I’ve held off for awhile using our Saturday discussions for contentious political issues. But the accelerating civil case of New York Attorney General Letitia James, involving “fraudulent or misleading asset valuations”—and a judge’s order making it possible to depose under oath Donald Trump and two of his adult children, Ivanka and Don Jr.—strikes me as the right time to think freshly about the prospects of his finally being held accountable. Not in every case noted earlier this week in “The Endless Cascade of Crimes,” of course, but perhaps in some number larger than one that can have a meaningful impact on our collective future.
Note this from the 14th amendment, for example: “No person shall…hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath…to support the Constitution…shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” Or this from Title 18, Section 2071, of the US Code: “Whoever having the custody of any such record, proceeding, map, book, document, paper, or other thing, willfully & unlawfully conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates, falsifies or destroys the same shall be fined…or imprisoned not more than three years or both; and shall forfeit his office and be disqualified from holding any office under the United States.” Or perhaps, in the vein of what finally brought down Al Capone, it will be tax fraud—in addition to defrauding lenders and insurance companies—that is his eventual undoing. Weary eyes turn to Letitia James and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg currently pursuing criminal charges.
What do you think? Will Donald Trump finally be held accountable on one or multiple fronts? Or do you think he will continue to avoid the kind of legal jeopardy that would put most anyone else in serious danger? As a related question, has this continuing story sorely influenced your belief in the principle that no one is above the law, even if he does face prosecution? Tough issues. The 2024 election and the fate of the nation hangs in the balance.
As always, I look forward to your thoughts and insights and a chance for this community to learn from each other. Please do treat each other’s views with respect and avoid personal attack.
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Yes. I think, finally, the Trump family house of cards is about to collapse on multiple fronts. But what concerns me more is that America’s rumbling underbelly of White Christian authoritarianism, which has always been with us, has been unleashed. The peril is now an unrestrained anti-democratic movement that threatens our great experiment.
I fervently want trump and all of his lackeys to be punished for trying to destroy America. But, I fear they won’t, especially trump. Even when someone is called to face the music it is never him. It is infuriating and demoralizing how long and drawn out it has become. Why is he seemingly untouchable? If he had an ounce of likeableness about him, it might be easier to get, but he is loathsome and revolting.
Trump may very well be held accountable for his misdeeds at this moment in our history…Quite interestingly, it is who will be leading that effort..Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Carl Racine and Fani Willis.
I have been recently reeducated in the history of these United States Of America..having seen all three seasons, 54 lectures of the Masterclass “Black History, Black Freedom and Black Love.” Currently streaming online.
Having received this education, It seems to me, that at this moment, and once again, as over the years with our Democracy, it will be at the hands of representatives of the African American community..who have time and time again stood up for this countries founding principles unlike anyone else in our history…
I believe that whatever happens, Donald Trump will not testify before any grand jury. If he or his children, are forced to sit in the grand jury meeting room in the witness position, they will all take advantage of the 5th Amendment right to not answer questions. The only hope would be to somehow use his own arrogance against him and somehow prod him to self incriminate. I seriously doubt his lawyers will allow such to happen. Otherwise, just bring the charges when enough people will do the right thing and truthfully incriminate him and his children.
I don’t think trump will ever be held accountable for his most egregious crimes, that is his attempt to overthrow our government by force. I have hope that he might be criminally charged by NY prosecutors and even by the prosecutor in Georgia. If so he would be convicted in NY but likely acquitted by a GA jury.
I’m so deeply disappointed by the weak and ineffective Merrick Garland though. Trump should already be in jail on charges of seditious conspiracy. So should many of those who helped him. But Garland doesn’t have the guts to do his job.
While I would love to see Trump incarcerated in federal prison supervised by guards who are ex-Capitol Police, I would settle for the Trump family being barred from public office for life.
I’ve always thought the Trump Crime Family would be taken down by tax evasion. So many of the other things Trump is accused of can be guilty or not based on opinion. No opinions when it comes to valuing and devaluing property. All facts are in black and white. Get ‘em New York!
Feb 19, 2022·edited Feb 19, 2022Liked by Steven Beschloss
Apparently, given the most generous interpretation, the DOJ is using the slow boil method on Trump. It would be a travesty of justice, and also quite likely put our Republic at stake, if the DOJ weren’t looking at all of the crimes and corruption that Trump propagated, determined to prosecute assuming that is warranted. And to mix metaphors, it does seem like there is a large vise slowly closing in around Trump and many of his family and fellows in crime.
A quick reminder that, after Watergate, not only did Nixon resign (forced essentially by how own party), but also 40 — yes 40! — of his top administration people went to prison. Including the attorney general. If Trump and his cronies aren’t held accountable, it’s hard to imagine how we can recover as a nation of laws and justice.
So, I am hopeful that there will be some significant justice meted out in various ways vis a vis various of the criminal cabal that came to be, and continues to function, around Trump.
There will be no federal prosecution of Trump. Everyone is afraid of a precedent to indict the last president. He wont be charged for sedition or the serious damage he’s done to democracy. The only hope for justice is a local or state prosecutor who catches him in a grifting crime. Even then, he’s learned from mob associates to never give direct orders or leave evidence that the crime was his. He will throw all his entourage under the bus. So, maybe a jaywalking ticket.
The phrase , no one is above the law , is a wish statement in America. White’s are treated differently than those of color in the justice system. Privileged or wealthy frequently avoid full justice by inserting money or influence. Case in point Matt Gaetz and his DUI briskly put under the rug by his wealthy and influential father. Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne incident. I will not hold my breath on Trump facing justice
He better be or else we are in deep __! The rest of his goons are watching closely, Hawley, Gym, DeSuckis, Cancun Cruz, etc. They are just waiting in line to continue the abhorrent behavior to destroy our democracy. Pathetic and frightening.
DOJ clearly isn’t going to do anything. There’s a glimmer of hope with NewYork City and State, Georgia State, and DC. But it’s probably not going to lead to any jail time. And any fines will just be paid by right wing billionaires.
I’m a follower of Jesus and I believe that what’s hidden will come to light. The Bible teaches that there are consequences for your sins. I believe it is true
When I think of DT, I've always thought of Al Capone. Tax evasion (and Syphilis) got 'em. Criminals always think they're so damn smart. Something has to stop them. Tax evasion works for me, although that's only one crime committed. Take your pick. Whatever works.
If charges are brought against Trump during the present administration I think he will be prosecuted on something, more than likely tax fraud. What worries me is the "laws delay." Various forms of the term date back to The Magna Carta, and Shakespeare, If he isn't put to the fire soon enough my fear is that the light of our democracy will go out, leaving us with his replacement. And sadly, yes, as the Justice System operates today, I do think some are above the law.
This is an issue of precedent. If Trump is not held accountable for his crimes while in office, any future president who engages in criminal activity can use Trump as a defense. Presidents be held to the highest standards. They not only hold the power of the highest office in the land, they hold an office that affects world order.
I am less worried about Trump than I am about Biden. Has anyone noticed he is acting like a middle-school girl taunting a bully to beat up a smaller rival that dared to impugn the little girls sensibilities, for some reason. If it's 100% certain, then sanction already. Has anyone else notice now nobody is asking about crime, inflation, schools and the parent movement? This Ukraine thing is nothing more than an old politician's hack move, and has been utilized by weak and ineffectual leaders for time immemorial: Bluff strength abroad to quell trouble at home.
If we are such a cyber badass, let's do it then. If the US were selling oil, wonder if that would make a difference? also, isn't is weird how it's Ukraine? didn't Biden have a son do something there?
Keep crying about Trump, nothing to see here in the present.
Yes. I think, finally, the Trump family house of cards is about to collapse on multiple fronts. But what concerns me more is that America’s rumbling underbelly of White Christian authoritarianism, which has always been with us, has been unleashed. The peril is now an unrestrained anti-democratic movement that threatens our great experiment.
I fervently want trump and all of his lackeys to be punished for trying to destroy America. But, I fear they won’t, especially trump. Even when someone is called to face the music it is never him. It is infuriating and demoralizing how long and drawn out it has become. Why is he seemingly untouchable? If he had an ounce of likeableness about him, it might be easier to get, but he is loathsome and revolting.
Trump may very well be held accountable for his misdeeds at this moment in our history…Quite interestingly, it is who will be leading that effort..Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Carl Racine and Fani Willis.
I have been recently reeducated in the history of these United States Of America..having seen all three seasons, 54 lectures of the Masterclass “Black History, Black Freedom and Black Love.” Currently streaming online.
Having received this education, It seems to me, that at this moment, and once again, as over the years with our Democracy, it will be at the hands of representatives of the African American community..who have time and time again stood up for this countries founding principles unlike anyone else in our history…
I believe that whatever happens, Donald Trump will not testify before any grand jury. If he or his children, are forced to sit in the grand jury meeting room in the witness position, they will all take advantage of the 5th Amendment right to not answer questions. The only hope would be to somehow use his own arrogance against him and somehow prod him to self incriminate. I seriously doubt his lawyers will allow such to happen. Otherwise, just bring the charges when enough people will do the right thing and truthfully incriminate him and his children.
I don’t think trump will ever be held accountable for his most egregious crimes, that is his attempt to overthrow our government by force. I have hope that he might be criminally charged by NY prosecutors and even by the prosecutor in Georgia. If so he would be convicted in NY but likely acquitted by a GA jury.
I’m so deeply disappointed by the weak and ineffective Merrick Garland though. Trump should already be in jail on charges of seditious conspiracy. So should many of those who helped him. But Garland doesn’t have the guts to do his job.
While I would love to see Trump incarcerated in federal prison supervised by guards who are ex-Capitol Police, I would settle for the Trump family being barred from public office for life.
I’ve always thought the Trump Crime Family would be taken down by tax evasion. So many of the other things Trump is accused of can be guilty or not based on opinion. No opinions when it comes to valuing and devaluing property. All facts are in black and white. Get ‘em New York!
Apparently, given the most generous interpretation, the DOJ is using the slow boil method on Trump. It would be a travesty of justice, and also quite likely put our Republic at stake, if the DOJ weren’t looking at all of the crimes and corruption that Trump propagated, determined to prosecute assuming that is warranted. And to mix metaphors, it does seem like there is a large vise slowly closing in around Trump and many of his family and fellows in crime.
A quick reminder that, after Watergate, not only did Nixon resign (forced essentially by how own party), but also 40 — yes 40! — of his top administration people went to prison. Including the attorney general. If Trump and his cronies aren’t held accountable, it’s hard to imagine how we can recover as a nation of laws and justice.
So, I am hopeful that there will be some significant justice meted out in various ways vis a vis various of the criminal cabal that came to be, and continues to function, around Trump.
There will be no federal prosecution of Trump. Everyone is afraid of a precedent to indict the last president. He wont be charged for sedition or the serious damage he’s done to democracy. The only hope for justice is a local or state prosecutor who catches him in a grifting crime. Even then, he’s learned from mob associates to never give direct orders or leave evidence that the crime was his. He will throw all his entourage under the bus. So, maybe a jaywalking ticket.
Yes, the Trump’s Teflon is finally peeling back. Also, I’m a patient person.
The phrase , no one is above the law , is a wish statement in America. White’s are treated differently than those of color in the justice system. Privileged or wealthy frequently avoid full justice by inserting money or influence. Case in point Matt Gaetz and his DUI briskly put under the rug by his wealthy and influential father. Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne incident. I will not hold my breath on Trump facing justice
He better be or else we are in deep __! The rest of his goons are watching closely, Hawley, Gym, DeSuckis, Cancun Cruz, etc. They are just waiting in line to continue the abhorrent behavior to destroy our democracy. Pathetic and frightening.
DOJ clearly isn’t going to do anything. There’s a glimmer of hope with NewYork City and State, Georgia State, and DC. But it’s probably not going to lead to any jail time. And any fines will just be paid by right wing billionaires.
I’m a follower of Jesus and I believe that what’s hidden will come to light. The Bible teaches that there are consequences for your sins. I believe it is true
When I think of DT, I've always thought of Al Capone. Tax evasion (and Syphilis) got 'em. Criminals always think they're so damn smart. Something has to stop them. Tax evasion works for me, although that's only one crime committed. Take your pick. Whatever works.
If charges are brought against Trump during the present administration I think he will be prosecuted on something, more than likely tax fraud. What worries me is the "laws delay." Various forms of the term date back to The Magna Carta, and Shakespeare, If he isn't put to the fire soon enough my fear is that the light of our democracy will go out, leaving us with his replacement. And sadly, yes, as the Justice System operates today, I do think some are above the law.
.
Here's a great article about the coming justice: https://richardameyer.medium.com/justice-is-not-being-delayed-its-going-to-come-down-hard-ab2c6590ef0c
This is an issue of precedent. If Trump is not held accountable for his crimes while in office, any future president who engages in criminal activity can use Trump as a defense. Presidents be held to the highest standards. They not only hold the power of the highest office in the land, they hold an office that affects world order.
I am less worried about Trump than I am about Biden. Has anyone noticed he is acting like a middle-school girl taunting a bully to beat up a smaller rival that dared to impugn the little girls sensibilities, for some reason. If it's 100% certain, then sanction already. Has anyone else notice now nobody is asking about crime, inflation, schools and the parent movement? This Ukraine thing is nothing more than an old politician's hack move, and has been utilized by weak and ineffectual leaders for time immemorial: Bluff strength abroad to quell trouble at home.
If we are such a cyber badass, let's do it then. If the US were selling oil, wonder if that would make a difference? also, isn't is weird how it's Ukraine? didn't Biden have a son do something there?
Keep crying about Trump, nothing to see here in the present.