Jack, conspiracy theory or not, I have been beating the drum for some time. The Arizona Rep was a test. Dragging his feet. Now, he will simply refuse to seat the Dems.
For me, if there is anything that allows this to be placed in a "Legitimate and Plausible Concern," and NOT in a "conspiracy" box...it's Judge Michael Luttig suggesting that he sees it as being plausible, that he has been told by people "in the know" that it's a plan that's been seriously discussed...and...that he's alarmed.
Our only recourse if they do this is a national strike. We must shut down the entire country. Immediately. And we must have millions descend on Washington!
Patricia...thank you for this. I understand the urgency, and I share it.
You're right...that if something like this ever happened, Americans would have EVERY right to respond. That means peaceful protest...mass assembly...and organized nonviolent pressure...all of which are part of our tradition from the civil rights movement onward. Millions of citizens...peacefully demanding that their elected representatives BE SEATED...would be a powerful statement.
I'd note one thing: If we wait until January 3rd...we've already let the MOST important window close.
Judge Luttig was clear...that once House Republicans decide to do this...there's NO clean legal way to stop it in time.
That's why his two answers are aimed at NOW...not later: demand on-the-record commitments...from EVERY House Republican BEFORE Election Day...and turn out in numbers SO LARGE... that the scheme becomes impossible.
"You're right...that if something like this ever happened, Americans would have EVERY right to respond. That means peaceful protest...mass assembly...and organized nonviolent pressure...all of which are part of our tradition from the civil rights movement onward. Millions of citizens...peacefully demanding that their elected representatives BE SEATED...would be a powerful statement."
Then...we keep going. Violence would hand them a pretext for crackdowns...turn the public against us...and betray the democracy we're defending.
Research shows nonviolent movements succeed about TWICE as often. Peaceful persistence wins...and the work starts now.
That's not an answer that gives you an adrenaline boost...or that packs the energy of some of the wilder options...and that's exactly why some people gravitate toward those wilder options.
However, my belief... is that the more boring path forward...is STILL the most effective...even then.
I agree. However, we should not assume the other side will play fair. Donny will use whatever is available to him to hang onto power. Up to and including trying to mobilize the military to put down a peaceful “rebellion”. I wish we didn’t even have to consider this possibility, but remember who we are dealing with here. Who are his role models? Putin. Kim Jon Un, Xi. And he has succeeded in surrounding himself with like-minded sociopaths. Nobody builds a fortified bunker “ballroom”, a giant armed arch, cuts off public access to the White House, etc. as a gift to the people. Does this mean that we should cower in paralysis? No. Just not be naive and make sure there are contingency plans should the shit hit the fan in a serious fashion. OK. Cassandra out.
I think it's a smart idea for people to expect a rocky ride.
For each person reading, I would suggest writing down...yes...actually writing down on paper each fear or concern you have.
Then, for each one of them, ask yourself, "Is there anything I can do about it?
If there isn't, put it in a column with a heading of: Things to Be Aware Of.
If there is, write that one down under a column heading of: Things I can do something about. Then, for each one, write down the things you can feasibly do.
Then set aside time each day to actually do them.
This will do wonders for keeping the "blues" away and keeping you focused on what matters...and at a time like this...that's a BIG deal.
We are in crunch time now. I operate from an important belief: We handle everything in life with grace and resilience...especially the nasty and ugly stuff...when it doesn't catch us off guard and we know about it ahead of time.
Not only that, but...when there are actions we can take...it's the only way those actions can be taken. If we don't know we need to take them...we probably won't.
If Johnson is key to this plot, why can’t he be removed as Speaker before Jan 3? I know the mechanism is a motion to vacate, but I don’t know what convoluted steps are involved. (Time to find the House rules and stuff on my computer.)
I had that question as well...and had to look...to answer it clearly for myself.
Under current House rules...ONLY a Republican with 8 GOP co-sponsors can force a vote to oust the Speaker. Even then...Republicans would likely elect ANOTHER Republican with the same powers.
The best check is getting GOP members to PUBLICLY commit to seating every winner.
Does that "lock it up"? Far from it, but when that's one of the ONLY two answers for how to push back on this, that Judge Michael Luttig gives us...I write the words "VERY IMPORTANT" next to it...in my mind...and then highlight it in YELLOW.
Thanks for the technical info; I had a vague recollection that the House had changed the rule so that a single member couldn’t create havoc (or more havoc than usual). And if there weren’t enough reasons to vote, this is another one. In fact, it might be the best reason (if one was making a list).
I first saw this on a Katie Couric podcast, and my only thought was that if enough people know about this plan and tell everyone that they know, the plan will already have been exposed to the point of failure. Calling Congress, leaking it to the media, restacking it, seriously, leak it to the world media. It’s just the sort of thing that media in other countries would love to talk about.
Jack - thanks for sharing this information which is alarming. I was not aware of the judge’s opinion piece or his interview with Couric. It pulls together many recent comments by Trump and others that made no sense other than political bluster. I look at the situation differently now. Jay
I read this on another substack recently and thought about what kind of horrifying event it would be. I keep telling people they have to vote and will passing it along to others.
Yep, this is definitely worrisome….. I have mad respect for Judge Luttig and when he speaks, I listen. Brilliant man, so measured, no hyperbole. Why he was never nominated to SCOTUS is beyond me…..
I am glad he laid out exactly what we need to do.
And thank you, Jack for this article!! without spin and scare because there’s a lot of it out there right now.
Jesus H. Christ! I believe He would agree that it’s OK to call His name in profound shock and repudiation of this possibility. I cal for His intervention and that of every entity on the side of love. We know these people are a bottomless pit of amorality and corruption so there’s no reason to believe they won’t try ANY DIRTY TRICK they think they can get away with. Thank you Judge! Thank you @jackhopkins. As always, to be FOREWARNED is to be FOREARMED. Let’s get this out TO EVERYONE!
I've sent the following to Rep. Maxine Dexter. Please copy to your representatives:
Re: Mike Johnson's plan to replace the House clerk with someone who will refuse to seat democrats elected on Nov. 3. According to Judge Michael Luttig it's being discussed. Are you able to confirm this? Would you be willing to ask the Speaker on the House floor to confirm or deny it? See this article for referenve. It is very frightening. If true, a whole lot of noise is in order right now.
There is a potential additional remedy. That is to “vacate the chair” right after the November elections and vote in a new Speaker. All Dems and a handful of Republicans can remove Mike Johnson as Speaker. Is that a feasible option?
I will be writing my Republican House members. Working hard to get out the vote. Waiting until Jan 3rd is too late. Securing pledges from House Republicans and voting with margins too big to dismiss. That is our offense, and I would rather play offense on this than defense!
Holy crapoly. Well, yet another thing to keep us up at night. BUT, you are correct: turn out like nobody's business, vote BLUE everywhere, and if that fails, we march on DC relentlessly. #HoldingFast
Jack, conspiracy theory or not, I have been beating the drum for some time. The Arizona Rep was a test. Dragging his feet. Now, he will simply refuse to seat the Dems.
Sue P...agreed.
For me, if there is anything that allows this to be placed in a "Legitimate and Plausible Concern," and NOT in a "conspiracy" box...it's Judge Michael Luttig suggesting that he sees it as being plausible, that he has been told by people "in the know" that it's a plan that's been seriously discussed...and...that he's alarmed.
-Jack
Our only recourse if they do this is a national strike. We must shut down the entire country. Immediately. And we must have millions descend on Washington!
Patricia...thank you for this. I understand the urgency, and I share it.
You're right...that if something like this ever happened, Americans would have EVERY right to respond. That means peaceful protest...mass assembly...and organized nonviolent pressure...all of which are part of our tradition from the civil rights movement onward. Millions of citizens...peacefully demanding that their elected representatives BE SEATED...would be a powerful statement.
I'd note one thing: If we wait until January 3rd...we've already let the MOST important window close.
Judge Luttig was clear...that once House Republicans decide to do this...there's NO clean legal way to stop it in time.
That's why his two answers are aimed at NOW...not later: demand on-the-record commitments...from EVERY House Republican BEFORE Election Day...and turn out in numbers SO LARGE... that the scheme becomes impossible.
-Jack
"You're right...that if something like this ever happened, Americans would have EVERY right to respond. That means peaceful protest...mass assembly...and organized nonviolent pressure...all of which are part of our tradition from the civil rights movement onward. Millions of citizens...peacefully demanding that their elected representatives BE SEATED...would be a powerful statement."
And if that doesn't work?
Great question, dlnevins.
Then...we keep going. Violence would hand them a pretext for crackdowns...turn the public against us...and betray the democracy we're defending.
Research shows nonviolent movements succeed about TWICE as often. Peaceful persistence wins...and the work starts now.
That's not an answer that gives you an adrenaline boost...or that packs the energy of some of the wilder options...and that's exactly why some people gravitate toward those wilder options.
However, my belief... is that the more boring path forward...is STILL the most effective...even then.
-Jack
I agree. However, we should not assume the other side will play fair. Donny will use whatever is available to him to hang onto power. Up to and including trying to mobilize the military to put down a peaceful “rebellion”. I wish we didn’t even have to consider this possibility, but remember who we are dealing with here. Who are his role models? Putin. Kim Jon Un, Xi. And he has succeeded in surrounding himself with like-minded sociopaths. Nobody builds a fortified bunker “ballroom”, a giant armed arch, cuts off public access to the White House, etc. as a gift to the people. Does this mean that we should cower in paralysis? No. Just not be naive and make sure there are contingency plans should the shit hit the fan in a serious fashion. OK. Cassandra out.
Agree, Chichi.
I think it's a smart idea for people to expect a rocky ride.
For each person reading, I would suggest writing down...yes...actually writing down on paper each fear or concern you have.
Then, for each one of them, ask yourself, "Is there anything I can do about it?
If there isn't, put it in a column with a heading of: Things to Be Aware Of.
If there is, write that one down under a column heading of: Things I can do something about. Then, for each one, write down the things you can feasibly do.
Then set aside time each day to actually do them.
This will do wonders for keeping the "blues" away and keeping you focused on what matters...and at a time like this...that's a BIG deal.
-Jack
👆🏼👆🏼🚨🚨 MUST read!
Thank you, Annie.
-Jack
Tks. Good warning info to prepare for.
#Holding Fast
John Close... you're welcome.
We are in crunch time now. I operate from an important belief: We handle everything in life with grace and resilience...especially the nasty and ugly stuff...when it doesn't catch us off guard and we know about it ahead of time.
Not only that, but...when there are actions we can take...it's the only way those actions can be taken. If we don't know we need to take them...we probably won't.
Keep HoldingFast
-Jack
If Johnson is key to this plot, why can’t he be removed as Speaker before Jan 3? I know the mechanism is a motion to vacate, but I don’t know what convoluted steps are involved. (Time to find the House rules and stuff on my computer.)
Ranulf...Great question.
I had that question as well...and had to look...to answer it clearly for myself.
Under current House rules...ONLY a Republican with 8 GOP co-sponsors can force a vote to oust the Speaker. Even then...Republicans would likely elect ANOTHER Republican with the same powers.
The best check is getting GOP members to PUBLICLY commit to seating every winner.
Does that "lock it up"? Far from it, but when that's one of the ONLY two answers for how to push back on this, that Judge Michael Luttig gives us...I write the words "VERY IMPORTANT" next to it...in my mind...and then highlight it in YELLOW.
-Jack
Thanks for the technical info; I had a vague recollection that the House had changed the rule so that a single member couldn’t create havoc (or more havoc than usual). And if there weren’t enough reasons to vote, this is another one. In fact, it might be the best reason (if one was making a list).
I couldn't agree more, Ranulf.
-Jack
I first saw this on a Katie Couric podcast, and my only thought was that if enough people know about this plan and tell everyone that they know, the plan will already have been exposed to the point of failure. Calling Congress, leaking it to the media, restacking it, seriously, leak it to the world media. It’s just the sort of thing that media in other countries would love to talk about.
Mary Ann...exactly right.
Sunlight...is the BEST disinfectant...and a plan everyone KNOWS about...is much harder to pull off.
Keep sharing it...keep calling...and...keep asking your representative to commit PUBLICLY
Thank you, Mary Ann. Glad you're here!
-Jack
WE ARE NOT INTIMIDATED!!
The ONLY chance we have...
IS VOTING in OVERWHELMING numbers!!
Get off your phone and VOTE!!
AND take All your friends with you!
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER and WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!
Jack - thanks for sharing this information which is alarming. I was not aware of the judge’s opinion piece or his interview with Couric. It pulls together many recent comments by Trump and others that made no sense other than political bluster. I look at the situation differently now. Jay
I read this on another substack recently and thought about what kind of horrifying event it would be. I keep telling people they have to vote and will passing it along to others.
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Yep, this is definitely worrisome….. I have mad respect for Judge Luttig and when he speaks, I listen. Brilliant man, so measured, no hyperbole. Why he was never nominated to SCOTUS is beyond me…..
I am glad he laid out exactly what we need to do.
And thank you, Jack for this article!! without spin and scare because there’s a lot of it out there right now.
#HoldingFast…. with a phone call to make.
Several phone calls.
Jesus H. Christ! I believe He would agree that it’s OK to call His name in profound shock and repudiation of this possibility. I cal for His intervention and that of every entity on the side of love. We know these people are a bottomless pit of amorality and corruption so there’s no reason to believe they won’t try ANY DIRTY TRICK they think they can get away with. Thank you Judge! Thank you @jackhopkins. As always, to be FOREWARNED is to be FOREARMED. Let’s get this out TO EVERYONE!
I've sent the following to Rep. Maxine Dexter. Please copy to your representatives:
Re: Mike Johnson's plan to replace the House clerk with someone who will refuse to seat democrats elected on Nov. 3. According to Judge Michael Luttig it's being discussed. Are you able to confirm this? Would you be willing to ask the Speaker on the House floor to confirm or deny it? See this article for referenve. It is very frightening. If true, a whole lot of noise is in order right now.
https://thejackhopkins.substack.com/p/judge-michael-luttig-the-loophole?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3nger8
I need a cookie - and maybe some oxygen.
There is a potential additional remedy. That is to “vacate the chair” right after the November elections and vote in a new Speaker. All Dems and a handful of Republicans can remove Mike Johnson as Speaker. Is that a feasible option?
I will be writing my Republican House members. Working hard to get out the vote. Waiting until Jan 3rd is too late. Securing pledges from House Republicans and voting with margins too big to dismiss. That is our offense, and I would rather play offense on this than defense!
Holy crapoly. Well, yet another thing to keep us up at night. BUT, you are correct: turn out like nobody's business, vote BLUE everywhere, and if that fails, we march on DC relentlessly. #HoldingFast