Saturday, April 14, 2018

The Fix

Donald and Scooter

"Not to draw any parallels to my time as a prosecutor against the Mob, but when I met Donald Trump, one couldn’t help but note certain similarities. Donald Trump would frequently ask me if I would like to be “made,” but I made a point to fob him off with a joke, saying, “I think I’ve been made already, Donald Trump, by a far higher power, as Reinhold Niebuhr would suggest.” Donald Trump did not laugh at these jokes. He never once laughed in my presence. I think it is a grave danger to democracy for a man never to laugh."
`
From James Comey's forthcoming memoir:
"A Higher Loyalty"
`
A grave danger indeed.

If there is one beautiful thing about Donald Trump it is how laughably transparent the treacherous old bastard is. On the eve of the release of former FBI director James Comey's new book, some in the media were speculating that this would be the perfect moment to "wag the dog" (so to speak) by bombing Syria. Almost on cue, that is exactly what happened. This was no mere coincidence, kids. The Donald had shown in the past not a smidgeon of concern or sympathy for the plight of refugees desperate to escape that tormented land. Since the Autumn, a grand total of forty-four of them have been admitted into the United States. Since what happened last night involves pissing off Putin (whose spokesmen have stated that they intend on retaliating) risking the launching of World War Three in order to distract attention from the political scandals that are finishing off an already destroyed administration  - well, let me just say that that is not my idea of responsible statesmanship. We'll just leave it at that.
`
In a further distraction yesterday, Trump pardoned former Dick Cheney aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby for the perjury conviction he received a decade ago after he was found complicit in the outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame. If you'll remember it was her husband, Joe Wilson, who became very vocal in his criticism of the Bush Mob for invading Iraq on the pretext that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling chemical weapons of mass destruction. Wilson, who had looked into the matter thoroughly, knew damned well that their WMD contention was pure bullshit. Libby and Cheney then exposed his wife's secret agent status to friendly members of the press - putting not only the life of Ms. Plame at risk, but the lives of all of her contacts at the same time. It has to be the most spiteful example of political hardball in history. Both Libby and Cheney should have gone to the slammer for decades. Scooter fell on the sword for his evil master. Cheney expected George W. Bush to issue a pardon. He refused - a rare moment of Dubya taking the moral high ground. Even a stopped clock is correct twice a day as they say. George did the right thing. I can't believe I just wrote that last sentence. A pig just flew by my window
`
What the heck is going on here? Why pardon Libby so many years after the fact? Again with the transparency thing. You have to be blind not to see his motivations behind this one. What the president has effectively done here is sent a loud and clear message to any potential witnesses who may feel compelled to testify against him for - what is becoming more clear with the passing of every hour - are his high crimes against the American people. What he is telling them is: "Obstruct justice. Commit perjury. Fuck the Constitution. You will be pardoned in the end."

This is the stack of marked cards that too many voters dealt themselves nearly a year and a half ago when they naively came to the collective conclusion that sending an unhinged despot and sociopath to 1600 Pennsylvania  Avenue would be a good idea. Less than a week ago an acquaintance of mine lamely attempted to rationalize his vote for Trump:

"Well, look what he was running against!"

I responded to this delight bit of lunacy this way:

"Well, look what she was running against!"

To say that Hillary Clinton was the worst candidate the Democrats have nominated in decades is, in hindsight anyway, a forgone conclusion. That being said, there was no excuse for a Trump victory on Election Day 2016. It was obvious to anyone bothering to pay attention that the man was dangerously disturbed. That so many Americans were perfectly content to commit such an unexplainable act of mass civic irresponsibility shocked and alarmed the rest of the planet. It will be generations before we're ever again taken seriously. Germany, the country that the United States saved the world from nearly eighty years ago, is today the leader of the free world. How's that for irony?

It is being said by the pundits that we're only a step away from a major constitutional crisis. These people really need to take their heads out of the sand. We're in the midst of a constitutional crisis that commenced at Twelve Noon on January 20, 2017. It's only a matter of time before Trump gives the old heave-ho to Rod Rosenstein and Robert Mueller. When that happens it's all over. To quote Franklin Roosevelt, "The American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory." We'll be taking it to the streets; tearing this government down - and turning it around.

Oooooooh! This is gonna be oodles of fun!!!

Jim Comey's new book is called A Higher Loyalty. It comes out on Tuesday, and you can bet the farm that I'll be at the Barnes and Noble in Newburgh, NY first thing in the morning to pick up my copy. This is such an extraordinary time to bear witness to. The best of times/The worst of times. One thing that cannot be denied by anyone is the fact that, however you want to label them, they sure as hell ain't boring. 2018 is a political junkie's dream.

Tom Degan
Goshen, NY

SUGGESTED READING:

Personal Memoirs
by Ulysses Grant

The former president raced against the clock from the Autumn of 1884 to the summer of 1885 to finish this autobiography. He was dying of cancer and had been swindled out of his entire life savings. He was desperate to leave an income for his wife Julia. Unlike so much nineteenth century prose, Grant's literary style has a modern feel to it that is unpretentious and direct. This one is a must-read for all enthusiasts of history.


22 Comments:

At 7:00 PM, Blogger Majormajor said...

Like I told Mozart, you have convinced me that President Trump is the Anti-Christ.

 
At 7:15 PM, Blogger Majormajor said...

Liberal Harvard professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz slammed James Comey for writing the “worst possible book at the worst possible time for the worst possible reasons” on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” Friday.

“I used to have a good feeling about Comey,” Dershowitz said. “I met him a few times when he was in Boston. I now have only very strong negative feelings about him and he just enhances the suspicion that I think so many Americans now have of the law enforcement, and we ought to be trusting law enforcement. And, nobody today would trust Comey with secrets or confidences.”

That’s not the only thing Dershowitz had to say about the former FBI director.

“This is a gossipy, revenge, make money quick, get even, hurt your political opponents, raise questions about the politicization of the Justice Department and the FBI. It’s the worst possible book at the worst possible time for the worst possible reasons.”

“It’s scandalous and shameful and I’m disappointed with him,” Dershowitz also said.

 
At 12:26 PM, Blogger Yellowstone said...

If it was heard on FOX - it has to true? (Question mark) Indeed Dershowitz is a noted scholar and an esteemed professor of the law. None which exempts him from his First Amendment rights. But his new role as a political pundit makes his opinion questionable. In this case, consider the medium he used (and by whom he was paid to speak his opinions).

Remember "Money isn't the most important thing in life; but it is far ahead of whatever is in second place" - Alfred E. Neuman (circa 1950s)

 
At 2:15 PM, Blogger Dave Dubya said...

"Obstruct justice. Commit perjury. Fuck the Constitution. You will be pardoned in the end."

There it is, more obstruction of justice by the Big MAGAt.

Trump and Republicans know the Only Rule. IOKIYAR.

Majormajor wants us to know Trump's personal friend is defending him.

Libertarian more than liberal, Dershowitz has a longtime friendship with Trump, and is paid by FOX(R), Trump’s State Media Cabinet. (This is what they call “fair and balanced”. LOL!)

He made his fortune off rich clients like Leona Helmsley, OJ Simpson, Jim Bakker, and convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Ebstein.

Trump is just the latest of the rich criminal assholes he loves to defend.

Fame and good money to be had. What a deal!

 
At 3:36 PM, Blogger Majormajor said...

"Money isn't the most important thing in life; but it is far ahead of whatever is in second place"
HRC.

Dershowitz is a liberal, NOT a leftist. He also works for CNN...

Former FBI director James Comey said in an interview that he revealed the reopening of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails in part because he expected her to win the election.

Comey, whose upcoming book examines other things the events surrounding President Donald Trump’s election, told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that he was influenced by the assumption that Clinton would win.

In an interview clip aired Sunday morning, Stephanopoulos asked directly whether Comey disclosed the FBI’s actions to Congress because he thought Clinton’s lead over Trump was secure.
“At some level, was the decision to reveal influenced by your assumption that Hillary Clinton was going to win and concerned that if she wins, this comes out weeks later, that is taken by her opponents as a sign she’s an illegitimate president?” Stephanopoulos asked.
"It must have been," Comey replied. "I don't remember consciously thinking about that, but it must have been, because I was operating in a world where Hillary Clinton was going to beat Donald Trump. And so I’m sure that it was a factor."

Paul Crookston

Collusion?



 
At 5:24 PM, Blogger Majormajor said...

Oh no, Mozart is blaming the black guy, racist alert, where is Dave "Little Buddy', to defend OJ?

 
At 9:40 PM, Blogger Jefferson's Guardian said...

"A person who sees moral equivalence in Charlottesville, who talks about and treats women like they’re pieces of meat, who lies constantly about matters big and small and insists the American people believe it, that person’s not fit to be president of the United States, on moral grounds," ~~ James Comey

Does anybody reading this disagree?

 
At 4:00 AM, Blogger Mozart1220 said...

Clucky, where did I Blame any Black guys? Jeez...The point is that I'm sure you were trashing Dershowitz when he WAS "defending the Black guy".

Is there any point you fail to miss?

 
At 9:48 AM, Blogger Majormajor said...

Mozart,

You are so blind to your own racism, everyone knows that OJ is innocent of the murder of his wife and her friend. So why mock OJ's defense attorney? Unless you think, as racist do, that OJ DID murder his wife, hence you are blaming the Black guy of murder..

You're sure I was "trashing" someone? Typical leftist, like Little Buddy Dave, who puts words into others mouths and then demands they defend and explain what he claims they have said, you claim the ability to read minds.

 
At 10:42 AM, Blogger Dave Dubya said...

Majormajor declares: “like Little Buddy Dave, who puts words into others mouths and then demands they defend and explain what he claims they have said,

I duly “claim” Majormajor said this about me. I demand Majormajor defend and explain his false accusation and lies about me.



Crickets....



Oh, that’s right, IOKIYAR. Republicans and fascists never explain, and never provide evidence for accusations. It is who they are.

Never mind.

 
At 8:23 AM, Blogger Majormajor said...

Tom,

In light of your continued predictions that President Trump will soon be gone, have you read the article on Slate by Jim Newell? "It's titled Please Stop Predicting the End of Trump’s Presidency
Unless you can explain exactly how he gets impeached or why he resigns."

Rather insightful and while you and Mozart will continue to be false prophets, both of you might put aside your hate for the President and face what Newell is saying as reality.





 
At 9:39 AM, Blogger Mozart1220 said...

Clucky, have you ever heard of "mid term elections"?
Have you noticed conservatives losing seats , and your heroes in congress bailing like rats?

All it will take is the Dems taking back congress, a scenario that is not only possible, IT'S DAMNED LIKELY.

A DEM CONGRESS WILL HAVE TRUMP IMPEACHED BEFORE THE INK IS DRY ON THEIR OATHS OF OFFICE.

Hell, even McConnell, Grassley, and others are considering impeachment.

I noticed you didn't refer to THIS article in the Slate.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/04/what-trump-could-still-do-to-obstruct-the-mueller-and-cohen-investigations.html

Also, Mueller is actually the LEAST of Trump's worries. He's got STATE charges pending in NY and he can't use exec privilege or pardons to get out of em.

His popularity is at about 40% and that's BEFORE People find out he spent a billion on bombs AGAIN and hit NOTHING.

Come on, man. You keep FAILING. Why don't you just give up?

 
At 9:40 AM, Blogger Mozart1220 said...

Oh and Clucky, "Hate" does not BEGIN to cover what I feel about Trump. He and the entire GOP are complicit in trying to destroy the USA.

 
At 12:23 PM, Blogger Majormajor said...

"Meaning you"

Why I think I was just called a racist, for no other reason that I didn't support Mozart's candidate, the lovely and kind HRC...I could get upset but it's from Mozart he can't help himself...or tie his own shoes.

 
At 5:00 PM, Blogger Mozart1220 said...

I didn't call you racist for not voting for the best, most experienced candidate in US history. I called you such because you support Trump, who is OBVIOUSLY, and OPENLY racist. He supports the KKK and they love him. His entire policy is I HATE BROWN PEOPLE".


I also read your silly article, which you completely misunderstood. Go figure.


BTW, do you think Trump's constant and repeated attempts to thwart the investigations make him look INNOCENT?

I'll also ask another simple question, which you will then deflect from and find ways top NOT answer honestly.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE SAYING IF OBAMA OR HILLARY HAD SAID AND DONE EXACTLY WHAT TRUMP IS DOING?

As yet you never honestly answered any of the others, but your "answer" to this will be entertaining if nothing else. (wink)

 
At 7:05 PM, Blogger Jefferson's Guardian said...

Chuck, how long have you considered yourself a white supremacist?

 
At 9:12 AM, Blogger Majormajor said...

Mozart,

What would you do if you were falsify accused of something? Would you defend yourself?


"Trump, who is OBVIOUSLY, and OPENLY racist. He supports the KKK and they love him. His entire policy is I HATE BROWN PEOPLE". Got proof?

You really are a head case, I hope one day you get help

 
At 2:48 PM, Blogger Mozart1220 said...

Obviously if I were FALSLY accused, but Trump is not "falsely" accused. There is TONS of evidence, and he, along with his brainless sons, keep admitting guilt.

Do you REALLY think that 17 US intelligence agencies, along with the entire DOJ are just making this up because they are afraid Trump will "Make AMerica great again?


Have you NOT seen him defend the KKK in CHarlotte? And when has he EVER mentioned IRISH "illegals (nearly 50,000 of them in the USA)? He's OBSESSED with attacking BROWN people. The KKK gave him their full throated support. Sessions is KKK< trump's father was KKK.

Ben Carson, BLACK BRAIN SURGEON, was put in charge of HUD. Think about that, NOT Surgeon General, but HUD. BECAUSE TRUMP KNOWS THOSE FOLKS KNOW ALL ABOUT LOW INCOME HOUSING AND THE "URBAN" THING.

Come on man...MAYBE if you got your info from OTHER Than Fox (who never reports anything bad about Trump)you'd see the evidence.

They are executing some SERIOUS warrants, which would not have been approved without SERIOUS evidence.

You know, the main reason I keep coming back here is to see the great lengths you go to, to avoid answering serious questions.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE SAYING IF OBAMA OR HILLARY HAD SAID AND DONE EXACTLY WHAT TRUMP IS DOING?

 
At 10:09 PM, Blogger Mozart1220 said...

Clucky,

WHAT WOULD YOU BE SAYING IF OBAMA OR HILLARY HAD SAID AND DONE EXACTLY WHAT TRUMP IS DOING?


Here we go...

 
At 12:19 PM, Blogger Majormajor said...

Mozart,

You watch Fox to know they never report anything bad about President Trump?

 
At 3:53 PM, Blogger Mozart1220 said...

Clucky,

WHAT WOULD YOU BE SAYING IF OBAMA OR HILLARY HAD SAID AND DONE EXACTLY WHAT TRUMP IS DOING?

 
At 6:28 PM, Blogger Majormajor said...

"but Trump is not "falsely" accused."


When was the trial to prove same?

 

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