rule of law

100 Days Of Chaos: Who, Or What, Will Save Us?

April 24, 2025 By John DeProspo 1 Comment

April 30 marks 100 days into Trump’s return to the White House, and already the country looks bruised, battered, and barely recognizable. With his gang of sycophantic enablers, Trump has wiped his butt with the Constitution, taken a sledgehammer to the rule of law, turned corruption into a virtue, and breathed new life into Reagan’s infamous quip: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” If this much damage can be done in just 100 days, imagine the wreckage four years from now!

How does this nightmare end? Can anyone—or anything—save us?

If you’re hoping the Republican-led Congress will step in to stop the madness, that’s laughable. These aren’t lawmakers; they’re loyalists, lackeys, and cowards. Faced with a president who openly flirts with authoritarianism, they’ve chosen fealty over fidelity to the Constitution. They’ve traded their oaths for applause, their spines for status. They are traitors who watched democracy burn and brought marshmallows.

And the Supreme Court—those robed “guardians” of the Constitution? Please. They greased the skids by slow-walking Trump’s immunity case until accountability timed out. Then, in a ruling both absurd and dangerous, they declared that a president is immune from prosecution for “official” acts. Translation: if you’re powerful enough, your crimes are just “policy” decisions.

What about the 2026 midterms? Maybe. But don’t hold your breath. Not if the traitorous Republican machine gets its way. Across the country, they’re already working overtime—gerrymandering maps, purging voter rolls, and passing laws designed to suppress Democratic votes. They don’t want fair elections. They want fixed outcomes.

The courts won’t save us. Congress won’t save us. The system is rigged to protect the powerful and punish the rest. It’s no wonder that many feel an overwhelming sense of dread about the future.

Can anything save us? Maybe not—unless the people themselves rise up. Not with memes but with pitchforks. Not with hashtags but with outrage, organizing, and relentless pressure. This isn’t politics anymore. It’s survival. It’s about whether we still have a country worth fighting for.

Hey, Mother Nature—if you’re reading this downer of a rant, a little karmic intervention wouldn’t hurt.

*To my loyal readers, I apologize for the long absence. I will try my best to chime in more frequently on this sh*tshow we are all unfortunately witnessing.

Dems Need To Adopt New Governing Maxim – WWRD (What Would Republicans Do)

November 22, 2020 By John DeProspo 6 Comments

If you’re like me, you’ve had it with Democrats allowing Republicans to walk all over them. You’ve had enough of them always wanting to play nice-nice. You’ve had it with them continually bringing a knife to a gun fight. You’ve had it with all that feel good, bipartisan, reaching-across- the-aisle malarkey.

As the canonized former president (Ronald Reagan) once said, “we don’t negotiate with terrorists.” Republicans have long shown us who they are and, as Maya Angelou would say, you need to “believe them.”

Already there are signs that Democrats will go soft on Trump and his cronies once they regain power. Sources are reporting that Biden, forever the institutionalist, is not in favor of investigating and possibly prosecuting Trump for his many proven and alleged crimes.

“He’s going to be more oriented toward fixing the problems and moving forward than prosecuting them,” said one Biden adviser, drawing comparisons to former President Barack Obama’s refusal to prosecute the Bush-era architects and perpetrators of CIA and U.S. military torture.

If the tables were reversed, could you ever imagine Republicans letting bygones be bygones? Could you ever dream of them doing the right thing, even if it meant going against their political self-interest? Never. Well, that’s exactly what Biden seems to want to do. Some unnamed sources are saying Biden believes that pursuing charges against Trump would further divide a deeply divided nation and distract from his administration’s agenda.

Joe, if you go easy on Trump and let him off the hook, you’ll be riling up another base … yours! Polls have consistently shown that a majority of Americans want Trump criminally investigated. They don’t want retribution. They simply want justice. Fail to investigate Trump and his cronies, and you will lose a good chunk of those who voted for you.

As Matt Ford, writing for The New Republic, put it, “If Biden truly wants to move the country forward, he needs to show that there are consequences for the misdeeds perpetrated under Trump. Only by revisiting this grim chapter in American history, and by penalizing those who broke the law, can this country move forward.”

So I’m with Rep. Bill Pascrell, chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee.

“In 2021 the entire Trump administration must be fully investigated by the Department of Justice and any other relevant offices,” Pascrell said. “Trump along with his worst enablers must be tried for their crimes against our nation and Constitution. Importantly, any further abuse of the sacred pardon power to shield criminals would itself be obstruction of justice, and any self-pardons would be illegal.”

Look, we either are a nation bound by the rule of law or we’re not. If Trump’s crimes are simply swept under the rug, forgiven for the “good of the country,” we wouldn’t have much of a country, would we?

Yes, it goes against their very nature for Democrats to play hardball. They would rather “go high” when others “go low.” And maybe, in a more perfect world, one ruled by decency and honor, it might be best to turn the other cheek.

But we don’t live in such a world … and haven’t lived there in quite some time.

So, it is high time for Democrats to abandon WWJD (what would Jesus do) and adopt WWRD (what would Republicans do). Sometimes you just have to listen to Trump when he once described his favorite Bible passage (Exodus 21-24): “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

Photo | thehill.com

And The Barr Just Keeps Getting Lower

May 8, 2020 By John DeProspo 2 Comments

Yesterday Americans got one more example (if they needed one) of how the rule of law no longer exists in the United States. Well, at least for those associated with the Trump crime syndicate.

William Barr has given the admittedly guilty criminal, Michael Flynn, a “get out of jail free card.”

William Barr, who many have labeled Trump’s personal Roy Cohn, has turned the Department of Justice into the Department of Just-us.

We should not be surprised.

We all knew Barr was lying through his teeth when he said, at his confirmation hearing, he would never cave to political pressure from Trump or anyone else, insisting his age and experience freed him to act independently.

And yet some Democrats are stunned. Jerry Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, condemned Barr in a written statement: “The decision to drop the charges against General Flynn is outrageous. The evidence against General Flynn is overwhelming.”

“He pleaded guilty to lying to investigators,” continued Nadler. “And now a politicized and thoroughly corrupt Department of Justice is going to let the President’s crony simply walk away. Americans are right to be furious and worried about the continued erosion of our rule of law.” Nadler predictably called for a new inspector general’s investigation. Good luck with that!

Remember this is the same William Barr who lied to the American people about the contents of the Mueller Report; the same henchman who reversed prosecutors’ sentencing recommendations for convicted Trump confidant Roger Stone; the same toady who refused to investigate Trump’s extortion of Ukraine for political gain; and the same Attorney General who wants us to believe he was “appalled” by the “apparent suicide” of Jeffrey Epstein.

It is probably too late for Barr to be impeached for his unprecedented assaults on the rule of law.

At the very least, Barr needs to be disbarred for transforming the role of our nation’s top law enforcement officer into that of a corrupt consigliere for Trump’s personal interests.

Adam Schiff has been quoted as saying Barr has “weaponized” the Justice Department to go after Trump’s enemies. He could have added, “and to go light on Trump’s criminal associates.”

Let’s not let the coronavirus pandemic distract us from what Barr is doing to undermine the bedrock of American democracy … the rule of law. The man needs to be held accountable in whatever way possible.

Democrats, Republicans, and anyone who believes in the primacy of American justice, should be calling for Barr’s resignation … immediately.

Photo | businessinsider.com

A “Dear Nancy” Letter

May 21, 2019 By John DeProspo 5 Comments

Dear Speaker Pelosi,

We get it. You believe it’s politically advantageous to keep Donald Trump around until 2020. And so you are pooh-poohing impeachment proceedings.

And while you said, “This is not about politics at all” during your contentious closed-door meeting yesterday with fellow Democrats (wink, wink), we know it’s all about politics.

But didn’t you take an oath to uphold the Constitution? We have a brazen criminal in the White House and you have the power, or should I say, the duty, to remove him from office. OK, at least, to get the ball rolling.

You think you can really pull a McConnell? You know, when good ol’ Mitch refused to carry out his constitutional duty of holding a confirmation hearing on Merrick Garland because there was an election coming up soon and we should “let the American people decide”?

The next presidential election is over 17 months away. Too many bad things can happen during that time if Trump is still commander in chief.

You know, like a WAR … a FINANCIAL MELTDOWN. Heck, anything is possible with that loose cannon in the Oval Office.

Oh, I see, while that would be bad for the country, it would be good for Democrats’ chances of regaining the White House, and maybe even the Senate.

But what about that pesky document called the Constitution … the rule of law? What kind of precedent would you be setting by letting perhaps the most corrupt president ever to occupy the White House hold on to his awesome powers?

You know you have more than enough evidence of “high crimes and misdemeanors” to begin impeachment proceedings tomorrow. No further investigations needed.

Oh, right, you think impeachment is divisive and would further divide the country; that it would just rile up Trump’s base. I have some news for you … Trump’s base is already riled up! They already think Dems are out to get their man just like the “fake news media.”

It’s clear to see that you want Trump around because, contrary to popular belief, you believe a weakened, disgraced Trump would be very beatable in 2020. You want him to continue to slowly hang himself with his own rope; to continue to commit crimes and obstruct justice. Now we certainly wouldn’t want to run against a “moderate” Republican in 2020, say like a Kasich or Romney!

Sorry but I don’t think we have the time to play such political games. Too much at stake.

You need to start an impeachment inquiry, slow walk it as much as you like, but do what the Constitution requires … what the country needs. Or run the risk of losing Democratic support in 2020 because of your acquiescence and inaction during this critical time in American history.

Yes, it’s going to take some effort to overcome the false narrative put out by Trump’s lawyer (and Attorney General) Mr. Barr. But you can do it. The American people will be on your side once the true facts come out. Put Senate Republicans on the spot!

Don’t overthink this, please.

Photo | usatoday.com

The Fate of American Democracy May Hinge On One Person … John Roberts

May 5, 2019 By John DeProspo 4 Comments

When Richard Nixon refused to comply with the Senate Watergate committee’s subpoena to turn over his White House tapes, the standoff resulted in litigation which made its way to the Supreme Court.

In an 8-0 decision (Justice Rehnquist recused himself), the Court ruled against Nixon and directed him to turn over the tapes to Congress.

Much like Nixon, the Trump Administration is refusing to comply with a lawful congressional subpoena for the full, unredacted Mueller report (and its supporting documents).

How would the current conservative Supreme Court rule on Trump’s clear defiance of established law?

There is little doubt this Court would be divided. No unanimous decision here, folks, as in United States v. Nixon.

You can bet on a 5-4 decision, either way.

Since Justice Anthony Kennedy retired from the Court, Chief Justice John Roberts has become the de facto “swing vote.” With four solid conservatives on the bench, now that Trump has been able to get Gorsuch and Kavanaugh to join the other two right-wing ideologues (Thomas and Alito), how would Roberts vote?

If Roberts joins his conservative colleagues, you can pretty much forget about the rule of law, and the Constitution for that matter, in this country. We will have a kneecapped congress unable to fulfill its oversight responsibilities, and we’ll have entered a new era of unchecked, unrestrained executive powers.

If Roberts sides with the four liberals on the Court, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan, we will remain a nation that honors the Constitution and the separation of powers. The decision would serve as a strong rebuke to a lawless president and administration.

So what would Roberts do if some form of United States v. Trump makes its way to his court?

If you remember, much to the dismay of conservatives, Roberts was the deciding vote which upheld Obamacare (Affordable Care Act.)

Roberts is what I would label a principled conservative jurist who actually cares about the Court’s reputation and how history will judge him and his court.

As Michael O’Donnell writes in The Atlantic, “Roberts is the most interesting judicial conservative in living memory because he is both ideologically outspoken and willing to break with ideology in a moment of great political consequence. His response to the constitutional crisis that awaits will define not just his legacy, but the Supreme Court’s as well.”

While he has sided with his conservative colleagues in 87.5 percent of 5–4 decisions, I’m betting there is a better than 50-50 chance Roberts will do the right thing and tell Trump and his cabal of corrupt cohorts they are not above the law.

Photo | newyorker.com

Trump Kneecaps Rule Of Law

April 25, 2019 By John DeProspo 6 Comments

When it comes to complying with legitimate congressional demands, Donald Trump has one word … “Fugetaboutit!”

Trump has directed his underlings to refuse the House Democrats’ lawful requests for his tax returns and has ordered former and present members of his staff to defy congressional subpoenas for testimony before House oversight committees.

This is in line with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s findings that Trump has obstructed justice and has directed others to do the same.

Many political commentators are accusing Trump of besmirching the Presidency and denigrating the rule of law.

But does this really come as a surprise? Trump did swear on a bible to “faithfully execute the Office of the President and … the Constitution.”

Photo | wikipedia.com

Could Another Rat Bring Down Another Don?

February 28, 2019 By John DeProspo 3 Comments

Yesterday, Michael “The Fixer” Cohen, testified against his former boss, Donald Trump, much like Sammy “The Bull” Gravano sang against his boss, John “The Don” Gotti.

If you’re a fan of the rule of law, Cohen’s testimony will help bring down Trump and send him to a 6×8 semi-furnished “penthouse” much like the one Gotti occupied until the end of his days.

Lady Justice loves rats.

Photos| celebsiren.com, tmz.com

Sorry, Rudy, There Is One Place Where Truth IS Still Truth

August 22, 2018 By John DeProspo 2 Comments

Donald Trump’s TV lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, told NBC’s Chuck Todd something quite extraordinary a few days ago. On Meet the Press this Sunday, Giuliani said to a stunned Todd, “Truth isn’t truth.”

Upping the ante on Kellyanne Conway’s infamous “alternative facts” comment, Giuliani doubled down on his Orwellian pronouncement the following day by tweeting: “My statement was not meant as a pontification on moral theology but one referring to the situation where two people make precisely contradictory statements, the classic ‘he said, she said’ puzzle.”

As crazy as it sounds, Giuliani’s statement does have some merit when it comes to political speech or when referring to some news outlets. The truth can be malleable.

As we found out yesteray, however, the truth is still the truth in a court of law. The bulwark of our democracy, our legal system, works.

A jury in Virginia convicted Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, on eight felony counts of bank fraud and tax evasion. At about the same time, in a New York court, Trump’s legal fixer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to eight counts of campaign finance violations, tax and bank fraud.

It didn’t matter what lies or fakery Manafort and Cohen engaged in prior to their day in court, once they stood in front of the man in the black robe, all the BS, the spin, the mangling of facts, ended.

It is said that justice is based on truth. Truth, in the law, means objective, reliable facts that can be admitted as evidence in a trial.

With what Cohen admitted to yesterday under oath, namely that Donald Trump directed him to violate campaign finance laws, it won’t be long before all of Trump’s claims of innocence, of “witch hunt”, of “no collusion”, will be put to the test … hopefully at an upcoming trial in the United States Senate after the House approves articles of impeachment.

Hey Rudy, when two people make contradictory statements, you know, the old he, said she said … one is telling the truth, one is lying.

Photo | nypost.com

So You Think 2017 Was Bad …

January 1, 2018 By John DeProspo 5 Comments

By almost any measure, 2017 was a bad year.

As a nation, we (with the help of a hostile foreign power) installed a wannabe dictator into the highest office in the land. A man-child with near total disregard for truth and the rule of law. A narcissist with no sense of shame or empathy. A U.S. president who believes the Constitution is merely a set of suggestions.

Two of our most basic and fundamental institutions, the press and judiciary, came under constant attack last year. No, not by some subversive domestic organization but by the president of the United States himself.

2017 saw an America divided, the likes of which not seen since the days of the Vietnam War.

The world became a more dangerous place in 2017.

Thanks to the deliberate abdication by Donald Trump and his regime, the United States is no longer seen as the leader of the free world. There is no longer that steady hand at the helm that other nations relied on. Deepening conflicts are sprouting up everywhere.

As U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres put it:

“When I took office a year ago, I appealed for 2017 to be a year for peace. Unfortunately, in fundamental ways, the world has gone in reverse. … Global anxieties over nuclear weapons are the highest since the Cold War, and climate change is moving faster than we are. Inequalities are growing, and we see horrific violations of human rights. Nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise.”

Yes, 2017 will be a year to remember… for all the wrong reasons.

Yet, as bad as this past year has been, what lies ahead in 2018 portends to be much worse.

I’m afraid we will look back, fondly, on 2017 as we now view the presidency of George W. Bush … a calamity and a failure, but nothing compared to that of Trump’s wretched rule in 2018.

2018 does hold out one glimmer of hope. No, it’s not the Mueller investigation. The odds of a Republican Congress expelling Trump are slim, no matter what wrongdoing the FBI special counsel may uncover.

This year’s mid-term elections hold the key. They need to be swept by Democrats who will have the power to restore sanity and the rule of law to a government now in distress.

Photo | aljazeera.com