The following quote was purposely held back because it had become trite, almost a cliché. But in light of Wednesday’s Senate vote, Donald Trump’s four-year-old proclamation seems more relevant, more chillingly accurate than ever:
“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I would wouldn’t lose any votes. It’s like incredible.”
—Donald Trump at Iowa campaign rally, Jan. 23, 2016. (…and he’s probably correct.)
Louisiana Voice 
Figuratively speaking, Trump just did “stand in the middle of Fifth Av. and shoot someone” and he was right…the depth of corruption among these Republican Senators is incredible…
There’s never been anything trite about it. That quote is one of the few absolutely true things deranged Donald has ever said.
As at least one columnist has opined, Trump’s words and the way he says them have become what we all expect – but most egregious is the way his powerful supporters, including those present at his acquittal celebration yesterday, enthusiastically encouraged him. There can be only 2 possible reasons for this:
1. One segment supports him because they admire him – and some of them are actually like him.
2. Other politicians fear him. They believe he can easily ruin them with the kind of attacks he favored Pelosi, Schiff, Romney, and all his other detractors with in his speech.
I suspect there are more in the second category than the first.
We know about Trump; with his acquittal he will be emboldened to say/do what he wants, unchecked by the Senate and the Federal Court system that McConnell is packing with Trump acolytes. What scares and bothers me are his followers. Privately some Rep Senators think the man is unhinged and would have voted to impeach, but they are afraid of the man and the angry, vindictive base–just go to a Trump rally and you see the adoring expressions among his followers, the second coming of the Messiah (indeed, many think Trump is the anointed). .
“…and climate change is not real and poses no danger to us” he might have added. The man is phyciatrically sick and dangerous. He wants to rule the country as an authoritarian strong man continuously seeking adulation. To those who support him in his quest, I almost have to beg you to see the light before it’s too late and our freedoms and institutions are lost and life as we’ve known it is gone.
One should ask themselves, which is worse, a party that drafts legislation like this “New Way Forward Act.” or a President who does good things but does not know when to shut up. You will note over 40 Democrat Congressmen have signed on to this bill so far. This is the same party that suddenly believes border control is racist and MS-13 are “God’s Children”, when each and every one favored border control when Obama was President.
There is not any group “corruption” amongst the Republican nor the Democrat Senators. The corruption is using American Government agencies like the IRS, FBI, CIA, NSA against private citizens.
And Stephen, the two categories apply to almost any powerful politician. Look at Louisiana and how politicians bow to Governor.
And OH, we all knew (including Pelosi et al) that Trump would be be found not guilty – there were NO CRIMES charged against him.
And CJG, climate change has occurred since the beginning of time, and to think that man can do anything to adjust that fact, is pure vanity. Do you really believe that 1.5 millionth parts of CO2 makes one iota of difference (3 parts per million to almost 5 parts per million) when we already know that CO2 was, in times past, was several hundred times that`and man did not exist to cause it? .And let us not confuse pollution, which is entirely man made and mainly an Asian issue, with “global warming”. I wish Trump would place sanctions on polluters like China and India.
This column should talk about things that are important to Louisiana citizens, like the headline today’ Louisiana holds prisoners over their sentence period to the tune of 3,000 years. How is Edwards keeping the same Secretary of Corrections (and State Police) in power when he clearly cannot do his job ? That reeks of corruption.
I realize most of the people who post on this column do not like Trump or Republicans in general, and nothing I can say will sway that, however, if you cannot see the improvement in this country in the last three years, you are simply blinded by hate. Even the N Y Times has made comment on the economic improvement under Trump.
First of all, Zoe, I choose what I wish to write about and while you may want me to leave Le Grande Orange alone, you don’t get to pick the subject matter that goes into LouisianaVoice.
That said, FYI I just happen to be developing a series of stories about bail bonds and wrongful convictions that dovetail with the stories you suggested on the Department of Corrections. It’s a fairly complex subject with conflicting dictates from the Insurance Department, Corrections, district attorneys and judges. One of those who was wrongfully convicted whom I am planning to write about is a young man sentenced to life but who was exonerated through efforts of the Innocence Project of New Orleans and guess what? He just graduated from college. But my story will go into the sorry work of the DA that got him convicted in the first place of a murder in which he had no part or knowledge of. His crime was he just happened to be miles away in the same color car as the guilty parties. But it was a different car—not that that mattered to prosecutors.
But in the meantime, you can protest all you like and throw up misleading statistics to your heart’s desire but I ain’t gonna let up on the Big Orange because, you see, your enhanced economic status resulting from his policies (largely fictional) should not be the only consideration when he is dismantling democracy brick by brick, alienating important allies, discrediting our intelligence agencies, cozying up to dictators, calling the press the enemy of the people, debasing women, acting like a 4th-grade spoiled brat (which he is) and embarrassing this country in the eyes of the rest of the world. Are you really all about your own finances when the income disparity in this country keeps widening, when he lies about reducing social security and medicaid benefits, when he pulls number out of thin air about his accomplishments (and his lies have been documented time after time but he keeps telling them)? Are you that selfish that you don’t care that people are hurting, that Trump is as I write this supporting litigation that would abolish benefits for pre-existing conditions, his lies Tuesday night notwithstanding? Are you such an elitist that anything Trump does is just peachy as long as your 401(k) keeps growing?
Damn!
I’m sorry. I support freedom of expression and that’s why I never censor comments here unless they’re racist or vulgar but when you start trying to tell me what I should be covering, I’m going to emulate your hero and respond.
So, bottom line: I choose my editorial content, no one else. Not you, not Stephen Winham, not Santa Claus, nor the Easter bunny.
What “good things” has Trump done, Zoe10870? A stock market that works for the super rich? Low unemployment because folks must work three jobs to get by? Corporate profits at the expense of the environment and relentless destruction of our planet? Kids in cages and adults in prisons run for profit? Threats of cuts to Medicare and other programs that help people? And lies, lies, and more lies, so you don’t know what to believe? You and many others (including the Senate) have drunk the Kool-Aid.
It an an abuse of power to go around (or attempt to go around) established federal law regarding the solicitation and/or acceptance of ANYTHING of value from a non American citizen for use by a candidate for and state, local or federal office. One of the two articles of impeachment was for abuse of power in this matter- soliciting a foreign government for information helpful in a political campaign.
The statute is not new or obscure. All Louisiana candidates for state office MUST take an online Ethics Commission course on campaign finance or face fines and sanctions. A big topic concerns foreign donations. Candidates for high level federal office generally receive this same information from the FEC, the FBI, etc., to ensure that candidates and campaign staff know and understand the regulations, which are clear and unambiguous.
https://www.fec.gov/regulations/110-20/2019-annual-110#110-20
The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
CHAPTER 301-FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS SUBCHAPTER I-DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS
§30121. Contributions and donations by foreign nationals
(a) Prohibition
It shall be unlawful for-
(1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make-
(A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State, or local election;
(B) a contribution or donation to a committee of a political party; or
(C) an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication (within the meaning of section 30104(f)(3) of this title); or
(2) a person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) from a foreign national.
(b) “Foreign national” defined
As used in this section, the term “foreign national” means-
(1) a foreign principal, as such term is defined by section 611(b) of title 22, except that the term “foreign national” shall not include any individual who is a citizen of the United States; or
(2) an individual who is not a citizen of the United States or a national of the United States (as defined in section 1101(a)(22) of title 8) and who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined by section 1101(a)(20) of title 8.
§ 110.20 Prohibition on contributions, donations, expenditures, independent expenditures, and disbursements by foreign nationals (52 U.S.C. 30121, 36 U.S.C. 510).
a.Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
1. 1.Disbursement has the same meaning as in 11 CFR 300.2(d).
2. 2.Donation has the same meaning as in 11 CFR 300.2(e).
3. 3.Foreign national means—
1. i. A foreign principal, as defined in 22 U.S.C. 611(b); or
2. ii. An individual who is not a citizen of the United States and who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20); however,
3. iii. Foreign national shall not include any individual who is a citizen of the United States, or who is a national of the United States as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22).
4. 4.Knowingly means that a person must:
1. i. Have actual knowledge that the source of the funds solicited, accepted or received is a foreign national;
2. ii. Be aware of facts that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that there is a substantial probability that the source of the funds solicited, accepted or received is a foreign national; or
3. iii. Be aware of facts that would lead a reasonable person to inquire whether the source of the funds solicited, accepted or received is a foreign national, but the person failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry.
5. 5. For purposes of paragraph (a)(4) of this section, pertinent facts include, but are not limited to:
1. i. The contributor or donor uses a foreign passport or passport number for identification purposes;
2. ii.T he contributor or donor provides a foreign address;
3. iii. The contributor or donor makes a contribution or donation by means of a check or other written instrument drawn on a foreign bank or by a wire transfer from a foreign bank; or
4. iv. The contributor or donor resides abroad.
6. 6. Solicit has the same meaning as in 11 CFR 300.2(m).
1. b.Contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with elections. A foreign national shall not, directly or indirectly, make a contribution or a donation of money or other thing of value, or expressly or impliedly promise to make a contribution or a donation, in connection with any Federal, State, or local election.
2. c.Contributions and donations by foreign nationals to political committees and organizations of political parties. A foreign national shall not, directly or indirectly, make a contribution or donation to:
1. 1.A political committee of a political party, including a national party committee, a national congressional campaign committee, or a State, district, or local party committee, including a non-Federal account of a State, district, or local party committee, or
2. 2.An organization of a political party whether or not the organization is a political committee under 11 CFR 100.5.
52 USC 30121: Contributions and donations by foreign nationals
From Title 52-VOTING AND ELECTIONS Subtitle III-Federal Campaign Finance
My reply:
Earthmother, that law outlines precisely what Joe Biden did on camera with the tacit approval of President Obama, and NOT what was said in Trump’s call to Zelinsky.
To Tom: I am a strong supporter of free speech and I also clearly recognize that this is your column. I merely stated that I, for one, started reading your post because you were pointing out many things about Louisiana politics, some issues that I agree, some not, but like James Gill, the columnist, I like his style. I know you do not like Trump. I also have come to realize that a lot of people who post comments here feel the same way. I respond on occasion. You may not agree with any of my point of view, which is your option. I can watch CNN/MSNBC/CBS/ABCNBC and pretty much hear the same point of view as yours on this topic.I hear enough Trump bashing on television. I am sorry that you stoop to name calling (I am an elitistt, selfish ?) when all I do is state my opinion. I thought this was also a free exchange of ideas and opinions, not one that accepted no opposing points of view. As a R.N. I think I know a little about our health care system and I, and most Physicians that I know do not think ObamaCare was an answer, but a ruination. I believe Trump wants to erase ObamaCare and implement his own program, which I may or may not agree with. I care about people which is obvious I think to most, but let us be honest; there will always be poor. There will always be homeless. There will always be rich and poor. Not just in America. China is a communist nation, but fact is, as Orwell stated, “some are more equal than others”. There is a huge discrepancy in wealth in Cjhina. Ditto Russia. Ditto France. Ditto Germany. etc.It cannot be cured by spending tax money or wealth re-distribution.
To Kay:I think you listen to Ms Ocasio-Cortez too much. First the stock market is composed of stocks of American Companies (some international as well) with millions of investors. Some, like me, has a few thousand dollars invested in a 401 at work. I am hardly rich. There are far more investors like me than the few wealthy ones.Second. Working one or three jobs has zero affect on unemployment rates. You do not understand how unemployment is computed.You either work, or do not. The fact is, there are more people employed than any other time in our history. Also, employment for women is higher, for blacks, for Hispanics, for Asians than it has ever been. Wage rates are up. Incomes are up.Three: Kids in cages ? Apparently you are unaware that this was a practice under President Obama. Housing illegals in jails goes back over 40 years .Five. I do not drink nor like kool-aid.Six. Our allies respect us more now than they ever had, although I really do not care what they think because without us, they would all be speaking German.. They are learning that the free ride is over and they must pay their share to defend them, not just the American taxpayer. The real fact; Trump has been in office for approximately three years. People like Biden, Clinton’s, Pelosi, Schumer, McConnel, have been in office for decades and done nothing to improve our lot, and in fact have passed laws that hurt us and enrich them. How is Trump (or anyone) going to correct this in 3 years?
How is our democracy being dismantled ? Congress passes laws, not the President. We still vote and elect. There are term limits for President (and should be for Congress).No allies have left our side, and in fact, by Trump making them ante up (you should all agree with that), realize exactly how much they need us. He has not “cozied” up to dictaters any more than say Obama (bowed to Saudi King, Told Putin he could work favorable deals after his election, backed down to Syrian dictator who gassed his own people, backed down to China, to Russia when they seized Crimea, gave billions to Iran etc) Trump has placed trade sanctions on Russia, China, and Iran that are killing their economies…that is cozy ? .And our intelligence agencies have discredited themselves by spying on Americans, abusing FISA process, attempting to overturn election, all of which is being exposed by DOJ in grand jury.
To Tom: Touche’ 🙂
To Zoe: What is the incentive for the networks you mention to have a biased view of President Trump? Those networks have all reported negative things about every POTUS (though they were a little kinder a couple of generations ago). How else do you know the negative things you cite about President Obama? Is it possible they report more negative things about President Trump because there are more negative things to report?
Go ahead Tom and Mr. Winham! Watching the Republican senators and congressman is a little spooky and I totally agree that they both admire and fear Trump. Thus they are cowards, they admire the $$$ and fear not only Trump but the real problem is Putin. they GOP got in bed with Putin with help of the precious Christians and they must survive to then claim victory over sin because “God will judge nations by their spiritual strength, not one man” I did not make this s**t up (thanks CB) Pence and Pompeo won’t go away, they are precious Christians. . love always ron thompson