Palace of Versailles
By Flatus, a Trail Mix Contributor
So, our president is in France, ostensibly to help M. Macron and the French people celebrate Bastille Day, that noble Day of Triumph when common men and women overthrew an entrenched monarchy.
Little do our European allies know that the Donald’s actual mission is to cheat them out of the Palace of Versailles by claiming he is there as a refugee seeking shelter from the Fake Press that has dogged his existence since assuming his exalted office. “Please, Monsieur le President, grant me use of your humble Palace until I, and my victimized family, get our feet on the ground.”
“Of course, Donald, we have just the place for you! Surprise! We rebuilt it just for you.”
The Bastille
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Flatus,
Donnie in the Bastille. From your lips to God’s ears.?
KGC,
Don’t be too surprised about Sasse, he is an archetypical red state republican from a rural state. They hate government except for when it sends out farm program payments, or is footing the bill for cleaning up after the most recent tornado or flood.
Too funny Flatus good job!
Perhaps Donnie will talk about the great chocolate cake at Mara-ego
nice job, Flatus.
trump heard saying…
“Let them eat fake (news)!”
He is spending more time in Europe than Obama did! mel is at home in Europe. Some nationalist!
FYI for all of you who think the Dems are going the way of the Whigs
Though the Democrats are still nursing their wounds from our just-out-of-reach defeat in the recent Georgia special election, we can take heart from a pair of stunning victories in the usually dark red Oklahoma state legislature.
Retired school teacher Karen Gaddis will now be representing the 75th House District, replacing disgraced Republican Rep. Dan Kirby, who was forced to resign after a workplace sexual harassment scandal.
She will be joined in the capital by immigration attorney Michael Brooks-Jimenez, who will now be representing Oklahoma’s 44th Senate district after beating outRepublican Joe Griffin.
Donnie should beware of spending too much time in France. If I have my history correct it was the French who perfected a method of dealing with political types who were considered a ‘pain in the neck’.
Laying hands on the despondent prez.
Flate Man…….. Just read up on Officer Mastrianni……
he was great in that movie with Sophia Loren…..
no, but all seriousness aside, the officer done good
“We similarly prayed for President Obama but it’s different with President Trump,” Moore said. “When we are praying for President Trump, we are praying within the context of a real relationship, of true friendship.”
A quote from the above link.
BW
“Don’t touch that thing…..you don’t know where it’s been”…….
sturge says –“Don’t touch that thing…..you don’t know where it’s been”……
Good advice to the group laying hands on trump!
Ha, Flatus: refugee. Too rich 😉
BW,
You beat me to quoting it. That says all you need to know about the Christian Right. What a crock of shit. They have no shame, no honor and most assuredly no faith. Scam artists without exception. In point of fact they are worse than Trump. They have convinced themselves that they can make a ‘deal’ with God.
Blonde Wino,
Michele. Bachmann. OMG.
KGC,
from your linked article.
“In our hearts, we know we’re better than underfunded schools and underpaid teachers. We know we’re better than a budget that places the burden on everyday Oklahomans,” Brooks wrote. “We are better than families working two to three jobs just to make ends meet. We all believe we are better than this.”
Funny what happens when democrats start talking like democrats. In Oklahoma no less.
Well done, Flatus. Nice contributions from Jace, BW, et al, today. I didn’t know analogy could be so much fun.
graham currently throwing shade on clinton to protect trump dna.
time for Lindsay and John to open up their carpet shop and retire from public life
pence seen praying in the hands-laying photo….thankful he is going to be 46.
Hey, lawyers-
Do private citizens have a legal avenue to stop this Clown (capitalized because he’s the President)? Like, can we sue him? I’m emotionally distressed, let’s start there.
I only ask because our elected officials (some of the likely complicit) that have the responsibility to impeach and remove our National Crime Family from office (yes, they share the office in an incestuous manner) refuse to do so, and they are jeopardizing all of our safety and welfare, including me, personally.
As shocking as Don Jr.’s public admission was, his father already publicly admitted to obstruction of justice by firing Comey for “that Russia thing”.
Get these admitted criminals out of office! Holy shit!
That is all.
Considering that we seem to have our own branch of the Romanovs, perhaps the French could loan us a guillotine unless Putin wants to plan a Yekaterinburg vacation.
Of course, the deadbeat pussypincher will flee Paris because they don’t serve ketchup with meatloaf. Oh, and we have an extradition treaty with France.
beware what you ask for Flatus, he might just buy Versailles, turn into a golf club
A treason charge would likely fail because we are not officially at war with russia. However, unauthorized persons making a date to meet with a russian known to be close to the kremlin, in order to negotiate the acquisition of Clinton emails (including confidential, secret, top secret, and read & burn material) easily constitutes conspiracy to commit espionage. Therefore, add another 5 years to the 5 year sentence that media touts are yakking about.
“18 U.S. Code § 2381 – Treason
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”
^nothing in there about “official war”, or Congress needing to declare war to legitimize treason charges, or what have you.
I wonder if he is fetching le Pen for a sob session?
For anyone in the Republican party who who what was going on:
“18 U.S. Code § 2382 – Misprision of treason
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States and having knowledge of the commission of any treason against them, conceals and does not, as soon as may be, disclose and make known the same to the President or to some judge of the United States, or to the governor or to some judge or justice of a particular State, is guilty of misprision of treason and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than seven years, or both.”
Donny is probably gonna ask to see the Pepe Le Pew exhibit at The Louvre.
How soon until that iceberg reaches Mar-A-Lago?
Where did this “we have to be in a declared war for there to be treason” assertion come from, anyway? I can’t find it. CC might even want to revise his blog post from yesterday, as it may be based on flawed assumptions, not that I blame him for that one thing (i blame him for others), because what i am perceiving to be misinformation has been parroted in mass-media for months.
The trump re-election fund will be drained for the criminal defense efforts. Also, the big trump contributors give to get. They are unlikely to offer much to obvious losers.
The pence purse is about to inflate. When it reaches Hindenburg dimensions, I’d look for a cooling of trump’s affection for the beady-eyed hoosier beast.
sjwny & kgc, thanks for the memories
jace, next time you’re about to do battle with paul, you may want to read Emmanuel Carrère ‘s new book “the kingdom” or at least the review in the new Yorker article “the radical origins of Christianity “…. he has a unique take on him.
have they changed the locks yet at 1600 penn?
I bet SFB takes one look at the Mona Lisa and thinks… “that smile is for ME and ME ONLY!”
Flatus…. good job, sir!
Bink,
My interpretation of the treason law in the case of trump et al, is based on my understanding of the word enemy, as used in 18 USC § 2381. I cannot think that a mere rival such as the EU, or even a despised international skunk such as russia, can be considered an enemy unless there has been a declaration of war to make that distinction.
I freely admit that my case is weakened by the sanctions applied to russia and the russian cyber attacks they launched against the US voter rolls. Still, I like to see the Congress make things clear before we either begin to mobilize the Reserves and National Guard or begin rounding up giddy, thoughtless, greed-driven punks.
xrepublican,
Hello! I missed you.
Thank You Bink for the clear, concise info on treason. For the love of all things holy may the Brady-Bunch-cubed talking heads/propagandists that haunt our TV disappear & be replaced by Binklets.
bink, check out the “adhering to enemies” treason definition in Article III of the Constitution, see what you think
I clearly remember a time when I could have been mistaken as a giddy, thoughtless, greed-driven punk. As a pro-Romney, ‘anybody-but-nixon’ guy, the criminous regime could have renditioned me to the worst meatgrinders in Viet Nam.
Oh. Uh . . . .
-Romney, vindicated
-assignment accepted, Cc
-definition considered, now obvious why Trump legal defense team so eager to have him assert some sort of official alliance or “friendship” with Russia. So shifty.
but xrepub for a generation or more we fight most wars without declarations. Disagree that “enemy” definition restricted to declared wars. That’s why I found it so interesting that several senators were so determined to get the intelligence chiefs on record saying we are at war with Russia. And that all of them more or less agreed. My assumption is that those senators were laying a predicate for possible treason charges.
Thank you, Ms NY. I like you, too.
Sweetie and I had to respond to a family emergency in Michigan, where panfish staged a week-long uprising at her uncle’s lake. We slew bluegills and crappies with wild abandon until the cold front came through, by which time my enormonguous stomach hurt from eating, and my hands from scaling.
*urp*
“Do they call it French toast or just “toast” here?” – Donald Trump
Art.III,Sec.3,Clause 1:
“Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.”
-definition is the same as in the criminal code. The variance between the two concerns the prosecution and punishment of what is defined the same by both the Constitution and criminal code.
-i’m not a lawyer, pardon the lack of fluency in legalese.
…hopefully he goes for a bike ride and tries to run-up on Sagan’s blind-side.
Ok, work it out, lawyers! We’ll discuss billing, later.
the key phrase: “adhering to Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.”
that strikes me as loose enough language to define Russia as an enemy and collusion as treason.
especially in choosing the word “adhering” (to enemies) the Constitution’s authors, as they did with “high crimes and misdemeanors”, created lots of running room:
Websters — “Adhere”
to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping or fusing
to give support or maintain loyalty
to bind oneself to observance of rules
Yes, Councilor Crawford, you are right. Now, how happy are we all with the domestic results of the 50 or so undeclared wars that we’ve engaged in ? How happy are we with the foreign policy results ? What would the added cost have been (if any) had we declared war rather than a consensus of the Senate ?
you got it xrepub, irritates me to no end Congress has abdicated it’s constitutional authority to declare war
where is our in-house counsel Pogo for this discussion? We need ya pal.
Oh, the other Romney. Well, Mitt vindicated, for clarity.
Going back to ‘enemies’, it appears that the cyber attack on the US election apparatus occurred after the 3 wise men approached, and made a date with the russian agent, to negotiate joining forces, and may not be what jared, manafort, and babytrump actually agreed upon. Post hoc circumstances cannot be used to make a case against a person unless that person was a party to the offense. If the 3 actually did agree to such an attack, then they certainly can be charged with treason. In which case, I shall grease up the tumbrels.
If Treason doesn’t work there is always espionage. No declaration of war or even existence of one necessary.
perhaps xrepub, but I think Putin could be defined as our enemy long before that meeting occurred.
raw story: Congressmen officially file articles of impeachment against Donald Trump — and say ‘Republicans will join’
According to a statement, Sherman and Rep. Al Green (D-TX) are filing for impeachment over what they believe is obstruction of justice in the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, as well as revelations from the ongoing investigation into the Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with Russia.
“Every day Democrats, Republicans, and the entire world are shocked by the latest example of America’s amateur President,” the statement reads. “Ignorance accompanied by a refusal to learn. Lack of impulse control, accompanied by a refusal to have his staff control his impulses. We’re no longer surprised by any action, no matter how far below the dignity of the office—and no matter how dangerous to the country.”
“Filing Articles of Impeachment is the first step on a very long road,” Sherman adds. “But if the impulsive incompetency continues, then eventually—many, many months from now—Republicans will join the impeachment effort.”
Sherman has indicated that he may invoke the “privileged motion” of impeachment filing — a parliamentary rule that requires the entire House to vote regardless of whether the House Judiciary Committee chooses to take it up.
Bink,
You were clear enough to begin with, but thank you for the emphasis. I am not sure that there is value in ranking our opponents, but willard was certainly correct, we should not forget that russia is a malign force everywhere on the Eurasian land mass and in your own personal computer.
WH press briefings occur later every day. Soon they’ll be at 4am in the old swimming pool under the floor.
from an op ed by wasik in forbes: Five Solid Reasons Why GOP Should Adopt Single-Payer Health Plan
I’m sure you think I’m more insane than the wildest fake news reports. But here’s an essential truth: The best — and most affordable — universal health program for uninsured Americans is through a single-payer health plan.
I don’t care what you call it. Call it “Americare” if you want. Others have called it “Medicare for All.” If the GOP was to abandon its quest to dismember the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, the single-payer concept makes the most economic sense.
[….lists his 5 reasons….]
It’s time to think of a single-payer system as a water line into your home or apartment. Everyone has it. It’s affordable, essential and regulated utility. Who would think of not providing water?
Healthcare should be more like a basic utility, but can’t be turned off: Americare on tap.
Just to clean our palates: Scientists have discovered the smallest start ever identified.
Twinkle Twinkle little one
If Trump had his way, the briefings would be at the bottom of a filled pool without scuba gear.
Technical difficulties with delayed audio of WH press briefing. Turns out our satellites are filtering lies.
craig, only true believers can hear it
These WH press “briefings” should now be called “bullshitting”
Sarah’s Press Bullshitting today: “We’ve been extremely clear” about being unclear.
“50 U.S. Code § 2204 – Definitions
(2)
the term “enemy” means any country, government, group, or person that has been engaged in hostilities, whether or not lawfully authorized, with the United States;
(3)the term “person” means—
(A)
any natural person;
(B)
any corporation, partnership, or other legal entity; and
(C)
any organization, association, or group; and…”
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/2204
I was keen on respecting the office and accepting the election, but that election wasn’t legitimate (eroding faith was a goal of Putin’s, so he got me on that score), therefore he’s a usurper, not a President. He can capitalize it and put it on the front of a hotel, if he likes.
Pardon the over-participation, but really, the best part is this:
“No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.”
-dummy brings two people to the meeting. Lol.
wall st journal:
Russian Officials Overheard Discussing Trump Associates Before Campaign Began
U.S. intelligence starting in the spring of 2015 detected conversations in which Russian government officials discussed meetings with Trump associates
in case above wsj link doesn’t work, here’s raw story about the article:
Beginning in spring 2015, U.S. intelligence agencies “overheard” conversations among Russian government officials who were discussing associates of Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal reports.
These discussions took place months before Trump announced his candidacy for president.
According to officials who spoke with the Journal, the communications were registered as a part of routine Russian espionage monitoring, and did not target the president or his associates. They were described as “vague and inconclusive” discussions that centered around Trump’s business dealings in Russia and his celebrity status.
In light of emails released Tuesday by Donald Trump Jr., intelligence officials are reviewing those intercepts, which at times discussed meetings outside of the United States between Trump associates and Russian operatives.
a;so at raw story: Huckabee Sanders pushes made-up ‘DNC colluded with Ukraine’ scandal — just like Rachel Maddow predicted
At an audio-only press briefing on Wednesday, White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders did exactly as MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow predicted on Tuesday night and attempted float a manufactured scandal to deflect attention away from the White House.
When asked about President Donald Trump’s eldest son and evidence that has surfaced tying him to Russia’s attempts to meddle in the 2016 election, Huckabee Sanders tried to insist that the real scandal is collusion between the government of Ukraine and the Democratic National Committee.
“Look, I think we’ve been extremely clear and I know that Don Jr. discussed it at length last night as well as the president’s counsel,” she said. “If there’s any evidence of collusion it would be between the DNC and the Ukrainian government.”
She continued, “Information passed to the DNC from the Ukrainian government directly targeted members of the Trump campaign.”
On her Tuesday night broadcast, Rachel Maddow said, “They will try to turn the narrative to instead be about Hillary Clinton and her campaign, or to otherwise turn the story inside out.”
good catch Bink.
CNN: Video shows Trump with associates tied to email controversy http://cnn.it/2tJEd5K
For a change of pace, there is a case in front of the 9th about who owns a picture taken by a cousin of ours, a monkey. I am tending to letting our cousins gain status, but the same status as children, not adults. That would allow them to be represented in court and also to be protected from adults.
I am so convinced the intelligence community has embarked upon a campaign to take out Trump with leaks. As many presidents, such as Carter, have learned the hard way: Do not mess with those people. I’m not comfortable with it, even a little disturbed by it, but that’s what I suspect we are witnessing.
http://wbur.fm/2qJOj2V
Eric admitted to a writer in August 2013 that the Golf Courses were funded by Russian money.
When Carter shut down covert operations, the Shah, and our pals in Nicaragua, elsewhere, in pursuit of human rights his presidency was doomed by our own intelligence community. No accident Reagan’s campaign manager Bill Casey became CIA chief. Now we see that community undermining this president for good reason. Still, I am disturbed they have such power.
Craig, Carter decided to force declassification of records containing the identities of foreign sources supporting our national programs. This effort was truly dumb and not in keeping with the trust our sources placed in us. I, personally, using borrowed authority, reclassified these records so that they would never see the light of day.
He did other dumb-ass stuff involving nuclear targets in Europe; I’m proud to say that I subverted those efforts as well.
Flatus, my point is that a president who challenges our intelligence community gets screwed. I’m just not comfortable with that. Carter inherited a US intelligence regime that propped up violent dictators, tried to deal with it. Probably shouldn’t have for his own good
BB
When it comes to any contest between animals & human beings, I’m usually siding with the animals. Certainly they do deserve some form of legal status that would protect them from abuse.
Bink, Jones v. Clinton.
Senator Kid Rock! Batwitdaba….the new Covfefe!
Craig just used the word “intelligence” when referring to Donald Trump. That’s a first! 🙂
Actors ought to just invade politics……all the good ones……Hanks, Streep, Steve Martin, etc etc they could all win…..Clooney, Springsteen, melloncamp…..run for office….Michael J Fox, Jaimie Foxx, Denzel Washington,
Reagan and Franken are proof.
…..hell, just all of em all at once.
Good writers, all they have to do is be unflappable and they win…..and that’s right up their alley…..pretending
Thanks, pogo. So much emotional distress- it’s leading to lost wages.
Ow, my back!
BB…thanks for the photo and info on our cousins. I have thought for years that our acting animals, those used for commercials, tv, circus, zoos, etc. should be paid. But, we can’t give our humans a decent minimum wage for their work, so why would we treat the animals any differently. Slaves and mass extinctions — that is what we think of our co-inhabitants.
New storage technology…artificial intelligence invades bacteria, sort of. Is digital estrogen far behind?
Bink,
You have convinced me. Thank you. I am greasing the tumbrel axles as I type.
Lock ’em up. And, let the blades fall where they may.
Craig,
When the Praetorian Guard/Janissaries/Varangians are not happy, there will be a changing, not of the guard, but of the emperor. The body survives even as the head dies.
Now, what did mike pence know, and when did he know it ? What did pence know ?
sorry xrepub I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. What’s a “Praetorian Guard/Janissaries/Varangians”? I don’t get it. Perhaps you could write a post explaining this.
The chair, a cyanide ampule, the gas chamber, a firing squad, burning at the stake, supuku, the axe, a gallows & noose, a butt of malmsey, tying to a manchineel tree, a gurney & injection, a drawing and quartering, a pistol w/one bullet, a flint knife to remove the living heart, a staking-out on an anthill, a guillotine, burial alive, a bowstring, the tarpeian rock ?
What shall we do with this newest breed of traitors ?