Even in the military, if your commander orders an illegal act, you can refuse to act on it. Mandating lie detector tests when no crime has been committed would seem to fit that definition.
On the other hand, if Trump is willing to set an example by taking a lie detector test himself administered by Bob Mueller, I'd support his idea to hook everyone else up after he does. (sarcasm!)
Trump is a pathological liar, he'd pass every lie detector test. He lies so much, he'd have no psyiological response to it.
This event certainly has been tickling the brain. It certainly was never going to be a win for the writer. I feel like it is a combination warning and call to arms of other persons of similar opinion in the administration. Just as the McCain funeral was like a war party- a coming together not just of those who respected and cared for the Senator but those of like mind and political power affirming their support for liberal democracy; the book by Woodward --of which this opinion piece appears to support--it is also a rally cry couched in a confession. My feeling is that it is not Pence, although I would not put it past him to encourage or direct another to go forward with the task, but maybe Kelly. I don't think it is Huntsman although he probably agrees with it.
Regarding red flags in particular, I noticed the Pence took pains to state that none of his staff would have written it or leaked... Indicating he runs a more efficient and disciplined team; ie. he inspires confidence and collegiality and sanity among the staff he works with. Of course he couches it all with his standard obsequiousness to Trump but I caught it. He, I think is the fourth knife. He is Brutus. He is also smart enough not to be the author and to be very careful with his language/words. He used to be a talk show host and has many more hours under his belt of broadcasting than Trump. He is also doing the lion's share of presidenting. We all know Trump is not really doing it. No president has ever had time to waste has he has. Between his "executive time" , constant tv watching, golf outings and rallies and tweeting, he is too busy for the actual work and doesn't even possess the attention span to work on the difficult stuff. He just wants to make Executive Orders, be the final say on deals etc. I sense Pence is actually the point person on the negotiations on NAFTA and other trade deals with Trump making the final decision which is why he needs to meet with him so frequently. He has decided it is time to talk about the 25th Amendment and someone has put it out there with his support.
I wrote a prediction a few months ago that 'they' were preparing to remove Trump.
'They' being those high up in the Republican party. Trump has now served his usefulness. Trump has got them back into power, but he's now becoming a liability. More and more people are willing to oppose him. Especially those from within the White House. I wouldn't even rule out family.
Images I'm getting for this is a large chessboard. All the pieces are stationary just now there is hesitation. If one piece moves then it will reveal the game plan, who's behind it and what's being hidden. I think also there's been motion to put pressure on Trump to go quicker than this, but Russia and China has just started a massive military exercise. Any change in the Presidency will make the US look weak.
Also I think Trump has some serious information on those high up in the Republican party. He's best buds with Putin. There is no way that the Russians only hacked Hillary Clinton and the Democratic party emails.
I'm not too sure about the constitution of the US. Can someone help me with this? If there is no President or Vice President who takes charge?
I think Trump will resign (no impeachment or jail). For some reason I can't see Pence as President. When I ask why I'm getting 'friendly-fire' Which to me means someone has to be sacrificed (not dying but used) to make Trump go.
Then I ask who's next? I keep getting Paul Ryan. More of a caretaker President. While this may seem wild no President and no VP I'm being shown that there will be so many shocking revelations, there will be a cry for normality and for someone with experience to steady the ship.
Celticwitch, Paul Ryan is Speaker of the House of Representatives. He would be next in line to serve after the Vice President.
Celticwitch, Paul Ryan is Speaker of the House of Representatives. He would be next in line to serve after the Vice President.
Don't forget - Ryan is retiring in December. Since it is unlikely that Trump and Pence will be gone before then, right now we really don't know who would be next in line if Trump/Pence are gone down the road.
There is a push afoot from the Freedom Caucus to make ultra-conservative Jim Jordan speaker, which would be a total disaster on so many levels. Of course, that assumes that Republicans hold the majority.
This is another reason why it is SO incredibly important for thinking Americans to do everything we can to insure that doesn't happen. Voting is important, but also consider making a donation to Democratic candidates, writing letters to newspapers, and, if you are in a district that is being hard fought (as I am!), volunteer your time to support Dem candidates.
(It might be an interesting weekly RV to focus on who will be the next speaker)