Take 18

[H2O Man]

The Court: So you contend the Executive has unlimited power in time of an emergency?

Assistant Attorney General Holmes Baldridge: He has the power to take such action as is necessary to meet the emergency.

The Court: If the emergency is great, it is unlimited, is it?

Baldridge: I suppose if you want to carry it to its logical conclusion, that is true. But I do want to point out that there are two limitations on the Executive power. One is the ballot box and the other is impeachment.



Last night I had an interesting phone call from an associate who has long been active in social-political issues. He said that watching the day's congressional hearings, he felt as if he was caught in a nightmare that combined The Twilight Zone with random scenes from Benny Hill. We discussed the dangers of republicans insisting that Trump's Ukraine actions were perfect, rather than he made a serious mistake that does not warrant impeachment.

The above quote is taken from the USSC case Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co, v, Sawyer, commonly known as the “Steel Seizure Case.” The case was about President Truman's efforts to seize private property. This action by the unpopular president brought about an effort by republicans to try to impeach Truman – the second but much more serious effort upon their part – which was resolved when Truman recognized the Supreme Court's authority.

This is but one of several examples of when the Congress opted not to impeach a president, because he recognized his error, took responsibility, and made clear he would not overstep the constitutional authority of his office.

This, of course, is distinct from the current conflict. Republicans think they are obligated to support Trump's claim his actions regarding Ukraine were “perfect.” Thus, as he said yesterday, he insists he has “zero” responsibility for the scandal that has resulted. It is evident that he will continue to engage in the same types of abuses of power and contempt of congress if he is not impeached and convicted.

This raises a simple question: are the republicans purposely violating their oath of office and lying to the public, or are they they so ignorant and stupid that they believe that they are doing the right thing? Not that either option is acceptable, in my opinion.

Today, one republican actually compared the impeachment of Trump to the trial of Jesus. The closest thing to reality I could come up with in response is that the republicans are attempting to crucify the Constitution. They babble about impeachment being an effort to remove a “legitimately elected president.” Obviously, the Founding Fathers intended impeachment to deal with presidents who were elected. They threaten that future presidents – meaning Democrats – will surely be impeached. If any president violates their oath of office like Trump clearly has, I'm good with impeaching him or her.

I'm not good with any person who seeks to give Trump license to continue to run the Oval Office like a petty mobster. No matter what the result of the Senate trial, it is evident that the 2020 elections are going to be the most important in modern history. We need to remove as many of the brain-dead republicans as possible.

[coeur_de_lion]

1. we talked about this earlier but please repeat for the DU crowd

Do you think it is advisable for Nancy Pelosi to hang on to the articles until McConnell agrees to a fair trial?

Whether or not you feel it is advisable do you believe she will, or will she hand them right over to McConnell, knowing he will not conduct a trial at all?

[H2O Man]

3. Great question ......

and as much as I wish I could provide an adequate answer, I am aware I cannot. So I hope this will substitute.

There are several dynamics involved. I do not think the issue of if that is possible or not has ever been answered, in part because it hasn't ever been at issue. know some people I respect say that no, it has to be sent in the term the impeachment takes place in, even if it must be tried the following year. Yet more people I respect say the opposite. So let's go forward assuming it is possible.

Then it would be a decision that Speaker Pelosi, the committee chairs, and their legal team will consider. In doing so, they will put their heads together with Senator Schumer, other party leaders in the Senate, and their legal team. They will weigh the benefits and possible weaknesses.

Surely, Mitch is engaged in a game of "chicken" -- definitely a rare thing for any turtle -- as he announces what he plans to do. I've noted that Graham has been advocating for censure as a compromise. Now, it's possible that Mitch is telling the truth -- even more rare for this turtle. In that case, Schumer would need to evaluate if four republicans would join Democrats in overruling Mitch on the rules for the trial.

Thus, there is a lot I do not, and can not know at this time. But what I do know for certain is this: I trust those leaders and legal teams to make the correct decision. I am fully convinced that they will evaluate the circumstances, and do what is best.

[babylonsister]

2. They're all purposely violating their oath of office.

There is no way anyone can listen to Adam Schiff laying it out to come to any other conclusion.

[H2O Man]

4. I have so much

respect for Adam Schiff! And that allows me to understand why the rats in the republican party feel compelled to attempt to smear his name.

[babylonsister]

7. Me, too! How can we not?

Smart as a whip and he doesn't get ruffled.

[coeur_de_lion]

8. I am watching right now

watching the GOP lie their fat asses off. I hate having to mute most of the program.

Adam pipes in here and there to fact check.

GOP are assholes every one.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

5. 2020: Get the Red out by voting D. Ditch Moscow Mitch from the majority chair.

Republicans are in lockstep in spite of clear and convincing evidence. They are the biggest threat to the U.S. today.

[H2O Man]

6. Yes.

I agree that they are the biggest threat to the nation today. They are at a level of corruption that is far worse than that of "Gilded Age." They are the type of parasite that brought done other countries throughout history.

[malaise]

9. They are parroting his letter

This deification of this seriously flawed human being is sickening

[coeur_de_lion]

10. Turns my stomach I can't watch anymore.

[malaise]

11. I have to watch

I'm not missing the Con being impeached - can't wait for the vote and the count.

[coeur_de_lion]

12. Went to bed early

Missed the full vote. But later when I get home I'll watch Nancy's announcement.