21 Comments

Joe Biden should simply call *Judge* Cannon's bluff and order his useless AG to make public the reports forthwith, no effing about. Biden has both the authority AND the " immunity" to do as he pleases, so he could do no less by releasing Smith's two volumes, as a last-minute compensation for the dilatory - not to say feckless - actions of Merrick Garland the past four years.

Biden has spent the last year rabbiting on about tRump's "threat to democracy", and here's the former's big opportunity to lay ALL the facts out explaining why and how - these are the facts that were denied presentation to a jury...get on with it, Joe, the clock is ticking, ffs!

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Absolutely! For crying out loud, just order the reports released immediately in their entirety. They belong to us.

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Re the Politico thing: the GOP has no incentive to check Trump because they’ve been working towards the state we’re in now for decades. He’s giving them what they want on 5he national level. (Also happening albeit differently on the state level.) Maybe the big tell is that the Roberts court has been going all partisan junta since the Obama administration ie before Trump.

As for the Smith report: Sleepy Joe can use his SCOTUS-granted immunity and order its release, then Cannon can drag someone’s ass into court and explain why she doesn’t need any authority or power to issue a binding order. Bonus: the resulting 11th circuit and SCOTUS decisions would be bangers. Of course, more preferred would be the spirit of Daniel Ellsberg taking control of a DOJ minion to leak the whole smear. OTOH, the problem is that it’s not 1971 and the media would do Trump yet another solid and refuse to make the report available.

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I like the idea of Biden using his position to release a document that taxpayers have paid for.

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Yesterday on Jen Psaki's show at 29 minute mark, ANDREW WEISSMANN spelled out Merrick Garland has the power as well. But, we can't rely on Judge Garland

But, Biden does have his FINAL report to the Nation scheduled. Release the the 2 volume Jack Smith Reports now.

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“Sleepy Joe”? Why use their taunts?

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NEVER republish Agit-Prop under any circumstances.

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It’s used ironically in large part, in lesser part for choosing not to break with the DNC’s decades-long Republicanesque policies and refusal to be anything like the opposition party that was needed.

Too, being the best D POTUS since LBJ is an awfully low bar.

I suppose you have different facts…?

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I definitely have a different opinion about the use of Trump’s insult. I don’t differ with your comment about the DNC however.

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And yet OTOH, the use of the taunt in any way is sooo minor in the greater scheme of things, that is, the national democrats' failures over the decades...

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OTOH- part of that failure is exemplified by this inaccurate, unfair and borrowed reference to President Biden. That is my opinion and please realize that and stop wasting energy that needs to go to resistance of MAGAism and Trump.

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Tips on resisting welcome.

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I learned several things from this although I read lots of substacks. So Thanks!

And one idea: When I clicked on the NC stuff, I learned I would have to pay $1.99 to read it. How about giving us a rundown when that would be the case for most of us?

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I also found out that once you enter your credit card information Substack will not allow you to delete it. I don’t get how that is legal, it isn’t ethical IMO.

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Thanks for the reminder that we are witnessing the death throes of our Democratic Republic.

tic toc...tic toc

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Elon Musk’s gesture during President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, has elicited significant controversy and debate. While Musk has not publicly clarified his intent, a psychological analysis can offer potential insights into the motivations and implications of his actions.

Contextual Analysis

Musk’s gesture, interpreted by some as a Nazi salute, occurred during a speech at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., where he expressed gratitude to the audience for their support. He placed his right hand on his chest and then extended it outward—a movement historically associated with the “Roman salute,” later appropriated by fascist regimes, most notably Nazi Germany. 

Psychological Perspectives

1. Symbolic Communication: Public figures often use gestures to convey messages beyond verbal communication. Musk’s gesture could be interpreted as an attempt to align himself with certain ideological groups or to provoke a reaction, leveraging symbolism to communicate complex ideas succinctly.

2. Provocation and Attention-Seeking: Musk has a history of making controversial statements and actions that generate public discourse. This pattern may indicate a psychological inclination towards provocation as a means of maintaining relevance and control over public narratives.

3. Cognitive Dissonance: Engaging in actions that conflict with societal norms can create cognitive dissonance, both within the individual and the audience. Musk’s gesture may have been a deliberate act to challenge perceptions, forcing observers to reconcile the dissonance between his public persona and the implications of the gesture.

4. Identity and Belief Systems: Musk’s actions could reflect an exploration or expression of his personal belief systems. By adopting a gesture with loaded historical connotations, he might be signaling a shift in ideological stance or testing the boundaries of societal acceptance.

Implications and Consequences

The psychological impact of Musk’s gesture extends beyond personal motivations. Public figures wield significant influence, and their actions can legitimize certain behaviors or ideologies. Musk’s gesture has been celebrated by far-right groups, indicating a potential reinforcement of extremist ideologies. 

Conclusion

While definitive conclusions about Musk’s intentions remain speculative without his explicit commentary, a psychological analysis suggests a complex interplay of symbolic communication, provocation, and identity exploration. The broader societal reactions underscore the profound impact that actions of influential individuals can have on public discourse and ideological movements.

GQ

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No comment.

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Marky Mark's big play for tRump/MAGA ingratiation is fueled primarily by purely business interests, given all the various political problems Meta/FB is facing in the public/private sphere...Matt Stoller summarizes here:

https://x.com/matthewstoller/status/1877819848706650115?s=43

Greedy little bastard only to happy to preside over enshittification of his media empire for the sake of his enormous stake in the business.

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