(10-10-2023 11:09 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote: Message to the board. Tanq is basically a good guy.
I don't understand his position on these issues, but we have hashed that out pretty thoroughly. We are both libertarians but with somewhat different slants. I'm putting words in Tanq's mouth here, but I think they fit, that he is a law-and-order guy and believes that the DOJ/FBI/CIA/DHS bureaucracy, and related state and local law enforcement bureaucracies, are honest brokers enforcing the laws in an honest and non-partisan way. I believe the rank and file of law enforcement and national security are decent, honest people, but I believe that the career bureaucrats at the top are corrupt and power-hungry individuals who believe that their preferences should overrule the will of the people. I find the texts between Strzok and his squeeze from several years ago frightening, but revealing in that they state what I believe to be the beliefs of the likes of people at the tops of those agencies--the hell with the will of the American people, we will impose our views upon them. I was always opposed to the patRIOT act because it empowered those people to violate our constitutional rights in ways that did not exist before. What we have seen in the last 7 years or so is what I believe to be the inevitable result of permitting such abuses.
He believes that Donald Trump has committed severe violations of law because such has been alleged by those in law enforcement. I believe that the top law enforcement officiails (indluding Judge Engron) are so corrupt that I consider their representations to be unreliable and very likely untrue. In large part, my distrust of law enforcement and belief in their bias results becuase they have not prosecuted, or even investigated, what appear to be much more severe violations by others. I will wait to see what proves up in court (and perhaps more importantly, what survives after appeal) before making a decision.
So Tanq is certain that Trump has committed crimes, but apparently uncertain as to the honesty and reliability of law enforcement. I am certain that top law enforcement officials are so biased and dishonest that I do not trust their assertions about Trump.
Thanks for the clarification #s. You did a good job for the most part above.
I'd clarify a few small points.
1. There *have* been overreaches by some DOJ with respect to the Trump camp. Most notably Strzok (mentioned above), and the related overreach with the Page FISA affidavits.
2. Had Trump not fired Comey, the predicate for a possibility of 'obstruction' that was in play by the Mueller investigation would have never been an issue. Mueller looked into that. Mueller cleared Trump of Russiagate (which was the right call), but punted on obstruction (dont know if that was the right call, but Mueller was well within reason to look into it. Not smart of Trump to give him the opening).
3. Impeachment 1 was a *political* overreach.
4. Trump should have been convicted of impeachment 2. Not for inciting, but for sitting on his ass throwing food at the wall when he couldnt get the vote delayed more, all the while doing *nothing* as a Commander in Chief to address the ongoing riot.
As for the bolded -- I am not 'certain'. But there is plenty of evidence to indicate that crimes were committed. And, not my problem that Trump was stupid enough to jump into those actions pell mell. If Trump is found guilty -- it is a result of his own actions and own stupidity. If Trump presents additional evidence that shows he is a 'victim' -- then he is free to present it. And if sufficient I have zero problem changing my mind on my current position.
5. I have zero issue with the charges at MAL. If Trump presents evidence that refutes what is known about the issue, I am free to change my mind. It seems highly evident that Trump obstructed justice in a number of ways in that issue. I have no issue charging someone who intentionally lies and does not fully comply with a subpoena, among many other instances of that behavior.
6. I have zero issue with the charges by J6 for his role in allegedly trying to usurp several state elections, and have their slates declared for him by the VP by fiat. If Trump presents evidence that refutes what is known about the issue, I am more than happy to change my mind. Ditto for the Fulton Co. indictment.
7. I think Bragg both overcharged, and stretched the law quite a bit to get his charges in. And, in addition, Bragg may very well have a serious issue with SoL. All in all, dont think these should be on the table at all.
8. Jean Carroll cases -- dont know, dont care. I do know that Trump presented *zero* evidence to refute Carroll's case. In a civil setting some vs none gets a verdict against you. Those are the cards Trump himself played there.