NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW - MUELLER FIRING RAPID RESPONSE

[workinclasszero]

Donald Trump is publicly considering firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the person leading the Department of Justice investigation of possible criminal actions by Donald Trump and members of his presidential campaign, as well as the efforts to conceal those activities.

It's also possible that, rather than firing Mueller, Trump will obstruct Mueller's investigation by issuing blanket pardons of key figures being investigated, firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein (the person overseeing Mueller), or taking other actions to prevent the investigation from being conducted freely.

Any one of these actions would create a constitutional crisis for our country. It would demand an immediate and unequivocal response to show that we will not tolerate abuse of power from Donald Trump.

Our response in the hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next and whether Congress—the only body with the constitutional power and obligation to rein Trump in from his rampage—will do anything to stand up to him.

That's why we're preparing to hold emergency "Nobody is Above the Law" rallies around the country, in the event they are needed.

https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/

[coeur_de_lion]

1. Be ready . . .

[global1]

2. We Need To Be Proactive Here....

We're on the verge of a constitutional crisis. We all know that it will come sooner or later. Why are we waiting for the situation to worsen? This needs to be handled proactively and something needs to be done to rein in Trump now before nothing can be done.

[CrispyQ]

6. What can be done?

One side has thrown the rule book in the trash & the other side still respects rule of law. The closer we get to November, the more dangerous it becomes, especially if he feels the GOP will lose control of the House. Expect anything.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. As long as they maintain control of the Senate they still win

because even if somehow, Dems decide to go the impeachment route, unless there is a rout in the House, there wouldn't be enough members to impeach and even if there were, there certainly wouldn't be enough to convict in the Senate. And if impeached, he ain't going nowhere.

The only hope would be Schneiderman.

[CrispyQ]

11. I wasn't even thinking impeachment.

I was thinking a dem House could possibly staunch the flow. If the GOP keeps Congress, I don't know how much of a country we'll have left by 2020. President shithole is now talking about a 2nd round of tax cuts, probably suggested to him by his new advisor Kudlow. They want it all. Every last bit. Their goal is 21st century feudalism.

[BumRushDaShow]

21. Yes

It is required that we take the House as a minimum to halt this stuff in its tracks. But this is why they are trying so hard to get as much as they can enacted because then there would be no way to overturn it outside of the courts - at least until 2020 with either a Dem President and/or a large enough Dem Senate and large enough Dem House.

[world wide wally]

20. Our ace in the hole is the state of New York

Trump has no control over that and I am sure Mueller is not only sharing his information with them but will also be a willing witness. Best of all, Trump will have no power to pardon.

[erronis]

35. There are some other pretty powerful states with the ability to put a major crimp

in the attempted takeover by the koch's.

[ollie10]

33. Nixon was removed because congress knew

He didnt have public support.

The people should show they have had enough

That is the only thing that will get the Rs in congress to do anything

[backtoblue]

3. Kick and Rec

I could not sleep last night. Our country is being gutted and pillaged by a lying, narcissistic, evil, scum of a person.
Dear Universe - not all humans are this wretched.

[SergeStorms]

55. I suffer from 'Trump fatigue' as well.

I'm at the point where I must take a day or two off periodically, just to get his name, face, and voice out of my head. I find myself getting in terrible moods, experiencing so much anger and frustration I hardly recognize myself. I started taking Trump "mental health days", which includes no access to ANY national or world news, no DU (VERY hard to do!), no MSNBC or CNN, no newspapers, magazines etc. In other words, completely removed from any chance of seeing or hearing about that person. I feel it's necessary for my survival.

I know many others on DU have similar regimens. You must protect your mental and physical health. Trump is dangerous to all living things. His level of toxicity is off the charts, so we must take necessary precautions against this horrible disease. That's pretty much what Trump boils down to; a disease.

Don't lose any more sleep over that disease. Be kind to yourself. Believe me, that shitstain will still be there after your "vacation".

[H2O Man]

4. Recommended.

Thank you for this!

[workinclasszero]

5. Trump might be getting ready to pull the trigger

His mouthpiece lawyer is testing the waters it seems.

Thought it was a good time to post this just in case Twitler and his party want to start a constitutional crisis.

[global1]

7. And What Happens When This Blows Up To A Full Constitutional Crisis?......

Trump has gotten away with everything he's pulled so far. Who will hold him accountable? The MSM? The Repugs? Former Presidents? Are we just going to give him a pass on this too?

[mythology]

49. Yes, Trump has gotten away with everything

Thus why the ACA is gone, Mexico has paid for the border wall, Hillary Clinton is in jail, the Muslim ban is in place, Roy Moore is a sitting senator, etc. Oh, wait, no those things didn't happen.

Perspective is a good thing.

[bettyellen]

51. We thought Comey was bad- but it brought in Mueller and many indictments.

[Texin]

28. And it's just about Saturday night.

[leftinalabama]

9. What will rallies do ?

I’m all for rallies if they accomplish something. If we rally without a clear demand of action it will be seen as people just opposed to Twitler. Somehow we must boycott work or school or do something big that would hurt the people in charge. Many times an action requires an equal or greater opposite reaction to be effective. I don’t know the answer and I am all aboard with something. Any ideas? Something huge, powerful and effective is in order at this time

[DemocracyMouse]

13. People flooded Tiannanmen Sq, Tahrir Sq, surrounded the Kremlin...

Shouldn't OUR re-democracy movement surround the Whitehouse? (And PEACEFULLY in order to be effective.)

[nocalflea]

57. Yes. I too have been thinking of an occupancy ala Tahrir Sq. and Maidan Sq. Ukraine.

[quakerboy]

60. People went those places

And look at China, Egypt, and Russia now.

[workinclasszero]

15. Well we could sit on our fat asses and bitch about it on the internet

Or we could take it to the street and start a national movement to impeach the criminal Russian agent that is shitting all over the Constitution.

If you don't think that's effective I would point you to the civil rights movement and the anti Vietnam war movement.

Would it happen overnight? No but if you have a better plan I'm all ears.

[leftinalabama]

18. I was part of the Vietnam protests

We had a clear message. Stop this senseless war now! So maybe we could march on the White House and demand his resignation or his impeachment. I’m all for doing something like this and would participate gladly I just want some unifying message. I doubt the present Congress will do impeachment and I doubt Twitler will resign. I think it will have to be something larger because this country can’t survive much more of this fascist crap. Again I’m all in but I don’t know the best way to attack this in the best way.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

25. Something powerful to get Wall Street's attention would be good.

Don't think most Americans would seriously support that idea, though. We've been brainwashed to be loyal consumers to the grave.

................

[erronis]

32. Kicking them in the balls (Wall Street) and limiting purchases to RW corporations

That should get some attention, at least. Shareholders and stockholders hate to see their Little Precious investments decline.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

43. That's what I was thinking too.

This could be a highly targeted effort against one or two corporations to get out the "message". If we as consumers would not buy certain items for just one reporting quarter so that sales were seriously dented, that would have an impact. Then, move against another product/corporation the next quarter.

I have no idea how that could be organized to have enough impact (MoveOn, ActBlue, etc.), but some of the previous boycotts have had impacts on corporate malfeasance. However, as I see it, this would not be necessarily to target a particular company, but instead to send Wall Street a clear and poignant message.

Unfortunately, in the US, getting a huge number of folks to coordinate on anything can be like herding cats.

[BoneyardDem]

23. They provide a sense of unity, voter activism, a multiplied voice, the world sees

...the alternitive is sitting at home impotent, watching tv, isolated.

It's surprising that this is even questioned. To let the President act as if silent consent is being bestowed by the voting public is NOT the way to go.

[Kirk Lover]

10. I'm ready and I promise to be out in the streets. nt

[lamp_shade]

12. I signed up weeks ago with St. Petersburg moveon rapid response team.

[lamp_shade]

14. I posted to facebook and sent out a bunch of invites.

[workinclasszero]

26. That's great!

We should all share this with as many friends as possible because Trump is gonna do it real soon.

Before the midterm elections I bet.

[cstanleytech]

16. There will be no response from Congress until we have an overwhelming majority

both in the House and Senate because the Repugnants currently in office have shown a clear willingness to obstruct any investigation into Trump.

[duforsure]

17. And the House and Senate RepubliCONS

Wonder why the American people are voting them out of office. If he gets absolute power the future of real elections is over, and putin has won. trump and his family will then rule over us, then make us like putin's russia.

[elmac]

19. He knows he can get away with it and he will because

we are under 100% fascist control, Executive, Legislative and Judicial are all under fascist control. Rigged elections, big money interests, religious nuts and a large, stupid population +putin will keep this nightmare in play.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

22. If Trump fires Mueller

it will make the Saturday Night Massacre look like a picnic in the park.

The essential message of Watergate was that no one was above the law, not even the President. There's a distant possibility that if Mueller is fired, enough Republicans will remember and understand that, and will rise up against Trump. I won't hold my breath for that, however.

[elocs]

46. Trump doesn't need to fire Mueller.

He can get rid of Rosenstein the same way he got rid of McCabe and according to the rules governing the Special Counsel that person can end the investigation.
Also he can drum up a reason to get rid of Mueller--https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/28/600.7

"The Special Counsel and staff shall be subject to disciplinary action for misconduct and breach of ethical duties under the same standards and to the same extent as are other employees of the Department of Justice. Inquiries into such matters shall be handled through the appropriate office of the Department upon the approval of the Attorney General.

(d) The Special Counsel may be disciplined or removed from office only by the personal action of the Attorney General. The Attorney General may remove a Special Counsel for misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity, conflict of interest, or for other good cause, including violation of Departmental policies. The Attorney General shall inform the Special Counsel in writing of the specific reason for his or her removal."

[marylandblue]

53. The phrase "good cause" in the regulation is extremely important

It comes from employment law. And there is extensive case law on what it means. It mean Trump can't just fire him on a pretext. Sometimes it's a little tricky to show pretext, but in Trump's case it is easy we have all his tweets and attempts at obstruction of justice. McCabe has similar protections, but Mueller is in an even stronger position because everything Trump has said and done for the last year shows he is trying to hinder the investigation.

[ffr]

24. We are in.

[Upthevibe]

41. I've saved this info. for easy access

and I registered with one of the rallies...

[elocs]

27. A good article about Mueller, his powers, what he can do, and Rosenstein.

https://www.justsecurity.org/43023/explainer-special-counsel-investigation/

"A potentially important note: Rosenstein has the power to discontinue the investigation when it comes up for annual review. The regulation states: The special counsel must report to Attorney General annually and submit a budget request, at which point “[t]he Attorney General shall determine whether the investigation should continue and, if so, establish the budget for the next year.”"

Since Sessions recused himself, it is Rosenstein or his successor who can, under the rules, end the investigation.

"Mueller’s power is not unchecked or fully independent. Although he is not subject to day-to-day supervision, Rosenstein can request an explanation for any investigative or prosecutorial step. Rosenstein has the power to block that step if he believes it is “so inappropriate or unwarranted under established Departmental practices that it should not be pursued.” In that event, Rosenstein would have to notify Congress. Rosenstein has assured a Senate committee that Mueller will have the “full independence he needs to conduct that investigation.” Mueller also has to comply with DOJ’s rules and policies. An important note here as well: Mueller is required by the regulations to notify Rosenstein in advance of any “significant event” in the investigation. If the event is anticipated, he is required give at least three days notice (within 24 hours is generally expected for unanticipated events or emergencies)."

But as much as many would delight in seeing Trump locked up (remember the gloating about how Bush and Cheney were going to be frog-marched to The Hague?), how many want to see a President Pence? Be careful what you wish for.

"So the likeliest outcome if Trump were considered to have committed an offence would be impeachment, not indictment. But it’s worth noting that if Mueller takes the view that the Constitution is on his side, he could still seek an indictment. And even if Trump is not indicted and cannot be indicted, Mueller can probably name the president as a co-conspirator in other indictments – just as the Special Prosecutor did with President Nixon in Watergate."

But if Republicans maintain control of the House, what can we really expect to happen?

[workinclasszero]

31. A President Pence would be no picnic

I think he would be an average republican slimeball out to screw the public to the max as in Bush, Rayguns etc, but...

Trump is an absolute threat to freedom and democracy in this country. He is a lawless criminal and a Russian mole to boot!

As far as the republicans retaining control of the House, how many elections have been flipped to dems since orange hitler took over?

30 or more?

Only massive, very noticeable fraud will stop the Democrats from taking control of the House in the fall and Trump just made it more likely with his firing of McCabe and gloating over it on Twitter.

And...he ain't done yet!

See what happens to Rosenstein and Mueller, happening soon no doubt!

[tableturner]

44. Pence's repeated lies and central role in the campaign and transition means he'll be gone too!

Just like Trump, he has lied for a reason....to cover his rear end, and is NOT lying just for the hell of it. His lies show corrupt intent, a key requirement for obstruction charges.

Also like Trump, he would not have repeatedly committed acts that could bring obstruction charges unless he had previously committed serious underlying crimes.

[Efilroft Sul]

29. DC has to be where everyone goes.

Getting hundreds of thousands out in the streets in the other large cities would be impressive, but focus on getting to the capital instead and demand the administration and its enablers in Congress resign. I don't think anything less would work.

[Duppers]

34. I'll be there.

Along with my spouse and son, d.i.l. who live there. It's a 3 hr drive but the traffic jam will be unbelievable. Folks will have to pack water, food, blankets for the trip.

[Efilroft Sul]

36. I hope to be there, too.

[Duppers]

38. We'll shut the east coast corridors down.

For sure.

[erronis]

37. I think rallies in other major commercial cities throughout the US could be effective

Think about closing down Wall Street (again), CBOE, sea and air ports.

Think about the average citizen doing 40mph on a major interstate (flashing blinkers, of course) with 1,000 truckers lined up behind missing their deadlines with the warehouses and profits and corporatists. There are not enough state troopers and sheriffs to clear the roads (and keep general safety). And who would arrest poor gramps who is going the legal speed limit? ...... Just a hypothetical, of course.

[Efilroft Sul]

39. Good point.

And, hey, maybe we can have a few slow drives to DC, too, like a truck convoy protest.

[AllyCat]

56. I have to object to the rally in my state. At the state capital. Why not the POS GOP

Rep holding this whole thing together? I feel like the rallies could have an impact if directed at the right place/person. We should be at Eddie Munster’s offices, not the state capital.

[Texin]

30. "But if Republicans maintain control of the House, what can we really expect to happen?"

The rethugs are in control now. Mueller will be sacked well before any voting begins that could change that fact. Bet on it. And as for demonstrations and rallies, I'm not sure that this fascist would (continue) to allow those to happen. Police forces throughout the US have become so militarized there could be widespread physical injuries and possible deaths as a result, and those of us who remember the '60s and '70s, recall well the days of the National Guard being called on to shut down protest gatherings. This Putin puppet would cream himself watching it unfold on Faux Spews. I'm not convinced the shitstain won't just cancel the elections in November altogether and just have his congressional acolytes make him p'Resident for Life. What is happening and what could very well happen thereafter is beginning to make the Civil War look like a picnic in the park.

[errant boy]

40. More Recs Needed

This should be in GT!

[lamp_shade]

42. Wish I had more recs to give.

[Honeycombe8]

45. It's coming soon. They're positioning themselves to finish the Mueller investigation.

With help from the House of Representatives.

[gopiscrap]

47. I will be in the streets

[orangecrush]

48. Kick and Rec

[JohnnyRingo]

50. People in the FBI know to much to kill the investigation.

The whole investigation doesn't live solely in Mueller's head.

Most agents join the FBI because they hold high regard for justice and the constitution. They won't just give up and go work on the Brittany Spears bootleg CD caper. Not if the evidence they have leads where we all think.

[marybourg]

52. This is a new one on me:

Phoenix AZ " It is too late to sign up for this event". .??? Second strike out tonite. For the March, I got a response of No events near you"

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

54. I'm getting tired of the phrase, "will cause a constitutional crisis."

It's become like "thoughts and prayers," with lots of people saying it and nobody doing anything about it.

As long as the Republicans control Congress, David Dennison, AKA "Donald Trump," isn't going anywhere.

[DFW]

58. The trouble is: "who's we?" Smith and Wesson are not with us this time.

"Any one of these actions would create a constitutional crisis for our country." Logically? Yes. But logic is not a factor here.

"It would demand an immediate and unequivocal response to show that we will not tolerate abuse of power from Donald Trump." If that demand is ignored by a majority of the Congress, then the only immediate and unequivocal response will be a few demonstrations that will get a headline or two and then drop from the news cycle. It would be the ultimate "put up or shut up" for the Republicans in Congress, and since more of them worship money than God, my bet is that they will shut up.

[lindalou65]

59. Mueller firing rapid response

I'm in! I signed up for participating in Longmont, CO. Had the choice of Boulder or Longmont--both about the same distance from my house. I hope things don't get any worse; however, I cannot help but believe we must prepare for Trump, et al, to take further steps to interfere and/or stop Mueller's investigation. This is our worst nightmare---we have to fight back with everything and anything we can muster!