party is incompetent.
5
I assume you are working hard to strengthen the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania. If not, you don’t really have standing to complain,
Trump should apologize to our country for putting us through a hellish 3+ years.
5
This is corruption at the highest level. Can we impeach Barr? Welcome to a rich third world country.
8
Beyond the pale abuse of power. Where are the checks and balances? So much for congressional and judicial oversight. We knew the American system was not perfect but this level imperfection is more common in third world countries. It is disgusting and shameful. It is not just imperfect, it is broken.
7
The battle lines are drawn between the forces of good and evil in this now embattled nation. This administration and the Republican led Senate are lawless. The Democrat controlled House and the voting public must do everything possible to stop the daily destruction being done to our republic. This will not be easy. The evil doers are liars and cheaters while the majority of the public and the House must do everything by the book. So far the Democrats in the House are being too slow and too soft. So many witnesses have refused to testify and produce documents and the Democrats have not yet held a single person in contempt, not one. It is very frustrating to watch our nation being disassembled right before our very eyes. It is past time for the Dems and the majority to take the gloves off. Of course Trumputin should be impeached again, and so to should Barr and Pence. What are we waiting for?
7
To my eyes, Trump’s words communicate his genuine beliefs which, unlike lying, demonstrates the narrow tunnel that is his world. Up until now I thought DT was lying when he spoke of people or events with moronic vitriol. I think he believes his every word as truth until an alternative, more believable moronic explanations or descriptors fit his need. Like Men In Black, he looks in the mirror and uses the flash device to replace his memory. He is telling the truth.
1
Trump is unhinged.
It is impossible not to develop a twitch even this far removed from the craziness.
2
The fraud "president" ought to apologize to all Americans, for trashing the presidency.
Corruption, this open, this brazen, hasn't been seen since, well, last week.
4
Apologize? Yeah right. Impeached Donald Trump can't stand the fact that these lawyers walked off the job before he could fire them. Lawyers - 1. Trump - 0.
2
As soon as President Trump apologizes publicly to the American people for:
—his endless lying,
—his failure to protect America against Russian election meddling,
—his repeated attempts to defy the constitutional order of America,
—his undermining of the rule of law,
—his divisive and racist attacks upon Americans and those seeking asylum here,
—his womanizing and general misogyny,
—his attacks upon freedom of the press, ordinary Americans seeking to pursue the American Dream, and anyone who dares to question the President’s judgment or “policies,”
—and his refusal to allow the IRS to release his tax returns,
Then maybe an apology to Roger Stone, as he enters jail for 7-9 years, would be worth considering.
7
I personally apologize to the American people ... for thinking that they have the decency and intelligence to reject and not elect a dangerous criminal con man.
1
Ok, folks, this is what we call being in the eye of the storm. Our sick, would-be dictator president is still getting his way too often, but any actions this extreme at some point will stop. Donald almost finally got busted, and slithered out again, so now he’s on a reckless rampage.
A majority of people in the USA and around the world see Donald for the evil man he is, and history will remember him as the worst president in US history.
Hold onto your seats, speak out whenever possible, send money to help change senate seats to democratic and work now on helping make sure everyone votes.
We can absolutely vote him out, but we need to keep our energy up and remember that the senate seats matter, too.
6
Trump sees his own incarceration in this; it's got him scared to death and panicked!
He (Trump) certainly is a co-conspirator and should be tried like anyone else would be for his role. Stone has had this coming for a long time - finally got caught, tried, found guilty, and now is playing the pardon game.
Miscarriage of justice...riiight!
4
Here lies the great American democracy.
born of freedom and self-determination on July 4, 1776.
died of indifference and division on February 5, 2020.
RIP
6
Senate ceding it's power to Trump. DOJ ceding it's power to Trump. Where is democracy in USA???
2
The trump administration looks like a bad mob movie.
2
If all of the prosecutors & judges are unfair to trump's friends, he should just open prison doors & let everyone out because the prosecutors have been unfair to everyone they have tried. We now have a godfather in the White House who can intimidate & threaten law enforcement & the judiciary. They are not unfair to his enemies. How odd!
3
"Trump Says Prosecutors ‘Ought to Apologize’ to Roger Stone"…...
Have you ever noticed that Trump always wears small American flag in his coat lapel?
Considering his never ending actions, total lack of respect for our Constitution and laws -
He should wear the flag turned upside down……
That would confirm the message he continually sends with his comments, Tweets and perverted version of leadership…...
8
What good is being president if you can't use your DOJ as a weapon to harm your political enemies and get your henchmen off the hook when they are busted for being dirty tricksters? Why have courts at all? Trump should get to weigh how he feels about a person or a case and decide what the verdict must be, right? Whatever harms Trump, harms America. Whatever helps Trump, helps America... right Senators? Why even have an election, if you think about it? 4 more years of Trump is good for the country, and so he should just be able to gain reelection by decree. Right?
4
Enough thoughts have been shared. It’s time for action. Do your damnest to vote Trump and Reps. out of office.
5
Trump's basic problem is that he is amoral, so of course doesn't know right from wrong. He thinks Stone did nothing wrong. It is perfectly ok to lie under oath to Congress and tamper with witnesses.
3
My thoughts are that Stone’s transgressions sound a lot like Donald’s. The Don has to speak up for Roger because if he doesn’t, he leaves us with the impression that what Roger did was wrong. (Which those of us willing to use at least half our brains already knew.)
Unhinged and off the rails. While the republikrats look on, secure in knowing that the dictator of the moment, the one they have enabled, indulged, and refused to hold accountable, the one who would launch a twitter tirade against them if they so much as hinted that the Constitution doesn't include his name, is from his (their former) party.
2
Trump wants the Prosecutors to apologize to Roger Stone? Roger Stone should apologize to every American.
6
Some situations are too grim for words. Trump is unhinged, unleashed, and unfit to be president.
Let’s hope that Judge Jackson demands a full accounting from the Department of Justice. I think the DOJ might be messing with the wrong woman.
8
I remember when we used to live in a Democracy
3
What ever the sentence, Trump will most likely pardon Stone, just to slap the face of anyone who dares go against his mounting tyranny.
5
Is it my imagination or was he convicted on all counts?
3
Just think for a minute ... if Obama did the same thing. Opps ..... sorry, Obama would NEVER do something like this.
This mess will only stop once he is voted out of office.
So EVERYONE ... not just democrats and republicans and independents .... vote for ANYONE but Trump.
Please, our Nation cannot take another four years of “Donald The Terrible”.
3
I’d be willing to let Stone off the hook if he’d get tattoos of Trump on one side of his face, Bill Barr on the other, “Misunderstood” across his forehead, and be forced to only wear things from the Zoolander Derelict collection.
3
Stone was convicted of 7 felonies by a jury of his peers, who clearly “understood what he had done”, as they returned their verdict within half a day of deliberations. Punish these crooks at the ballot box this fall...
6
"Trump Says Prosecutors ‘Ought to Apologize’ to Roger Stone"
I'm choking on my laughter.
Hey prez, maybe prosecutors will take you up on your demand (Not) after you apologize to all the U.S. prosecutors; men, women, and children; political enemies; wives; girl friends; State Department officials; service men and women; immigrants; minorities; environmentalists; teachers; comedians; movie producers; foreign dignitaries; etc., etc., etc., whom you've irritated.
The list stretches only into the millions. So your Apology Tour shouldn't last more than a decade or so.
See ya around 2031, at which time we'll consider your Roger Stone attaboy.
6
I’ve obsessed at times with trying to understand Trump’s mentality, which has only recently come into focus for me, and today’s comments by him corroborate it (if you’re interested).
Firstly, the rhetorical register of “acting badly” and “ought to apologize” is a parent speaking to a child, which is so typical of him, of course; and so irrelevant to the Office that was accidentally awarded to him that it’s no wonder Republicans wave him off, not in fealty, but in acquiescence to his irrelevance that the Party is weathering (due to "base" fealty).
Yet, Trump’s also an authoritarian parent (as was his father), so that transposes to an authoritarian politics, not from malevolent intent, but by cluelessness about the implicature of his self-mirroring opinions.
And he’s a showman, of course. I grew up in the household of a high-pressure “Account Executive,” so I know the worldview: Everything is hype because there’s nothing else. You get what you can get, and wave off the pitch that didn’t work. No accountability, because it’s just business.
A recent analysis of Trump in _International Affairs_ avowed difficulty becauset “... almost all his biographers, even his acolytes, describe him in terms one would use for a toddler.”
And the Times' review of _Unmaking the Presidency_: Trump [is] pressing all the buttons on a dummy switchboard that’s been disconnected…”
3
What Trump is doing now by undermining usually apolitical career prosecutors for his own personal and political gain will have serious ramifications for all other criminal prosecutions. In less than 4 years, he's managed to break the foundations of every venerable (though imperfect) institution -- the Supreme Court, the lower courts, the Senate, the Justice Department, and the FBI by politicizing them all. Chaos is what all of America's enemies dream of to undermine American strength and values and Trump is handing it to them on a silver platter.
22
Americans have a moralistic streak, probably tracing back to our Calvinist, Puritan founders. We find it so easy to pour disapproval on other countries and groups within our own country. Donald Trump feels our disapproval acutely, however much he may deserve it, and he is lashing out at what he considers a great injustice to him and his perceived class of deserving underdogs. As many of these contributors have pointed out, his vengeance borders on totalitarianism.
Unfortunately he has the support of large numbers of working-class Americans who feel the same grievance of under-appreciated people denied their rightful respect. Unfortunately many of the Democratic candidates don't recognize this, and are quite happy pass judgement on anyone and everyone with a righteous zeal. They are only feeding his power. Thus are tyrants born.
5
This is a tragic time for this country, when the President is allowed to use his office to go after his perceived “enemies”. And the Republicans in Congress have made it easier for him to do. I can only hope this country can hold on until November, when Trump can be voted out of office. But I truly fear how much more damage he will accomplish by then.
11
I just want to know: can Trump and the Justice Department be held for Obstruction of Justice as it relates to the Stone case? Have the Laws of this nation not been thwarted?
Does not Obstruction of Justice warrant jail? Let’s ask Roger.
7
Many dictatorial regimes come to power first through elections with demagogic offers to defranchised individuals and groups. Next, the leader sets alliances with dominating interest groups, following with abuse of power to protect these allies and curb opposition. Following, the abuse shifts to change laws and regulations. The press discredit, weaken, and finally controlled and moved to be a tool for disinformation. Once ambitions and crooked mid-ranking officials in law enforcement and the military are hand-picked to join the circle of power, democracy is over. When will we be there?
8
Is it possible to raise a sane Republican president from the dead? Ike, maybe? Or Gerald Ford? We could even go further back in time for James Garfield, who showed so much promise before his untimely demise. Lincoln would be great, but I'm afraid the shock of what has become of the state of the union would be too much for him to endure; he went through so much the last time.
5
Stone's pretrial shenanigans tried to maneuver the judge into a position where she would have faced calls to recuse herself. She didn't fall for that. We'll see what sentence she imposes, notwithstanding the recommendations of who's left among the lawyers who are supposed to be representing the United States and the rule of law.
7
You see? Congress squandered their impeachment capital, now Trump can do what he pleases. Plus, the Dems have Bernie as a front runner? 4 more years for unimpeachable Trump. Good job congressional Dems.
1
@Mike Cos , Chill, Mike, chill. T deserved to be impeached and deserves to be impeached several more times. He should be in prison. Why blame Congress for doing their job? T is an audacious criminal with no respect for the law or the people.
7
So the Democrats are to blame for the the President's abuses and the Republican's obsequiousness in the face of his anger and that of his followers?
I don't follow your logic.
4
Apologize to Roger Stone? Regardless of what President Trump may think, Stone was convicted. Only our president would think that successfully prosecuting a criminal warrants an apology.
11
Just when I think it can't get any worse, it gets worse. Listen, Republicans--your party is heading in the wrong direction. Consider this an intervention. Your President is out of control.
8
The view from over here is so genuinely disturbing. And that it’s all happening in plain sight too. What are you going to do about it? The primaries don’t offer much hope...
3
Senators McConnell, Rubio, Collins, Murkowski and all the other enablers of this administration should be questioned every day and held accountable for their willingness to ignore what is obvious to all.
May they all go down in history as prime examples of how not to serve the public and how not to preserve democracy. They, too, are models of corruption.
9
I wonder if this is the lesson that Senators Murkowski and Collins said trump has learned: that he can do whatever he wants. Seems they said he is no longer a danger, yet he’s a graver danger than ever before.
9
To the people of the great state of Maine, When will we hear from your Senator, Susan Collins, about Trump’s latest words and actions?
2
The senators of the people have already approved the use of presidential power for the personal gain of the president.
So, what’s the big deal?
4
Every day Trump makes a mockery of Senator Susan Collins' hope that he learned something from impeachment:
“I believe that he will be much more cautious in the future.”
So today I made another contribution to Sara Gideon, the most viable Democratic candidate to defeat Collins in November.
9
I suppose Trump Law School will be the next venture.
Scary.
4
Roger Stone was convicted by a jury. He was convicted. The prosecutors would have been derelict in their duties if they had not brought the case. The righteousness of their case was proven to the jury. They have nothing for which to apologize.
Trump should apologize to them and to the American people for his ignorance of the the law and the Constitution.
7
Stone was CONVICTED of SEVEN FELONIES. What's there for prosecutors to apologize for?
15
Trumpism is a political catastrophe by any measure. It is driven by Republican corruption of the electoral process, as well as Trump/GOP denial of the rule of law and the Constitution. We are witnessing the collapse of a functional two-party system. The Roberts Court majority will also go down in history for their critical role in putting an end to democracy in the United States.
Trump believes that executive privilege means he is above the law. McConnell and all of his feckless GOP Senate compatriots share this belief in their efforts to protect Trump no matter what it means to the future of this nation, no matter how much damage they are doing to the American people. In a very clear sense, their overt obstruction of justice makes them all traitors to the Constitution of the United States. Our political system has never been under greater threat in its entire history. That is indeed catastrophic.
9
The Republicans have no problem selling out the country to the first authoritarian minded person that comes along, do they?
7
I can't believe what is happening in the USA. I have been following Trump's actions since he was elected, and I cannot believe there are Americans who support him. He lies constantly, and calls criminals and dictators friends. The fact that he influenced the justice department's sentencing is unjust. I thought any justice department in a democracy was not to be influenced politically, but I guess that has changed. Wake up Trump supporters, because the rest of the world is looking at what your obedience is doing to America, and the rest of the world. Trump wants to be an autocrat, and Republican supporters and senators are burying their head in the sand, too scared to rub Trump the wrong way. If this continues I can see Trump becoming a"king" in a banana republic, which is slowly happening as we watch his amoral behavior tear the United states apart.
10
There is no alternative universe in existence where a Prosecutor apologizes to a duefuly convicted criminal! Stone actually is fortunate to only have been allotted the possibility of a 9 year sentence. Betrayal, etc. such as he was convicted of, deserves much more punishment, and not necessarily time, but rather real repayment and restoration to the country he has so egregiously harmed!
But we have 45 who makes his own rules up as he goes along and expects to be able to impose them on all of us as he sees fit and when he sees fit. Those rules, of course, that he makes up, do not apply to 45 by any means. I mean, really! You don't expect 45 to adhere to rules? To the same rules that each of us are required to follow in a civilized society; do you? Come on now! He, 45, is above the rules! he, 45, is too good to follow the rules you and I, and all our fellow citizens must follow to be considered functional members of our country! He is superior to rules, to laws; to us; don't you agree?
6
Trump’s comments are totally inappropriate. He should resign.
6
Imagine how unhinged Trump will be if he wins another term. The events of this week will pale by comparison.
8
This is a huge red flag. and very dangerous. The law no longer matters. Trump and his party have made him judge and jury. He doesn’t like the verdict or the outcome of a trial, he forcibly changes it. This isn’t a presidency, it’s a lawless dictatorship.
9
Trump should apologize to the American people and the Founding Fathers for his Presidency.
7
Let's take a quick poll: which character in the Book of Revelations does Donald J. Trump most remind you of?
Bonus: Which of his traits, or actions, (if any), have been most accurately foretold in any writing from antiquity?
3
I’ve written twice Senator Cornyn. Once to tell him I am available to commiserate with him should he ever find himself on the wrong side of Trump. The other to tell him that I have had the fortitude to handle the vitriol aimed at all Trump hates - female, brown, liberal - for 3 years; but I doubt Mr. Cornyn could handle it, so he better watch his p’s and q’s if he knows what’s good for him.
4
@Wanda Pena I’ve called and written to Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz too. They do not respond in any way. So frustrating!
1
As usual, Republican Senators, "...nothing to see here", while obstruction of justice continues, blatantly and shamelessly. Trump and his minions meddle in the business of the courts to protect their friends, using executive privileges as a shield and make excuses to take control of a free government. It is becoming less and less a democratic system as Trump interferes at will. Rest assured, they will in turn make it miserable for the four prosecutors who quit in protest.
This President hasn't learned anything, Ms. Collins. We are in deep trouble.
21
Let’s see what Judge Jackson does. If Trump is able to scare judges then he would’ve completed the circle. He would be a pure dictator. But Republicans approve of this dictator because he is their dictator. 
31
@Oliver
Agree but it isn't would've ( the conditional, )grammatically it would be better as will have.
2
@deepharbor
Haha! I thought about that too. Thank you!
Trump should face impeachment Number 2. Maybe but I doubt it, some GOP's members might realized Trump can learn nothing,
16
Trump's own tweet has fully implicated Attorney General William Barr. It's was done in full daylight as a shocking display of autocratic reign.
It is very clear: Trump absolutely got Mr. Barr involved to help his long term friend Roger Stone avoid a longer jail sentence. And Barr appears fully complicit in getting involved in the process! You can't make this stuff up! It's an Orwell novel. Circa 2020.
50
“You have murderers and drug addicts that don’t get nine years,” the president said. “Nine years for doing something that no one can even define what he did.”
Wow.
18
Also, why should someone who is a drug addict get nine years in prison? Perhaps Trump doesn’t understand what the criminal justice reform his campaign has been touting really is.
1
The final connecting dot — to prove the conspiracy collusion — deserves this support !!!
3
another example of (t)Rump learning his lessons from impeachment.
8
Lindsay Graham would give Trump a machine gun and watch he shot 50 unarmed people and say the President did nothing wrong. He has nerve to say today that he did not know why the prosecutors resigned what a pathetic human being. The whole Republican lot and if they are to stupid to see where the US is headed and what is coming it is on their head. Yes, apologise to Stone the Judge to after he issued a picture with gun sight hairs on her head. He never knew. I can only hope that Judge Berman gives him the 7-9 years, then watch the Clown King head blow up. Those are recommendations and she wears the robe as the Judge on Law always say. Jim Trautman
16
Who's minding the White House while he's out picketing the Justice Dept ?
10
As he's always been, this president is a disgraceful example of a human being.
24
You’re giving him too much credit. Human being? I think not.
3
Mr Trumps behavior should frighten every American. Trump Tower is now at the WH.
16
More proof of his extreme ignorance and unfitness!
12
Trump needs a mental-health evaluation; saying that prosecutors "ought to apologize" to Roger Stone shows that he is delusional. I wonder who abused Trump so in his formative years that he turned out to be this abusive, vindictive human.
20
Is this really, “all the news fit to print?” Everyone is burnt out. Vote.
3
Trump says lots of stupid things. Intelligent response laugh send donation to Democrats and file under Ignore. Trump voters need to apologize to the American people and retake a course in civics. They won't.
11
Banana republic, delivered.
13
Despite all the lies and corruption up to this point, now it feels like the republic has gone off the rails. Stone is as slimes and corrupt as they come. What can we do as long as Al Capone (whom Trump loves to invoke) runs the show? With every corrupt move he makes, out fragile Democracy is being slowly chipped away. Trump must be removed form office in 2020. We MUST rally around all Democratic candidates, and unanimously support whomever gets the nomination. The fabric of our broken nation is at stake.
15
The President is begging, begging, begging his fellow members of the GOP to give him an out. He doesn't really want to be President any more, but he doesn't want to lose. Please, put him out of his misery -- impeach him once and for all. Censure him. Find him something else to do so that he can resign gracefully.
9
Disabled by bone spurs! Now resign for medical reasons!
2
"The Justice Department said on Tuesday that the Stone case was not discussed with anyone at the White House." Hahahaha. And how would anyone know if it was or not when all communication is covered by absolute immunity with the imprimatur of the Republican Senate?
9
Trump’s melodramatic and divisive rhetoric should be criminal at this point. He’s spreading such aggressive misinformation against half of America’s population (ie, non-Republicans).
10
Yes, we'll all apologize to each other when Mitch McConnell starts the ball rolling with his long overdue one to the country.
5
Here in Alaska, Senator Murkowski was well thought of by me
(I can't speak for other people). As the matter of fact, she was elected as a write in candidate, because the Republican Party would not support her nomination.
However, it seems now that the respect that I had for her is gone. She could have done the same thing that Senator Romney did, but she didn't. I wonder how Senator Murkowski feels about herself, looking at how Mr. Trump is behaving. She should know that she acquited a liar, a dictator, a white nationalist (fascist).
21
@Walt Sisikin
Many had high hopes for her. However, she’s obviously owned by somebody...
I hope her conscience wakes up and she has a miserable time living with herself. She has earned that.
1
In case the president is wondering, 2/3 of the American people actually are out to get him- to leave office !!!
12
This is a five alarm fire. Trump is dictating to Barr what he wants Barr to do. If his cronies get caught and convicted, he will pardon them, just like Sheriff Joe and Dinesh. Trump has made it clear he will pardon Stone and Manafort and Flynn.
7
This guy Roger Stone is the typical kind of character within Trump’s orbit. I think every Evangelical Christian who supports Trump (and probably supports Trump’s tweets about Stone being such a martyr who doesn’t deserve to go the jail) should be given a copy of Stone’s personal ad for a sex partner for he and his wife. “Is this what the new face of Republican Values looks like?” If you support Trump, you support the morality of him and those he is closest to...then a long laundry list of all the unsavory people.
12
“You have murderers and drug addicts that don’t get nine years,”
Does Trump truly believe that drug addicts should be harshly punished? In that case, what about his friend Rush Limbaugh who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from him? Limbaugh was illegally abusing OxyContin.
14
Out of control. He punishes the most
extraordinary dedicated honest career people in the military, diplomatic service, and DOJ. He rewards right wing criminal friends. Rewards right wing journalists. He’s says he can do what he wants and does. There’s no dignity in this administration but there’s corruption in every inch. The GOP supports a crime boss. Unfortunately the US is at stake and the planet is in decline. He’s at one end and Bernie the other. Bernie and Ocasio-Cortez Democrat Socialism created what will lead to Democrats will all be labeled socialists which is terrible. They are hurting us. We got here because both parties ignored illegal immigration which we know had endless birther babies daily. Border security is unclear with my Dems. The ads all sound like they’ll crush big business and banks with taxes. Wrong way to go. They should be saying “we will create fairness in taxation and it will be good for business and the planet. A win win. Good for all”.
8
Impeach this man again, and again, as many times as need be. Let him be the first president impeached 30 times if necessary. And let the rank Senate acquit him on record each time.
11
This particular federal judge doesn’t take any stuff from anybody, so, Rog, don’t make any plans for the next decade or so...
7
I hope you’re right....
1
Trump's America is looking more and more like Putin's Russia.
14
While Dems are all talking about tRump’s influence and arm twisting on the Roger Stone prison sentence and William Barr … tRump has submitted a budget proposal that cuts Medicare, cuts Medicaid, cuts Social Security, cuts safety net programs for students and the elderly, and cuts disability programs ... while increasing the budget deficit by billions of dollars!
8
@J L. S.
It’s D.O.A.
I’m looking forward to seeing what he says when HE goes to prison in about 2 years.
6
What ever happens to Stone, he should at least change the style of his shirt collar. That collar alone should send him to jail.
2
Obstruction of justice
Or
Destruction of justice?
9
Maybe Roger Stone should just move to a sanctuary city while out on bail. Lawbreakers are protected from arrest in these areas.
1
Mr.Trump thinks he is calling out villains and naming people who he thinks should be shamed.What he is actually doing is identifying for us real heroes and admirable public servants.Those he detests are the patriots we admire.We congratulate Lt.Col.Vindman and his brother, we honor William Taylor and Marie Yovanovitch.and now we can be proud of four lawyers from the Justice Department who resigned rather then be undercut by Trump and Barr.There are many more courageous people and we should celebrate them.As we laud these people,we do realize the downside.That is that the patriots are being replaced by the dregs and that Trump’s swamp is becoming more odious and odiferous!
6
Trump ought to apologize to THEM. And to us. He won't, of course.
3
Gee, looks like he really learned a lesson. Isn't that right, Susan Collins?
I'd just like to thank the Republican Party for putting us on the fast track to American style authoritarianism. Really, thank you so much.
7
The president demanding that prosecutors apologize to Roger Stone? There is no low that Trump can't get beneath.
5
Scariest times for the United States of America since the end of the U.S. Civil War. We have and elected President who has free range on making final Judiciary decisions going against the U.S. Justice Department. At what point will we the people stand up and stop this man; hopefully not before it is too late and he takes down the U.S. Constitution. Elected Officials are fearful of this man; don't want their head on a pike. Don't be fearful when you step into the voting booth. We the people......
5
I was very disappointed in Mr. Mueller's presentation of the outcome of his investigation.
But - as compensation - could he take up a defamation lawsuit on Trump's tweet:
"Evidence now clearly shows that the Mueller Scam was improperly brought & tainted. Even Bob Mueller lied to Congress!"
I doubt Mueller lied to Congress and the likely lie by Trump is defamatory.
3
With each statement like this he stokes the anger and energy of his blinded followers
If anyone deserves an apology it is the country.
The Donald and all of his cronies should be made to apologize and pay reparations.
3
The biography of Jonathan Kravis (the Federal Prosecutor on the Roger Stone case who resigned from the Justice Department) mentions he was a “trial attorney in the public integrity section of the Department of Justice Criminal Law Division.” Public integrity. What a concept! Congratulations, Mr. Kravis, on your own integrity.
2
This may all be smoke to keep Stone from getting angry at Trump and spilling 30 years of very dirty info he has on our esteemed president. On the other hand, Trump really thinks the law, like his net worth or his grip on the truth, is fluid and should bend in the breeze as needed. To Trump, law is only for making the lives of people of privilege comfortable, safe from the poor and non-white who are rabble who need to be kept in line with severe punishment and far away from the wealthy.
2
In an ever-changing, incomprehensible world the masses had reached the point where they would, at the same time, believe everything and nothing, think that everything was possible and that nothing was true. ... Mass propaganda discovered that its audience was ready at all times to believe the worst, no matter how absurd, and did not particularly object to being deceived because it held every statement to be a lie anyhow. The totalitarian mass leaders based their propaganda on the correct psychological assumption that, under such conditions, one could make people believe the most fantastic statements one day, and trust that if the next day they were given irrefutable proof of their falsehood, they would take refuge in cynicism; instead of deserting the leaders who had lied to them, they would protest that they had known all along that the statement was a lie and would admire the leaders for their superior tactical cleverness.”
― Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism
Are we there yet?
3
Roger Stone was charged with crimes, was defended by competent attorneys, went to trial, and was convicted. That’s called the Rule of Law, and it used to be respected as our system of justice. Except, of course, by the president of the United States. The Rule of Law is immaterial, as far as he is concerned, when it comes to his fellow corrupt co-conspirators. Trump’s disdain for the law is truly disturbing. He poses an imminent threat to our system of government. He has to go — pronto.
6
Just want to take a minute and "thank" our Republican Senate for "freeing" President Trump to do just about anything he likes. Yep, he's sure "learned his lesson" just like Susan Collins said he would!
4
Good grief.
If Trump's call to HIS attorney general was NOT political, then my mother truly is a car and I'm the rear bumper.
The continuance of the lies being told by Trump is not only exhausting but down right inexcusable.
Truer words have never been uttered than those of the former head of the Office of Government Ethics, Walter M. Shaub, Jr:
“A corrupt authoritarian and his henchmen are wielding the Justice Department as a shield for friends and a sword for political rivals. It is impossible to overstate the danger.”
5
I will go by the official position of the Justice Department, which appears to have concluded that the initial recommendation by the prosecutors is too harsh. This the only proper way to have a rule of law. If you start accusing, without knowing any details that it is politicized, then the other side can also point out that these are Mueller/Garland/Democrat lawyers and question whether they were politically motivated. If these four prosecutors were sure of their decision, let them defend it with the Justice Department - these are tough people giving it to those they are prosecuting, they don't need other people's help, let them defend themselves.
Here's an idea. Let's let Judge Jackson decide. That's her job. She's quite capable of doing it. Somehow she doesn't seem terribly susceptible to external pressure.
1
Trump needs to apologize to America and the world. He has made us less safe, in countless ways.
1
I knew Trump’s instinct and morality was that of a crime boss, but what’s changed is, Trump can’t even pretend anymore to a role of enforcer of laws or president of all the people or administrator.
He’s lost the ability to fake being a normal person with good intentions.
His cognitive abilities are clearly compromised.
2
For a man who as far as we know has never asked for forgiveness from anyone living, and has even said he has never asked for forgiveness from God, he sure solicits an awful lot of apologies.
1
Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do, deconstruct the United States of America and run it like a mob boss. The sad part is that the Justice Department, Supreme Court and Republicans are all helping destroy American democracy.
3
I have this sinking feeling that this is how the Romans must have felt watching the complete obliteration and fall of the Roman Empire....and into the Dark Ages.
5
The "Public Integrity Section" -- now there's a concept.
1
“Nine years for doing something that no one can even define what he did.”
As a famous (very stable) person once said, "Read the transcript." Or the jury verdict.
Instead, they resigned.
Thank Republicans for making this nation an autocracy!
Half the country will still vote for him!
This is the beginning of another civil war to restore our democracy.
3
@FactCheck
One resigned. The other three are still there.
Great to see the President and the DOJ pushing back against the corrupt Mueller, Comey and McCabe cartel.
The President needs to pardon everyone who has been prosecuted by the corrupt previous FBI and DOJ leadership as a result of the Mueller inquiry. It was tainted from the start and prosecutors used their leverage to try and get anything they could on the President. Big Fail.
Then DOJ needs to prosecute all who were involved with the initiation of the Mueller probe and the hoax impeachment.
@John Gilday And the world is flat. And viruses cause autism. And the big tax cuts to the rich will eliminate the budget deficit. Yeah, right!
8
I agree with Trump. They should apologize. You have my vote in November Mr. President!
Is Trump related to Maduro?
30
Banana republic - brought to you by banana republicans. Vote them all out. Every last one.
79
@Gabrielle Oh, but Susan Collins said Trump has learned his lesson regarding impeachment.
3
It has become increasingly clear that 100% of Trump's time consists of watching Fox News and ruminating about how everything is out to get him. This is a good thing because he doesn't have time to think up new ways to damage our country.
43
The judge can set this right in his sentencing, dismissing DOJ (Trump) interference.
36
@Arthur h Gunther III
HER sentencing, I believe...DC District Judge Amy Jackson. Credit where it's due (and hope she slams Stone, and by proxy, 45, with the biggest book she can find).
3
@Arthur h Gunther III
Her sentencing.
Do we not need to know, now, if taken to its
logical extreme what would be the intended outcome
of this administration? Please, someone, give us the extreme picture..for that will be the real one.
Forget the steady boil of the proverbial frog
and each and every shock and awe event from day to day. Trump is not alone. There is a shared goal among many. Where are they taking us? When "they" are alone, what are the dreams that they share. We need to be hit over the head with a bigger reality than these stunning daily events.
16
Trump is running a crime family from the White House. AG William Barr is doing great as the political hack who signed on as Trump's personal consigliere, to make sure that the Justice Department is compromised. SoS Mike Pompeo's main job is to rid the State Department of honest Ambassadors. Steven Mnuchin's main job at Treasury is to assure Trump's scandalous tax returns don't see the light of day, and to shield his emoluments earnings. The Trump sycophant-in-charge is Mick Mulvaney, who does mop up operations and Trump's daily criminal efforts.
72
Want to comprehend how Roger Stone is found guilty while Trump exclaims he is persecuted?
Read a very important insight into AG Bill Barr' religious fanaticism, written by David Rohde in the New Yorker titled "WILLIAM BARR, TRUMP’S SWORD AND SHIELD" about the Attorney General’s mission to maximize executive power and protect the Presidency.
It's mandatory reading to help us comprehend what is going on. It's that important. Sec of State Mike Pompeo's Christian fundamentalist devotionals also plays a part.
January 13, 2020
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/01/20/william-barr-trumps-sword-and-shield?mbid=&source=EDT_NYR_EDIT_NEWSLETTER_0_imagenewsletter_SundayArchive_ZZ&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tny&utm_mailing=TNY_SundayArchive_020220&utm_medium=email&bxid=5bd6727d3f92a41245dd6ba5&cndid=29632182&esrc=frm_act_Daily_subs&utm_term=TNY_SundayArchive
22
I read that New Yorker article last week. Very scary stuff. And Barr isn’t the only extreme religious person close to Individual #1. Pompeo, Mulvaney, Pence to name a few.
3
The same is apparently true of Pompeo who is reported to keep an open bible on his desk in the (religious) State Department.
2
The 7-9 year sentence was only a recommendation. It still remains up to the judge. Unfortunately, Trump can not keep silent. His having the ability to call people out, whether on Twitter or during his press conferences, is frightening. He’s so concerned about the terrible mistreatment of his “friends” but ...Paul Manafort and Roger Stone were found guilty by juries! They had due process. Everything he’s accusing others of are things he does. This behavior is unacceptable. I wish some Republicans would speak out.
38
@Lisa I believe there are MANY of us who wish Republican "leaders" would speak up and out about such matters. If they just stuck to calling out misrepresentations, that would help a LOT.
Republican senators and congressmen will not speak out because they are afraid of having their careers ended by Donald Trump.
He has already turned most of them into political eunuchs.
All except for Mitt Romney .
3
This may be a first and hopefully a last. A President praising an AG for intervening in a concluded trial by jury in order to overrule a sentence which falls squarely within the federal guidelines for the crimes committed. Someone needs to ask Susan Collins if she still thinks the President learned a lesson.
38
@DennisW. Someone did ask Ms. Collins and she gave a non-answer
1
@Dennis W, Susan Collins didn’t learn HER lesson!
1
At some point, Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama must unite and publish a joint statement that articulates *45’s overreaches and draws a line between what are appropriate and acceptable presidential actions and behaviors and what are not.
An authoritative voice such as this - which I would argue is all that we have left, given the wholesale selling out by the republican legislature - is now needed to WAKE AMERICA UP as to the toxic transformation of our government that is happening right under our noses in real-time.
It’s too bad Bush, Sr. is no longer around, as his voice would serve to quell any cries of partisanship in the publishing of such a statement. Regardless, I believe Bush, Jr. could successfully attest as to his father’s beliefs and serve to bolster the bipartisanship of the statement. This is about power usurpation and not politics, although *45’s supporters would distract us by saying otherwise.
Americans need to have a stark contrast drawn unambiguously so that they can truly frame this behavior appropriately and understand the terrifying impacts we risk if we don’t correct our country’s course starting now.
Please, Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama, SPEAK OUT, and speak out quickly, forcefully, directly, and loudly. We need your voices spoken as one. There is too much at risk for you to stay silent any longer.
42
At some point, Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama must unite and publish a joint statement that articulates *45’s overreaches and draws a line between what are appropriate and acceptable presidential actions and behaviors and what are not.
An authoritative voice such as this - which I would argue is all that we have left, given the wholesale selling out by the republican legislature - is now needed to WAKE AMERICA UP as to the toxic transformation of our government that is happening right under our noses in real-time.
It’s too bad Bush, Sr. is no longer around, as his voice would serve to quell any cries of partisanship in the publishing of such a statement. Regardless, I believe Bush, Jr. could successfully attest as to his father’s beliefs and serve to bolster the bipartisanship of the statement. This is about power usurpation and not politics, although *45’s supporters would distract us by saying otherwise.
Americans need to have a stark contrast drawn unambiguously so that they can truly frame this behavior appropriately and understand the terrifying impacts we risk if we don’t correct our country’s course starting now.
Please, Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama, SPEAK OUT, and speak out quickly, forcefully, directly, and loudly. We need your voices spoken as one. There is too much at risk for you to stay silent any longer.
7
Does anyone on "right" understand that Rule of Law is what makes America great? And that rule is built on precedent. That is all we have, and that is why our republic is actually fragile and on the brink.
15
This is easily fixable. The judge ignores the Attorney General and gives Roger Stone 7-9 years in prison.
Bloomberg buys the Democratic nomination, selects Klobuchar - the midwesterner centrist - as his running mate, and together they peel off the 12-16% of Republicans who hate Trump but can't stomach a progressive like Bernie Sanders.
We don't make much progress the next four years on health care, gun control or free college but we restore a sense of decency and stability back into the White House.
It's not all that far-fetched.
56
@Rich r I like the Klobuchar part.
@Rich r I would vote for that. And on March 3, I intend to.
@Rich r Bingo. Couldn't have said it better.
1
It’s basically official. We have turned into one of those countries Americans used to scoff at and think, stuff like this only happens in places like that!
27
Just for the record, the Justice Department has clearly, openly lied to the American public by stating that there was no coordination or communication with Trump in this intervention on Stone's behalf. Sure, as with the Ukraine fiasco, they can say Trump never sat across the table and ordered Barr to do it, and we are expected to swallow it like well-conditioned Fox News viewers. There is no place for honor or the common good in Trump's America.
15
@Mford I agree with you, as well as Roberts the clown not being willing to apply justice during the impeachment trial. Boy, we are in trouble!
This is straight up corruption. Hopefully, the judge will see through it and give Stone a sentence deserving of his crimes. Then Trump will claim that the judge is corrupt. Everyone is corrupt except for Donald Trump. Right.
35
It’s not necessary to go so far away in places like Ukraine to dig in confidential files to find corruption. Turn your eyes to the White House, where the corruption is in plain sight.
16
Democracy dies in broad daylight when the Attorney General is the Maximillian Robespierre of decapitating investigations into corruption.
14
But isn't it Bernie and the far Left calling for a French Revolution?
With the Republican Senate, the Roberts Supreme Court, the Justice Department and the White House working in concert to protect Trump's dictatorial rights, the Constitution has been made into nothing but a scrap of aging parchment
19
In plain sight, 1930's Europe revisited.
In plan sight. Democracy is ending.
In plain sight, 53 Republican Senators have been neutered or spayed.
Bye, bye American pie...
18
All reasonable people who have been advocating for ending life tenure for the federal judiciary should take heed of Trump's intereference in DOJ. Life tenure for the federal judiciary (district and circuit judges and Supreme Court justices) is the last rampart against a Trumpian president.
11
The State Dep't has been hollowed out under Pompeo, Justice is cracking apart under Barr. The EPA is being run by Oil executives and relaxing laws designed to protect the environment. Census data was being illegally altered under Wilbur Ross at Commerce. DeVos over at Education wants to cut funding for schools and end student debt forgiveness. Carson over at Housing knows nothing about it. Energy's Perry never saw a fossil fuel he didn't like. Federally owned land is being sold to mining interests. ICE agents are knocking on companies' doors looking for illegals. Trump's puppet and son in law is running Middle East foreign policy. Trump's puppet and personal lawyer Giuliani is running Ukraine foreign policy. Trump's VP Pence is a creationist, believing the world was built in six days. Trump gathers the Cabinet around him so that they can bestow praise to their leader in front of cameras. Trump is not the only problem here, he has gathered around him a team of miscreants and lap dogs that are rapidly becoming the most destructive Administration in American history.
36
Proves without a doubt that Barr is corrupt. What means are there are there short of a military intervention is there to remove an obvious criminal Attorney General?
18
@ClydeMallory impeachment by the House, conviction in the Senate.
4
Barr is probably the one person in this corrupt administration with the least discernible motive.
He appears to be a true believer, but in what?
Trump? Surely not. He played Trump like a fiddle to get the DOJ gig.
Federalist ideology? Certainly, but his actions are uncommonly subservient even so.
Maybe his finger is in the pie? Likely, but is that all it took? The man wasn’t hurting to begin with.
In the end one cannot help but suspect the man is simply the evil spawn of Satan.
Kind of kidding here — I’m not a believer in the God/Satan dichotomy myself. But, this level of evil makes you question your beliefs.
12
Barr is already rich, already at the top of his profession. His motivation? Advance the agenda of Opus Dei, the ultra conservative Catholic international society opposed even to the Pope. You could look it up. While you’re doing that, see if Gen. Flynn and the newly consecrated Mr. Shay are also active members.
Trump represents the keys to the kingdom for the religious right.
9
Trump, Barr, Stone and most of the GOP are and will continue covering up for crimes committed with Jeffrey Epstein...
If only there really were a 'deep state..' (To offset the very 'deep' White House and the plummeting Justice Department.)
8
I agree that what looks like interference by Trump and/or Trumpees is not good, and not good precedent.
However, to me, the push for a 9-year sentence in this case was over-the-top and unduly harsh. From what I read, some of the reasons used by these prosecutors were not exactly true, or fully true.
In my view, while I don't support what the DOJ has done, I wouldn't give these prosecutors a pass and believe their position deserves scrutiny and probably criticism. It looked vindictive to me.
3
Four career prosecutors quit their jobs on a matter of principle: that the Justice Dept. interfered with their sentencing recommendations after they obtained a conviction of Roger Stone. Attorney General Barr is not above politicizing his office, not at all: administration attacks upon these civil servants began in the "amended" sentencing recommendations itself. Will there be any government standing by the time we get to November?
13
The final words of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag are: "Liberty and justice for all." That is because America was a democratic republic, with a constitution that placed no King, royal, dictator, nor any person above the law.
With the corrupt and obstructive Republican Senate, Donald Trump has destroyed that concept.
America will either continue as a democratic republic, or it will have a King named Donald; November 2020 may be the final chance to remain the nation that was once the light of the world.
14
There was only one Republican senator who believed in the search for the truth, and that senator was Mitt Romney. For the others, loyalty to Trump over a sworn oath to the Constitution and the rule of law was more important even though they were warned by Adam Schiff of the consequences. We are now witnessing the consequences of the failure of Republican senators to do the right thing. President Theodore Roosevelt said, "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President." The unpatriotic Republican senators have unleased a president who has shown a proclivity for unlawfulness, corruption, and disregard for the guiding principles that have been a hallmark of governance followed by prior presidents with the exception of a few in U.S. history. How much more will Trump debase the highest elected office in our government before Republicans finally say, 'enough is enough.'
19
One more example of how the rich and powerful have the backing of the Trump administration. Even in federal law courts justice is bent to support Trump's friends while the rest of America must live by the rule of law.
6
Trump Praises Attorney General Barr for Intervening in Stone Case; but he insisted that although he hadn't barged into the Stone case "I'd be able to do it if I wanted; I have the absolute right to do it".
6
The nation reshaped by Trump and Putin.
This will affect the whole world, and the worst is yet to come.
10
Here's what bugs me. Based on the resumes of the four prosecutors who just resigned from the case, the Justice Department had at least four Ivy League attorneys assigned to prosecute what, let's face it, was not a particularly complicated or difficult case. Did they even carry any other cases, or was this one case their sole focus for the past year? Out here in the real world, public defenders carry anywhere from 80 to 300 cases and struggle mightily to do right by their clients. What an inequitable allocation of legal resources. Farm these four lawyers out to the states to do some public defense work, where they might actually do society some good.
2
Paul McBride - And what, exactly, does the caseload of the prosecuting attorneys have to do with anything? That’s right, nothing. But kudos to you for reciting a conservative talking point and using it in a complete sentence. And while I’m at it, no need to get out and vote for Trump in November. The Russians will do it for you.
14
So, you condone corruption by this sorry excuse for a President and his associates, possibly treason. I have no doubts that if a Democrat had done 1/1000 of trumps’ actions, you would be happy to have 100 Ivy League lawyers on the case . Such hypocrisy among the far right when it comes to Russia, the deficit, abuse of executive power, etc
1
@Paul McBride Roger Stone doesn't qualify for a public defender, he is quite capable of bringing the best defense money can buy. Having followed the Stone case, I was appalled by clear and unambiguous contempt for the law exhibited by this entitled and attention-craving criminal. He admits no wrong doing, shows no remorse, and never hesitated to lie, cheat, and threaten his way to weaseling out of his punishment. Anyone who has paid attention to this case and still supports Roger Stone ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Well, of course this is happening. It’s what Mitch McConnell, Lamar Alexander, Susan Collins, and the rest of the Republicans without integrity (meaning all of them other than Romney) green-lighted when they refused to convict Trump for using the power of the United States for his own personal gain.
Buckle up and get used to it. It’s only going to get worse. The long national nightmare continues.
14
I am constantly disappointed in the Republican Senators for not putting country above personal circumstance. This is yet another situation where they are letting the country down. Each time this occurs, we slip closer and closer into autocratic territory.
I am so relieved that my father, serving in WW2, south Pacific theater on Guadalcanal, is not alive to see what has become of this greatest generation's aspirations.
Bar Barr......impeach.
14
Wait,
Trump praised the Attorney General for intervening in the Roger Stone case?
Trump ordered the Attorney General, Barr to reduce the sentencing recommendation, I am sure.
Trump intervenes in Military Justice, the Prosecution of Roger Stone, what's next ?
I guess Donald Trump really believes, that under Article 2, he "can do anything I want.." And no one in the GOP will stop him.
12
To anyone familiar with federal criminal law, doesn't the judge still have discretion to sentence Stone to any term as long as the sentence is within the guidelines? Put another way, she doesn't have to adhere to DOJ's recommendation, right? I'm just wondering how much the new memo really matters practically speaking.
I realize Barr's actions set a dangerous precedent, and I'm in no way excusing what he or Trump have done. I'm only pointing out that Stone may still end up with a lengthy prison sentence.
5
Trump can pardon Stone. It was completely unnecessary and political to rescind the federal prosecutions sentencing memo after it was already released and then re-release another one punting it to the judge after Trump tweeted his displeasure with the sentence. Trump may have always decided to pardon Stone at some point down the line but the fact that he had the DOJ retract a public sentencing after a jury found him guilty of seven felonies in a very public case just served to humiliate the DOJ prosecutors that worked on the case and politicize what should be an independent justice department.
People hypnotized by the stock market rise are going straight to the cliff. I still hope they will wake up.
6
Hope the sentencing judge has a backbone & goes with the orginal guidelines. This goverment under trump & republican lawmakers have destroyed our justice system. VOTE because if you dont its a vote for trump. Do you choose to be part of the problem or the solution?
8
Another nail in the coffin of our democracy and the rule of law. RIP.
6
In another Times article about the 4 prosecutors that resigned it was noted that one helped to secure a 60-month prison sentence for a Virginia man who pleaded guilty to stealing over $1.3 million from companies and individuals by requiring deposits for bogus loans. That amounts to 5 years in prison. Also that the same prosecutor secured an 18-month prison sentence for a dual citizen of Russia and Israel who had pleaded guilty to money laundering as part of an international fraud scheme. Another one who resigned played a central role in the prosecution of George Papadopoulos, a former Trump campaign adviser who pleaded guilty to lying to the F.B.I. about his contacts with Russian intermediaries during the 2016 presidential election and served 14 days in jail.
I am a prosecutor and people who commit armed robbery do no get 7-9 years in prison. Sentences that high are generally reserved for child abuse or manslaughter charges.
Even though Roger Stone lied to Congress (a den of liars themselves) did he deserve to serve 9 years in prison for it with no previous record? Seems a bit harsh by any standard.
3
He threatened a witness and the judge!
@George The sentence was by the book. You claim to be a prosecutor yet you mislead your readers by claiming the sentence to be overly harsh. You smear Congress by calling them a "den of liars", implying that telling the truth during an investigation just might be the stupid thing to do. You have no shame. And if you have followed the Stone case, as I have, you would know full well the crimes committed and the damage done by this man. We protect our democracy with our treasure and blood, and this one man found himself above the law and outside the reach of our institutions. His sentence was too light perhaps.
1
Trump feels no need to pretend - Barr acts as his personal enforcer. Trump supporters feel no need to pretend - they like it. Only the media feel the must pretend we don’t know. Why?
2
RIP American democracy.
4
Trump gives orders by twitter and speeches for all to see:
Change Stone's sentence
Russia please hack hillary
etc
etc
He is now the executive, dominates the legislature, and has the AG and SCOTUS in his pocket through manipulation of appointments.
This has a danger of no separation of powers.
Executive branch should NEVER tell judicial branch what to do.
Constitution separates his power from theirs. He is not a King.
Just saying.
1
When the framers drafted the Constitution, they included safeguards to prevent a President from gaining too much power and doing exactly what this one is doing.
Alexander Hamilton said that “men are ambitious, vindictive and rapacious”. He clearly was trying to protect us from these kinds of fiascos.
Trump is Trump, a con man. We knew that from the very beginning. He has gone this far because of the enablers, also known as the GOP. I hope Senators like Susan Collins learn the lesson.
7
Well, the choice is between dictatorship and our Republic, and it seems that the choice is not clear.
The Republicans are very motivated toward dictatorship and scrapping the Constitution.
Who will defend our Republic based on the Constitution??
7
yesterday I commented about Judge Jackson as a voice I trust. Today, after reading Trump's threats, I am concerned for her well being..... and for the well being of our country. Since my four years in World War 2, I have never witnessed a more serious threat as this despicable despot incurs almost hourly.
13
Just so I understand: Trump went against the Military Chiefs of Staff, by pardoning at least two war criminals (Navy Seal platoon leader Eddie Gallagher and Army First Lt. Clint Lorance), and
one accused of war crimes (Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn). But now, Trump recommends that his Military should punish Lt. Col. Alexander Vidman for obeying the law?!
17
Clearly attorney general William Barr doesn't care about his legacy or that of the Justice Department.
5
Now intruding and intimidating Justice into dictating sentences. Is Mitt Romney the only person in DC and federal system with any integrity? Where is the outrage? Where is the wrath they would have attacked President Obama with everywhere ........ and even with George Bush behind closed doors if they did 1 100th of what this man is doing to good people, justice, and humanity
1
Oh, that is great. The President's friends get sweet deals from the Department of Justice while everyone else gets the book thrown at them. Wonderful. Lets all start shipping bananas to AG Barr and his fellow banana Republicans.
6
Trump has 70 million Twitter followers. He is free to lie and threaten, even judges!
My question: How can Bob Mueller sit back and allow this sociopath to call him a liar? Defamation??
4
Was a time, you commit a crime
Pay a fine, do some time, ain’t it true
Things are different nowadays
William Barr gets your praise
Shame on you
The truth is evident
You’re the worst President
That I have ever seen
What was done was obscene
The Attorney General intervened
You, Donald Trump
We want to dump
Kick you in the rump
This case has shown
The corruption has grown
We moan and groan
About Roger Stone
J
2
Let's be clear. Donald Trump is not corrupting the DOJ. The DOJ was corrupted by all those who confirmed William Barr.
Getting Reagan's Iran Contra crooks off the hook earned Barr his bones in GOP circles. No justice there. And his audition for Trump was the work of a sycophant with a serious Big Daddy complex.
Worse, Barr has written that the Constitution is a faith based framework and applies only to true believers. His perverting the DOJ for Trump's benefit is to position him to indulge in greater perversions of American law.
5
Barr is the boy who cried wolf. Nothing he does or say can be believed anymore. Law is a question in modern America. There’s only Trump & Co. spite and force.
1
Fox "News" makes a broadcast with an opinion piece on the sentencing of some conman/criminal.
Another conman sitting in the White House believes the opinions expressed in the broadcast as gospel, and sends a tweet.
The highest levels of the Justice Department then immediately (and I'm talking right now) jump and fetch like toadies.
This isn't sounding like a Democratic Republic to me.
What country is this occurring in, again?
-C
12
insane. when are the judges in our tripartite system of checks and balances going to right the scales of justice? we are now far down a dangerous path, Chief Justice Roberts......
1
Trump has in William Barr and the Justice League of America a doting grandmotherly type who can't spoil that little rascal of a grandson enough and is sure source of a big hug even, especially Mommy and Daddy are very upset with him for fibbing and not playing nice. Don't worry, Grandma will make it all better.
1
For years, this country has promoted the rule of law as part of its engagement with other countries, especially ones transitioning from colonial rule or as part of transitional justice activities in the aftermath of civil war. Part of that engagement had been to work on establishing an independent judiciary, free from corruption or influence by political leaders. While deeply damaging our own institutions, Trump has blackened our leadership role in the world and lowered respect for our country, with behavior that is on par with that of a despot. It would have been corrupt enough to just pardon these criminals (which he will surely do) but he also has to infect the DOJ, with the willing participation of Barr. Utterly disgusting.
9
Wow! You guys really have a problem there, and because living next to a kleptocracy will have direct adverse affects on Canada, I would support and join any direct action protests against your current administration.
The erosion of your democracy is accelerating.
22
@Dorado
No kidding.
It’s like living in a blender.
4
So, if I ever get arrested and convicted for something, I can count on Trump to bail me out?
3
@CHICAGO
Only... if you are a 'tough guy' who regularly touts a red MAGA hat, and has 'the Best' connections to things/situations rump wants, and 'illegal' acts don't stifle your actions. And - if you have compromising info on dear leader - then maybe.
3
@CHICAGO Depends, are you of any use to him?
3
Re: "...The Justice Department had moved against its own prosecutors to recommend a shorter sentence for one of President Trump’s friends, Roger J. Stone Jr...."
I continue to respect / admire / emulate, (as much as a voter-citizen-retiree can...), the 4 prosecutors who've resigned, Vs. allowing, themselves to be compromised via allowing this convicted criminal, R. Stone, to avoid significant punishment, (jail time / fines), Vs. getting off, and/or, getting, off lightly!
3
Trump set out to remake America in His image: and He is succeeding. (Capitalization for dramatic effect)
1
Americas voters, along with Russian bots and operatives have put this GOP controlled machine in charge of America. And those elections show just how ignorant far too many citizens truly are. There are no schools that can teach common sense, but if the same voters who put this circus of criminals and liars in charge, repeat that action in 2020, we have to take a good look at who we are as a nation and what are goals really are. The current administration asked no pains to hide their actions, they brag about it. And Americans cheer the criminals on. Unbelievable.
2
Acosta - Epstein; Barr - Stone. Pattern?
3
Unbound corruption. Thanks to Donald Trump. I have never seen Roger Stone without sunglasses on, come to think of it. The Justice Dept. is shameful.
2
Barr tampers with justice -- and rips off more of the few tattered shreds of justice left in the "Justice" Dept -- to protect a *convicted* Trump minion, and Trump "praises" this tampering with justice?
Trump has corrupted politics, our democracy, the department "formerly-known-as the Justice Dept.", the very basis of legal proceedings, and justice itself in our nation.
"The Justice Department had moved against its own prosecutors..."
5
"Anticipatory sycophancy" is an entirely operative theory.
3
Mark this date. This is when the Second Civil War started.
5
It's starting to look a little like Argentina in 1969.
Look it up Republicans.
Like, in a book....
10
..., GOP should learn to discuss Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko with reverence - he is you now, enjoy the ride!
2
Well, well, well. That was quick. Time for another impeachment - maybe start with Bill Barr this time!
8
The sentencing judge doesn't have to follow the recommendation and if he gets the 7-9 years you can bet Trump will pardon him the next day. We allowed Fredo Corleone to become President. The most incompetent Mafia Don ever.
10
Lock him up! Where was this leniency about the law when Trump supporters screamed that about Hillary Clinton, and yet she had the courage to testify for 11 hours, unlike The Cowardly Lion—hey! He does resemble the Cowardly Lion) Trump at his IMPEACHMENT trial no less—oh, but that was politically motivated, unlike this situation. I’m being sarcastic. No wrongdoing found on Hillary, despite Trump et al’s hateful histrionic hysteria. Stone has been found guilty. If I were in his shoes no one would care what sentence I received. That isn’t fair and everyone knows it. Stone is as slimey as crooks come. I’m Angry
9
To evaluate the fairness of Roger Stone's treatment we should look how others are treated. Many of us are familiar with James Clapper's testimony on mass data collection to the Senate before Snowden spilled the beans.
Did Clapper get as much as an indictment?
Crimes by proponents of the Swamp / Establishment / Admin state are likely to avoid criminal punishment. Crimes by opponents however may be rigorously prosecuted like Roger Stones charges.
Politics should not impact punishment bit it clearly does.
Let's treat Roger Stone in the same way we treat the politically privileged. Equal treatment under the law.
John
2
@John Not much chance of Trump administration officials lying to Congress. They just refuse to show up and testify in response to lawful Congressional subpoenas. And spare us the nonsense about the Swamp and Establishment when Trump has filled his cabinet and agencies with long-time lobbyists and Republican operatives who have been slithering around Washington for decades.
2
@Richard
When there is a dispute about the Lawfullness of a subpoena, we don't know if its lawful until the courts have ruled on it. Courts exist in part to resolve legal disputes between parties.
A congressional subpoena is not legal if it violates what the courts uphold as executive privilege. In short, the courts get to decide law.
I, and the rest of my fellow citizens concerned with our republic, can only hope that the judge in this case takes great offense at this intrusion into judicial prerogatives and throws the book at Mr. Stone.
47
@Steve, yeah but then Trump will pardon Stone. He’s probably going to anyway. Ugh. #voteblue2020
2
@Steve M It all seems moot anyway, as I'm sure Trump will issue a pardon. I'd bet my house on it.
1
Control the media, control the military, control the State, control the Senate, control the judiciary ... look familiar? Does anyone see a pattern here? What is so disheartening is that half the country either doesn’t see it or doesn’t care. Angry Americans remain ignorant, wealthy Americans remain greedy. Hmmmm... Angry Greedy American, sounds like someone else we know.
660
@Clyde It's part of Trumps cost saving strategy. Think about it, no need for Courts, Senate, House, Supreme Court, the president, small p, could run them all! Not Sad, just Sick. The big question is, not why, but what does it say about the Republican Party and a large sector of the American population?
20
@Clyde America is rapidly becoming a third-world banana republic where the top guys get to treat their friends differently from the way ordinary citizens are treated.
30
@Clyde
Yes: Netanyahu, Orban, Erdogan, Putin.
16
For all those who thought there was no difference between voting for Trump or Clinton.
For all those who thought that Trump would be content with the sword dance and red carpet trappings of power while the GOP kept him in bounds.
For all those who thought William Barr was a sound choice for AG.
For all those who thought Trump triumphant in the impeachment trial would be Trump chastened.
For all those who thought their nibbling away at the foundation of law wouldn't bring the building crashing down on everyone's heads.
For all those who thought 'it can't happen here.'
For all those thinking sitting on their islands of money, in their cloud of privilege, or in their faith bubble, will save them.
For all those who think their purity tests are still a priority in 2020.
Guess what.
1486
@Potlemac Meh. If you couldn't see that either Clinton or Sanders was orders of magnitude better than Trump, then you helped create this mess.
163
@Potlemac
Good gravy!...is that all you can respond with...´look over there at what they did..!´...geez...
Honestly, do you have the ability to discern the difference between a self inflicted flesh wound and terminal cancer?
Or are those conservative judges and tax cuts giving you enough comfort to ignore the reality of the complete and utter destruction of what made your country a beacon?
And if you are only interested in a purity test, let’s see what how that plays out against a advisary whom has no qualms squashing respectable norms, will stop at nothing to keep power and laughs at your misfortunes.
Sad.
141
@Potlemac
Enough! This is a serious situation and to bring petty political bickering and paranoia into it is shameful. You want to be in league with Trump's “deep state” nonsense? Fine. Put on a MAGA hat and go full in. Otherwise, stop with the Bernie-as- victim whining and stand behind whomever the Democratic nominee is.
102
Memo to Senators Collins, Alexander, Murkowski, et al: Here’s what you now own. This will forever be cemented to your lifes' work. Congratulations.
1716
Amen.
44
@Double D
They probably won't ever admit it, but deep down in their heart, they knew all along...
62
@Double D It appears Senator Collins' aspirations that Trump will learn from his impeachment trial were perhaps optimistic.
35
Instead of serving this nation, Barr destroys what remains of his integrity (if he ever had any, of course), believing he'll run as Trump's VP. Doesn't he know that Nikki Haley has already done that because Trump's has already promised her that role.
5
Times should publish an article explaining: 1) the 7-9 year sentence recommendation was made by the prosecutors based upon the official federal government guidelines; 2) the guidelines provide standards for the prosecutors to follow; 3) the prosecutors were required to follow the guidelines; 4) the guidelines were created to minimize troubling variations in sentences imposed for the same crime.
So... the current dispute between the prosecutors and DOJ is NOT just a reasonable disagreement about how to fairly treat Roger Stone. Rather it is an example of the Trump administration trying to give one of the President’s criminal cronies a sweetheart deal.
25
A shocking development but not surprising. Imagine if Stone actually told the world everything he knows about Trump that would be important for the American people to be aware of. The president will protect him in any way possible including a pardon. The process of justice is still in place in this matter, however and the presiding judge will hopefully act accordingly
7
If things were really as bad as most people here claim, they would be in the streets, not online. (Unless Times comments are all from octogenarians.)
That is the lesson of the '60s/'70s. If you want to make change from any kind of progressive perspective, do not count on institutionalized media and an electoral savior. Power is actually quite diffuse in America. Ensuring there will be no business as usual is how you put pressure on non-governmental loci of power, who then will put pressure on the government.
And remember, there's no free lunch: Kent State, Jackson State, Viola Liuzzo, Mickey Schwerner, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Medgar Evers, and so many more.........
8
There is no justice for working people. There is no laws the rich will be punished for.
4
It's only going to get worse if Trump is reelected. Slowly but surely fascism is taking hold. All our dedicated civil servants are being forced out or purged and the jackboots will be all that remain. Loyalists prosper, while those that dare to criticize or require political norms are enemies of the state. Regardless of Stone's prison time, he will be pardoned and installed in the Trump administration. Next step: Comey, Mueller, Schiff, the whistleblower, and others behind bars.
8
The same type blueprint Trump is employing to compromise the American democracy has been used in various countries throughout the world in the last few years. Included among these are Russia, Hunguary, Turkey, India, Brazil and others.
Perhaps we were/are of the allusion that a fascist dictatorship can not emerge in the United States. Obviously, we know that was a false assumption because we are witnessing the blatant disregard Trump has for the rule of law and common decency.
Many experts in history and international affairs have warned us for years that we are now observing a situation that is frighteningly similar to Germany in the 1930s. It is pass time for the American people to wakeup and take action to preserve the Constitutional Republic of the United States while we can.
Trump can damage the Republic, but not destroy it. The real dangers are in the years ahead as more determined demagogues emerge.
8
New Rule: Anyone in government who breaks their oath or deliberately lies to the public will face hard jail time.
5
Barr has to resign. This is not acceptable. It’s obvious that Trump is out of his mind. I don’t believe that Barr is. For a supposedly educated man, he certainly must know he is in treacherous territory and violating all norms of our country. Does he expect that Trump will overcome and we will complete an authoritarian government that he will eventually lead? Is this the goal?
Who do we turn to to stop these men?
9
@Tateez
the secret service. they are the only people that can get close enough.
And Trump supporters want less government control.
8
“President Trump didn’t learn any ‘lessons’ when you excused his abuse of power, And now you are responsible for every new abuse he commits.”
3
How does the Majority leader in the Senate get away with claiming ignorance’s of what is going on and saying “I have no opinion”? Or why does the press keep rolling over in the face of lies and glaring hypocrisy? America seems to be sinking into an authoritarian state where the law is routinely ignored.
4
Nine years was an absurd recommendation and egregious given the circumstances and given that the Fed Sentencing Guidelines called for somewhere between 15 and 21 months! The President and AG were right on calling these rogue prosecutors out!
If Impeachment Dems want to commit political suicide again over this, go for it! They’ll be even bigger Dem losers and losses in November 2020!
1
@Bill Weber The Federal guidelines actually called for a maximum of 7 to 9 years in a correctional institution, not 15 to 21 months, that was what the defense attorneys asked for.
5
The guy with a Nixon tattoo on his back. The guy who was convicted in a court of law of intimidating witnesses, and lying and obstructing our democratic norms. That’s the guy these people love and admire.
You cannot be a Trump supporter and call yourself a law and order conservative patriot. Especially if you rail against “illegal immigration” and scream about “obey our laws if you want to come to our country”. You have to make a choice.
1
Stop waiting for GOP senators to do anything to save the country's free-fall. They're now in so deep with the Combover in Chief that they're accomplices in this ongoing crime against America.
7
I can’t wait to see what will become of Barr after Trump has no further use for him. Not only did he burn all his bridges, he surrounded himself with cones and yellow crime scene tape. History will not be kind to Barr or his evil boss.
5
Nine years for stating opinions and a non-violent conviction? Are we in Russia? A cop in Dallas only got 10 years for murder!
1
Pandora's Box of this administration's corruption and contempt for the rule of law has been blown wide open. How much more can law abiding citizens of this republic take? If you are a Trump supporter you do not and I repeat do not support the Rule of Law.
3
How quickly we forget when Trump keeps stirring the pot.
Remember way back in November 2019 (seems like forever ago) that Trump interfered in the case of Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, the guy who was accused and convicted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) of posing with a dead Taliban that he was additionally accused of killing? And then Trump intervened.
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/11/28/fired-navy-leader-highly-critical-of-trump-in-seal-case/
Quote:
Richard Spencer, who was fired this week for his handling of a SEAL war crimes case championed by President Donald Trump, wrote Wednesday that the commander in chief “has very little understanding” of how the American military works.
The extraordinary accusation came in an opinion piece published on The Washington Post’s website Wednesday evening, three days after he was fired. Spencer called Trump’s intervention in the case of Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher “shocking” and unprecedented.
End quote
So we have examples of Donnie acting like a King or an Emperor and decreeing the outcome of a trial conducted under well-established legal rules and precedents that predate the Stone case.
This is Donnie being Donnie, and he needs to be called to account, along with the people he uses as tools.
4
The Republican non-comments prove yet again that Republicans can’t tell right from wrong... but they can smell money 5 miles away, in their sleep.
2
The slow coup continues. Republicans are doing their best to destroy America. All to please Putin.
6
he is a dictator. that's all you need to put in the headline.
6
Yeah. Right. Tweeting a photo of the judge basically in the crosshairs of a gunsight. That's not intimidating or threatening at all.
20
The president of the United States and his minions in Congress and the department of Justice are traders to this nation. Let those words roll around in your mind for a few minutes.
10
Glad to see Chairman Nadler has acted quickly to bring Jonathan Kravis to a committee hearing........
.....wait........no request? No subpoena?
WHAT???
1
Swinish Trump's corruption is never-ending, trampling on justice, for his own devious purposes. As a criminal himself, he 'must' defend his road travellers, however inappropriate. But Barr, by acting entirely outside what Justice demands, impartiality, is selling his soul for cheap, all to lean on Trump's most stupid interference. What a mafia we have in the Executive, unhinged and very dangerous to the health of this country. Are we converting this democracy into a dictatorship, as part of a pluto-kleptocracy? So, the question arises: what are we going to do about it? Normalize it, thereby becoming complicit, or take action to stop this mayhem? Barr, the so called AG, ought to be ashamed of himself...and go home. His actions are perverse, as they betray his job, administer justice.
7
A thug defending a thug
15
Mr. Stone's was found guilty by a jury of his peers in a fairly conducted trial. His sentence will be announced on February 20 by the judge in the case, Judge Amy Berman Jackson. The tweets and pronouncements by President Trump and the Justice Department recommendations for sentencing superseding those of the prosecutors, are entirely political posturings.
Two things are important though: 1.`Judge Berman Jackson is unlikely to have her sentencing determination influenced by the Justice Department in any way other than legal arguments and precedents and 2. Everyone, including Attorney General Barr, knows that no matter how Judge Berman Jackson rules, President Trump will pardon Mr. Stone.
So, as Mr. Stone's fate is sealed, the only calculation concerning how to act and what to say is a political one for the President, the AG, and their minions.
9
The Republican Party used to claim it was for small government, for state instead of federal power, for fiscal responsibility, for careful spending, effective programs where government programs were necessary, and for conservative solutions to large issues.
All that had fallen behind them before Trump came along, but he knows when a group will sell their soul when he sees them. They now line up to show their support to a powerful, centralized, top-down person who hasn't a clue how to govern well, hasn't a care about the big issues except "what's in it for me", and who gives the GOP what it thinks it wants by swinging a federal hammer at states that try to address problems that the GOP doesn't care about.
So we have a vindictive petty leader backed by a subservient Republican leadership. We have trillion dollar deficits from a GOP tax plan that increases public debt and increases our risk in the next downturn. We have a party still feebly trying to roll back healthcare access that benefited many of their states - states that use "low tax" as a way to say to their citizens "you'd better not get sick". We have the GOP still avoiding dealing with climate change that will hit their strongholds as hard as it hits states that are at least trying to address the problem.
I'm an independent, and I trend center left, but I miss the Republican Party. It has been dying for years, now it's nothing but a nub attached to Trump's- well - what he sits on.
19
"The Justice Department on Tuesday said the Stone case was not discussed with anyone at the White House. The decision to override the recommended sentence was made by officials from the offices of Attorney General William P. Barr and the deputy attorney general."
This statement may be technically true, but everyone knows why they intervened. It is beyond obvious. No one from DOJ needed to speak to anyone in the White House. Trump makes his wishes known in 149 character statements -- all day, every day. Disobey a Tweet at your own peril. Donald Trump's Twitter account is the single greatest threat to this country.
9
Once again we come to a point where I wonder if this is the point when Republicans -- particularly those in Congress -- will finally say enough. But every time I think that this may be the tipping point, they line up to kiss his ring (or his whatever) and he is taught again that there are no limits.
I pray that the Democrats will get their act together and settle on a candidate who will save the republic.
5
The “unprecedented” aspect was that the prosecutors did not discuss their sentence recommendation with their Justice Department superiors. The initial sentence recommendation was excessive. It was similar to those given the chief architects of the Watergate coverup, but they were high-ranking government officials who committed perjury and obstructed justice to cover up a crime. And federal judge immediately reduced their sentences to two to four years. They actually served less than two years.
Roger Stone was a private citizen. He did not lie to cover up a crime; there was no underlying crime. He lied to conceal the identity of the talk show host who served as his go-between with WikiLeaks. Contacting WikiLeaks to ask if it planned to publish more damaging emails about the DNC or Hillary wasn’t a crime Most major news outlets contacted WikiLeaks. Wikileaks was not charged in connection with its publication of the purloined DNC and Clinton campaign email.
1
@William Case Stone threatened the judge on Instagram and threatened a witness. From the NYTimes: "If he refused to go along, Mr. Credico testified, Mr. Stone promised to retaliate against him and Margaret Ratner Kunstler, a lawyer for Mr. Assange and one of Mr. Credico’s dearest friends. "
3
Is the judge in this case bound to accept the modified recommendation of the Justice Department when she knows very well what the prosecutors originally recommended and why the change has occurred? A judge is protected from even a president's wrath. Until now, that is.
4
I am scared. What can we do to stop Trump? Congress is ineffectual...the House has been cast aside and the
Senate is loaded with a conscience free Republican majority. Justice dept is his, Barr serves only for Trump, and the Judicial is stacked.
The election seems to be the only way to get him out of the Oval Office.
But what can happen between now and the election?
And if he loses come November, will he leave the building?
4
The rule of law is dead in the age of Trump. He can’t be convicted, even though his guilt is as plain as day. The idea of evidence based justice is dead when the President can walk, and continue to act with impunity. And now this, intervention in an associate’s trial to lesson his sentence. It’s of a piece with the murderous Navy Seal. Yes, let’s make him a hero, and go after Vindman who was bound by honor and duty. America has never been a real democracy, always an imperfect experiment, but with this proto-American fascist, and a GOP in lock step, we are in real danger of losing our collective souls. We’ve already lost our minds.
9
I’m not a lawyer, but I have to think Bill Barr’s behavior is seriously unethical, if not flat-out illegal.
I have to think that if a state attorney general intervened into political investigations at the behest of the governor who appointed him, both would be looking at serious prison terms.
Can an actual lawyer weigh in on this?
8
What does it matter (sarcasm), Trump would’ve pardoned him anyway? Only if you’re wealthy are you protected, everyone else pays with money (fines/bankruptcy) and their lives (unreasonable sentences for their purported crime).
2
At least the four prosecutors that resigned will avoid being 'perp walked' out of the JD next week. How has "Republican integrity" become such an oxymoron?
5
When last checked, the constitution provides for three coequal branches of government, the DOJ falling under the executive branch. The DOJ is not a fourth, coequal or superior branch. It is subordinate to the executive. If we don’t like it, we can amend the constitution or vote the president out of office.
@Beantownah
Then you would support congressional oversight and scrutiny of this action,... right?
2
@Beantownah Interesting defense. Highly technical and allows you not to grapple with the larger issue. I take it that you are FOR a dictatorship?
3
This is one of the recurring arguments by Trump defenders, confusing whether he has the power to do something and whether what he did was right.
3
Keep in mind that the judge can impose a sentence of her choosing. This is the same judge who let Roger Stone have it from the bench when he posted a photo of her on Twitter in the crosshairs of a gun. Here's hoping the judge throws the book at him.
13
At least a Precedent or ex-Precedent can't pardon himself.
1
King John: The law is in my mouth.
Louis XIV: The state is me.
Richard Nixon: When the president does it, it's not illegal.
Donald Trump: Article 2 says I can do whatever I want to.
9
@Gary Menten
Louis XVI in 1780: "The law is what I say it is."
1
This president behaves like a king. He behaves as if he is the state. Slights against him are betrayal of the state. Favors for him are favors for the country. The funds of the state are his personal coffers. He is immune from scrutiny because, you know, Article 2 of the Constitution means he has unlimited power.
It's disturbing and it must end at the ballot box this year as the senate was too supine to end it with them.
It ends with us. It ends in November. Don't get mad or despondent, get mobilized.
9
Seriously? Now the Justice Department is lying, too. Every day brings something more sickening than the day before with this administration. Nothing about any of this is good for America.
3
Even this latest blatant attack by trump on the US could have been foreseen after last week's failure to at least rein ol wiggie in. The senate was warned, given advance notice. No excuses. The Judge hopefully will haul all, including barr and his week-old lapdog in to account for this latest atrocity. The 7-9 years should be doubled. He'll be sure to get pardoned and be let loose, maybe in time to take the reins from rotten rudi when he's up in court himself. Joe Heller couldn't have dreamt this up. Truly terrible times.
4
Judge Amy Berman Jackson will put an end to this nonsense. She's a smart judge that follows the law and understands what's going on. Let's give her some credit and see what she does on 2/20.
8
America no longer exists
6
Trump and his personal political hack, AG Barr, set the table for bigger and better things to come if this omnipotent, arrogant demagogue is reelected. Trump believes himself to be above the law and now he has an AG who holds the same belief. Our Constitution is sullied in their hands
2
Now he’s invulnerable: he has the DOJ, the huge capital and infrastructure coming from the fundamentalist Christian machine, and the Senate behind his back. Only the remaining free press and our votes may save us from the incoming dictatorship.
5
But Bill Clinton and Janet Reno, on the Tarmac...Republicans, where oh where is the outcry when your own president blatantly and shamelessly does what you feared was being done in private by a Democrat?
9
"there is no law against it"
It is a flagrant abuse of power but the Republican party is much too terrified of Trump to do anything.
Throw the Republican bums out!
7
It seems that Michael Cohen knew what he was talking about.
Trump is a mob boss, his tweets are his (non direct) orders.
He learned well from Roy Cohn. He has other people doing his bidding, while not implicating himself directly.
Trump unbound!
Senator Collins, Murkowski and Alexander, you own this
12
If anyone reading this is surprised than you haven’t been paying attention.
3
Trump is a thug, bully and buffoon. Those of us who oppose him knew that years ago. We also understand that he is in the pocket of some very wealthy, very powerful interests who want to keep him right where he is for the moment, while they rake in more billions. History has seen this before. I will not cite the obvious. I will say that this is not going to end well for Trump, his supporters, or their legacy. It may end much worse for the rest of us before it is over.
8
Why isn’t this scandal the leading story today? Why are there twice as many stories about the political game show that took place in NH? You—yes, you, NYT—are letting this administrator dismantle and destroy our democracy without so much as a whimper.
12
One word: tyrant
3
Are they serious? How can I and other Social Studies educators teach students about Democracy, Civics, and the balance of power in the federal government as described in the U.S. Constitution? No one will believe it anymore.
18
Stone's sentence was developed from sentencing guidelines that have been in force (at first mandatory, then advisory) for decades. It was squarely within those guidelines. It was not an aberration or unfair. The guidelines were developed in a bipartisan fashion. How unexpected then that their application should shock the justice department. Perhaps it is not the sentence itself but its application to Trump's friend that Trump found unfair? Maybe?
13
Trying to understand why it is apparently acceptable for the president to use the country’s Justice Department as his cadre of personal attorneys.
11
The four prosecutors deserve the Medal of Freedom for resigning in protest of the president’s and attorney general’s political interference in the Roger Stone case.
13
Can the ABA start investigating this? They may be our only salvation. Schiff needs to bring in the four attorneys for testimony PRONTO!
9
President Trump is apparently learning tricks from one of his new buddys, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. He blew up the legal system a while ago and now Trump is in line to do this to the Justice Department. Republicans-are you too fearful of retribution from Trump to speak out on this issue? If you are-democracy is in serious trouble in this country.
8
Yet another in the long list of Trump travesties! The incompetently weak Democratic presentation at this ill advised attempt at impeachment has just emboldened Trump by stroking his narcissism!!
We have but one chance left to save our country from going down the drain like so many other countries did in the past. That chance comes on a Tuesday in November, when all politicians and their shenanigans are sidelined and it gets down to what it’s all about....the tally of individual votes from everywhere in our country.
We’ve had 3+ years to see the true Donald Trump. No meddling by the Russians, or false stories by anyone can hide that, like it could the first time around.
Every American of good conscience, no matter Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, or independent can hide from the damage this man is doing to the life blood and fabric of our country.
I will say this. If Trump wins a second term, especially if he wins the popular vote, then sadly the United States of America deserves all it gets.
We have a chance to return to what REALLY made America great. No excuses this time! It’s up to us and nobody else!
4
@SAH
While I agree, Trump should be voted out, I actually feel it is even more important to vote out the Trump sycophants in the House and Senate. There is simply no excuse for them shielding this clearly mentally ill president. If Trump were re-elected, I would hope a Democrat controlled House and Senate would swiftly remove him from office. Truth be told, I would almost prefer that method of removal as a huge statement that the Constitution will in fact protect us.
6
@Jim
I agree. The Constitution sets up “checks and balances.” The reason Trump’s travesties have come to pass is because the self appointed “king” of the Senate, one Mitch McConnell, has thrown in with Trump hand and glove and has effectively neutralized “checks and balances.
McConnell must also be relegated to the rogue’s gallery of government along with Trump.
1
The Senate empowered an already unhinged president who is now also interfering with our justice system. He now knows that nothing can touch him. This is beyond frightening and a true danger to our nation. I fear that If this continues beyond November our democracy is finished and our standing in the world beyond repair. Or is time for another revolution?
5
Mr Barr is earning his golf membership and maybe even a Trump condo. This is an affront to justice given the incarceration rates of African Americans and women - especially women of color for minor offenses. But then Trump makes a living obstructing justice and the IRS. Applause for Mitch and his robber barons.
4
"Asked about the developments on Tuesday, more than six Republican senators said they were not familiar with the Justice Department’s position and could not comment.
“I do not have an opinion on that,” Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, told reporters at his weekly news conference."
Every day we are reminded of how duplicitous Mitch McConnell is, can be, will be in service of THIS White House.
11
Trump's tweet tells us that Robert Mueller lied to Congress. Seriously, could Mueller sue this malPresident for libel? I'd contribute to the legal expenses of such an effort.
7
The problem with the prosecutors resigning is that Barr will only hire
“yes” people to fill their roles. The spineless Republican senators have embolden Trump. He truly feels he is above the law.
6
"Republicans, however, were unmoved..."
It boggles the mind at this stage what WOULD move the Republicans. Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil.
Look the other way while Trump, unfettered, trashes any last shred of American democratic and civil normalcy.
Democrats can only do so much - we are only approximately 50%. The country will only save itself from this scary path once Republicans start opening their eyes to this malignant 'cult' that has taken over their ranks, and cleans their own house.
5
So where is the outrage from Republicans who were clutching their pearls and crying bloody murder back in 2016 when Bill Clinton had a chat with then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch at the airport in Phoenix? And Bill Clinton wasn't even a President at the time.
The hypocrisy of course is mind boggling, though hardly surprising. Problem is, we are shifting to new norms of public acceptance that would make Richard Nixon green with envy. And it seems we are nowhere near the bottom yet.
20
Susan Collins could not be reached for comment . It was reported earlier that she was hiding under her desk.
20
This is among the most corrupt use of the DOJ I have ever seen. If you want this guy to get out so bad just pardon him and take the heat yourself
4
I'm pretty sure America was supposed to be great by now. Did I miss it?
8
Another "badge of dis- honor" for Attorney General William P.
1
The Internet with fake videos, fake stories and a fake president, is rapidly creating believably false information about Donald Trump (good for our country, a genius and no obstruction). It's time we find a way to remove these fake stories and videos from the net...and with them maybe our fake president will show his true orange face. And half the country that believes in Trump are not your normal voters from 30, 20, 10 years ago--these voters have become part of a cult of Internet viewers who believe what they see and hear on their TVs.
1