No worries, all the same kind of issues are repeating themselves from 2023/2024. In addition, I have some time to myself at the moment so it keeps me busy. I enjoyed how my piece Unilateralism had such a wide effect. The European leaders came out and used the same language and the BBC authors kept using language from my article. I just wish they had let prepare a briefing paper similar to my article before the Congress Dems tabled a motion seeking a withdraw the forces. They should have tabled a resolution for the report under section 4(a): one of the requirements is scope and duration of the conflict. They would not have been able to produce a report to that effect nor provide intelligence as to the state of the nuclear program because arrangements needed to be made for an inspection. The Congress Dems could have then tabled a Motion requiring provision of the Report so that a decision as to authorization could be made regularizing the declaration subject to an agreed duration. Its still a war being fought without congressional authorization. That's never happened.
As an 81 year old American woman, I am tired. I've raised 4 children, one of whom was multiply-handicapped from birth; kept up the internal housekeeping of our home; ran 4 successful businesses; was very active with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownie and Girl Scouts of America; traveled all over the world with my husband of now 60+ years and am enjoying some peaceful moments during our retirement. I have never been charged with even a traffic violation. All of this was achieved with us always following the rules. I used to teach my children why they needed to always pick up their own trash and not drop it on the ground by explaining how, if 1,000 people passed that same street corner every single day, and if each of them dropped just one piece of litter, in one week alone, no one would be able to even see the sidewalk for the mounds of litter covering it. I taught them that there are stop signs and traffic lights in place to keep our roads safe. I explained how, without any signs or lights, everyone would be crashing into everyone else and no one would be able to get where they were going. Rules are made to bring about structure and to keep the world safe. Our Constitution is a lot like a mother hen, trying its best to keep our country safe. However, there is a fox in our midst, and if we don't do something to take him down, all of our rules will disappear, and so will we.
Very happy to read all the good news, something in very short supply in these fraught times. I have never been more appreciative of our courts, lawyers and judges. This administration is making the word "lawyer" look good, while making "President" look like dregs. As for authoritarianism: the current occupier of the White House is trying to take it beyond what even Putin does. He wants to tell the whole world what to do, not just Americans. Keep up the very good, very necessary fight. Thank you.
I continue to appreciate all you guys do so much! Your unceasing efforts to defend democracy are inspiring and are making such a huge difference. Thank you. I hope you get some rest once in a while. Seriously: take care of yourselves and don't burn out.
BTW isn't lifting sanctions and cozying up to Putin who is supplying Iran with intelligence about US warships and aircraft in the region a form of treason?
Hi all, there is still action that congress can undertake. Under the War Powers Resolution, there is a mandatory requirement to provide a Report setting out various matters. The foreign affairs committee of Congress can file a Motion for that Report. It will show that there was no intelligence to effect the Iran Nuclear Program posed an imminent threat of hostilities. Also, Congress could subpoena Mr Kent to answers questions as to why he resigned: that is, there was no intelligence evidence. In the attached article, reference is made to similar situations. For example, Iraq 2002, President Bush wanted to commence airstrikes, but Bush had to find evidence of a program of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Trump's administration effectively invaded another country for no reason. That is why there are issues with the ICC. By requesting the provision of the report, it could lead to sufficient pressure and so that withdrawal is forced within the 60 day period. The Report must still be provided even if hostilities had commenced. There is no other war since the War Powers Resolution in which the threat was not been first deemed by the Executive and a Report provided to the Speaker for consideration by the Department of Defense so it can assess the intelligence to justify a congressional mandate to authorize a declaration of war. It is a serious situation; irrespective of whether it was Trump or some other leader.
My husband attended the Democracy Matters dinner in NYC 2 weeks ago at the Palace .. he then wrote to you offering (obviously pro bono) help from himself and two colleagues/friends... all in the 75 yr old range: one was a Brennan clerk, 2 old AUSA from SDNY and 1 American College of Trial Lawyers. I think it's a lost opportunity for you and your work to not take advantage of the offer of experienced trial lawyers! (you never wrote back). Otherwise, keep up the good work...
Norm: Do you and Marc Elias coordinate on what each of your organizations tackle or are you in separate lanes? You are both doing amazing work and I thank you for it. Proud to be a paid supporter of both as part of doing my share for democracy.
The Kennedy Center is an important piece of the fight. It must be protected. "Remember the Maine. To Hell with Spain." Must not become, " Kids, would you like hear about The Kennedy Center?"
If we are to remain a Constitutional opposition to the demented one + his kiss-assy-violence-loving maggots, we have to put voting first and foremost -- and last week was another set of electoral victories for revival and restoration of democratic government. With the demonstrations, they are the surest sign that all over the US, the electoral flood is building and building toward a huge cleansing of the trumpi swamp that is polluting our government.
"It was a resounding victory for our partners and clients including federal employee unions AFSCME and AFGE, Reporters Without Borders, other partners–and you Contrarians."
Thanks for all you do, Norman. But I wish you had included my union, the American Foreign Service Association, in that list. AFSA was one of the first federal unions to file suit against the DOGE slashes at foreign affairs agencies, and has been outspoken and public in warning of the consequences of these insane policies.
Busy week. Thanks for all your hard work.
Adding my thanks for this deeply welcome, and needed, dose of hope. ✊🏻
No worries, all the same kind of issues are repeating themselves from 2023/2024. In addition, I have some time to myself at the moment so it keeps me busy. I enjoyed how my piece Unilateralism had such a wide effect. The European leaders came out and used the same language and the BBC authors kept using language from my article. I just wish they had let prepare a briefing paper similar to my article before the Congress Dems tabled a motion seeking a withdraw the forces. They should have tabled a resolution for the report under section 4(a): one of the requirements is scope and duration of the conflict. They would not have been able to produce a report to that effect nor provide intelligence as to the state of the nuclear program because arrangements needed to be made for an inspection. The Congress Dems could have then tabled a Motion requiring provision of the Report so that a decision as to authorization could be made regularizing the declaration subject to an agreed duration. Its still a war being fought without congressional authorization. That's never happened.
The magic word is EPSTEIN.
As an 81 year old American woman, I am tired. I've raised 4 children, one of whom was multiply-handicapped from birth; kept up the internal housekeeping of our home; ran 4 successful businesses; was very active with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownie and Girl Scouts of America; traveled all over the world with my husband of now 60+ years and am enjoying some peaceful moments during our retirement. I have never been charged with even a traffic violation. All of this was achieved with us always following the rules. I used to teach my children why they needed to always pick up their own trash and not drop it on the ground by explaining how, if 1,000 people passed that same street corner every single day, and if each of them dropped just one piece of litter, in one week alone, no one would be able to even see the sidewalk for the mounds of litter covering it. I taught them that there are stop signs and traffic lights in place to keep our roads safe. I explained how, without any signs or lights, everyone would be crashing into everyone else and no one would be able to get where they were going. Rules are made to bring about structure and to keep the world safe. Our Constitution is a lot like a mother hen, trying its best to keep our country safe. However, there is a fox in our midst, and if we don't do something to take him down, all of our rules will disappear, and so will we.
Thank you, thank you! Wow, you pack a lot of punch in just one week!
Very happy to read all the good news, something in very short supply in these fraught times. I have never been more appreciative of our courts, lawyers and judges. This administration is making the word "lawyer" look good, while making "President" look like dregs. As for authoritarianism: the current occupier of the White House is trying to take it beyond what even Putin does. He wants to tell the whole world what to do, not just Americans. Keep up the very good, very necessary fight. Thank you.
I continue to appreciate all you guys do so much! Your unceasing efforts to defend democracy are inspiring and are making such a huge difference. Thank you. I hope you get some rest once in a while. Seriously: take care of yourselves and don't burn out.
Thank you Contrarians for keeping us informed 👏🏼🇺🇸🗽
Norm, I kiss the ground you walk on....
BTW isn't lifting sanctions and cozying up to Putin who is supplying Iran with intelligence about US warships and aircraft in the region a form of treason?
Thanks Norm! You inspire us to do our part--calling our senators and representatives and making plans to show up for No Kings on the 28th.
I am so proud to be a Contrarian, Norm, and so very grateful for your team’s work.
Hi all, there is still action that congress can undertake. Under the War Powers Resolution, there is a mandatory requirement to provide a Report setting out various matters. The foreign affairs committee of Congress can file a Motion for that Report. It will show that there was no intelligence to effect the Iran Nuclear Program posed an imminent threat of hostilities. Also, Congress could subpoena Mr Kent to answers questions as to why he resigned: that is, there was no intelligence evidence. In the attached article, reference is made to similar situations. For example, Iraq 2002, President Bush wanted to commence airstrikes, but Bush had to find evidence of a program of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Trump's administration effectively invaded another country for no reason. That is why there are issues with the ICC. By requesting the provision of the report, it could lead to sufficient pressure and so that withdrawal is forced within the 60 day period. The Report must still be provided even if hostilities had commenced. There is no other war since the War Powers Resolution in which the threat was not been first deemed by the Executive and a Report provided to the Speaker for consideration by the Department of Defense so it can assess the intelligence to justify a congressional mandate to authorize a declaration of war. It is a serious situation; irrespective of whether it was Trump or some other leader.
https://rorypoconnor.substack.com/p/review-of-war-powers-resolution?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
I think these actions presuppose an active Congress, not a stonewalling, subservient GOP.
Norm, thanks for all you and our partners do, week after week, unflinching.
Norm, I think you are doing phenomenal work.
My husband attended the Democracy Matters dinner in NYC 2 weeks ago at the Palace .. he then wrote to you offering (obviously pro bono) help from himself and two colleagues/friends... all in the 75 yr old range: one was a Brennan clerk, 2 old AUSA from SDNY and 1 American College of Trial Lawyers. I think it's a lost opportunity for you and your work to not take advantage of the offer of experienced trial lawyers! (you never wrote back). Otherwise, keep up the good work...
Norm: Do you and Marc Elias coordinate on what each of your organizations tackle or are you in separate lanes? You are both doing amazing work and I thank you for it. Proud to be a paid supporter of both as part of doing my share for democracy.
Love, "NORM!"
The Kennedy Center is an important piece of the fight. It must be protected. "Remember the Maine. To Hell with Spain." Must not become, " Kids, would you like hear about The Kennedy Center?"
If we are to remain a Constitutional opposition to the demented one + his kiss-assy-violence-loving maggots, we have to put voting first and foremost -- and last week was another set of electoral victories for revival and restoration of democratic government. With the demonstrations, they are the surest sign that all over the US, the electoral flood is building and building toward a huge cleansing of the trumpi swamp that is polluting our government.
"It was a resounding victory for our partners and clients including federal employee unions AFSCME and AFGE, Reporters Without Borders, other partners–and you Contrarians."
Thanks for all you do, Norman. But I wish you had included my union, the American Foreign Service Association, in that list. AFSA was one of the first federal unions to file suit against the DOGE slashes at foreign affairs agencies, and has been outspoken and public in warning of the consequences of these insane policies.