GRAB MY HAND: A LETTER TO MY DAD was a gift to my grieving father and now a message to all to cherish every second you have with the ones you love while you still can. #GateCheckpic.twitter.com/fFbVuEReyo
"No one can say that Donald Trump didn’t take action during those hours following the invasion of the Capitol. Because, on learning that Mike Pence was in peril, Trump acted instantly and decisively … to aim the threat at Pence and his family."https://t.co/tO59QbCvGO
A Valentine from First Lady Jill Biden popped up overnight at the White House. Per her office, “The First Lady is known for her sense of humor, love of surprises and celebrating traditions… This is her Valentine to the country.” pic.twitter.com/lwiAxePaPv
President Biden: "#ValentinesDay is a big. Jill's favorite day. For real."
Q: "What inspired you to do this?"@FLOTUS: "I just wanted some joy. With the pandemic, just everybody's feeling a little down. So, it's just a little joy. A little hope. That's all." pic.twitter.com/JW0S1cclNO
John Mercer Langston – First African American Elected to a Local Office/Established the First Black Law School in the U.S./First Black U.S. Congress Person from Virginia
Langston was highly educated, an expert in constitutional law, a community organizer and a gifted orator who sought to unify a divided country after the Civil War.
Langston was the son of Ralph Quarles, a white plantation owner, and Jane Langston, a black slave. After his parents died when Langston was five, he and his brothers moved to Oberlin, Ohio. Langston enrolled in Oberlin College at age 14 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the institution. Denied admission into law school, Langston studied law under attorney Philemon Bliss of Elyria. Langston became the first black lawyer in Ohio, passing the Bar in 1854.
In 1855 Langston was elected town clerk of Brownhelm Township in Ohio, becoming the first black elected official in the state.
During the Civil War Langston recruited African Americans to fight for the Union Army. As chief recruiter in the West, he assembled the Massachusetts 54th, the nation’s first black regiment, and the Massachusetts 55th and the 5th Ohio. After the war, he was appointed inspector general for the Freedmen’s Bureau, a federal organization that helped freed slaves.
He was a founding member and president of the National Equal Rights League, which fought for black voting rights.
Langston moved to Washington, DC in 1868 to establish and serve as dean of Howard University’s law school — the first black law school in the country. He was appointed acting president of the school in 1872.
In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Langston U.S. minister to Haiti. He returned to Virginia in 1885 and was named president of Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute (now Virginia State University).
In 1888 he ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as an Independent. He lost to his Democratic opponent but contested the results of the election. After an 18-month fight, he won the election and served for six months. Langston was the first black Congress member from Virginia and a diplomat. He lost his bid for reelection.
The town of Langston, Oklahoma, and Langston University, are named after him. The John Mercer Langston Bar Association in Columbus, Ohio, is named in his honor. His house in Oberlin is a National Historic Landmark. Langston was the great-uncle of poet Langston Hughes.
Better analogy… Not only shouting fire in crowded theater but locked the doors, turned off the lights and had staff attempt to delay fire department if help was actually needed.
Once again… it’s plain as day, right in your face.
BREAKING: A judge will not issue a new arrest warrant or alter the bail for Kenosha shooting suspect Kyle Rittenhouse after prosecutors said he broke his $2M bond by moving.
The 18-year-old, seen drinking beer at a bar weeks ago, says he moved to a "safe house." pic.twitter.com/uxwcX9rjgc
This is your daily reminder that one of the lead researchers behind the #COVID19 Vaccine is @KizzyPhD, an African-American woman scientist and communicator who understands the intersection racism, healthcare, and science. https://t.co/3EJax4GZ7Z
— Anna Gifty is on IG and says #SACE2021 (@itsafronomics) February 12, 2021
.@FaniWillisForDA District Attorney Fulton County in Georgia now on @maddow. She’ll prosecute a criminal investigation against Trump. Been talking about her awesomeness for awhile. She’s fearless. Not intimidated and l’m here for all if it. pic.twitter.com/XiTin6KIRR
Colorado State Representative @leslieherod has led the way on common sense police reforms like this. Check out her TED Talk on the topic. https://t.co/r98ETxkAtc
Good morning, big hugs all around, ThankYouNerdyWonka..
Already being squeezed by WordPress at only 33 comments, so better get in here to send some Light, and to thank everyone here for always Being The Light!!
Thank you, Dudette dear Heart, it’s been so long now, I’m used to it!! I do what I can to keep informed thanks to BobFranza and GlennKirschner, Stonekettle and KyleGriffin. I don’t sign into Twitter ever, just click on the name and follow one in.. it’s all such a mess.. you keep taking good care! Love to you! 🕊💞🕊
Pierre Toussaint (27 June 1766 – June 30, 1853) was a Haitian-American hairdresser, philanthropist, and former slave brought to New York City by his owners in 1787. Freed in 1807 after the death of his mistress, Pierre took the surname of “Toussaint” in honor of the hero of the Haitian Revolution which established that nation. In 1996, he was declared “Venerable” by Pope John Paul II. More about him in Wikipedia.
Congressman Jamie Raskin:
“Trump’s Continuing Pattern and Practice of Inciting Violence”
“Is there any chance Donald Trump was surprised by the results of his own incitement?
Let’s do what Tom Payne told us to do. Use our common sense, the sense we have in common as citizens.
If we don’t draw the line here, what’s next? What makes you think the nightmare with Donald Trump and his lawmaking and violent mobs is over? If we let them get away with it and then it comes to your state capital or it comes back here again, what are we going to say? These prior acts of incitement cast a harsh light on Trump’s obvious intent, obvious intent, his unavoidable knowledge of the consequences of his incitement, the unavoidable knowledge of the consequences of his incitement and the clear foreseeability of the violent harm that he unleashed on our people and our republic. January 6 was not some unexpected radical break from his normal law abiding and peaceful disposition. This was his state of mind. This was his essential MO.
He knew that egged on by his tweets, his lies, and his promise of a wild time in Washington to guarantee his grip on power, his most extreme followers would show up bright and early, ready to attack, ready to engage in violence, ready to fight like hell for their hero just like they’d answered his call in Michigan.
President Trump has said over and over, his supporters are loyal. In his own words, his supporters are the most loyal that we’ve seen in our country’s history. And he knew that his most hardcore supporters were willing to direct violence at elected officials, indeed to attack and lay siege to a capital building and he knew they would be ready to heed his call on January 6 to stop the steal by using violence to block the peaceful transfer of power in the United States. He knew they were coming. He brought them here and he welcomed them with open arms.
We hear you and love you from the Oval Office. My dear colleagues, is there any political leader in this room who believes that if he is ever allowed by the Senate to get back into the Oval Office, Donald Trump would stop inciting violence to get his way? Would you bet the lives of more police officers on that? Would you bet the safety of your family on that? Would you bet the future of your democracy on that?
President Trump declared his conduct totally appropriate.
So if he gets back into office and it happens again,
we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves.” https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/rep-jamie-raskin-speech-trump-impeachment-trial-transcript-trumps-continuing-pattern-and-practice-of-inciting-violence)
“Fulton’s DA opens criminal investigation into Trump attempt to overturn Georgia’s election”
“As U.S. House managers made their case for the impeachment of Donald Trump, Fulton County’s top prosecutor on Wednesday launched a wide-ranging criminal investigation into the former president….
““This investigation includes, but is not limited to, potential violations of Georgia law prohibiting the solicitation of election fraud, the making of false statements to state and local governmental bodies, conspiracy, racketeering, violation of oath of office and any involvement in violence or threats related to the election’s administration,”
Willis wrote. Calling it a “matter of high priority,” Willis said the next Fulton County grand jury is set to convene in March and added “this office will begin requesting grand jury subpoenas as necessary at that time.”
“GA Probe Of Trump Likely To Look Beyond Raffensperger Call: Fulton’s D.A. Willis”
“Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis talks with Rachel Maddow about how her investigation will look at evidence of Donald Trump’s intentions when he interacted with Georgia officials, and how the stages of the investigation will develop.”
Fani Willis, District Attorney, Fulton County GA, speaks to Maddow.
(last piece of the interview)
Maddow:
“Did the impeachment and that process have any bearing at all on your decision to open this investigation or how you look at your responsibilities here?”
Willis:
“Zero. None whatsoever. So I just want to be clear, if we watch that trial and witnesses come forward that are relevant to my investigation, certainly we will do our due diligence and interview them. But whether there was an impeachment or not, an impeachment would not change the fact that something occurred here within my jurisdiction that may be criminal. And if that is the case, it needed to be investigated.”
Maddow:
“I will mention impeachment in one other context here. Just because we have all as a country watched for two and a half days now, as House Impeachment Managers have laid out this evidence about how the former President incited his supporters to violence against his perceived enemies. We’ve seen these videos of Trump supporters menacing and intimidating state and local officials they perceive as anti-Trump. I mean obviously you are a law enforcement professional, and you have been doing this for more than two decades. 19 years as a prosecutor and you obviously stand on firm ground and know what you’re doing.
But I have to ask if it has crossed your mind, if you are worried about your own safety and that of your staff. If opening this investigation could make you targets.”
Willis:
”Oh absolutely. Since we’ve opened this my security has doubled. We’ve gotten a lot of comments. Interestingly enough, the comments are always racist and it’s really just a waste of time and foolishness.
It’s not going to stop me from doing my job.
And I don’t think that it’s an insult to remind me that I’m a Black woman.
So it is a waste of their time.
But we do understand that some people are unstable.
Some people think the nerve of me to actually do my job. But I took an oath.
I made a commitment to the citizens in my community and I’m going to do my job.”
I’ve been writing a version of this piece in my head for two years. It’s time for our profession to confront the role of lawyers in abetting the unraveling of American democracy. https://t.co/yZsCgEljRX
Gave up counting, but one of 45’s so-called lawyers has truly “highlighted” all of the gender and racial diversity in the Democratic Party in all the videos he’s chosen to use, so far today. This isn’t something I’d normally pick up on, as different than normal, but he sure did. Guess he’s trying to “scare” the pants off those who might vote against 45 when this trial’s concluded, not to mention the RWNJs watching from home. Hate it!
#OTD in 2007, @BarackObama announced his presidential candidacy before a crowd of thousands in Springfield, Illinois.
The future Obama Presidential Center will relive moments like this, and tell the story of the many volunteers who made the Obama presidency possible. pic.twitter.com/kjTKrIhrZk
“Biden says U.S. will have enough vaccine for 300 million people by end of July”
“The administration used options in existing contracts to purchase another 200 million doses,
increasing supply by 50 percent”
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/02/11/vaccine-supply-biden/)
–BRAVI.
-Thanks Joe !!!!
It has been settled.
“Trump Defense May Try To Hide Behind Constitutionality. But It Was Settled”
“To make that argument after the Senate has already ruled on it is beyond frivolous—it’s insulting,” says attorney Marc Elias on Trump’s defense raising the question of the constitutionality of the trial.”
Hayes: “That specific lie that Mike Pence is the fulcrum upon which this all depends is a Donald Trump
original.That’s him! There’s no one else running around saying ‘It comes down to Mike Pence’.
Elias:
“That’s the biggest lie of all.
And it’s the most important. And it’s the most damning for the president.
Because ONLY HE was propagating that lie.
And that’s the lie that led to the storming of the Capitol.
That’s the lie that led to Mike Pence have to flee the Capitol,
while they were chanting for his death,
and while they were hanging nooses outside.
And that’s on Donald Trump 100%.”
Senate Ethics Committee now looking into collusion between specific Republican Senators (Hawley, Cruz, others) and Trump for inciting the Capitol insurrection.
Outside the White House, @KeishaBottoms addresses a small gaggle as the press briefing is going on. Biden tapped Bottoms as the Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection at the DNC. pic.twitter.com/W1D83hn6Yz
Yeh so jurors Graham, Lee, Cruz met with their defense lawyers yesterday.
“I guess in a kind of wrong analogy to a criminal trial – but even if the analogy were correct,
sure as heck the defense counsel don’t meet with your jurors.” (Sen. Whitehouse)
Gopsenate doom msg = do whatever you want…Trump before the Constitution…mayhem and sedition.
We know trump is predictable. And as he did with Mike Pence, he may well blame Graham, Hawley, Lee, Cruz or whoever at some point in the future. And sic his mob on them as and when he feels like it.
It’s not even a plausibility, it is a possibility.
Trump is for Trump, and defends only Trump at the expense of anyone in the crosshair.
As HRC foretold in 2016 (450,000 deaths and counting) and the elected official from Georgia predicted (and which came true on 1/6/21), let’s hope that next time – there will be a next time – the mass casualties are not in the millions.
This is just one of many steps we are taking to protect the health of travelers and workers, while keeping airport operations and related small businesses up and running.
GOP just can’t resist hurting marginalized people for no damn reason.
The discriminatory bills HB 276 and HB 372 proposed by the Georgia GOP seek to deny transgender student athletes the opportunity to pursue their potential alongside their peers, all to solve a problem that does not exist. 1/
Georgia Republicans should focus on access to health care, recovery from Covid-19, economic opportunity and more to help Georgians during this difficult time. 2/ #gapol
“Facing A Reckoning, Wyoming Wrestles With A Transition From Fossil Fuels”
“Wyoming’s history is one of wild swings between booms and busts, but some have been saying that the state needs to diversify for decades.”
“Biden is pledging to retrain and support traditional fossil fuels workers in states like Wyoming
during the transition. Meanwhile, an editorial in Wyoming’s largest newspaper pleaded that the country not turn its back on Wyoming workers, especially after all the cheap energy that’s been produced and exported out of here for decades.”
“The possibility of a transition is forcing a question that even just a few years ago might have been considered unthinkable: What is Wyoming without fossil fuels?”
(https://www.npr.org/2021/02/10/965335665/facing-a-reckoning-wyoming-wrestles-with-a-transition-from-fossil-fuels)
—Gas operations pulling out of Wyoming…
–Time to go wind and shine…eh no problem for Wyo.
“Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
speaks in support of increased COVID-19 relief and additional funding for Indian nations,
Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians”
“From Hawaiian homelands to villages, pueblos, rancherias, and other Native communities, our fellow Americans who live on or near these lands need immediate relief. Not half measures, and not more delays…”
“We all need to work together and support Native families and communities across the country.
Our shared federal trust and treaty obligations demand nothing less.”
““I had a productive meeting with President Biden today,” Schatz said after the meeting.
“One thing is clear — this administration understands the real challenges facing Hawaii and Native communities across the country, and is committed to ending the pandemic and rebuilding our economy.”
(https://www.indianz.com/News/2021/02/04/our-shared-federal-trust-and-treaty-obligations-demand-nothing-less-sen-brian-schatz-d-hawaii/)
Guess the Repubs have no problem with the insurrectionists wanting to harm Mike Pence, their own Republican VP.
No issues with the mob’ s intention to kill the cops and lawmakers.
It’s a slap in the face to the rest of us who took an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies” while Republican Senators have the audacity to just ignore the fact they made the same promise.
Yes, @StaceyPlaskett say it! She says she noticed that so many of the people misused in the defense team's cold open featured Black women. Representative, we noticed it too. We see the @GOP for exactly who they are. And we're not doing "antebellum." Get over it.
— Joy WE VOTED!! WEAR A MASK!! Reid 😷) (@JoyAnnReid) February 12, 2021
Biden kept it simple as he left the White House for a weekend at Camp David. “Have a good Presidents’ weekend. Happy Valentine’s Day ahead of time.” He ignored shouted questions and made his way to Marine One staffed by @JakeSullivan46, Annie Tomasini and Stephen Goepfert. pic.twitter.com/NKXjpe9eGe
Yes, @StaceyPlaskett say it! She says she noticed that so many of the people misused in the defense team's cold open featured Black women. Representative, we noticed it too. We see the @GOP for exactly who they are. And we're not doing "antebellum." Get over it.
— Joy WE VOTED!! WEAR A MASK!! Reid 😷) (@JoyAnnReid) February 12, 2021
It's actually a pretty cool story as to why. He's been a major fan since he was a kid who found solace in the comic while in the library.https://t.co/bD8uRKrBNL
Rep. Raskin: "Rather than yelling at us and screaming about, 'we didn't have time to get all of the facts about what your client did,' bring your client up here and have him testify under oath."
A Congressional Gold Medal is nice, but you know how you truly honor Officer Goodman and his colleagues? By convicting the man who sent the mob that they defended you from.
Biden kept it simple as he left the White House for a weekend at Camp David. “Have a good Presidents’ weekend. Happy Valentine’s Day ahead of time.” He ignored shouted questions and made his way to Marine One staffed by @JakeSullivan46, Bruce Reed and Annie Tomasini. pic.twitter.com/8CJH0lC5wR
I remember the moment I saw Trump's tweet attacking Pence. We were in the chamber as aides were scrambling to bar the doors. Some were sobbing in fear. The mob was outside. Someone yelled out shots had been fired.
I turned to Tim Kaine and said, "Oh my god, he's egging them on."
@SenSchumer needs to make Motion for disqualification of senators violating Oath, absences & meeting w defense. Make motion for rules & Feahy needs to show he is taking this seriously & uphold ethics & have vote. Majority wins motion! R’s making trial & the US look ridiculous.
So, as usual, the traitorous thug extracted his pound of the obsequious flesh and the rethug just kissed his fugly and got zilch in return? And the ‘blue state’ ca’ians reelected this scum.
President Biden is letting the Senate work out the impeachment issue while he checks items off his list.
✅ Meet with governors & mayors about COVID relief ✅ Issue school reopening guidance ✅ Roll back Trump immigration policies ✅ Take time to share the love with FLOTUS pic.twitter.com/HUaOaLDlMX
Too bad none of the senators asked the “defense” attorneys if it is okay for jurors to collaborate with the defense team during a trial and is this grounds for removal of any jurors who is found to have done so,
No matter their reason (of which there is no good or acceptable reason), just the appearance of impropriety should be considered juror misconduct and grounds for dismissal or disqualification from jury.
Pence's team does not agree with the Trump lawyer's assessment that Trump was concerned about Pence's safety. Trump didn't call him that day — or for five days after that. No one else on Trump's team called as Pence was evacuated to one room & another, with screaming mob nearby.
Pete’s actual quote: We will fight when we must fight, but I will never allow us to get so wrapped up in the fighting that we start to think fighting is the point.
"Graham is sitting in judgment on Trump on a charge that cites Trump’s call to Raffensperger, while Graham may be a person of interest in a criminal investigation of his own call to Raffensperger." https://t.co/ZW3zcS0P9a
1. Trump counsel lied to the Senate 2. Definitive evidence Trump knew of danger and was pleased with it, then refused to help 3. @GOPLeader knew all this and concealed it
— Jennifer 'Convict. Disqualify.' Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) February 13, 2021
Honestly, amk, I have to limit my attention to pundits/experts for this very reason.
It is frustrating to listen to discussions of crimes committed and available remedies. It’s disconcerting to hear discussions of what is likely to happen or what should happen. At the end of the day, these discussions are based on NORMAL environments and most obviously over the last 4+ years, we are not living in normality.
The remedies are often not applied. The expected seems to go off the rail and we come out of it disappointed and more frustrated.
Source confirms to me Trump defense attorney David Schoen deliberately lied that they didn’t have access to House managers’ evidence: “The trial rules required us giving them the videos before we started.”
Delegate Stacey Plaskett: “This attack is not about one speech. Most of you men would not have your wives with one attempt at talking to her. It took numerous tries.” pic.twitter.com/MHR5MXsaQN
Fulton County district attorney plans to examine a post-Election Day phone call between Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as part of a criminal investigation. https://t.co/YrNhhUHStZ
Happy #LunarNewYear! As we welcome the Year of the Ox during a challenging time, I wish everyone happiness, health, and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/c5yi0McQ9l
Hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans and Asian immigrants have skyrocketed during the pandemic. That’s why our Administration has taken actions to address these xenophobic attacks. We must continue to commit ourselves to combating racism and discrimination.
Republican senators know full well that Trump spurned McCarthy and ignored Tuberville. He wanted violence. He wanted members killed. And if they still vote to acquit they are even more despicable.
🚨BREAKING: Fulton County #Georgia DA Fani Willis is probing @LindseyGrahamSC’s phone call with @GaSecofState Raffensperger as part of a CRIMINAL investigation into Trump’s alleged CRIMINAL attempt to flip the election results.https://t.co/6RPqb91UDV
🔥During their conversation, Graham asked @GaSecofState whether he had the power to toss out all #MailInBallots in certain counties, Raffensperger told @washingtonpost. He said Graham asked him to improperly find a way to set aside legally cast ballots.
‼️Graham is sitting in judgment on Trump on a charge that cites Trump’s call to Raffensperger, while Graham HIMSELF is a person of interest in a CRIMINAL investigation of his own call to Raffensperger.
Absolutely. If you have more information, you must now come forward with it. This is your duty as an American. History is watching. And history judges perfectly https://t.co/IK9ps8dvE7
Trump LOST: the presidency, the House, the Senate, the trust of American voters, the belief in free and fair elections, the credibility of the Republican Party, the admiration of our allies, the fear of our enemies. What exactly are Republicans defending?
One way to clear it up? Suspend trial to depose McCarthy and Tuberville under oath and get facts. Ask Secret Service to produce for review comms back to White House re VP Pence safety during siege. What did Trump know, and when did he know it?
Order the @SecretService to play their recorded communications to @WhiteHouse from Pence's & Pelosi's details beginning when Pence arrived at the Capitol on 6 Jan until he departed.
Hi @maddow, @Lawrence@NicolleDWallace From what we now know, it may well be that #OfficerGoodman purchased the 2-5 minutes that are the reason Pence, Pelosi & many others are alive and Trump didn't declare himself President forever the night of 6 Jan 2021. #McCarthyTrumpCall
On Bill Maher last night, he had Adam Kinzinger on … who is all for impeaching Trump now, but 3 months ago voted for Trump. Even though he did not vote for Trump in 2016.
Anyone who voted for Trump especially in the last election, in my opinion …. likes being lied too.
Because 4+ years of lying apparently was not enough, they voted to keep the lying going.
This portrait deserves a proper ceremony with visitors and dignitaries there to applaud its unveiling. We’re not there yet. Maybe for his birthday in August.
BREAKING: Lawrence O’Donnell just announced that a petition urging the conviction of Trump was circulated and signed by 550 Congressional staffers. This is unprecedented!
One way to clear it up? Suspend trial to depose McCarthy and Tuberville under oath and get facts. Ask Secret Service to produce for review comms back to White House re VP Pence safety during siege. What did Trump know, and when did he know it?
While you’re at it, kick out the Senator-jurors who were holed up in a room counseling the defense attorneys on their strategy. In what kinda trial does that happen?
Namaste, you can read it here: Looks like Trump’s BS-artist attorneys may have crossed the line from BS to something much more serious.… https://t.co/IK0Q0F4LP2 Enjoy 🙂 🤖
Not surprising that the only “attorneys” tRump could get to defend him are ones that are as corrupt or corrupt-minded as he is.
But there was conflict amidst the corruptness as one attorney — Schoen — quit in a dispute about the videos used in the defense presentation. No credit though (not just because he was on the defense team in the first place) since tRump was able to convince him to come back.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth is urging President Biden to "help restore trust" in the United States Postal Services by replacing every member of the USPS Board of Governors and nominating new leadership.
BREAKING: Magnitude 7.1 quake measuring upper 6 on Japanese scale hits Miyagi, Fukushima prefectures in northeastern Japan. There is no possibility of tsunami. https://t.co/nRQmURsr0j
Rubio now blaming the outcome of a Senate vote—in which five GOP members voted with Dems in favor of witnesses—on Twitter users https://t.co/vIceB47gWi
BREAKING: Rep. Jamie Raskin calls for subpoenaing Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler who tweeted a statement last night about talk she had with House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy regarding former Pres. Trump's possible involvement in the Capitol siege. https://t.co/OThXf9lYk8pic.twitter.com/txevNFdj1j
The Biden Administration pulled back approval of @GovKemp’s plan to provide Medicaid coverage to thousands of low-income and uninsured adults who meet a work or activity requirement because the pandemic makes meeting key guidelines “unfeasible.” #gapolhttps://t.co/K2F2d6hSnl
WATCH: Laughter breaks out in the Senate Chamber after Trump attorney Michael van der Veen insists that any impeachment trial depositions should be done in person in his office in Philadelphia
One of the main dynamics of a trial is that people start to come forward with relevant information. Rep. Herrera Beutler must be just the whistleblower @RepRaskin was waiting for. She's being a patriot. https://t.co/Ym7T5R0Lop
Opinion | @marcambinder: After Pence makes his way down the stairwell, his military aide, carrying a large briefcase, follows. The briefcase is the nuclear "football" — an exact copy of the one the president’s military aide was guarding at the White House https://t.co/E3doWaIvrA
New on @MSNBC: Claire McCaskill says the Senate is discussing entering into the record written testimony from Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler. No witnesses would be called. That testimony would become part of the trial record, and then the Senate would move on to closing arguments.
Samir and Neal own NaanStop in Atlanta, Georgia — and like many small businesses around the country, they’ve been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. I gave them a call to hear their story and talk about how the American Rescue Plan will help businesses like theirs. pic.twitter.com/9FjudVGsMJ
Democrats just secured a major victory, winning a vote to hear witness testimony, and now they're talking about forfeiting that significant win and settling for a single meaningless written statement?
The Obama Diary 
Good Morning Everyone! Happy Fri-Yay! ☀️
Thank you Nerdy!
Good Morning Dudette, Nerdy and everyone else! Have a great day.
Hiya Betsy! 👋🏾😁
Good Morning, Peach Neighbor!!!! Congrats on First!
Thank you, Nerdy!
Everyone have a fabulous Friday!
Hey Sweetie-Pie! Have a great day! 👋🏾😁
Good Morning D …. Thank you NW. TGIF 😁.
Hey Todjey! 👋🏾😁
Valentines from FLOTUS ❤️
A little joy. A little hope. That’s all.
Shallow, I know, but I love her coat and that color!
We are so lucky to have a family in the WH once again with a soul!!!!!
I agree. So nice to see a normal, loving family in the White House again.
John Mercer Langston – First African American Elected to a Local Office/Established the First Black Law School in the U.S./First Black U.S. Congress Person from Virginia
Langston was highly educated, an expert in constitutional law, a community organizer and a gifted orator who sought to unify a divided country after the Civil War.
Langston was the son of Ralph Quarles, a white plantation owner, and Jane Langston, a black slave. After his parents died when Langston was five, he and his brothers moved to Oberlin, Ohio. Langston enrolled in Oberlin College at age 14 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the institution. Denied admission into law school, Langston studied law under attorney Philemon Bliss of Elyria. Langston became the first black lawyer in Ohio, passing the Bar in 1854.
In 1855 Langston was elected town clerk of Brownhelm Township in Ohio, becoming the first black elected official in the state.
During the Civil War Langston recruited African Americans to fight for the Union Army. As chief recruiter in the West, he assembled the Massachusetts 54th, the nation’s first black regiment, and the Massachusetts 55th and the 5th Ohio. After the war, he was appointed inspector general for the Freedmen’s Bureau, a federal organization that helped freed slaves.
He was a founding member and president of the National Equal Rights League, which fought for black voting rights.
Langston moved to Washington, DC in 1868 to establish and serve as dean of Howard University’s law school — the first black law school in the country. He was appointed acting president of the school in 1872.
In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Langston U.S. minister to Haiti. He returned to Virginia in 1885 and was named president of Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute (now Virginia State University).
In 1888 he ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as an Independent. He lost to his Democratic opponent but contested the results of the election. After an 18-month fight, he won the election and served for six months. Langston was the first black Congress member from Virginia and a diplomat. He lost his bid for reelection.
The town of Langston, Oklahoma, and Langston University, are named after him. The John Mercer Langston Bar Association in Columbus, Ohio, is named in his honor. His house in Oberlin is a National Historic Landmark. Langston was the great-uncle of poet Langston Hughes.
Love each of these posts, swbluega. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Bob!
Space News
https://twitter.com/space_station/status/1360242265751498752?s=21
Cults in a nutshell
Once again… it’s plain as day, right in your face.
Exactly … crooked judges. Shame on them
Proud of her!!
Our VP!
Some Georgia Awesomeness!
Good morning, big hugs all around, ThankYouNerdyWonka..
Already being squeezed by WordPress at only 33 comments, so better get in here to send some Light, and to thank everyone here for always Being The Light!!
🕊🙏🏼🕯💙🕯🙏🏼🕊
Good to see you Pamela! I hate they don’t have a solution that’ll let you see the whole thread! Have a great weekend.
Thank you, Dudette dear Heart, it’s been so long now, I’m used to it!! I do what I can to keep informed thanks to BobFranza and GlennKirschner, Stonekettle and KyleGriffin. I don’t sign into Twitter ever, just click on the name and follow one in.. it’s all such a mess.. you keep taking good care! Love to you! 🕊💞🕊
Love to you Dear!❤️😘❤️
The Football
Never knew that VPs also had them, it makes sense for of course.
Yep. I think I learned late last year that Pence had it. Makes sense.
Happy Friday TODVille!
On Black history …
Pierre Toussaint (27 June 1766 – June 30, 1853) was a Haitian-American hairdresser, philanthropist, and former slave brought to New York City by his owners in 1787. Freed in 1807 after the death of his mistress, Pierre took the surname of “Toussaint” in honor of the hero of the Haitian Revolution which established that nation. In 1996, he was declared “Venerable” by Pope John Paul II. More about him in Wikipedia.
Im glad that it is not in secret!!
An update on Presidential portrait artists Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley.
In case you happen to listen to the defense in the impeachment trial. I won’t be.
Congressman Jamie Raskin:
“Trump’s Continuing Pattern and Practice of Inciting Violence”
“Is there any chance Donald Trump was surprised by the results of his own incitement?
Let’s do what Tom Payne told us to do. Use our common sense, the sense we have in common as citizens.
If we don’t draw the line here, what’s next? What makes you think the nightmare with Donald Trump and his lawmaking and violent mobs is over? If we let them get away with it and then it comes to your state capital or it comes back here again, what are we going to say? These prior acts of incitement cast a harsh light on Trump’s obvious intent, obvious intent, his unavoidable knowledge of the consequences of his incitement, the unavoidable knowledge of the consequences of his incitement and the clear foreseeability of the violent harm that he unleashed on our people and our republic. January 6 was not some unexpected radical break from his normal law abiding and peaceful disposition. This was his state of mind. This was his essential MO.
He knew that egged on by his tweets, his lies, and his promise of a wild time in Washington to guarantee his grip on power, his most extreme followers would show up bright and early, ready to attack, ready to engage in violence, ready to fight like hell for their hero just like they’d answered his call in Michigan.
President Trump has said over and over, his supporters are loyal. In his own words, his supporters are the most loyal that we’ve seen in our country’s history. And he knew that his most hardcore supporters were willing to direct violence at elected officials, indeed to attack and lay siege to a capital building and he knew they would be ready to heed his call on January 6 to stop the steal by using violence to block the peaceful transfer of power in the United States. He knew they were coming. He brought them here and he welcomed them with open arms.
We hear you and love you from the Oval Office. My dear colleagues, is there any political leader in this room who believes that if he is ever allowed by the Senate to get back into the Oval Office, Donald Trump would stop inciting violence to get his way? Would you bet the lives of more police officers on that? Would you bet the safety of your family on that? Would you bet the future of your democracy on that?
President Trump declared his conduct totally appropriate.
So if he gets back into office and it happens again,
we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves.”
https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/rep-jamie-raskin-speech-trump-impeachment-trial-transcript-trumps-continuing-pattern-and-practice-of-inciting-violence)
Soon – Pres. Biden discusses COVID vaccine program with governors, mayors – https://abcnews.go.com/live/video/special-live-3
Q: Your Capitol or mine?
Trump’s terrorist lynch mob cannot tell who is R and who is D.
Congressman Adam Schiff says the House Managers “couldn’t make a more persuasive case” in the Impeachment trial and “the facts are on their side”.
“Fulton’s DA opens criminal investigation into Trump attempt to overturn Georgia’s election”
“As U.S. House managers made their case for the impeachment of Donald Trump, Fulton County’s top prosecutor on Wednesday launched a wide-ranging criminal investigation into the former president….
““This investigation includes, but is not limited to, potential violations of Georgia law prohibiting the solicitation of election fraud, the making of false statements to state and local governmental bodies, conspiracy, racketeering, violation of oath of office and any involvement in violence or threats related to the election’s administration,”
Willis wrote. Calling it a “matter of high priority,” Willis said the next Fulton County grand jury is set to convene in March and added “this office will begin requesting grand jury subpoenas as necessary at that time.”
(https://www.ajc.com/politics/fultons-da-opens-criminal-investigation-into-trump-demand-to-overturn-election/YWJPS4B4BREHDLHQCZYDDWBVIA/)
“GA Probe Of Trump Likely To Look Beyond Raffensperger Call: Fulton’s D.A. Willis”
“Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis talks with Rachel Maddow about how her investigation will look at evidence of Donald Trump’s intentions when he interacted with Georgia officials, and how the stages of the investigation will develop.”
Fani Willis, District Attorney, Fulton County GA, speaks to Maddow.
(last piece of the interview)
Maddow:
“Did the impeachment and that process have any bearing at all on your decision to open this investigation or how you look at your responsibilities here?”
Willis:
“Zero. None whatsoever. So I just want to be clear, if we watch that trial and witnesses come forward that are relevant to my investigation, certainly we will do our due diligence and interview them. But whether there was an impeachment or not, an impeachment would not change the fact that something occurred here within my jurisdiction that may be criminal. And if that is the case, it needed to be investigated.”
Maddow:
“I will mention impeachment in one other context here. Just because we have all as a country watched for two and a half days now, as House Impeachment Managers have laid out this evidence about how the former President incited his supporters to violence against his perceived enemies. We’ve seen these videos of Trump supporters menacing and intimidating state and local officials they perceive as anti-Trump. I mean obviously you are a law enforcement professional, and you have been doing this for more than two decades. 19 years as a prosecutor and you obviously stand on firm ground and know what you’re doing.
But I have to ask if it has crossed your mind, if you are worried about your own safety and that of your staff. If opening this investigation could make you targets.”
Willis:
”Oh absolutely. Since we’ve opened this my security has doubled. We’ve gotten a lot of comments. Interestingly enough, the comments are always racist and it’s really just a waste of time and foolishness.
It’s not going to stop me from doing my job.
And I don’t think that it’s an insult to remind me that I’m a Black woman.
So it is a waste of their time.
But we do understand that some people are unstable.
Some people think the nerve of me to actually do my job. But I took an oath.
I made a commitment to the citizens in my community and I’m going to do my job.”
That was my favorite of all of her statements! Nothing like the beauty of a confident woman.
They may not hold Donald Trump accountable..
.BUT #WeThePeople must hold them accountable…
Every last one of the Republicans who amplified the BIG LIE must be held to account!!
#WeThePeople … so true Sheila.
Gave up counting, but one of 45’s so-called lawyers has truly “highlighted” all of the gender and racial diversity in the Democratic Party in all the videos he’s chosen to use, so far today. This isn’t something I’d normally pick up on, as different than normal, but he sure did. Guess he’s trying to “scare” the pants off those who might vote against 45 when this trial’s concluded, not to mention the RWNJs watching from home. Hate it!
I cannot wait to Visit!!
“Biden says U.S. will have enough vaccine for 300 million people by end of July”
“The administration used options in existing contracts to purchase another 200 million doses,
increasing supply by 50 percent”
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/02/11/vaccine-supply-biden/)
–BRAVI.
-Thanks Joe !!!!
It has been settled.
“Trump Defense May Try To Hide Behind Constitutionality. But It Was Settled”
“To make that argument after the Senate has already ruled on it is beyond frivolous—it’s insulting,” says attorney Marc Elias on Trump’s defense raising the question of the constitutionality of the trial.”
Hayes: “That specific lie that Mike Pence is the fulcrum upon which this all depends is a Donald Trump
original.That’s him! There’s no one else running around saying ‘It comes down to Mike Pence’.
Elias:
“That’s the biggest lie of all.
And it’s the most important. And it’s the most damning for the president.
Because ONLY HE was propagating that lie.
And that’s the lie that led to the storming of the Capitol.
That’s the lie that led to Mike Pence have to flee the Capitol,
while they were chanting for his death,
and while they were hanging nooses outside.
And that’s on Donald Trump 100%.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discusses the 2nd impeachment trial with Rachel Maddow.
Mayor Keisha at the WH today.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Yeh so jurors Graham, Lee, Cruz met with their defense lawyers yesterday.
“I guess in a kind of wrong analogy to a criminal trial – but even if the analogy were correct,
sure as heck the defense counsel don’t meet with your jurors.” (Sen. Whitehouse)
Gopsenate doom msg = do whatever you want…Trump before the Constitution…mayhem and sedition.
We know trump is predictable. And as he did with Mike Pence, he may well blame Graham, Hawley, Lee, Cruz or whoever at some point in the future. And sic his mob on them as and when he feels like it.
It’s not even a plausibility, it is a possibility.
Trump is for Trump, and defends only Trump at the expense of anyone in the crosshair.
As HRC foretold in 2016 (450,000 deaths and counting) and the elected official from Georgia predicted (and which came true on 1/6/21), let’s hope that next time – there will be a next time – the mass casualties are not in the millions.
Thanks NoCLB – gotta cut him off. If possible he’ll go after his defenders and/or the Sun for not shining.
Secretary Pete doing the job!
GOP just can’t resist hurting marginalized people for no damn reason.
Thanks for this. It encapsulates the whole truth.
I have to remind alarmed friends that the fix was in and to take the display of twisted arguments for what they are, alternative facts.
“Facing A Reckoning, Wyoming Wrestles With A Transition From Fossil Fuels”
“Wyoming’s history is one of wild swings between booms and busts, but some have been saying that the state needs to diversify for decades.”
“Biden is pledging to retrain and support traditional fossil fuels workers in states like Wyoming
during the transition. Meanwhile, an editorial in Wyoming’s largest newspaper pleaded that the country not turn its back on Wyoming workers, especially after all the cheap energy that’s been produced and exported out of here for decades.”
“The possibility of a transition is forcing a question that even just a few years ago might have been considered unthinkable: What is Wyoming without fossil fuels?”
(https://www.npr.org/2021/02/10/965335665/facing-a-reckoning-wyoming-wrestles-with-a-transition-from-fossil-fuels)
—Gas operations pulling out of Wyoming…
–Time to go wind and shine…eh no problem for Wyo.
New Chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs:
“Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
speaks in support of increased COVID-19 relief and additional funding for Indian nations,
Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians”
“From Hawaiian homelands to villages, pueblos, rancherias, and other Native communities, our fellow Americans who live on or near these lands need immediate relief. Not half measures, and not more delays…”
“We all need to work together and support Native families and communities across the country.
Our shared federal trust and treaty obligations demand nothing less.”
““I had a productive meeting with President Biden today,” Schatz said after the meeting.
“One thing is clear — this administration understands the real challenges facing Hawaii and Native communities across the country, and is committed to ending the pandemic and rebuilding our economy.”
(https://www.indianz.com/News/2021/02/04/our-shared-federal-trust-and-treaty-obligations-demand-nothing-less-sen-brian-schatz-d-hawaii/)
Lawyer dood for Virus45 even defamed Jimmny Cricket! Jaysus! 👀😷
Guess the Repubs have no problem with the insurrectionists wanting to harm Mike Pence, their own Republican VP.
No issues with the mob’ s intention to kill the cops and lawmakers.
Ah t’is friday anew,
J and J, K and D and their teams are working hard getting the myriad things done on our behalf.
We got to here…thank you.
SOON – Pres. Biden departs White House for Camp David – https://abcnews.go.com/live/video/special-live-3
Wow, didn’t know this…
Actually, this was the intended first tweet…
The corrupt cowards are sick snd sickening.
Chucky boy? Lol, never.
And yet the corrupt coward went down to FL to kiss his fugly ass.
As per Jake Tapper, Trump didint give McCarthy the donor list McCarthy wanted.
So, as usual, the traitorous thug extracted his pound of the obsequious flesh and the rethug just kissed his fugly and got zilch in return? And the ‘blue state’ ca’ians reelected this scum.
Too bad none of the senators asked the “defense” attorneys if it is okay for jurors to collaborate with the defense team during a trial and is this grounds for removal of any jurors who is found to have done so,
No matter their reason (of which there is no good or acceptable reason), just the appearance of impropriety should be considered juror misconduct and grounds for dismissal or disqualification from jury.
Seriously.
And, of course the VP has the ‘football’ at all times!
Single point of failure is a really lousy security posture for any system, let alone the defense systems of a Nation.
then go and fucking testify in the fucking senate, you fucking corrupt coward.
So glad J&J are POTUS and FLOTUS. It feels good to be hopeful again.
I had to enlarge the picture to get a better look at the treats 😁.. looks like macaroons to me.
Horrible; so sad…
It’s obvious, but no one wants to admit it – especially Republican House & Senate Members.
They ALL KNOW Trump will, without any hesitation, have them killed if he gets the opportunity.
And, wow!
Talk about lame and broadcasting it.
So it comes down to a low level county DA to hold these seditious traitors to account? Pathetic.
what a nest of corrupt to the core vipers.
I keep reading these, but am seeing none of the thugs held to account.
Honestly, amk, I have to limit my attention to pundits/experts for this very reason.
It is frustrating to listen to discussions of crimes committed and available remedies. It’s disconcerting to hear discussions of what is likely to happen or what should happen. At the end of the day, these discussions are based on NORMAL environments and most obviously over the last 4+ years, we are not living in normality.
The remedies are often not applied. The expected seems to go off the rail and we come out of it disappointed and more frustrated.
Our Vice President’s official portrait. 💙
She is so good!
At least, one brave repub.
Happy Lunar New Year from MVP!
Ok, I guess I can relax a little more now.
24x7x365 lying. And zero consequences.
All if this!
Apples to rotten oranges.
Graham needs to be expelled
Hey Impeachment Managers!
Wondering if it might be helpful to have witnesses such as:
McCarthy,
Tuberville,
Capitol Police officers.
thx!!
Jaime Herrara Butler.
Wow! Look at this young brilliance.
This brought a SMILE to my face!!! 😁😁😁 Very talented young man. I can only imagine where he’ll go from here.
And hundreds of signatures by Congressional staffers who survived the bloody mayhem.
CONVICT
DISQALIFY
Haven’t seen DF lately.
Hope all is well with you DF. … and Meta.
The corrupt complicit cowards are ‘defending’ their own rabid bat shit crazy racist base.
For months and months and months, I was among the many who stated that Trump would not exit peacefully.
Ihttps://twitter.com/BobFranza/status/1360489264207732740
Goodnight TOD.
Morning TODville.
On Bill Maher last night, he had Adam Kinzinger on … who is all for impeaching Trump now, but 3 months ago voted for Trump. Even though he did not vote for Trump in 2016.
Anyone who voted for Trump especially in the last election, in my opinion …. likes being lied too.
Because 4+ years of lying apparently was not enough, they voted to keep the lying going.
Soon, but not yet.
I mean, come on!
Not surprising that the only “attorneys” tRump could get to defend him are ones that are as corrupt or corrupt-minded as he is.
But there was conflict amidst the corruptness as one attorney — Schoen — quit in a dispute about the videos used in the defense presentation. No credit though (not just because he was on the defense team in the first place) since tRump was able to convince him to come back.
Subpoena that coward veep.
Brave person.
Ugh. The usual dem stratergy of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Donald Trump (then C-I-C) did nothing on January 6th because his bloody coup
WAS ALL GOING ACCORDING TO PLAN.
HE WAS HAPPY.
AND PENCE
BE DAMNED.
New post.
https://obamadiary.wordpress.com/2021/02/13/smooth/