getting up in the morning - I believe I'll dust my broom

 

-------------------- [excerpt, news article] ----------------

...Prosecutor Christopher Conroy urged Merchan in court to address Trump's recent public statements and what he called threatening communications from the former president, including a social media post nearly two weeks ago in which Trump warned of potential "death and destruction" if he was charged in the case.

Merchan expressed respect for Trump's First Amendment rights and said they are particularly important since Trump is running for president.

But the judge told Trump to "refrain from making statements that are likely to incite violence or civil unrest" and not to engage in rhetoric that would "jeopardize the rule of law."  The judge also asked prosecutors to ensure that the state's witnesses moderate their own public statements.

Merchan read Trump a set of legal warnings and informed him that he has an absolute right to attend proceedings in his criminal case.  At the judge's request, Trump acknowledged, among other things, that he could be removed from the courtroom if he became "disruptive" during any court conference, hearing, or trial.

"I don't have any reason to believe that's going to happen," Merchan said.  "Do you understand that?"

Trump said he did.

------------------ [excerpt from Washington Post article:  Former president Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts

written by Shayna Jacobs, Dylan Wells, David Nakamura, and Jacqueline Alemany.  April 4, 2023.] -------------------

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Comments under the New York Times article covering this topic:

Sven Svensson

Grebbestad

President Trump is stronger than ever thanks to these ridiculous charges.

Jules 

California

Sorry Sven, I know you're a fan, but stronger?  No.  He's a very weak man.

RC

New York

Were the charges ridiculous when Cohen went to prison for them as well?  You can't pick and choose what laws should be enforced because you like someone or favor them politically.  Now THAT is ridiculous.

Jonathan

USA

Sven Svensson, There are many people who think the law doesn't apply to Republicans, and especially Republicans who are lifelong criminals, such as Trump.  You're not alone.

BothSidesNow

United States

So tired of this man and his tawdriness.  He has no class.  The penultimate drama queen.  He's drawn out the worst in the American psyche and used it to tear us down.  He has no respect for the rule of law.  I hope that this is the beginning of holding him accountable.  Jack Smith is Act II, and can't come on soon enough.

Jourdanton, Texas

Tiresome, yet necessary.  Like cleaning the bathroom.

* The trial for E. Jean Carroll's defamation suit against Trump begins April 25.

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