As an aside, I'll be stepping out for a bit, so to speak. Not sure if I'm simply getting some fresh air, or embarking on long walk to a place that may or may not exist.
Thank you for showing all of us how to be a courageous and caring human - with teeth.
stepping out is a great idea, I'm doing more of it myself. at the end of the day, the hardest part for me has been to accept that there really are evil people in the world like trump musk and vance who would hurt others for their own gain. but keep in mind (she tells herself daily/hourly/ by the minute) that there are more good people than evil, and every person has a bit of good and bad in them. I'm a firm believer that our thoughts create reality, so keep training your mind toward the positive... all the beautiful people working to make the world a better place for people and animals alike. it's neuroplasticity, the most powerful but untapped evolutionary skill we have, and it's the reason I'm alive.
Sabrina Haake is awesome. Her analytics goes further in depth than anyone else's. Not only does she make points that others do not, she makes them perfectly clear. Examples from today's essay are: Differentiating from the Old Testament; and legal cap of $25,000 rather than eight months pay.
Nobody has mentioned Ronnie Raygun's killing of the PATCO union — the air controllers! Only one overworked air controller was doing the job of two people, apparently contributing to this week's airliner crash in DC: 67 dead! Raygun's cruel joke: "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help" has been the story which TEAM RED has been using for decades to kill our constitutional system of cooperation. We apparently need a non-violent revolution, (which will be bloodier than the civil rights gains). This account about the founder of Extinction-Rebellion, shows the way (foul language ahead), originally from New Republic. https://dnyuz.com/2025/01/28/this-climate-activist-has-a-plan-to-defeat-trumpism-hes-in-prison/
I posted it on Facebook, but I had already written this column when I found out. I agree it’s something we should get a bullhorn and plaster all over the airwaves. Problem is the right wingers only listen to right wing media.
Sabrina, two things is the following jump out at me in what you wrote here:
Any federal employee reading this, beware, there’s a statutory limitation of $25,000 in effect for such federal employee ‘buy outs,’ far below the eight months of salary promised, suggesting Trump/Musk won’t honor the terms of their “offer.”
The first of course is the $25,000 limit for buyouts. This needs to be publicized and a member of the White House press corps who consders being insulted by Trump like Kristen Wellker was a bad of honor should confront him with this.
The second is that using the word "honor" in the same sentence with Trump and Musk is an odious oxymoron.
Not only does Trump violate the Constitution he also violates his oath:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
As for Article One, maybe someone should dumb it down enough so Trump understands what he swore to uphold. As Ihe viollates laws passed by Congress he also vilolates the Constitution. Perhaps Susie Wiles or anyone who he listens I asked Chat GPT to put this is language a sixth grader can understand. (See below
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is like a set of rules that protect some important freedoms for people. Here's what it says in simple terms:
Freedom of Speech – You can say what you think without getting in trouble (as long as it's not something harmful or illegal).
Freedom of Religion – You can practice any religion you want, or not practice any religion at all.
Freedom of the Press – Newspapers, TV, and other media can share information and opinions without being controlled by the government.
Right to Assemble – People can gather together to talk about or protest things they care about.
Right to Petition – You can ask the government to fix problems or change things that you think are unfair.
Basically, the First Amendment protects your right to express yourself, believe in what you want, and be part of a group that wants to make a change!
As always, thank you for a well-researched piece. The HIC(Head Idiot in Charge) and his Republican supporters are determined to destroy constitutional protections that much we know. That is the intent of Project 2025. The First Amendment has to be the first go because that is where opposition will come from; that, too, we know. As you point out, there was no landslide or mandate from winning the election. The number of people able to register and vote is a problem at the root of this calamity. But here is the thing as I see it. Illiteracy is rampant in America, making it easy for slogans and soundbites to be considered educational moments. Your eloquently written piece will not be read by the illiterate or the apathetic. And you’re not alone. And illiteracy is not confined to the poorly educated. As Marjorie Taylor Greene has shown, college-degreed individuals can also be illiterate. This is the problem that will feed the monster of fascism. If you don’t understand what’s being said or care, the HIC's wish to be president for life is a reality we must consider. The illiteracy I’m pointing out is not whether you know your ABCs; it is people not taking the time to analyze the crucial information before them that will determine their freedom.
Trump's firings of federal civil servants not only violate the First Amendment rights of the employees, but they violate the long-standing civil service law, which permits firing only for cause.
exactly right. But I think the Roberts court is more likely to invalidate civil service statutes and the enabling statutes that require termination for cause than they are to shitcan the 1st A. if they throw out the first amendment, our bedrock for nearly 250 years, it’s game over and Annie get your gun.
So the Taliban have really taken over the USA, I never thought I would see some thing like this in my life time, the country of Life, Liberty and the land of the Free, being subjected to so many restrictive, vengeful laws. NOT only this but seeing so many Americans who have accepted to follow the Taliban's rues and regulations Where have the Patriots gone where are they hiding
yes you are. Trump is criminally immune from being held to account for violations of criminal law carried out within his expanded executive power. That doesn’t amend or change existing statutes and it doesn’t mean people can’t sue for violations of the law. Also, when most people sue, they sue the government not the person acting because most government officials have qualified immunity anyway. (certainly not criminal immunity)
If the firings are allegedly illegal and it happens, what is their recourse. Can they all sue the US government, like some sort of class action lawsuit? Though I'm probably thinking all the law agencies have been threatened ahead of time based on this admins. M.O.
Thanks, sort of, Sabrina, for that very well thought out and documented piece of lawyering. It is, of course, very difficult for a committed follower of the law as laid out in the constitution, including the insurrection/sedition conspiracy laws that Tramp trampled all over, with the passive approval of the cowardly DOJ/AG/FBI, in fact impossible for me to be hopeful about the future of American democracy. As a retired psychiatrist, I know for a certainty that Tramp (misspelling intentional) is mentally ill and should, according the applicable law, have already been locked-up in a mental hospital dedicated to the treatment of the dangerously criminally insane. But, he's not. In fact he's got hold of the warden's keys, thanks to the criminally corrupt SCOTUS, now hell has been unleashed on our doorsteps. God help us. Your Orwellian references are right-on in the "alternative" upside down noire world of Tramp, Muskrat, and Co., and all of this in a world increasingly recognized around the world as being in a state of climate collapse. Again, I plead, God help us. Have a blessed day, Gregg
Where are the democrats? Why is there no pushback? Do they want to bring us to admitting, "Here we have the answer as to why they "lost" the election and why they did not contest the election result. A pretty disappointing state of affairs.
I'm not entirely in agreement on the pushback, but agree re contesting the results. Dems have been vocal in opposition; we can't control what the media does or whether they bother to report it at all. I think the dems need to stop attacking/ blaming themselves. also, tiny silver lining, people may have to feel personal pain (price of eggs, crashes, tariffs, sending young people to die over a canal, etc.), it will help end our apathy. 90 million people, almost 40% of 245 million eligible voters, didn't bother voting at all in November. we can't sustain a democracy with this kind of lethargy.
The new Chair of the DNC has just started and I read today they will be parsing out a strategy going forward. Dems have spoken out continuously against Project 2025 and Trump again and again. The party is split though, Progressives and more focused on working class issues like unions and the more traditional Dems. The message that the Dem platform is for the middle class needs to be driven harder.
I do not understand references in the article to "illegality" or "in violation of the Impoundment Act of 1974." These acts , as well as others (removel of Inspectors General) are all acts relating to the direct operation of governing, and are therefore "official acts." As such they are beyond court challenges because Mr. Trump is "IMMUNE." Am I missing something?
I am not understanding why references to "illegality" or violation of "Impound Control Act of 1974" bear any significance. Since both of the actions by President Trump (as well as others, like removing Inspectors General) are clearly acts relating to the operation of government, and as such are unquestionably " official acts." I would submit that that would make them "IMMUNE" from challenge in the courts. Am I missing something?
(incidentally, "love your neighbor" is in the Hebrew Bible--or, as those who believe it was made more or less obsolete by the "New Testament" like to call it, the "Old Testament". I know you don't mean to do this, but the old trope of the Hebrew Bible being all about punishment and all the love coming in the New Testament is demeaning to those whose religion focuses on the Hebrew Bible.)
thanks! I'm a big fat atheist, had no idea I was slighting anyone. I do frequently criticize organized religion of all stripes, that won't change, but I do have deep and mad respect for Jesus, the original Jewish woke hippy. if we lived by his words the world would be much better place.
Exceptional report, Sabrina. Thank you.
As an aside, I'll be stepping out for a bit, so to speak. Not sure if I'm simply getting some fresh air, or embarking on long walk to a place that may or may not exist.
Thank you for showing all of us how to be a courageous and caring human - with teeth.
-Semper fidelis ad populum
stepping out is a great idea, I'm doing more of it myself. at the end of the day, the hardest part for me has been to accept that there really are evil people in the world like trump musk and vance who would hurt others for their own gain. but keep in mind (she tells herself daily/hourly/ by the minute) that there are more good people than evil, and every person has a bit of good and bad in them. I'm a firm believer that our thoughts create reality, so keep training your mind toward the positive... all the beautiful people working to make the world a better place for people and animals alike. it's neuroplasticity, the most powerful but untapped evolutionary skill we have, and it's the reason I'm alive.
Sabrina Haake is awesome. Her analytics goes further in depth than anyone else's. Not only does she make points that others do not, she makes them perfectly clear. Examples from today's essay are: Differentiating from the Old Testament; and legal cap of $25,000 rather than eight months pay.
thank you kind sir.
Nobody has mentioned Ronnie Raygun's killing of the PATCO union — the air controllers! Only one overworked air controller was doing the job of two people, apparently contributing to this week's airliner crash in DC: 67 dead! Raygun's cruel joke: "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help" has been the story which TEAM RED has been using for decades to kill our constitutional system of cooperation. We apparently need a non-violent revolution, (which will be bloodier than the civil rights gains). This account about the founder of Extinction-Rebellion, shows the way (foul language ahead), originally from New Republic. https://dnyuz.com/2025/01/28/this-climate-activist-has-a-plan-to-defeat-trumpism-hes-in-prison/
I posted it on Facebook, but I had already written this column when I found out. I agree it’s something we should get a bullhorn and plaster all over the airwaves. Problem is the right wingers only listen to right wing media.
Sabrina, two things is the following jump out at me in what you wrote here:
Any federal employee reading this, beware, there’s a statutory limitation of $25,000 in effect for such federal employee ‘buy outs,’ far below the eight months of salary promised, suggesting Trump/Musk won’t honor the terms of their “offer.”
The first of course is the $25,000 limit for buyouts. This needs to be publicized and a member of the White House press corps who consders being insulted by Trump like Kristen Wellker was a bad of honor should confront him with this.
The second is that using the word "honor" in the same sentence with Trump and Musk is an odious oxymoron.
Not only does Trump violate the Constitution he also violates his oath:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
As for Article One, maybe someone should dumb it down enough so Trump understands what he swore to uphold. As Ihe viollates laws passed by Congress he also vilolates the Constitution. Perhaps Susie Wiles or anyone who he listens I asked Chat GPT to put this is language a sixth grader can understand. (See below
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is like a set of rules that protect some important freedoms for people. Here's what it says in simple terms:
Freedom of Speech – You can say what you think without getting in trouble (as long as it's not something harmful or illegal).
Freedom of Religion – You can practice any religion you want, or not practice any religion at all.
Freedom of the Press – Newspapers, TV, and other media can share information and opinions without being controlled by the government.
Right to Assemble – People can gather together to talk about or protest things they care about.
Right to Petition – You can ask the government to fix problems or change things that you think are unfair.
Basically, the First Amendment protects your right to express yourself, believe in what you want, and be part of a group that wants to make a change!
This is too comlplicated for Trump:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_One_of_the_United_States_Constitution
awesome! but 6th grade seems generous.
As always, thank you for a well-researched piece. The HIC(Head Idiot in Charge) and his Republican supporters are determined to destroy constitutional protections that much we know. That is the intent of Project 2025. The First Amendment has to be the first go because that is where opposition will come from; that, too, we know. As you point out, there was no landslide or mandate from winning the election. The number of people able to register and vote is a problem at the root of this calamity. But here is the thing as I see it. Illiteracy is rampant in America, making it easy for slogans and soundbites to be considered educational moments. Your eloquently written piece will not be read by the illiterate or the apathetic. And you’re not alone. And illiteracy is not confined to the poorly educated. As Marjorie Taylor Greene has shown, college-degreed individuals can also be illiterate. This is the problem that will feed the monster of fascism. If you don’t understand what’s being said or care, the HIC's wish to be president for life is a reality we must consider. The illiteracy I’m pointing out is not whether you know your ABCs; it is people not taking the time to analyze the crucial information before them that will determine their freedom.
The dumbing down aspect is part of the reason he will save TiKTok - another means of flooding the zone and radicalize more followers.
Trump's firings of federal civil servants not only violate the First Amendment rights of the employees, but they violate the long-standing civil service law, which permits firing only for cause.
exactly right. But I think the Roberts court is more likely to invalidate civil service statutes and the enabling statutes that require termination for cause than they are to shitcan the 1st A. if they throw out the first amendment, our bedrock for nearly 250 years, it’s game over and Annie get your gun.
So the Taliban have really taken over the USA, I never thought I would see some thing like this in my life time, the country of Life, Liberty and the land of the Free, being subjected to so many restrictive, vengeful laws. NOT only this but seeing so many Americans who have accepted to follow the Taliban's rues and regulations Where have the Patriots gone where are they hiding
Thank you. I am glad to be a subscriber!
yes you are. Trump is criminally immune from being held to account for violations of criminal law carried out within his expanded executive power. That doesn’t amend or change existing statutes and it doesn’t mean people can’t sue for violations of the law. Also, when most people sue, they sue the government not the person acting because most government officials have qualified immunity anyway. (certainly not criminal immunity)
Okay, I get it now. Thanks. And special thanks for all you do and your insights
inefficiency, neglect of duty, and malfeasance in office
DJT must RESIGN
If the firings are allegedly illegal and it happens, what is their recourse. Can they all sue the US government, like some sort of class action lawsuit? Though I'm probably thinking all the law agencies have been threatened ahead of time based on this admins. M.O.
Thanks, sort of, Sabrina, for that very well thought out and documented piece of lawyering. It is, of course, very difficult for a committed follower of the law as laid out in the constitution, including the insurrection/sedition conspiracy laws that Tramp trampled all over, with the passive approval of the cowardly DOJ/AG/FBI, in fact impossible for me to be hopeful about the future of American democracy. As a retired psychiatrist, I know for a certainty that Tramp (misspelling intentional) is mentally ill and should, according the applicable law, have already been locked-up in a mental hospital dedicated to the treatment of the dangerously criminally insane. But, he's not. In fact he's got hold of the warden's keys, thanks to the criminally corrupt SCOTUS, now hell has been unleashed on our doorsteps. God help us. Your Orwellian references are right-on in the "alternative" upside down noire world of Tramp, Muskrat, and Co., and all of this in a world increasingly recognized around the world as being in a state of climate collapse. Again, I plead, God help us. Have a blessed day, Gregg
Where are the democrats? Why is there no pushback? Do they want to bring us to admitting, "Here we have the answer as to why they "lost" the election and why they did not contest the election result. A pretty disappointing state of affairs.
I'm not entirely in agreement on the pushback, but agree re contesting the results. Dems have been vocal in opposition; we can't control what the media does or whether they bother to report it at all. I think the dems need to stop attacking/ blaming themselves. also, tiny silver lining, people may have to feel personal pain (price of eggs, crashes, tariffs, sending young people to die over a canal, etc.), it will help end our apathy. 90 million people, almost 40% of 245 million eligible voters, didn't bother voting at all in November. we can't sustain a democracy with this kind of lethargy.
The new Chair of the DNC has just started and I read today they will be parsing out a strategy going forward. Dems have spoken out continuously against Project 2025 and Trump again and again. The party is split though, Progressives and more focused on working class issues like unions and the more traditional Dems. The message that the Dem platform is for the middle class needs to be driven harder.
I do not understand references in the article to "illegality" or "in violation of the Impoundment Act of 1974." These acts , as well as others (removel of Inspectors General) are all acts relating to the direct operation of governing, and are therefore "official acts." As such they are beyond court challenges because Mr. Trump is "IMMUNE." Am I missing something?
I am not understanding why references to "illegality" or violation of "Impound Control Act of 1974" bear any significance. Since both of the actions by President Trump (as well as others, like removing Inspectors General) are clearly acts relating to the operation of government, and as such are unquestionably " official acts." I would submit that that would make them "IMMUNE" from challenge in the courts. Am I missing something?
(incidentally, "love your neighbor" is in the Hebrew Bible--or, as those who believe it was made more or less obsolete by the "New Testament" like to call it, the "Old Testament". I know you don't mean to do this, but the old trope of the Hebrew Bible being all about punishment and all the love coming in the New Testament is demeaning to those whose religion focuses on the Hebrew Bible.)
thanks! I'm a big fat atheist, had no idea I was slighting anyone. I do frequently criticize organized religion of all stripes, that won't change, but I do have deep and mad respect for Jesus, the original Jewish woke hippy. if we lived by his words the world would be much better place.
Thank you for acknowledging my comment! Yeah, it was clear you didn't mean to slight anyone. I appreciate all that you are doing!
I could tell you meant it in a kindly way, and I appreciate knowing there's actually some good stuff in the Old Testament!
Nothing is so bad it isn't good for something -Danish proverb
About Gaza et al?
What about it?
One big Sir campaign promise was to do away with the Constitution. "pRomiSeS MadE ProMIseS kePT."