Earlier this week I wrote that at this point, ensuring the finality of Trump’s conviction was more important than his sentence. Goven the bad hand SCOTUS unforgivably dealt, this court has done its best to stand for the rule of law. www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb... - ThreadSky

joycewhitevance.bsky.social • 166 days ago

Earlier this week I wrote that at this point, ensuring the finality of Trump’s conviction was more important than his sentence. Goven the bad hand SCOTUS unforgivably dealt, this court has done its best to stand for the rule of law. https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-asks-supreme-court-sentencing-judge-merchan-rcna186714

Comments

carison.bsky.social•166 days ago

You're probably right, but it feels like a pee in the Niles.

kennwickman.bsky.social•166 days ago

He should have told Trump his sentence would be waiting for him in four years.

bmr23.bsky.social•166 days ago

They did not do their best. He should be in jail like anyone take would have been. There is no justice here and I am disappointed.

skyhaven.bsky.social•166 days ago

It still stinks to high heaven. Yes, he's now officially a convicted felon. But he has escaped any kind of punishment for his actions. This just emboldens him to go farther.

sirpolymath.bsky.social•166 days ago

Actually when you are a “convicted felon” that does come with a price.

donosborn.bsky.social•165 days ago

An important part of the rule of law is that no one is above it.

“the law should be the same for everyone, so that no one is above the law”
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rule-of-law/

pinesprig.bsky.social•166 days ago

This judge spat in the face of the jury. He just sent out the message that their time doesn’t matter. Their views don’t matter. Their judgment doesn’t matter. They were trotted out for a performance and nothing more. If I was one of the jurors I would be enraged, even more than I am on the sideline.

beaglemom.bsky.social•166 days ago

So unless his conviction is overturned on appeal, he can’t be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, right? Or will an exception be made for that too?

ladydebbbor.bsky.social•166 days ago

Trump's evading of the law is unprecedented, but Justice isn't administered fairly especially when your Rich and White💯😡

moondog24.bsky.social•166 days ago

So true !!

dcs503.bsky.social•166 days ago

After watching Trump play the court system like a drum, anyone who continues to believe the American Judicial system is equitable is delusional. Nobody but a rich white person could get these outcomes.

ladydebbbor.bsky.social•166 days ago

Wys💯 it's white Rich privileges entitlements on steroids ☹️

briangrrrr.bsky.social•166 days ago

Not sure the phrase "stand for the rule of law" applies here... perhaps, "whimpered the rule of law and scurried down the hall to hide like a toddler" is more appropriate

margie-reinitz1979.bsky.social•166 days ago

I am not impressed with the court. Justice has
not been served.

giginorth2020.bsky.social•166 days ago

I don’t fault this particular court & certainly don’t fault this judge. He was a hero. But our legal system is broken if a criminal can play it this way and avoid all punishment, which is what he did. We can’t look to the courts for help to save our democracy is the clear message.

sirpolymath.bsky.social•166 days ago

AGREED.

nkflygirl.bsky.social•166 days ago

Come on. Give the former guy 48 hours. It won’t change him or help his henchmen who got months and years, but I’d feel better.

beverlymann19.bsky.social•166 days ago

The "inter alia" language in Roberts' order yesterday seems to me a sort-of eye-roll by him & Barrett at the claim that Trump v. US immunity would extend to THIS case. Betting that if not overturned by NY court on OTHER (normal) grounds, Roberts'll use it to narrow it from its all-purpose immunity.

gogreenvoteblue.bsky.social•166 days ago

This might b good legal reasoning but 4 everyday people like me, the system looks rigged 2 benefit the rich & powerful. How could a regular Joe afford the most expensive lawyers, continually appeal, shop 4 judges, b out on bail & flaunt the rules. Justice isn't blind & we r not equal under the law😪

newsjunkieblu.bsky.social•166 days ago

I respect your opinion, but I beg to differ.
The Justice System has let the American people down.
We are not equal in the eyes of the law, according to this non-sentence.
We can never pretend we are again.

bluescore4.bsky.social•166 days ago

Credit to Alvin Bragg and his team. Remember when everyone said this case was a mistake and/or a waste of time? Now it's all we have, but at least it's something. Now we get to spend the next four years reminding "Convicted Felon Donald Trump" of his permanent name change.

catobie.bsky.social•166 days ago

Wish he would have stated what the sentence would’ve and should have been.

bluedreams911.bsky.social•166 days ago

Agree!

ajlofranco.bsky.social•166 days ago

Agreed yet shouldn’t today’s story be SCJ Roberts note concerning Trump, Trump, lawyers, and minions attacking the judicial system, as well as society? Yet Trump’s planned ecosystem narrative for today was to distract by attacking Newsom and the tragic LA fires?

wizopindy.bsky.social•166 days ago

Did the Judge not have the ability to impose a fine?

jmohrbsky.bsky.social•166 days ago

Better than nothing but still tremendously underwhelming. Jack Smith is up for bat. Or is his boss sub'ing?

bschwa.bsky.social•166 days ago

Just a question - now that he is a convicted felon, does he have to stay away from other convicted felons? And they away from him?

gloryhallelujah.bsky.social•166 days ago

Most of us aren't with Phyrric victories

abettermanana.bsky.social•166 days ago

I think about 2 men from a town of 250 people in North Dakota being sent to prison for a year. One for taxes and one for business fraud. And yet people there don't recognize the criminal they voted for.

sethetone.bsky.social•166 days ago

Someone ask CJ Roberts how he feels about swearing in a convicted felon to the highest office in the land.

drelove12345.bsky.social•165 days ago

Sorry Joyce in this particular matter I respectfully disagree.

drelove12345.bsky.social•165 days ago

Hummm.Would such a conviction and sentence be the case for a regular citizen?Are we not talking about a dual set of justice,one for the elite,and one for subaltern classes.The fact this man is about to lead our country should be unconscionable to every decent man and woman that has followed the

drelove12345.bsky.social•165 days ago

rule of law all their lives.Is this really Justice?I think not.This man,his Supreme Court appointees have made a mockery of the rule of law we were taught to believe in.No one is above the law,not even Trump.Somehow decent law abiding citizens have lost that particular reasoning.I have not.

doreenstermann.bsky.social•165 days ago

He shld've been sent to prison for at least 1 day before his inaug. I respect your opinion but on this one I can't agree with you.Lawyers seem to defend a corrupt judicial sys.I'm sick of the US & its gross hypocrisy.The US missed yet again an opport to put its big boy pants on.

nogravitasatall.bsky.social•166 days ago

But now who internationally can take the USA’s legal system seriously. The USA’s Lady Justice fell to a sex pest with money and friends in low & high places.

Is just Trump special?
The taint is maybe deep, systemic and perhaps constitutional.

Amendments are too hard.

nicksevillaz.bsky.social•166 days ago

Well can we ll go out and commit as many crimes as we want now, OR WHAT.

makeokblue.bsky.social•166 days ago

Nope, not unless you're a billionaire, then it's ok.

fingbullshit.bsky.social•166 days ago

Blah…blah…blah…

cherylm56588591.bsky.social•166 days ago

This was important. Even if not what many wanted, just finishing this was important. Clearly it wad important to him too based on his antics in the past few days. Now he will always be Felon (President) Trump.

wendyneugent.com•166 days ago

Can Jack Smith take his evidence back to The Hague with him and go after Trump for any international crimes he committed against other nations?

bluedreams911.bsky.social•166 days ago

Love this idea!

abxyreviews.bsky.social•166 days ago

Why couldn’t he be fined? I understand not giving him prison time, but why no repercussions of any kind?

gamesafoot.bsky.social•166 days ago

Has ANYONE collected verdicts or fines from trump?

harpen1.bsky.social•166 days ago

That is a very sad statement.

71columbus.bsky.social•166 days ago

Stop making excuses for our crumbling democracy

trentf.bsky.social•166 days ago

I trust your assessment, your understanding of our legal system, @joycewhitevance.bsky.social ; and I am sure you are correct: "this court has done it's best to stand for the rule of law". I'm just as sure, that given this truth, something's seriously wrong with our justice system-NOT equal for all.

patike.bsky.social•166 days ago

Lay off Merchan
He presented Trump lifetime Felon status with no wiggle room.
No doubt at great fear for himself.
What would you have honestly done in that situation.
Yeah, then be quiet

iconnectionmkt.bsky.social•166 days ago

Our legal system is broken.

daycaredreamer.bsky.social•166 days ago

It is....slow motion doesn't work

gemcee.bsky.social•166 days ago

There is no rule of law if you are rich or well connected, that only applies to the average person and if your poor, well your screwed!

edshendell.bsky.social•166 days ago

No fine or probation makes this a waste of time. Trump skates again.

gadlaw.bsky.social•166 days ago

Whatever. No consequences for rich white defendants. The law is useless. It isn’t fair, it isn’t justice by any measure. We are a third world country authoritarian dictatorship pretending it’s not.

artweber.bsky.social•166 days ago

Things Trump doesn't care about:

* Law
* Morality
* Truth

Things Trump doesn't have:

* Integrity
* Empathy
* Remorse

Things Trump WILL have:

* Gov't trifecta
* SCOTUS immunity
* Almost TOTAL CONTROL of our military, intel, & law-enforcement agencies

>>> Our nation is in peril. We must resist.

kitkatmollydolly.bsky.social•166 days ago

Not just your nation.

sgemmill.bsky.social•165 days ago

Another great piece! Thank you for laying out the reasoning behind Judge Merchan's decision/ruling. Perhaps having the mantle "convicted felon" sticking to him like glue will be the worst punishment that guy can know, given the size of his ego.

owenzowen.bsky.social•166 days ago

We still need to see the FULL UNREDACTED Jack Smith report! Both volumes!

msleib.bsky.social•166 days ago

I hope you and your sisters speak more about the rule of law. Why is important? What happens when the rule of law breaks down? Who benefits? Who suffers? How fragile is the rule of law. What is the rule of law?
Thank you for a clear-eyed view.

lauriedarln.bsky.social•166 days ago

ABC news crew set up to record audio of the trump proceeding & in testing the microphone "one member of the crew started reciting the first few words of the Declaration of Independence — “When in the Course of human events” which drew many chuckles.

At least the little guys know: this is a sham.

evan1024.bsky.social•166 days ago

The only Supreme aspect of the US Supreme Court is their Supreme Corruption.

chris-lee-cal.bsky.social•166 days ago

No.

I cannot accept that judges are “forced” to do anything by the Supreme Court.

He can do what’s right and let the Christian nationalists overturn the sentence.

Arrest him and send him to prison and make the Supreme Court release him.

Fucking bullshit.

chris-lee-cal.bsky.social•166 days ago

He lead a fucking coup. Lied about our elections, planned the attack with Three toed Willy, had slates of false electors, and pressured Pence to decertify.

These are facts.

That he won’t go to prison is a laughable betrayal of the entire Justice system.

virtualpew.bsky.social•166 days ago

Will the verdict affect his ability to travel internationally?

daintist.bsky.social•166 days ago

Probably not, just like every other consequence so far. Still waiting for him to catch any.

archvillain.bsky.social•166 days ago

You were right. Merchan outmaneuvered the Scotus Six.

seektruth2021.bsky.social•166 days ago

So how's this going to work with all the countries that prohibit entry of convicted felons?

mtintulsa.bsky.social•166 days ago

Oh, let's face it. If you have enough power and money in this country, there is no law that applies to you. That's what we've learned

spec1kebster.bsky.social•166 days ago

Still, if Meritt Garland hadn't dragged his feet, Jack Smith would have had a better shot at getting more!

pyromagus.bsky.social•166 days ago

So I have a question for you. Isn't there countries that don't allow felons to enter their country. Now that Trump is a convicted felon, how does that work when he's president?

tidetrack17.bsky.social•166 days ago

He will not enter Canada

jefflee65.bsky.social•166 days ago

Will countries that deny entry to felons allow T to enter as POTUS? If so, once again, above the law of FOREIGN countries!

daintist.bsky.social•166 days ago

Just like with every other thing, they will say "he can't do that!" and he will do it anyway and then everyone will just shrug. In a better scenario every country that could, would reject him.

singatty.bsky.social•166 days ago

How are Trump's lawyer going to personally represent him in an appeal and have a government job as a lawyer at the same time. Strange.

atruenorthview.bsky.social•166 days ago

What a broken system. The US now has a convicted felon elect.

okay7.bsky.social•166 days ago

Agree.

jefzav.bsky.social•166 days ago

He should be in prison like any other person would be; we cannot have justice when elites are effectively immune from punishment, even presidents.

"Let justice be done, though the heavens fall." The cabinet could've met, declared him unable to execute his office, and made Vance acting president.

daintist.bsky.social•166 days ago

Every convicted and sentenced felon with any jail time from this time forward is a farce.

kim242-2.bsky.social•166 days ago

awful and disgusting

rhodyrebel.bsky.social•166 days ago

Well, 5 of them did. The remaining 4 don’t seem to believe that it applies to him.

sewsimply.bsky.social•166 days ago

SCOTUS can still overturn it on appeal. Watch that space. It may still disappear.

pam-10.bsky.social•166 days ago

all of the postponements aggravate me though.

jaderydererhard.bsky.social•166 days ago

Agreed. Still the leniency he does not deserve troubles, irks, and contradicts our aspiration for fairness before the law and in sentencing.

ziggurcat.bsky.social•166 days ago

Except no one is above the law. This “sentence” is a failure to enforce the law that everyone in your country has to abide by.

iavswn.bsky.social•166 days ago

How Trump being sentenced to "unconditional discharge" Not a violation of the sentencing guidelines under New York state Penal law CHAPTER 40, PART 2, TITLE E, ARTICLE 70??

bodedog.bsky.social•166 days ago

This is how far we have fallen..we now characterize this as justice, "this court has done its best to stand for the rule of law" The man tried to overthrow the government, raped a women, stole government documents and is not held accountable for any of it and Joyce says we've done our best.

scottnutte.bsky.social•166 days ago

What about all the other people with the same crime doing time or that got a fine? There is no justice in America! We need a revolution against the billionaires and CEO class!

moondog24.bsky.social•166 days ago

FOTUS it's official.

queenky2323.bsky.social•166 days ago

absolutely ....really like your unbiased wisdom...done over with...the rule of law prevails..he has done worst things but unfortunately Cannon is nothing but a bought and paid for judge you always have a rotton apple in the barrel

jserwer.bsky.social•166 days ago

True, but this highlights two systems of justice, one for the rich and one for everyone else. The rich gaming the system and receiving no penalties drives low faith in the legal system. Obvious point, I know.

54mgm.bsky.social•166 days ago

Ummm, there are 4 of them that have become enemies of justice. When Obama was president, I said, "Joyce Vance for Supreme Court"! Love ya, Chicken Lady!

kef1660.bsky.social•166 days ago

Keep saying it Joyce. You’re plain wrong.

kassax.bsky.social•166 days ago

Not even requiring him to write "I am a convicted felon" 100 times on a blackboard once a week?

goldngrrl2.bsky.social•166 days ago

Felonius Punk!! It's fitting.

imaxximus.bsky.social•166 days ago

No. Not even close. He could and should have been criminally sentenced. To jail. Merchan just made a cuck of our legal system. You have to be a schmuck to comply with the law after today. That’s the lesson. The only takeaway.

blue44wp.bsky.social•166 days ago

I was hoping that after trump spoke, that Judge Merchan would revise his sentence to max jail time, to serve justice!

corie85.bsky.social•166 days ago

I don’t believe it’s going to be looked at that way by most people. Supporters are going to be glad he screwed the system, and those that don’t support him, disgusted he screwed the system. He’s made the justice system a laughing stock.

terrycoatsor.bsky.social•166 days ago

If it was me I would have been in prison a long time ago. Billionaire elite bigwigs get a free pass.

knightss2.bsky.social•166 days ago

What's worse? Somebody has to take down the man boy drug addict Elon Himmler Adolf Trump 's number one man. Bruno Mars and he's smoking and snorting Coke more than Trump is drinking Coke.

hapdadiii.bsky.social•165 days ago

When it comes to trump,
Justice looks the other way

mgtbush.bsky.social•166 days ago

What is an impeachable offense under the constitution for the now Tyrant king, above the law?
What is impeachable of a king under the constitution?

mgtbush.bsky.social•164 days ago

Release both volumes of Jacks Report, no matter how, it needs to be done!
https://youtu.be/m4f63N2XcKs?si=l48PFl4Sicb7yiNK

mgtbush.bsky.social•166 days ago

I HAVE NEVER SWORN ALLEGIANCE TO A KING!

I’VE PLEAGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

maryb45.bsky.social•166 days ago

Why not even a fine? That doesn't impede his duties as president. Less than a hand slap.

phataxe.bsky.social•166 days ago

I agree, it did its best. But that affirms what we knew all along. Our justice system is working as intended: in favor of the privileged.

Any of us would be in prison for the crimes this man committed. He's off scot free. That's a disgrace, and I'll never excuse it.

palominowolf.bsky.social•166 days ago

Convicted felons are not allowed to travel to either Mexico or Canada. How will Trump get around that?

wandanon.bsky.social•166 days ago

🍿🍿🍿

kitkatmollydolly.bsky.social•166 days ago

He’s too lazy to go to either country. He only wants places that will give him parades and adulation.

tatianar312.bsky.social•166 days ago

Agree. And now it’s upon us to always use the description “convicted felon” when referring to Trump.

kennymckeller.bsky.social•165 days ago

While I can begrudgingly understand the legal logic behind jail time or probation encroaching on his (ugh) re-presidency, how is it that this convicted felon and supposed billionaire was not fined as part of his sentencing?
How exactly would paying a fine encroach on his presidency?

comen-tator.bsky.social•166 days ago

I still think that one condition should have been imposed...
If upon leaving office, Trump is charged and convicted of any crime after today, a prison sentence would be added for the crimes for which he received sentence today!

sirpolymath.bsky.social•166 days ago

That would have required a probationary sentencing — which wasn’t going to happen.

comen-tator.bsky.social•164 days ago

Actually, my idea is based on lack of experience with the courts, but it is something that should have happened, but also something that shouldn't have been necessary in the first place!
But we're talking Trump, so I'm sure he's already planned numerous new crimes for while he's in office!
Immunity!

sirpolymath.bsky.social•163 days ago

La k of experience by whom exactly?

villainactual.bsky.social•166 days ago

So if the highest court in the land doesn't believe in the rule of law... Who are they to enforce the rule of law on us?

Foreshadowing: When people start killing people in power because there is no other recourse... while I won't condone it, I will understand it.

ellz.bsky.social•166 days ago

Still

dmooney9.bsky.social•166 days ago

Merchand deserves credit

kdjs-1.bsky.social•165 days ago

Trump’s supremely compromised SCOTUS justices fulfilled their mission

bdgarp.bsky.social•166 days ago

Your probably right, but I still think 20 to life would have been sweet.

dfrauthor.bsky.social•166 days ago

You can't argue the convinction matters more than the sentence, WHEN THERE'S NO PUNISHMENT FOR THE CONVICTED CRIMES. It's absolute bullshit. No Democrat would ever be shown this kind of privelidge and defference. Ever.

megavisor.bsky.social•166 days ago

One night at Rikers isn’t too much to ask, is it?

At any rate, he will always be Convicted Felon tRump.
Small… but a victory nonetheless.

phishphillet.bsky.social•166 days ago

So when Luigi Mangione is convicted of murder he will be given 50 hours of community service because it's the conviction that matters and not the sentence, right?

1nicolette.bsky.social•166 days ago

SCOTUS only gave the prez immunity 🤷🏼‍♀️

phishphillet.bsky.social•166 days ago

Not in this case. The conviction stands, naked and toothless.

ravenna321.bsky.social•166 days ago

Not even getting a slap on the wrist but still it'll drive him crazy, this wisp of accountability. Love that.

mariapereznm.bsky.social•166 days ago

The whole thing is an offensive joke

jefflee65.bsky.social•166 days ago

And now a financial fraud felon controls the finances of the US. You think gang "snatch & grab" at dept stores is nuts? Just watch what happens... future generations are screwed.

jefflee65.bsky.social•166 days ago

Respectfully disagree. This is a precedent for those with "means" never receiving true justice, incarceration or financial. There is no deterrent to law breaking. They will wear the label "felon" as a badge of honor. What's in a name? No vote? Won't stop them from owning politicians...

tanninman.bsky.social•166 days ago

Rule of law….not like it used to be. Maybe never again like it used to be. Thanks to SCOTUS at least one person above the law.

cathy51401.bsky.social•166 days ago

The bottom line he is a convicted felon. That is a label that will stick with him.

punkdude.bsky.social•166 days ago

Who cares? He sure doesn't and neither do his supporters

jcstarbuck.bsky.social•166 days ago

Unless the people in the legal system, especially judges, speak out forcefully about the overtly corrupt Supreme Court, the reality is that this is tantamount to a slap on the wrist and it will be forgotten by most Americans as soon as the NFL games come on TV.

woocon.bsky.social•165 days ago

Here are the only consequences for Trump’s felony conviction that I could find: he is barred from owning a gun under federal law and must now provide a DNA sample to NY State’s crime database.

woocon.bsky.social•166 days ago

And now it makes sense to me. I don’t like it, but I appreciate it. Thank you.