91 Counts and Booked

The most recent, and perhaps last, Grand Jury brought forth its election abuse indictments in Georgia last week. This now counted some 91 charges levied against the former president in a series of local, state, and federal charges for actions he took before, during, and after his time in office. Eighteen other defendants joined him in the RICO charges that claimed a conspiracy in efforts to overturn the election, intimidate election workers, tamper with voting machines, change votes in Georgia, and create fake electors, among other offenses. The DA ordered all charged to appear at the Jail in Fulton County for booking.

Booking requires in-person fingerprinting and a mug shot. All 19 defendants showed up within the allotted time. The sheriff released the photos of each indicted person. Of course, the former president tried to capitalize on this event. He must have practiced before the mirror for weeks, so he could get his scowl just right! Later, saying he thought he looked like Churchill (in his dreams!) he monetized the event by selling $35 tee shirts with the photo and the slogan “Never surrender” on them. I cannot imagine ever wearing one of these shirts, or spending the money he charges for one. To me, the photo brought to mind the face a three-year-old child might make when thwarted; standing with crossed arms and stamping his foot. Each person was required to complete a form listing physical characteristics and weight. People I know were betting on his height and weight, but, as usual, he lied on this form as well, listing his height as 6’3” and his weight as 215; when he was booked earlier this year in Manhattan, his height was 6’2” and weight was 240. Facebook friends delighted in comparing fit football players in uniform with the same stats next to the not-so-svelte former president. Quite a difference, it seems! So, who knows about his stats? Usually, as people age, they lose height and gain weight if they are healthy. Someone listed his hair as strawberry blonde, so go figure! Do you remember that commercial-“hair color so real, only her hairdresser knows for sure?”

Elon Musk removed the former president’s Twitter ban that had been in place since January 6^th, so DJT showed up on the renamed platform called “X” with the mug shot photo, for his first reappearance there. I hope the Facebook bans continue.

Defendant Rudy Giuliani is said to be almost broke, is losing his law license, is being sued by a former employee and by the Georgia election workers, and is begging for DJT to pay his legal bills. There is supposed to be a benefit gala at Mar a Lago soon, to help him pay his bills. Since the debts are said to be in the millions, it won’t be easy to make the goal. It is sad to see the former high-flying mayor of New York in this situation, but he has only himself to blame.

Another defendant, supposedly the mastermind for the fake elector scheme, Kenneth Cheseboro, requested a speedy trial. This action separates him from the other 18. DA Wilis said fine. She would be ready to try all defendants on October 23^rd, perhaps catching him and his defense attorneys off guard. Sidney Powell is also requesting an early trial, so well see what happens as each defendant tries to jockey dates to their best advantage. Willis had voiced plans to try all defendants together, so what will shake out is at this point unclear.

Mark Meadows tried to delay booking until after his request to change the venue to federal court, but that was denied, so they booked him as ordered.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday about this request. He claims he was just performing his duties as Chief of Staff. Wilis countered we forbid campaign activities under the Hatch Act which he had to follow as a Federal employee. (Do you remember Kelli Ann Conway getting into trouble for violating the same act?) Anyway, the advantage of being tried in Federal Court means the proceedings will not be televised, even though the court would meet in Georgia. The Federal Court could also draw jurors from a wider pool that might have a more republican leaning population than Fulton County. The former president is also said to be considering this option. Political pundits think neither is likely to prevail in these changes. The former president, who loves the TV cameras, does not want the court camera anywhere near him.

Tomorrow is also the day when the Federal January 6^th trial date will be set. The special prosecutor, Jack Smith, asked for an early January date; the defendants team requested a laughable date in 2026. Thoughts are that the judge will lean closer to Smith’s request.

This last week also brought changes in the Classified documents case. The Mar-a-Lago IT employee, who had an attorney provided by his boss, testified before the grand jury earlier in the year. Subsequently, he received a target letter telling him he was likely to be indicted. After asking the court for a new attorney, he changed his testimony and was not charged. Smith now expects him to testify against his co-worker and his boss. (Does this remind you of Cassidy Hutchinson?)

This week the Republicans held their first debate in Wisconsin. I did not watch it but caught snippets on the news. The New York Times reporters rated each candidate here. Of course, the former president, so far ahead in the polls, did not bother attending. He tried to counter-program with an interview with Tucker Carlson on YouTube, but it did not seem to matter. What a sorry bunch of presidential wannabes they are! When asked if DJT was convicted and was still the convention nominee, if they would support him, six said yes. (DeSantis raised his hand after looking around to see the consensus!) Asa Hutchinson and Chris Christie said no.

The eight people on the stage denied global climate change. They decried abortions at 38-40 weeks, which they claimed the Democratic Party supported. According to data reported by the Pew Research Center, in 2020, 53% of abortions were medication abortion, that is, patients took pills. This must occur in the first ten weeks.

93% of abortions occurred in the first trimester in 2020, 6% were between 14 and 20 weeks, with only 1% occurring later. Abortions performed in the later stages usually involved fetal abnormalities or pregnancy crises. The statements by candidates, Pence, and Scott, were lies. Nikki Haley acquitted herself well, but she has no hope of getting the Republican nod. DeSantis was not a factor, but discussed invading Mexico, to go after drug traffickers. He also bragged about dismissing duly elected Democratic District Attorneys who he felt were soft on crime. Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old tech entrepreneur, tried to out MAGA the MAGA crowd, saying he would not support Ukraine, and denying climate change; he said if elected and DJT was convicted, he would pardon him. He was called out by most of the others there. According to the Times, he was arrogant, obnoxious, and rude as he pandered to the base. Christie went after his attempt at channeling Barack Obama, with a line about a guy with a funny-sounding name. Sorry, Vivek, Barack did that line much better.

This weekend saw the 60^th Anniversary of the March on Washington led by Dr. King. Thousands came to town to continue to fight for many of the issues stressed back in 1963. Voting rights, legal rights, economic equality, adequate education, and jobs remain problems for many black and brown Americans 60 years later. But the dreams of that day have not gone away; it is up to all of us to do our best to right these wrongs and to continue to fight for justice. Sadly, the Supreme Court has done much to turn back gains made then. We need a Democratic Congress and President with the votes to make voting rights happen. Maybe that is also a dream, I don’t know.

Yesterday saw a 21-year-old white gunman outfitted in tactical gear, armed with semi-automatic weapons, and filled with hate, shoot three black residents minding their own business in Jacksonville, Florida. He then killed himself and left a hate-filled manifesto to explain his actions. He marked his guns with swastikas. Before attacking people at the Dollar General store, he tried to gain entry at a Black college (HBCU) but was turned away by security who called the police. Why do young people grow up with this ideology? I do not know. But I know it is time for society to say no more.

New reports say that white supremacists march frequently in Florida while spouting their hateful remarks. We have free speech; possibly those who believe otherwise need to speak out more. However, with the hysterical atmosphere that DeSantis’ authoritarian tactics have created in the state, I understand why some might be reluctant to come forward. It is a sad situation.

‘Til next week-Peace- I hope.