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goodreedAJ

@goodreedAJ@sfba.social

Engineer, writer, activist, reed player, and music director. Founder of A Good Reed Review providing reviews, commentary, and stories.
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I've always been a science nerd. I even had a ragtime band called Avogadro's Ragtime Band in college. I spent my career as a software/systems engineer in the aerospace industry while simultaneously pursuing my passions as a pit musician for musical theater and a writer.
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Alternate ID is on mastodon.online - primarily used if the sfba.social server is down.

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. For a complete list of posts, browse on the original instance.

GottaLaff , to random
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The corporate news outlets are a disgrace (with very few exceptions, and there are some).

They’re complicit.

goodreedAJ ,
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@GottaLaff: Yes, and that's been a problem with the media ever since they moved into their click-driven, profit-focused paradigm rather than continuing their role to inform the public. Money really is the root of all evil, along with religion.

GottaLaff , to random
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As you continue to dwell on Biden’s performance, remember whose is making these devastating decisions… Yep. .

Lick your debate wounds and fight like hell to get people to vote against Trump.

goodreedAJ ,
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@GottaLaff: That really is key. Yes, Biden was hoarse last night. Yes, he was tired because he was sick, but he still focused on the issues with real solutions and efforts to improve the lives of all Americans. He answered the questions asked of him. Trump evaded any substance and lied pretty much every time he opened his mouth.

Biden works with competent people using data and science to arrive at valid policy.

Trump wields power based on his whims hurting as many people as possible to boost his fragile ego.

The choice is clear.

GottaLaff , to random
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Geidner:

BREAKING: The Supreme Court overrules Chevron on a 6-3 ideological vote.

goodreedAJ ,
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@GottaLaff: This is the core of the GOP's power grab. They don't want experts getting in the way of their ideological push, which puts every single one of us in grave danger. This is huge, and destructive.

GottaLaff , to random
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Phang:

My colleague @kellyo reporting that two sources familiar advise that President Biden has a cold.

goodreedAJ ,
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@GottaLaff @kellyo: That was clear when he first spoke.

Nonilex , to random
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on Thurs will issue more end-of-the-term rulings, potentially including whether is immune from prosecution in his federal case, whether may be charged w/ & whether should have their reduced. Wed, the court inadvertently posted a ruling it has not yet announced that, while continues, would allow emergency to stabilize patients in where is banned.

goodreedAJ ,
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@Nonilex @staringatclouds: I doubt that they'll give a president, even Trump, absolute immunity. Although the unconstitutionality doesn't matter to the rogue majority in their decision-making, their power/authority does. Giving any president absolute immunity takes away all of their power, so it's not in their self-interest to do so.

The only question that seems to be on the table is what more they can do to delay the trials against Trump, and several knowledgeable commentators have suggested that they could continue to tie up the works by sending some pieces discussed during oral arguments back to the lower courts to adjudicate before the trials can continue. I'm not sure what those pieces are, but that does sound plausible.

GottaLaff , to random
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Via Scott MacFarlane:

No Supreme Court ruling today on Trump “presidential immunity”

For 141 days, the criminal docket has remained frozen in the DC criminal case

It’s 131 days til election. The Supreme Court review has cost prosecutors more than half of available pre-election time for trial

goodreedAJ ,
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@GottaLaff: The ruling cannot be that absolute presidential immunity exists or that would mean that SCOTUS has no power at all, nor do any other judges, and since Biden is currently president, it would grant him authority that aside from there being no Constitutional support for, would make it possible for him to thwart the GOP's attacks using their own methods (not that he would). Clearly delaying the inevitable J6 trial against Trump has been the reason for holding off on this opinion for as long as possible. Hopefully by week's end we can get past this particular madness, and that trial can get back on track. It probably wouldn't be able to complete by the election, but it could at least get started.

goodreedAJ ,
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@GottaLaff: Arrgghhhh! But Judge Chutkan has already done a very complete examination of the issue, as has the D.C. circuit court above her. What is there to reevaluate?

GottaLaff , to random
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The second and FINAL opinion today: Snyder v. US. Written by Justice Kavanaugh. The vote is 6-3. Jackson dissents, joined by Sotomayor and Kagan.

Geidner:

The final SCOTUS decision today is Snyder v. US. Kavanaugh has the court's 6-3 decision on ideological grounds, holding that the Section 666 bribery statute does not apply to "gratuities" given for public officials' past acts. Jackson writes the liberals' dissent.

goodreedAJ ,
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@GottaLaff @_L1vY_ @kalfatermann: I wish we could wake up from this as well. Of course even if we end up with our needed blue wave this round, with Project 2025 on the books, every election could turn the clock back again of we aren’t diligent and enough people aren’t paying attention.

Democracy is a participation sport, every time. Watching from the sidelines got us here. We can’t let people sit this out.

GottaLaff , to random
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does it again.

Entire strip here: https://www.gocomics.com/doonesbury/2024/06/16

Talk show radio host on a call. Caller: Well, part of FEMA’s mission is to prepare for and mitigate against man-made disasters. In the event that Trump loses the election, we need to be ready to set up reality re-entry camps. We’re concerned that millions of MAGA survivors will be wandering the country—unmoored, confused, and unable to make sense of post-cult life. We’ll be offering reprogramming services, slowly re-exposing them to actual facts, but doing so as humanely as possible. these folks have been through a lot. Host: So what happens to the camps if Trump wins? Caller: They’ll be used for immigrants. Don’t get me started.
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    • + Npars01, DemocracyMattersALot
    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Scarily on point, but then Doonesbury so often is.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Mensch in Chief👇🏼

    Statement from President :

    "As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today … As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that."

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Thank you for sharing this. This is exactly what I would expect from President Biden and what a president should do. This is also something that would never happen under Trump or any other MAGA extremist.

    Nonilex , to random
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    9 in the cases against have received significant financial benefits, including large raises from his campaign, severance packages, new jobs, & a grant of shares & cash from Trump’s media co.

    If any benefits were intended to , that could be a .

    by Robert Faturechi, Justin Elliott & Alex Mierjeski


    https://www.propublica.org/article/donald-trump-criminal-cases-witnesses-financial-benefits

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @Nonilex: Seems pretty in-line with Trump's SOP. Would be nice to see him indicted on more criminal cases as a result, though it would be even nicer to see the cases already on the books move forward with alacrity.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Via Kyle Griffin:

    The IRS is making its free online tax filing program permanent for the 2025 tax season.

    All 50 states and D.C. are invited to participate.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: They need to remove the income ceiling, type of income, and itemized deduction restrictions. The pilot program in 2024 looked great if one was eligible to use it, but far too many people were excluded.

    From that perspective, FreeTaxUSA is a much better option for filing federal taxes for free. They still charge to file state taxes, but they charge far less than any of the for-profit entities out there like TurboTax, TaxCut, and the rest, and they don’t discriminate against one’s tax situation.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Good night all.

    ENJOY THE MOMENT.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: It was a big moment, probably one of the biggest in American history, and we watched it happen. Yes, 30 May 2024 was a very good day for America.

    Now it's the 31st, and we get back to work on saving our democracy from the ideological threat that we face from the GOP's reactionary turn.

    Thank you for all that you do! You are setting an incredible example to get the word out to all who will listen, read, and/or watch. We all have to follow that example and do our part.

    GottaLaff , (edited ) to random
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    💥🔥

    TO REPEAT,

    GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS!!!!!!!!

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff @irisnieborg @Deus @MsMissy: The courts cannot SOLVE a political problem. That's something that @Teri_Kanefield has been saying for years now, and it's still true. The political problem in the U.S. will not be solved by the courts. It will be solved by the voters as you noted.

    Will the conviction have any effect on the vote? For those living in the real world, it should. The crucial thing is for all of us to do our part (you do your part in spades to be sure, and we all have to do ours). Democracy will survive if enough of the electorate wants it to, so it's incumbent on all of us to make sure that the facts are out there. We need to talk to people. We need to write. We need to make sure that everyone we know votes! No eligible voter can sit this one out.

    The front runner GOP candidate is a convicted felon who still faces three more (at least) criminal trials. That says a lot about the GOP and their cult. That should say a lot to the American people as a whole.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    FYI, via Tyler McBrien:

    Q of verbal-only jury instructions: Roger Parloff shared 1 school of thought he heard from judge he clerked for, that if you give jury a copy of instructions, they may home in on one phrase out of context & give it too much weight..sort of a missing the forest for the trees idea. That's just 1 theory, & various judges differ on the practice.

    & of course, it's still possible that objected to it at some point behind closed doors, not in public court

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: From another post, it's also a NY state decision that arose from the possibility of there being an error in the instructions. If written down and provided to the jury, it could become a reason for reversal on appeal.

    Nonilex , to random
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    Thurs 30 May 2024 🧵 continue

    Justice says he believes that the wants him to repeat a significant portion of the .

    He will read pages 6-35.

    Each page yesterday took him just a little more than a minute, so this will take >30 mins.

    Between that & the testimony readbacks, also expected to take >30 mins, there will likely be >1 hour this morning w/the jury in the courtroom, not actively deliberating.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @Nonilex: Interesting. So it's a protection against reversal rather than an inefficiency in having to read portions of the instructions as questions arise during deliberations.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @Nonilex: July 11th is pretty quick. Justice in action.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Via Kyle Cheney

    HAPPENING NOW: The jury says it wants Merchan to begin the instructions with the part about how they are supposed to consider the evidence and draw inferences -- including the metaphor about how if the ground is wet in the AM, you can infer it rained over night.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: I don't understand why the jury instructions can't be provided to the jurors like they are in federal trials. It seems like something that they should have for reference rather than being forced to request portions be read to them multiple times throughout their deliberations. If it's a matter of NY state law, that seems like an intentional inefficiency.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    The amazing Jamie #Raskin on how to force #Alito & #ClarenceThomas to recuse. #SCOTUS

    Gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/29/opinion/alito-thomas-recuse-trump-jan-6.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v00.1DYU.BwyXypgGhMDF&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Excellent article even if it is an opinion piece. It's an opinion by a learned jurist who understands the law and what the law requires without any hype.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    📌Via Kyle Cheney:

    MARK IT DOWN: Jury deliberations began at about 11:30am. We'll hear from them if they have a question ... or a verdict.

    Via @atrupar:

    fans haven't been rooting so hard for something to be hung this hard since Mike Pence

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff @atrupar: It will be interesting to see how long the jury deliberates on this one, and of course what verdict results from their deliberations.

    Nonilex , (edited ) to random
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    Tues 29 May 2024 🧵
    Good morning! It’s the last day of the #TrumpTrial before jury #deliberations.
    Today Justice #Merchan will give #JuryInstructions. Then they will discuss the case among themselves for the first time; they have not been allowed to even discuss it w/each other as yet.

    Closing arguments took place yesterday, & the lawyers will have no further opportunity to address the jurors before they determine whether #Trump is #guilty or not guilty of 34 felonies.

    #criminal #law

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @Nonilex: As it should be. Not the spewing of course. That's insane. His being unable to leave though - that is as it should be.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Btw, I am reading live posts of the #TrumpTrial but unable to post for you (sorry). Prosecution is killing it.

    FYI: Via Kyle Griffin:

    Judge Merchan tells the jury that Trump lawyer Todd Blanche's comment was "improper, and you must disregard it."

    "If there is a verdict of guilty, it will be up to me to impose a sentence." He adds: A "prison sentence is not required in the event of a guilty verdict." #legal #Trump

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Thanks for the heads-up on Nonilex. Her live stream of the trial is fantastic as well. If we can't have your stream on this very important trial day, having hers is just as good. (Not that we don't want yours of course.)

    Hope the drive is going / went well, and looking forward to your return to the live action.

    Nonilex , to random
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    Tues 28 May 2024 🧵 to Begin in

    faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection w/a payment made to a porn star to influence the 2016 election. The case could be in the jury’s hands as early as Wed.


    https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/05/28/nyregion/trump-trial-closing-arguments?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @Nonilex: Your patience and thoroughness are greatly appreciated. Today's will be an interesting transcript to read when it becomes available, hopefully tomorrow.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    After a long morning of loading the POD, stuffing the car, cleaning, scrubbing, double-checking, all on very little sleep… we’re off! here we come.

    loves these long road trips.

    First night: Sacramento-ish.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Happy trails! California will miss you, but we'll still have you in the Fediverse.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff:
    💙 💙

    I take it that you're planning on keeping your U.S. citizenship even if you eventually become Canadian citizens after establishing permanent residency there?

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: I did read them, and I was trying to find them again this morning, but I couldn't get them to come up. I appreciated how much work you had to do to arrange your move.

    I know you were very concerned about what has been happening here since 2016, and that it took you several years work through the process to be able to move toward becoming permanent residents of Canada. I thought you were staying U.S. citizens and would continue to vote as expats, and you'd be safe in your new home if everything went to pieces here, but I wasn't sure if you intended to remain U.S. citizens if and when you had the chance to become Canadian citizens down the line. I thought it would depend on what happened here. After all, if the U.S. does go full fascist theocracy, being a citizen, even as an expat, could be dicey.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: It also takes years to qualify and become a permanent resident of Canada, assuming you can qualify like you, Mr. Laffy, and the boys have. You are very fortunate to have this option.

    Sad indeed that you had to take these steps to remain safe in our increasingly disturbing times, but very glad to have your voice, insights, and visits. Thank you for all you continue to do.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Roger Parloff did a 🧵on trial. Sigh.

    As Trump’s classified docs prosecution goes forward, now w no pretense of trial before the election, Judge appears poised to permit him to use pub hearings in the case to sound his campaign themes. 1/…

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff @kwheaton: That's the scariest part of all of this. If the courts don't follow the rule of law, how can any of it function?

    I wish I could follow you to Canada.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff @kwheaton: But I wouldn’t be able to stay - I don’t qualify.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    🇨🇦For those interested, finally, Part 3 of my series is done. Parts 1, 2 are linked in Part 3 but just in case, I'm linking here too.

    This is for anyone interested in why, how we managed to get permanent residency.

    Everyone else, ignore, although you may find it interesting regardless.

    Part 3: https://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2024/05/im-moving-to-canada-part-3-its-happening.html

    Part 1: https://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2024/01/im-moving-to-canada.html

    Part 2: https://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2024/01/im-moving-to-canada-part-two-how.html

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Wow. I knew it was complicated, but that's insane.

    I looked into what it would take to emigrate to Canada in 2016 after Trump won in case things got bad enough to make it impossible to continue living in the U.S. and discovered that I didn't qualify. I sure hope that the worst doesn't happen going forward here this round, but congrats on your move. It must be a great piece of mind to know that you'll be safe no matter the outcome in the states.

    rbreich , to random
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    Trump said he wouldn’t stop states from prosecuting people who violate draconian abortion bans.

    He even said he wouldn’t intervene if states monitor pregnancies to determine compliance — a horrific violation of privacy.

    None of this is about "life." It's about control.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @rbreich: Control and misogyny.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    LA Times: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday that he has qualified for #California’s presidential election ballot, giving his third-party candidacy a longshot chance at collecting 54 electoral votes this fall.
    #RFKJr

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Yes, but the real question is whether he pulls more from Trump or Biden. With his conspiracy crap, antivax, anti science, etc., he’s actually closer to Trump ideologically. Also, his extended family has endorsed Biden. Further, there is real concern in the Trump camp that he might be more attractive to GOP and independent voters who don’t like Trump. He won’t win, but he just might help Biden more than Trump.

    The voters of concern of course are those on the left who want to cast a protest vote. Hopefully they wise up before October/November.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Jury has been adjourned

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: I thought today was scheduled to be a short day also because of Pesach.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Today sounds like crazy day. You posted a lot, and I haven't caught up yet.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Oh man, that's nuts. I know you're going back to Canada this round, but do you think you'll ever come back to California? Better yet, can you get Canada to adopt California, and Washington and Oregon? 😉

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Oy.

    Via Josh Gerstein;

    JUST IN: signals it may undermine more common charges as justices ask DOJ to respond to petition challenging 'disorderly or disruptive' charges v. Russell Alford. DC Cir ruled charges valid even for nonviolent protesters.

    DOJ had deemed Alford's petition unworthy of a response, but today asked for one

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Ugh. That's really not good news. I hope they are just covering their bases and the previous convictions don't get derailed.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Mr. Blowdryer cooperated. I'm back, catching up now.

    NEW THREAD🧵 #TrumpTrial #Trump #legal 1/...

    Klasfeld:

    We're back.

    Prosecution: "The People call David Pecker."

    Pecker, 72, provides some biographical information. He's married, and he now does consulting work.

    After seeing that Jurors do not currently have notepads, the judge asks those who want them to raise their hands.

    Their hands immediately shoot up — a studious bunch.

    They are provided with them.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: I thought that they were running short days both Monday and Tuesday this week, so that might be all of it. If not though, I'm sure you'll catch up again after the fact like you always do. 🤓

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Right, I knew the contempt hearing was first up. Oh well, if you cut off about 1400 ET, folks can switch over to Klasfeld's feed on X for the day if need be. The stuff you pull from his stream is really good.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    Not sure how much I can post. Now my iPhone is slow. Via McBrien:

    …waiting for the Sandoval hearing to begin, despite the tragedy that unfolded earlier this afternoon just outside the courtroom.

    As Merchan said earlier, "We've come too far in this trial to jeopardize it now."

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: What a week!

    Thank you for sticking with it despite all the challenges - and not all from the court itself. You do excellent work here.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: I'm sure having to use your phone instead of your computer didn't help, but you still captured the day's events in rare form. Impressive! And a very positive public service too. 👍

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: I get that. I much prefer to use a computer when I have to type a lot. Trying to do that on a phone or even an iPad is a pain. Would it have been possible to tether your laptop to your phone when your regular internet was out?

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: LOL. There are times when I wish I could hardwire to my phone's connection. WiFi isn't always stable.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    NEW 🧵STARTS HERE
    I CANNOT READ REPLIES. "NFL" (NotForLaffy) appreciated

    1/...McBrien:

    At 2:35 p.m. we have audio again, but still no video, and we hear Merchan say "Thank you, please be seated."

    Merchan welcomes the jurors and starts by apologizing for how chilly it is in the courtroom.

    Video is back on, and both sides are seated in the same seats as this morning

    Merchan proceeds to read the boilerplate instructions for voir dire. Reminder: 30 mins per side

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: These are such full days. You are doing a great job keeping it all organized and coherent injecting just the right amount of snark and/or levity where appropriate.

    It's hard to believe that they may indeed finish jury selection tomorrow. Here's hoping that all of the jurors empaneled so far stay the course and that opening arguments begin on Monday. I'm impressed with Justice Merchan's handling of his courtroom under such difficult circumstances. I wouldn't expect this to get any easier as time goes on.

    GottaLaff , to random
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    👉🏼"In voting news, #Maine has become the latest state to join the National Popular Vote compact, which could transform the way presidents are elected in the United States. Sixteen states and Washington, D.C., have now pledged to award their combined 209 electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote. The compact will only go into effect once supporters of the compact control at least 270 votes." https://www.democracynow.org/2024/4/17/headlines/maine_joins_national_popular_vote_compact

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Still a ways to go, but we could get there. That would be such a huge boost to our democracy since it's impossible to pass a Constitutional amendment in today's political climate to eliminate the EC.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Yes, frustratingly so. With so much on the line though, just maybe enough states will recognize that the EC no longer functions as it should and hinders democracy in a very tangible way forcing a tyranny of a very gerrymandered minority over the majority.

    In other words, there is some hope.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Looking at the list of current signatories, Michigan is notably absent. Now that they've got a Democratic trifecta, just maybe they'll be next!

    GottaLaff , to random
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    I'm gonna go pack for awhile.

    I can't take any more premature Debbie Downer stuff, sorry.

    goodreedAJ ,
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    @GottaLaff: Definitely take care of you!

    GottaLaff , (edited ) to random
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    1/… I'll ask a favor of you.

    This trial hasn't even started yet, not one witness. Yet...

    I'm getting Doomers galore in my feed.

    A Trumpy helped convict him in an earlier trial.

    The prosecutors are vetting the jurors carefully.

    I am not Dooming. Not yet.

    Can we wait for the trial to be in full swing before predicting the worst possible outcome? Or do people thrive on constant pessimism? I just don't.

    Thanks so much for listening. Let's try to be hopeful.

    More…

    goodreedAJ ,
    @goodreedAJ@sfba.social avatar

    @GottaLaff @TheEjj: I would agree that trial is likely to be problematic if it stays with that judge based on the filings and the rulings so far, but even there, we won't really know until it plays out.

    On the upside, the documents case is very well documented, and Jack Smith's team is the best of the best, so I wouldn't write it off yet.

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