I think we've already crossed the rubicon.

Do you mean, there is no turning back?

(on edit) Welcome to DU! I did not notice your low post count.

I probably stated that too strongly, it is just so depressing. What I mean is that it is probably inevitable. The way I said it, it sounds more like I am saying that it has already been done, but I really meant more that I think it is the road we are on. So, we haven't cross the rubicon, but we are headed towards it.

before the grand jury.

if that doesn't happen or if in any event mueller does subpoena him, i have a difficult time seeing donnie just plain ignore it, unless he does so as part of shutting down the entire investigation.

if he ignores it without shutting down the entire investigation, then he can be charged with contempt. actually, i suppose it's possible that donnie might be willing, if the penalty is only money.

but if he ignores the subpoena, whether by shutting down the investigation or not, he should be impeached. that's undeniably a high crime and misdemeanor in and of itself, never mind that ignoring a subpoena very strongly points to covering up a crime.

of course, impeachment still seems politically improbable, and that's the real "constitutional crisis" -- that the provisions in the constitution are not up to the demands of good government, because, in this case, the people in the various positions are too corrupted.


in truth, we have reached a tipping point (if not a rubicon, as suggested above), that the true power in this country is in the axis of billionaires, propagandists, and the republican party; and the institutions that we think of as the seats of power are actually mere playthings of the people who are really in control.

so far.

A bit over two years. Since Scalia dropped dead and McConnell refused to hold hearings for President Obama's legitimate replacement.

...no, were not there yet.

Thus far, everything is working under the rule of law. Nixon created a problem when he fired the independent counsel...as a result, he was going to be impeached and removed from office. He chose the more honorable method and resigned. Never mind that he was advised that the other option was to involve the military. He chose NOT to do so. And as a result, is considered by a number of historians..despite DU's purists, more of a statesman. He had the option to fling shit at the fan, and didn't.

Trump hasn't had any official charges, enough linkage to corruption, etc. as of yet. There is enough "plausible deniability" in place currently. And as much as we like to liken Trump to a "dumb ass"...how do we know that isn't all an act? His subordinates take the fall, while he walks away free. Even if that means his own children take the hit...as long he escapes unscathed, he's content.

I'm resigned to the fact that, Trump will be impeached or resign, but their will not be enough linkage. He will play the part of "I didn't do anything wrong, it was all my staff" defense...and his supporters will eat it up....and subscribe to his new "Trump" channel. In the end, I think this has been about his media presence. Being "President" has given him enough credence for his next business venture.

Oh and yes, I anticipate he will walk free. If GWB and Cheney can get away Scott free without any repercussions to their war crimes, well, Trump hasn't committed anything on their level as of yet..its all been domestic. Thus far, its all been diplomatic losses, granted very critical, but none the less, he hasn't started a senseless war...well...not yet.

But, how confident should we be that this will continue? The rule of law is under assault, as much as everything else.

...how far is Trump willing to go?

Is he drunk with power? If so, he may go all the way. Is he willing to bail just before everything hits the fan and throw everyone else under the bus? Thus far, its been the latter.

Trump has literally broken every rule in the book. He has thrown out the rule of law and ethics. He's used social media to trash his critics and opponents. His cabinet consists of the most grossly unqualified individuals to lead their positions. If this isn't a constitutional crisis, I don't know what is.