33 Comments
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Jane B's avatar

Olivia, I think you've made 2 critically important points here, especially for those who continue to approve of leon, and see no problem in ignoring the Constitution and Congress. Unfortunately too many in Congress most especially Republicans, and certainly Dems too, have fallen in step - til now - when the rule of law, The Constitution of The People, foundational tenets of the U S A are being smashed, and crumbling.

1. "Donald Trump has never hidden his disdain for constraints—legal, ethical, or constitutional. From the earliest days of his business empire to his rise in politics,

***he has consistently chosen control over compromise,

loyalty over law, and spectacle over substance."

2. This isn't about panic. It's about preparation. This isn't about being anti-Trump.

*** It's about being pro-rule of law and being America. It's about understanding that power, when concentrated in one person who refuses to let go, can undo centuries of progress in a fraction of the time. "

Thank you.

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JF's avatar

I hope those elected representatives who have fallen in step are keeping journals, to be published posthumously when ‘courage’ or its lack, no longer matter. I especially want to know their state of mind during these times; but only if they are honest, which is a big ask.

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

I'm curious about that too. How many of them believe in what Trump is selling, how many have convinced themselves that he's serving their ends, how many see him as a harbinger of the Second Coming of Jesus, how many are Peter Principle exemplars (a step or two beyond their level of competence), how many are just on an ego trip, etc. My hunch is that many aren't capable of the self-reflection required now and might not be able to rise to the occasion later. But some of their associates and former associates may be -- as Olivia is.

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Patric Martin's avatar

I’m more than happy to have Barack Obama as the 48th POTUS. If Trump runs again, so does Obama and he’ll kick Trump’s fat ass.

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JF's avatar

I think the scheme is to make Trump a “special case” because his two terms were not consecutive.

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Did Grover Cleveland ever try that one?

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Michael Baker's avatar

I agree with almost everything you wrote. Except that there isn't a question about whether Trump will seek a third term. He is President for life - at least as far as the billionaire cabal, the Russian mafia and the Heritage Society are OK with it - as long as he chooses to be. There will be no "free and fair" elections by 2028; probably not by 2026. The US will look completely different.

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Olivia of Troye's avatar

I actually don’t disagree with you. I don’t see him vacating—but I was trying to be diplomatic to those who still can’t seem to wrap their heads around the fact that this is real. We have a full front assault happening on our democracy…

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

You mean it will look the way the U.S. did to Black people before the mid-1960s?

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Danita Hamilton's avatar

It wasn’t funny nothing he said was funny neither has he ever been funny. Trump is an evil corrupt criminal and coward. Who tries to bully others. If Trump thinks he’s going to live forever he needs to look in the mirror. He is deteriorating mentally and physically. He can’t deflect me because I know what he’s doing and his administration. They all need to be in jail for what they have done. Why are they allowed to get away with this. People do your Job and get these monsters.

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JATM's avatar

It is quite obvious that no one listened before, during his campaign. Do you honestly think their hearing has improved during the past two months? I certainly hope people have begun to understand that he is testing every aspect of the system. Moreover, the Constitution seems quite worthless to him unless he can find a section to twist for his and his monkey’s benefit.

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Jim's avatar

I took the oath multiple times over 23 years as a soldier. I've said for over 8 years that Trump is a domestic enemy of the Constitution. According to that oath, the bastard is MY ENEMY!

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Charles Austin's avatar

He desires royal authority. MAGA has no respect for anything. Donnie will shred the Constitution. We need to shred him.

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B Bear's avatar

A Putinesque style move-declare JD installed as President, old Felon Frumpy as temp VP then move JD out of the way and Frumpy is the head of the country, more diminished, worsening dementia, still cheating at golf. Musk might try to take over everyone and try to become self bought President. We have to get these thieves out of our govt and save Democracy before we end up like Hungary. Resist. Take to the streets.

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Joan Bailey's avatar

Olivia, once again you have described for us exactly what the orange man-baby’s actions and those of his minions are doing. Your statement about how authoritarianism begins “…not with declarations, but with drift. Not with tanks in the street at the onset, but with smirks and offhand comments at the podium or on a call that hint at what’s coming” is so spot on to the daily chaos and crap that this administration is spewing. We need intelligent and brave women like you to help us navigate our country’s way back to sane and civil existence. Any plans on running for an office in 2026? I’d support you, even though I don’t live in your district.

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Pamela Beckford's avatar

He is a humorless man. I doubt he even knows what a joke is.

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JF's avatar

That’s an important observation. It seems like a sign of Trump’s deep pathology.

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

He does, however, enjoy making fun of others. Jokes are fine, in other words, as long as they're on someone else.

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Denise Wallace's avatar

You are so right. It will be shocking for people who have had the luxury of not paying attention in our past. We never had a president who wanted to destroy our government. We have to prepare- it is getting scary.

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Mishelle Henson's avatar

Please move past this to change the constitution you have to have not only both the Senate and Congress you have to have 38 of the 50 states to change the 22nd amendment. Let’s talk about Hegseth and the important shit.

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gwpriester's avatar

Because his second term is going so well.

Am I the only one who thinks this president is bat shit crazy?

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JATM's avatar

I think he is a sociopath surrounded by wealthy and/or powerful like-minded enablers.

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JATM's avatar

They all need to be redirected, tried for crimes against the state and thrown into a dark prison where they are forced to work for their sustenance.

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Joan's avatar

No…he’s more dangerous, and stupid

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Daniel Waszak's avatar

Thank you for your dedication, your knowledge, your wisdom and insight. I enjoy and take heed reading all your articles.

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Socratez's avatar

Pay attention to what he says! His brain isn’t functioning well!

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Debra Frank Dew's avatar

He's playing us n we follow obediently.

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