Judge Aileen Cannon’s stunning ruling dismissing the federal indictment against Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents is just wrong as a matter of constitutional law, but it can be easily overcome.

Cannon held that it is unconstitutional to have a special counsel appointed by the attorney general to handle a prosecution unless there is a specific law authorizing it. The simple solution is for Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland to treat the classified documents case as a crime like any other, one that doesn’t require a special counsel. He can direct a United States attorney to immediately refile the case in federal court, and under Cannon’s reasoning there would be no constitutional problems.

From the outset, Cannon, who was appointed to the federal district court bench by Trump, has handled the case in a way that seemed designed to protect him. For example, earlier she ruled that a higher standard had to be met to justify a search warrant for a former president. The federal court of appeals reversed this and said that the same standards apply under the 4th Amendment to everyone.

Source: Opinion: Judge Aileen Cannon is flat-out wrong, again – Los Angeles Times

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had a simple message for an unnamed senior Democrat who reportedly said the party had “resigned ourselves” to a second Trump presidency: “Retire.”

The anonymous Democrat was quoted by Axios on Sunday, the day after Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania.

“We’ve all resigned ourselves to a second Trump presidency,” the source reportedly said, adding that the Trump shooting had taken focus away from calls to replace Joe Biden as Democrats’ nominee for president because of concerns about his age and fitness for office, because it would be “bad form to make any statements against” him now.

“If you’re a ‘senior Democrat’ that feels this way you should absolutely retire and make space for true leadership that refuses to resign themselves to fascism.

“This kind of leadership is functionally useless to the American people. Retire.”

Ocasio-Cortez earlier addressed the assassination attempt in which Trump was hit in the ear, one rally-goer was killed and two injured.

“There is no place for political violence, including the horrific incident we just witnessed in Pennsylvania,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “It is absolutely unacceptable and must be denounced in the strongest terms.

“My heart goes out to all the victims and I wish the former president a speedy recovery.”

Source: AOC to anonymous Democrat who said party resigned to Trump win: ‘Retire’ | US elections 2024 | The Guardian

The Farm Transparency Project exposes the cruelty and secrecy of animal exploitation facilities across Australia. It provides photos, videos, documents and virtual tours of farms, slaughterhouses, knackeries and more.

Farm Transparency Project (FTP) is a non-profit animal protection charity, dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals in farms, slaughterhouses and other commercial settings. Through comprehensive investigations, documentary films, and the creation of innovative tools and resources, FTP seeks to force industry transparency and educate consumers by shining a light on the brutal reality endured by animals in the name of profit.

Source: Farm Transparency Project exposes the cruelty and secrecy of animal exploitation – Stigmatis News

Botanical research has revealed that plants are capable of reacting to a broad range of stimuli, including chemicals, gravity, light, moisture, infections, temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, parasite infestation, disease, physical disruption, sound, and touch.  But what about thoughts?  Maybe if thoughts are turned into sound?  Wouldn’t it be great if under SOUND was a dictionary!  Then I could really talk to my plants, which bloom in a sunny corner of my bedroom.   (At that point, imagining creeps in, that bottomless state where grand icebergs nestle among majestic clouds.)

Two plants in my bedroom appear determined to survive me:

TO MY TWO

I see you morning and night–often

twice during the night, my dear popinjays.

(Popinjays sounds affectionate, but

apparently that word selection

is in error.)  You head for the light,

which is right, in all situations.

No tantrums; no runny nose–rather

an exemplary example of

evolution’s creation, doing

your  best while counting  upon the less

dependable me that I see in

the mirror of my  focus-impaired

human brain.  I reckon we should have

called it quits before igniting our

planet. You would be outside in the

fresh air and I would be just a dream.

But by whom?  As they said at my old

school: Who, What, When, Where, and How?

But please–don’t let me interrupt

your blooming.

Nan

Source: A chat with my plants | NANMYKEL.COM

Source: FOTD 15th July 2024: Hosta | Chronicles of an Anglo Swiss

All anyone does is text! We have become so used to texting that picking up the phone to have a conversation has almost become a thing of the past.

What happened to the occasional phone call asking how you are doing or what have you been up to? Our lives have become digital. We can get answers to anything we want within seconds, spread gossip/news, and pass along memes by using one finger.

I know that texting is convenient for quick messages and updates, and it’s an excellent tool for staying in touch. But let’s not forget the unique value of a phone call. It’s not just about the words we say but the emotions we convey. Hearing someone’s laughter and free-spirited voice has been replaced by emojis and LOL, LMAO, etc.

As for me, I miss hearing my phone ring and hearing a voice on the other end.

Hearing someone’s voice is not just about the words they say; it’s about the reassurance and peace of mind it brings. It’s about feeling connected when you hear the voice of someone you miss and love.

Human connection is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the thread that weaves us all together, and it’s time we start valuing it more.

Remembering your voice and real emotions

One of my best friends passed away years ago, and although there are many things that I remember about her, the one thing that sticks with me more than anything is her voice. The emotions that were felt through our real-life connection can’t ever be replaced.

Let’s make a promise that we will text a little less and listen a little more.

Cheers to making someone’s phone ring and engaging in an actual conversation.

You could have chosen any blog to read, but you chose mine, and I’m honored!

~Bella~

Source: Have You Noticed We Don’t Talk Anymore – Belladonna’s Flashlight

This is appararently a goat moth caterpillar and he does seem to tape off towards the end. I was wondering what it was doing here, as we have no …

RDP Monday: Taper

Mágica Mistura O post Settings…by Mágica Mistura apareceu primeiro em Mágica Mistura.

Settings…by Mágica Mistura

If I pretend I want to sleep, she might go away with that camera. FOWC with Fandango: Feign

FOWC with Fandango: Feign