Democracy is losing the propaganda war

I started to post a thread on this topic a few days ago but never got enough coherent thoughts to compose a coherent discussion. And I was thinking in terms of the propaganda machine in this country, X specifically. Ever since Musk took over, he's allowing a deluge of lies and misinformation by the MAGA crowd in the name of free speech.

Whatever...

The article describes the global effort by authoritarian/dictatorial countries who want to eliminate democracy based governments. And MAGA is siding with them.

https://www.theatlantic.com/press-releases/archive/2024/05/june-2024-cover-anne-applebaum-new-propaganda-war/678302/?utm_source=feed

Presidential immunity and SCOTUS

Some of the justices seemed inclined to talk about the obvious flaw in Presidents having unbridled immunity from criminal acts. Some wanted to talk about future hypotheticals if a President doesn't have immunity. Then there's the added wrinkle with regard to 'official' vs 'private' actions. It's all a bit overthought to me.

Presidents take an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution." Is it not a given that taking the oath would include respecting and adhering to the law(s) of the land? And prior to Trump, I believe most, if not all, of the previous occupants of the White House, took the oath seriously, with full intentions to honor it.

Of course we all, including SCOTUS, know why Trump is on this immunity crusade, which has nothing to do with creating a potential impingement on a President's state of mind, while leading the country and making hard decisions when necessary. And how many of those decisions would break some law on the books? I suspect most decisions have taken into account, careful consideration of the laws.

Trump's lawyer wants to establish a scenario that would provide immunity for 'official' actions, as Trump is claiming his attempts to overturn the election were simply "raising concerns over the legitimacy of the election." Jack Smith says he was acting as a candidate and not in an official capacity. I'm suggesting: what difference does it make? Going back to my second paragraph, Trump took the oath and violated it. Whether he was President Trump, candidate Trump or ex-president Trump, he committed a crime.

Another SCOTUS hypothetical was a President appointing someone as an Ambassador and receiving $1M bribe in return for the appointment. Appointing the ambassador is an official duty. Taking a bribe is a crime. And there is the other absurdity of ordering Seal Team 6 to murder a political opponent and be immune to prosecution for doing it.

Again, we know what Trump's motives are but for any judge, justice or court to even entertain the thought is ludicrous. Still, based on the pundits I listen to, the high court could rule 5-4 either way.

I don't know how I missed this...

..2 years ago - Geoffrey Berman's book detailing Trump's "weaponization" of the justice dept.

Rachel Maddow did a show on it Monday, using some of the content to explain the long delay in Trump's 'hush money' case going to trial. That particular aspect was far less interesting to me than all the other incidents of Trump abusing his presidential position to go after his enemies. It's really good stuff to post on X and counter all the MAGA malarky aimed at Biden.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142966310

I can't find a straight answer on the US releasing asset $$$ to Iran

Can someone help me out? The repugs are making out it's why the Middle East wars started...I know better but need some talking points.

Thanks in advance...

Against All Enemies...the movie

I rented that movie...for those of us who keep up with the daily in's and out's of current political events it was sorta' boring. Several segments with the various members of current various militaristic groups. One thing they most all had in common was the stated objective: "We're defending the Constitution." No mention of "mighty whitey". One guy even said his group wasn't militaristic. But their defense of the Constitution is due to a government gone bad that's not following the Constitution...so they got to square off against the government.

There were some sane people with input through out, attempting to explain or offer the psychological analysis and there were several references to the "leaders" (like Flynn or Trump) who provide the stimulus to keep 'em revved up.

I'm not a movie critic and don't have the skills to produce a sensible critique but my gut feeling is some of those kooks got no plans to go away.

Deja vu all over again...2024 election

Not that anyone here is surprised that Trump will cry "rigged election" when he loses in November.

But the questions in my mind; 1) will the courts will be less receptive to hearing bogus cases similar to last time and 2) will Trump find any lawyers willing to take cases they know are bogus. Giuliani, Eastman, Chesebro, Powell, Ellis, Clark established some excellent training examples clearly depicting how not to practice law.

https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-election-lies-voter-fraud-biden-f3f3691c2ea0667ad694e3bee577d802

Trump going to sue Merchan

Loose Cannon has given...

..Jack Smith an open door to appeal her lack of decision on the PRA issue.

I got this from MSNBC's Lisa Rubin minutes ago as she discussed Cannon's refusal to rule on the PRA defense for Trump. In her statement, Cannon said Smith could seek whatever appellate action he desires.

She's (opinion) looking for an out and Smith may make it available...

Trump posted 77 'truths' on Easter Day...

..per MSNBC.

https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/trump-spends-easter-posting-77-times-on-social-media-208064069531

That firm trial date for April 15 has pushed him to maximum attack mode.

Maricopa county geared up for Nov election..

..to provide security for election workers.

https://www.azfamily.com/video/2024/03/15/increased-protections-maricopa-county-election-officials-due-threats/