Back To The Law Books

The DoJ releases the memo we were promised in April backing SecTreas Mnuchin's refusal to cough up Trump's tax returns.

As I argued last May their argument was no doubt previewed in Mnuchin's 52 page letter of April 23 to House Chair Neal. However, I have yet to compare the two and, per the Times, a bit of legal water has passed under the bridge since April:

Mr. Engel’s argument that Congress lacked a legitimate legislative purpose in seeking Mr. Trump’s tax returns dovetailed closely with tracked arguments made by Mr. Trump’s legal team in lawsuits over congressional subpoenas to financial firms like Mazars USA for his financial records.

Two Federal District Court judges last month rejected that argument, refusing to block congressional subpoenas to such firms. One wrote that it was because Congress had put forth a valid argument for why it wanted them for legislative purposes and that it was “not for the court to question whether the committee’s actions are truly motivated by political considerations.” Mr. Trump is appealing the rulings.

One might wonder how the court can decline to assess the legitimacy of a Congressional legislative purpose in light of Watkins. My guess: In Watkins the Supreme Court found no legislative purpose was offered at all; in the current case, the Congress is offering a transparently pretextual one and daring the court to laugh out loud (OK, that is my humble editorial opinion).

Of course, the courts are often happy to swallow their whistle when the other two branches slug it out.

BONUS PEDANTRY: The Department of Redundancy Department loves the Times phrasing here:

Mr. Engel’s argument... dovetailed closely with tracked arguments made by Mr. Trump’s legal team".

This online publishing world moves so quickly - who has time to edit? Eventually that will get a correction but not a formal "Correction", being well within any gray/grey area. It took me a week to get this real one. Yeah, I keep score.

Comments

[peter]

Yankees are in a big slump. Not good.

[Narciso79]

Whatever happened to them, Peter, did Republicans ever subpoena Clinton's taxes

[peter]

It's called regression to the mean, and perhaps they will in the future, suggest you not hold your breath, narc

[Narciso79]

Re the last thread, yes that is the simmering frog climate on campus.

[Narciso79]

You'll be shocked to know, that heike mass doesn't think the Iranians are involved

[Melinda]

The speed of photonic communications:

https://www.afcea.org/content/harnessing-photons-communications

[Melinda]

The tanker tale may require more seasoning, as in salt.

[Narciso79]

So this guy thinks trump had created a climate of fear or something
https://las.depaul.edu/academics/political-science/faculty/Pages/david-lay-williams.aspx

[Melinda]

Well, it is Chicago.

[Narciso79]

So holographic level projection them.

[MissMarple2]

Nelinda,

Did you read that thread I linked about the tanker magnate?

[Melinda]

Hence, “salt”.

[Narciso79]

Now vekselberg did pony up 500 k to Cohen, it ended up costing him 3 billion with the sanctions

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

--Hong Kong's embattled leader #CarrieLam says a divisive bill that would allow extraditions to China will be "suspended" in a major climbdown by her government...--

Pretty sure whether she is climbing up or down, it is Beijing's government that is holding the ladder, or not holding it, if she has the temerity to climb the wrong direction.

[MissMarple2]

Chaos Actual
‏ @actual_chaos
7h7 hours ago

The greatest threat we have today in this nation is people that side with Iran. These conspiracy theorist puppet the lies of “false flags” for the number one state sponsor of terrorism. It’s the most reprehensible thing I’ve ever seen.
=========================
You can start with John Kerry and include Diane Feinstein and the New York Times and Washington Post.

[Narciso79]

Yes I wondered about that, shes the tail not the dog.

[MissMarple2]

Donald J. Trump
‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump
9m9 minutes ago

The Trump Economy is setting records, and has a long way up to go....However, if anyone but me takes over in 2020 (I know the competition very well), there will be a Market Crash the likes of which has not been seen before! KEEP AMERICA GREAT

[MissMarple2]

"I definitely don't buy her answer. ... She had to have benefited in some way, shape or form." pic.twitter.com/9xyWNsqilE

— Official Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 15, 2019

Elizabeth Warren is getting some flack from CNN.

[Pinandpuller]

Captain Hate

Do you remember Levin mentioning a writer that he didn't like during last night's show? He might have worked for The American Conservative. I bring it up because I've been reading a guy named Ron Unz lately and he used to be the publisher of TAC apparently: http://www.unz.com/runz/why-the-american-conservative-purged-its-own-publisher/#comments

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

Maybe the most consistently funny TWIP ever, I thought.

This comment was hilarious;

"--The tree Macron gave to Trump to symbolize friendship has died.--"

"--That shows more courage than anticipated. I'd have guessed it would surrender.--"

[Buckeye]

While the Dems are landing an occasional blow on DJT, the Dem field for the primaries is still a hot mess.

Everyone running is a "stone cold loser".

If nothing else, next 10 months are going to be very entertaining.

Still renewing my lease on The Ledge:)

[Narciso79]

Put a gatling gun on the ledge though.

[Buckeye]

Roger that Narciso:)

[Narciso79]

Oh it's full Brando with extra electrolytes.

[peter]

buck, glad you are feeling better. My son, who had major scoliosis related back fusion two years ago, got a great report from his surgeon this week, he is released from the doc's care.

[Captain Hate]

Pin,

I haven't listened to last night's podcast yet. There's nothing on his website to ID who he was talking about.

[Jim Eagle]

Thanks to Christopher Wray, the Ledge has been taking advantage of its new 55" 4K HD television and the new Strata-Loungers. A perfect environment to watch the Democrat debates and the start of the NFL 2019 season.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

-- I bring it up because I've been reading a guy named Ron Unz lately and he used to be the publisher of TAC apparently.--

Idiosyncratic and inconsistent are the terms I would use for the odd Mr Unz who first flitted across my radar screen 25 years ago when running for CA guvnuh.

[Buckeye]

Great news Peter!

So far my recovery is going better than expected.

Consider myself fortunate.

[Narciso79]

He just wanted to institute vouchers so the ended up with grey Davis, who is an artefact from one of those rob reiner movies of the late 90s.

[James D.]

Back from NYC. Had a great visit.

My 91 year old aunt does indeed have pink hair, but the tattoo probably isn’t going to happen.

My cousin is engaged to a total knockout who’s also really smart and very sweet (and from Alabama, so Beasts would approve) and she’s about 8 feet tall. Although it took him three years to realize she was the right girl, which speaks somewhat poorly for his judgment.

Now back to real life. Blah.

[clarice]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mexico-publishes-trumps-secret-deal-migration-233202372.html

[MissMarple2]

Wonder why the jury found actual malice? Internal emails are big part, including Raimondo's "unleash the students" and "fuck him" (directed at retired prof defending Gibsons) https://t.co/YpDtTQgAPg pic.twitter.com/pDEAb24pTb

— Legal Insurrection (@LegInsurrection) June 15, 2019

Link goes to transcripts of emails by the Dean of Students concerning the bakery in the Oberlin case. I think there is also a link to Legal Insurrection's site with a longer explanation.

[henry]

Robot vid at link.

https://twitter.com/ritapanahi/status/1139696958199566336?s=21

[JimNorCal]

.

[JimNorCal]

.

[Extraneus]

(Click to open.)

[MissMarple2]

Pouring down rain with thunder. Daggone it.

I am leaving in a bit to have lunch with a couple of friends. I have to get some gas, too.

[MissMarple2]

Well. since I have to get gas I guess I had better leave now.

I will check in later this afternoon.

[Extraneus]

(Click to open.)

[Extraneus]

Gillibrand: Pro-Life People Are Ineligible to Be Judges

[GUS]

I would love to meet Ben Rhodes and beat him into a bloody pulp.
A WAR IS indeed COMING.

These motherfuckers need a severe beat down.

[Extraneus]

VIDEO: ICE Opens Transgender Housing Unit for Illegals – Teaches Self-Grooming, Provides Hormone Therapy on Taxpayer Dime

ICE even holds classes to help transgender migrants appear more feminine while they wait to be processed.

[Rocco]

Love the lures Ext, I bet they catch fish too. They say use dark colored lures on dark overcast days and bright flashy ones on sunny days. My all time favorite is the #44 Sutton Spoon from Naples NY, made mostly for trolling trout and salmon. A few years back, Sutton stopped making these famous lures and big bucks were paid on ebay for originals with Naples stamped on them. They started making them again recently which is good news for trout and salmon guys.

https://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/topic/70122-sutton-spoon-company/

[Jim Eagle]

This may be the most awful way to buy the farm (die). I can't think of anything worse:)

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2019/06/14/two-die-being-trapped-in-septic-tank-in-shariatpur

[Stephanie Nene Not Your Normal Granma]

Jack, I just booked into Cinnamon Beach Condos for the Labor Day weekend - Thursday - Monday!

[Jim Eagle]

Steph,

We will be bringing Frederick back to Canterbury for start of Football practice. Then Southampton until November when football closes. We go up on the weekend for the games.

Damn hot and humid today. No breeze. Ocean is at 76F already.

[Stephanie Nene Not Your Normal Granma]

Well damn. You don't want to rent out the Florida property for that weekend do you? :)

[Manuel Transmission]

Update on the senior center kerfuffle from my bud who went to the Legion last night:

There was a trespass notice given by the Sheriff’s office to a veteran banning him from the Mullis Center for life. All the guy wanted was to join others for the 30 second pledge. That apparently is offensive enough. I was sent a huge download of documents this morning re this circumstance and asked to get involved - we’ll see. My review so far appears to show an arrogant, out of control facility manager, and a leftist chairwoman with an agenda. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week folks will be picketing the Mullis Center from 1100-1300 with signs calling for them to reinstate the pledge. I’ll likely join them.

[Narciso79]

Got the car back the repairs fot the replaced fender plus the headlights 400.

[clarice]

https://dailycaller.com/2019/06/15/education-universities-foreign-cash/

[Jane]

That sounds like good news Narc, is it?

[Jane]

Clarice,

That's pretty amazing. The shit liberals are getting away with is never-ending.

[MissMarple2]

Back from lumch.

My friend's neighbor texted her a picture of his rain gague - 2.3" as of 1:00 PM!!

Streets were flooding with water on the way home; I had to drive in the center lane most of the way to avoid throwing water up. Creeks are already overflowing.

[MissMarple2]

https://twitchy.com/brads-313037/2019/06/15/the-democrat-party-debates-have-been-split-into-2-teams-and-you-can-color-us-confused-about-it-all/

What this shows us is that:

1. The democrats make everything way too complicated.
2. The democrats have no sense of humor.

[Buckeye]

I'm gonna batten down the hatches MM:)

[MissMarple2]

Buckeye,

You'd better! It's a cold rain, too. I had the heater on in my car coming home and now I am considering dragging out my space heater for here in the bedroom.

Boy, is my daughter glad she mowed the grass last night!

[MissMarple2]

Paul Sperry
‏ @paulsperry_
16h16 hours ago

BREAKING: Washington Post is preparing an "in-depth" story on the mysterious Mifsud bylined by Shane Harris, who is good pals with Benjamin Wittes, Comey's top spinmeister

[Narciso79]

Have they decided hes alive now,

[MissMarple2]

Narciso,

Who knows? I don't trust anything coming from the Post or anything connected to Comey.

[MissMarple2]

https://www.breitbart.com/border/2019/06/08/350-congolese-migrants-arrive-in-san-antonio/

French-speaking, too. I forgot about the Congo speaking French.

[Jim Eagle]

MM,

Belgian French. Former Belgian colony.

[henry]

Great, send them to Belgium.

[James D.]

BREAKING: Washington Post is preparing an "in-depth" story on the mysterious Mifsud bylined by Shane Harris, who is good pals with Benjamin Wittes, Comey's top spinmeister

So it’s going to be a serving of lies and slander, with a side dish of treason. Lovely.

[Jim Eagle]

Angola is Portuguese speaking. Should be sent to Brazil and the Congolese to Quebec.

[Manuel Transmission]

I sent out AB's link to Codevilla on AG yesterday. My bud who dug in deeper on the Legion mess posted this afterward:

What a very interesting article. One influential person in my life said “notice what you are noticing.” Meaning, be aware of your surroundings and be conscious of what is happening, both economically and socially. In that vein, I was asked to attend an award event at the American Legion last night. While they are self described as being non-political, they were absolutely united in their revolution against the so called political elites who are “...wreaking vengeance upon the rest of America.” (See quote below). The Mullis Center, a public service institution, is being lead by folks who are decidedly un-American - they will not fly the American flag on the massive flag pole in front of their building, and will not allow prayer or reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance in their facility - comparing such acts to a Nazi salute. It would appear the patriots who love America are frustrated and looking for an outlet to openly revolt against the Left who have been wreaking vengeance against America. This circumstance provides such an outlet. Believe me when I say these veterans have the bit between their teeth.

I believe that America, those that are the center, or center right, of the political spectrum, have been thoroughly alienated by the Left. A Left that has now shown their true colors by willingly shoving down the throats of their fellow Americans infanticide, socialism, open borders, and the dismantling of the Constitution. America’s center, and right of that, have been looking for something to latch onto and are a hairs breath away from revolting openly. In short, this would appear to be a powder keg waiting for a spark. So this notion of “revolution,” as addressed in the article you sent this morning is, in my view, very real.

From the article - “With the advent of the Resistance, the ruling class merged with radical identity groups and has become dependent upon them for electoral success. Because radical blacks, third-wave feminists, LGBTQ identitarians, etc. regard most Americans as enemies, given that “intersectionality”—i.e., concurrence in wreaking vengeance upon the rest of America—is what binds these disparate groups together, a victorious Democratic Party’s extra-legal rule will be far more noxious next time around.”

Gettin' close, folks...

[clarice]

Typepad ate my last comment--an endorsement of Thin Slim Foods bread, buns and bagels--available on Amazon and at Walmart.

[Manuel Transmission]

While I'm throwing out War & Peace sized posts, let me do one last one:

Excerpted from Mauldin's newsletter — food for thought:

The Referees Suck

Michael Lewis has just finished a seven-part podcast called Against the Rules. He begins by talking about referees, specifically the referees who toil at NBA games. Later episodes deal with the “referees” in financial markets, courts of law, civil society, and government.

The first podcast discusses how the NBA has completely reformed the entire process of refereeing NBA games. Every play in every game is reviewed real-time from an NBA studio with 110 screens that sees every play from many different angles. When a referee in any NBA game asks for a replay, other referees in Secaucus, New Jersey call up the play, revisit it in slow motion and from different perspectives, and then make a final call within 30 seconds. Sometimes the ruling on the floor stands, sometimes it is overturned—in either case accompanied by loud crowd reactions.

Because every play is now reviewed and referees after the game get to see where they made mistakes, the game has improved significantly. Referees now see their own biases and learn how to deal with them. The game has never been judged more accurately than it has been the last few seasons.

The interesting thing is that there has been almost no recognition of this improvement by fans or players. The elite players are frustrated they no longer get away with what they had in the past or what other great players did in decades gone by. Think Larry Bird and the extra step or two he took on his drives to the basket. It doesn’t happen today. Today’s players are generally held to a clear standard, whether rookie or all-star, and the all-stars don’t like it. They think they deserve that extra step or a little grace in the judgment call. Not happening anymore.

But the tone of the fans is also increasingly negative. To listen to the roar in the arenas around the country, you would think we are at an all-time low in the judgment of referees.

Small confession: Before I recently moved to Puerto Rico, I had been a 35-year Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder. I have done more than my fair share of yelling at refs. Sometimes, sitting next to minority owners for the team, I was encouraged to yell at the refs. They cited research showing part of the home-court advantage came from abusing the refs. More than a few of us were delighted by Mark Cuban turning red faced as he yelled at the refs from the floor. It was just part of the game.

And yet, Michael Lewis says this is part of the increasing coarsening of the culture. It is not just in sports that we yell, “Refs, you suck!” There is a general feeling that the system is rigged and the referees no longer fair. It’s not just in sports but also in the law, government, markets, in all the areas of life where we need outside judges to level the playing field. Nearly all of us have had our children angrily tell us, “That’s not fair!” Ref, you suck.

We resort to lawyers at the drop of a hat, looking for arcane rules to solve problems that used to be solved in more civil and less expensive ways. We take to the streets condemning those who disagree with our sense of fairness and justice as part of a system that needs to be changed, if not brought down. Ref, you suck.

Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders both said in the last election that the system was rigged. Trump clearly struck a sympathetic chord in enough voters to become president. Sanders is still arguing that the tax system or the electoral system is rigged. So are many of his fellow candidates. Ref, you suck.

One of the things you and I can agree on is that populist sentiments are not designed to produce compromise and solutions. Trump, and many of his associates, see problems in immigration or globalization or China or big government while the left increasingly sees income and wealth disparity as a core problem, along with climate change, racism, and a host of other issues.

But the overarching theme on both left and right is that the “referees” are no longer fair or impartial. There is a general distrust of those who are protected by circumstances and wealth by those who consider themselves unprotected. More and more of our fellow citizens feel that they are in the unprotected category and that the referees suck. They no longer trust the leaders of either party to solve problems. They increasingly prefer to throw a wrench in the system rather than look for a solution or compromise.

[Marlene]

Good afternoon! Many of the asylum seekers sent from San Antonio to Portland have already headed to Canada. Others may be resettled in Lewiston,because of the French speaking community. Yesterday Gov.Mills and Chellie Pingree-D (ME-1) met with city and state officials to discuss the influx of people.
Susan Collins and Angus King sent representatives from their offices. I guess they couldn't show up to deal with the crisis.

[Marlene]

By the way,the state and local officials have welcomed the asylum seekers with open arms. Maine needs a young and diverse population because the state is too white and too old and this solves the problem! So they say.

[Captain Hate]

I don't care what Michael Lewis says, the reffing in the NBA Finals was terrible. But at least it didn't change the ultimate outcome in any game imo. Also it's a difficult game to ref correctly.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

--2. The democrats have no sense of humor.--

Then why do they have 20+ jokes running for president?
Admittedly they're not very good jokes.

[lyle]

Pro tip: if you want to keep your BP down DO NOT read that long thread post on Twitchy about Oberlin and the administration’s complicity its harassment of that bakery. What an outrage. Good on the townies.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

How is this "pride" parade not a CPS case for the parent of this poor kid?
If the parent took his/her kid down to meet the local flasher it sure as hell would be.

[MissMarple2]

Retweeted by the President. Video at the link.

For weeks Republicans have asked for an emergency funding bill to help fix the worsening border crisis. Immediate action is needed—even the New York Times agrees! But Pelosi won't bring it to the floor because Democrats would rather fight w/ @realDonaldTrump than solve problems. pic.twitter.com/MiYSqjb6KQ

— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) June 15, 2019

[MissMarple2]

Retweeted by the President. Link goes to a tweet.

Thank you Steve & family! https://t.co/1lgfJjHRfH

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2019

[MissMarple2]

Retweeted by the President. Link goes to a tweet by Katie Hopkins in London.

LONDON needs a new mayor ASAP. Khan is a disaster - will only get worse! https://t.co/n7qKI3BbD2

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2019

[MissMarple2]

Retweeted by the President. Link goes to video with Greg Jarrett and 2 guests.

pic.twitter.com/jlmmOCxk9H

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2019

[MissMarple2]

Donald J. Trump
‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump
44m44 minutes ago

The Corrupt News Media is totally out of control - they have given up and don’t even care anymore. Mainstream Media has ZERO CREDIBILITY - TOTAL LOSERS!

[Jim Eagle]

Tiger just bogeyed No. 7 which is playing at 98 yards today. That may be the strongest indication this US Open is not in the cards for him to win this year.

[Marlene]

Our neighbor down the road graded the gravel road yesterday afternoon. His large chocolate lab (Ruger) follows the tractor down the road. Hubby waits for the neighbor at the end of our driveway with a beer and they talk. Our Scout really thinks he is as big and badass as Ruger. It is comical to watch the two of them play together. When Scout cries in his sleep at night,maybe he thinks he's Ruger. :)

[MissMarple2]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-06-13/the-u-s-is-purging-chinese-americans-from-top-cancer-research

[Narciso79]

What have we hete:

https://dailycaller.com/2019/06/14/stefan-halper-cambridge-spy-conference/

[Narciso79]

Strike 2 or is it 3:
https://mobile.twitter.com/ZoeTillman/status/1139665599011966982

[GUS]

The POTUS speaking about the MFM is right on target.
It is impossible to watch the clown show on CNN or MSNBC, watching the nancy boys and hard ass broads twist everything into ORANGE MAN BAD 24/7 and not recognize that these freaks are not right in the head. And you can tell just by looking at them.

On a related matter, the most accurate reporting that I see on a every day basis, is the LOVELY MISS MARPLE and her substitute the LOVELY HENRY.

[Jim Eagle]

The fact Dearlove and Halper are coming out of the shadows to attend a "spies only" conference tells me that they don't think Trump can drain the swamp or even come close.

[MissMarple2]

Why, thank you GUS!

[Extraneus]

Either that or they realize it's not just going to blow over, like they were hoping.

[peter]

Hear hear! Without my JOM friends I ‘d be as lost and confused as the vast majority who rely on the MSM for information

[MissMarple2]

https://www.breitbart.com/the-media/2019/06/15/completely-erroneous-new-york-times-busted-for-fake-news-story-on-harriet-tubman-20-bill/

[MissMarple2]

Mark Lutchman
🇺🇸
‏ @marklutchman
4m4 minutes ago

A lot of people are talking about a civil war. Here’s the problem.

One side has 8 billion bullets,

The other side can’t figure out which bathroom to use.
=============================

Hahahahaha!

[MissMarple2]

Flightcrew
🇺🇸
‏ @flightcrew
1m1 minute ago

For Those Coming To The Trump Rally In Orlando Florida on June 18, Parking Is Going To Be EXTREMELY LIMITED Downtown (Especially With The Adjacent Geico Parking Garage Being Closed For The President.) Please Consider Using Orlando's SunRail To Get Downtown.https://twitter.com/ridesunrail

[GUS]

Mentally ill border jumpers getting aided in their lunacy by THE PEOPLE of THE UNITED STATES. We are housing these criminals, we are feeding this mentally defective illegals, and we are giving them hormones so that the criminal illegals can pretend to be the opposite sex from what they actually are.
Then we are teaching these people, WHO CAME HERE FOR LOVE, how to groom themselves. Let me opine briefly......IF they don't know how to groom themselves, it would seem that they haven't thought this ADDADICTOMY thing through.

[Extraneus]

WaPo Hits New Low: Takes Disgusting Parting Shot at Sarah Sanders: Lying “Queen of Gaslighting”

After the White House announced on Thursday that press secretary Sarah Sanders would be stepping down at the end of the month, Sanders said she hoped to be remembered for her transparency and honesty. Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan’s first impulse upon hearing that was to laugh. “But lying to citizens while being paid by them really isn’t all that funny,” Sullivan writes. “She misled reporters or tried to, and through them, misled the American people.” Read more by clicking the link in our bio. (Photo by @jabinbotsford/The Washington Post)

[JimNorCal]

Several pundits have noted a new media echo chamber in which Sen Liz Warren is said to have a solution for this and a solution for that.

This piece argues that key Dems are concluding a Warren/ButtGuy ticket is the best choice. Does the composition of the two Dem debate groups reveal anything?

h/t BJG
Did NBC/DNC manipulate debate lineup to favor Buttigieg and Fauxahontas?
https://dbdailyupdate.com/index.php/2019/06/15/dems-nbc-structure-debate-lineups-to-promote-the-partys-new-dream-ticket/

[Captain Hate]

See you next Tuesday, Sullivan.

[Jim Eagle]

Orlando is going to be a zoo. One reason I am not going.

[Pinandpuller]

ICE even holds classes to help transgender migrants appear more feminine while they wait to be processed.

Every day when I wake up I feel more like George Taylor.

[rich]

>>>Either that or they realize it's not just going to blow over, like they were hoping.

Posted by: Extraneus | June 15, 2019 at 05:06 PM<<<

we've been re-litigating the 2016 election since November 9th 2016 ... we've lost the house, almost lost the senate, and still being flooded with legal and illegal immigration ... they are taking a victory lap.