Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts

Friday, December 5, 2025

Court Watch, Part IV.

Weston County, Wyoming, courthouse.

The Justice Department has sued California to block new congressional district boundaries approved by California voters last week.

It's leaving the Texas crap districts alone, however.

In Utah, a Court blocked an effort to prevent their new commission designed districts, which features, gasp, a Democratic seat.

Cont:

Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate links Jeffrey Epstein had to prominent Democrats and institutions including former President Bill Clinton and former treasury secretary, Larry Summers. Read as he bounces off the wall in panic like a grade school dodge ball.  Bondi, of course, a loyal sycophant, appointed a prosecutor.

November 15, 2025

Wyoming Supreme Court Pauses Judge's Order For More School Counselors, Computers


 November 17, 2025


* * *



The judge is clearly signaling that this case is well on the way towards being dismissed.

November 18, 2025

A Federal Court in Texas has blocked the state from using its recently redrawn Congressional District map.

Oops.

This will be appealed, but if the decision is upheld it would mean that the five GOP (probably) seats that the state added won't be, while California, in a recent election, added five.

Oops.

Additionally, early indicators are that Texas Hispanics are following the national tread and are becoming disenchanted with the GOP, so some Texas districts may swing Democratic on their own.

Oops.

All of this could mean that the 2026 election could see the House not only swing Democratic, but perhaps massively so, and that some of the Returning Republicans are no longer big fans of Trump, to which those survivors will be reassessing their loyalty to Trump.

November 21, 2015

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan, all veterans, released  a video urging member of the armed forces not to follow illegal orders.  Donald Trump is now threatening them with prosecution for sedition, and the death penalty, which is ironic, as Trump is a seditionist.

A Federal Court ordered the illegal Trump deployment of National Guardsmen to Washington D.C. to come to an end.

November 24, 2025

The North Dakota Supreme Court upheld the state's abortion ban, causing abortion to again become illegal in the state.

cont:

Federal criminal indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were dismissed after a finding the prosecutor was not lawfully appointed.

December 3, 2025

Two well known names from the state's Republican politics.

December 4, 2025

Family of Colombian man killed in U.S. strike files human rights challenge

December 5, 2025

Headline in CST:

Court allows Texas maps

A Federal grand jury declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud.

Last edition:

Court Watch, Part III.

Labels: 

Monday, August 25, 2025

Court Watch, Part II.

 


August 5, 2025

Texas Governor Abbot has ordered the arrest of absentee Democratic Texas legislators.

cont:

The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify on matters Epstein.

Here's the thing, however.  Nobody really knows what they'll have to say, but one of the questions is going to be "who all did you see at . . . "

I suspect as many Republicans as Democrats are hoping he doesn't answer that.

August 11, 2025

It seems clear that the Trump administration is going to make some sort of a move on the homeless population of Washington, D.C.

There's also a move to take back Federal control of the enclave.

As anyone here can tell, I'm not a fan of the Trump administration, but I'll at least acknowledge that American cities have a huge homeless problem and it detracts from American society overall.  Something needs to be done about it. Something humane, but something.

Also, frankly, D.C. should have gave been given home rule.  It hasn't been a well run city in many instances.  It's a Federal enclave for a reason.

A case involving a county clerk may go to the S.Ct, and if it does, it would allow the court to review the Obergefell decision if it wishes to.

It doesn't have to take the case, and if it did, it wouldn't have to revisit Obergefell.  Obergefell was clearly wrongly decided, so it'll be interesting to see what the Court does.

Cont:

DECLARING A CRIME EMERGENCY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 740 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act (Public Law 93-198), as amended (section 740 of the Home Rule Act), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Crime is out of control in the District of Columbia.  Washington, District of Columbia, is our Nation’s capital and home to the central institutions of American governance.  Yet rising violence in the capital now urgently endangers public servants, citizens, and tourists, disrupts safe and secure transportation and the proper functioning of the Federal Government, and forces the diversion of critical public resources toward emergency response and security measures.  The city government’s failure to maintain public order and safety has had a dire impact on the Federal Government’s ability to operate efficiently to address the Nation’s broader interests without fear of our workers being subjected to rampant violence.

The increase in violent crime in the heart of our Republic has consequences beyond the individual tragedies that have dominated media coverage.  Such lawlessness also poses intolerable risks to the vital Federal functions that take place in the District of Columbia.  Violence and crime hamper the recruitment and retention of essential Federal employees, undermine critical functions of Government and thus the well-being of the entire Nation, and erode confidence in the strength of the United States.  These conditions are disgraceful anywhere, but particularly in the capital of our Nation and the seat of the Federal Government.  Citizens, tourists, and Federal workers deserve peace and security, not fear and violence.  The smooth functioning of executive departments and agencies, courts, diplomatic missions, and the Federal Government demands an effective law-enforcement mechanism capable of halting the precipitous rise in violent crime, not one that permits Government workers to be violently attacked by mobs or fatally shot close to the Federal buildings where they work.

The magnitude of the violent crime crisis places the District of Columbia among the most violent jurisdictions in the United States.  In 2024, the District of Columbia averaged one of the highest robbery and murder rates of large cities nationwide.  Indeed, the District of Columbia now has a higher violent crime, murder, and robbery rate than all 50 States, recording a homicide rate in 2024 of 27.54 per 100,000 residents.  It also experienced the Nation’s highest vehicle theft rate with 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents — over three times the national average of 250.2 thefts per 100,000 residents.  The District of Columbia is, by some measures, among the top 20 percent of the most dangerous cities in the world.

As President, I have a solemn duty to take care that our laws are faithfully executed, and a sacred responsibility to protect the safety and security of United States citizens who live in and visit our Nation’s capital, including Federal workers who live or commute into the District of Columbia.  These conditions cannot persist.  We will make the District of Columbia one of the safest cities in the world, not the most dangerous.

Sec2.  Services of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.  I determine that special conditions of an emergency nature exist that require the use of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (Metropolitan Police force) for Federal purposes, including maintaining law and order in the Nation’s seat of Government; protecting Federal buildings, national monuments, and other Federal property; and ensuring conditions necessary for the orderly functioning of the Federal Government.  Effective immediately, the Mayor of the District of Columbia (Mayor) shall provide the services of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes for the maximum period permitted under section 740 of the Home Rule Act.

Sec3.  Operational Control of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.  (a)  The authority of the President conferred by section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act to direct the Mayor with respect to the current special conditions of an emergency nature is delegated to the Attorney General. 

(b)  In accordance with section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act, the Mayor shall provide such services of the Metropolitan Police force as the Attorney General may deem necessary and appropriate.

Sec4.  Monitoring and Recommendations.  (a)  The Attorney General shall monitor and regularly consult with any senior official the Attorney General deems appropriate on the special conditions of an emergency nature that exist in the District of Columbia that require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes.

(b)  The Attorney General shall regularly update me on the status of the special conditions of an emergency nature that exist in the District of Columbia that require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes.

(c)  The Attorney General shall inform me of any circumstances that, in the Attorney General’s opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President or that the action in this order is no longer necessary.

Sec5.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    August 11, 2025.

There is no emergency.

Trump's use of executive orders is completely out of control.

Cont:

Attorney who backed Trump on Jan. 6 now urging Supreme Court to hear corner-crossing case: John Eastman says high court should hear matter “because it affects so much private property.”

August 13, 2025

Wyoming Senate panel rebuffs effort to give lawmakers more control over judicial nominations: The Wyoming Freedom Caucus began criticizing the court’s judiciary after rulings against its initiatives. A narrow vote Tuesday indicated debate is likely to continue.

August 20, 2025

California Republicans have filed suit to stop California Governor Newsome's retaliatory redistricting plan.   

Apparently the GOP never grasped the Democrats would punch back over the Texas gerrymandering grab.

August 21, 2025

Grand jury indicts Cody Roberts, infamous Wyoming wolf captor, on felony animal cruelty

Grand jury indicts Cody Roberts, infamous Wyoming wolf captor, on felony animal cruelty: Eighteen months after Roberts’ actions incited global outrage, a grand jury decided the Daniel resident should face felony charges.

August 23, 2025

The FBI raided the house of former Trump official and current Trump critic John Bolton.

August 25, 2025

More fascist behavior:

ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS THE
CRIME EMERGENCY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Crime Emergency.  Two weeks ago, I declared a crime emergency in the District of Columbia to address the rampant violence and disorder that have undermined the proper and safe functioning of the Federal Government, and therefore, the Nation, and that have led to disgraceful conditions in our Nation’s capital.  In furtherance of Executive Order 14333 of August 11, 2025 (Declaring a Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia), I am now ordering further actions to address the conditions described in that Executive Order. 

Sec2.  Operational Actions.  (a)  The Director of the National Park Service shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, hire additional members of the United States Park Police in the District of Columbia to support the policy goals described in Executive Order 14333.  The United States Park Police shall ensure enforcement of all applicable laws within their jurisdiction, including the Code of the District of Columbia, to help maintain public safety and proper order.

(b)  The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, hire additional prosecutors to focus on prosecuting violent and property crimes.

(c)  The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force established in Executive Order 14252 of March 27, 2025 (Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful), shall establish an online portal for Americans with law enforcement or other relevant backgrounds and experience to apply to join Federal law enforcement entities to support the policy goals described in Executive Order 14333.  Each law enforcement agency that is a member of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, as well as other relevant components of the Department of Justice as the Attorney General determines, shall further, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital that can be deployed whenever the circumstances necessitate, and that could be deployed, subject to applicable law, in other cities where public safety and order has been lost.

(d)(i)  The Secretary of Defense shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard, subject to activation under Title 32 of the United States Code, that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital.  As appropriate and consistent with applicable law, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall each deputize the members of this unit to enforce Federal law.

(ii)  The Secretary of Defense shall immediately begin ensuring that each State’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law.  In coordination with the respective adjutants general, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate number of each State’s trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes.  In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment. 

(e)  The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall investigate any non-compliance with the crime-prevention and safety requirements of HUD agreements by the District of Columbia Housing Authority or any landlord in the District of Columbia.  These investigations shall include consideration of the provisions of such agreements that require housing providers to maintain safe, decent, and sanitary conditions or to restrict tenants who engage in criminal activity that threatens health, safety, and the right to peaceful enjoyment for other tenants, including engaging in drug distribution, violent criminal activity, and domestic violence.  The Secretary of HUD shall refer any findings of non-compliance to the Attorney General, Federal law enforcement authorities, the District of Columbia Housing Authority Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department, as appropriate.

(f)  The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct additional inspections, audits, and examinations to determine whether conditions exist in federally-funded transit services in the District of Columbia that endanger transit workers, and take appropriate remedial action that is within the Department of Transportation’s authority.

Sec3.  Potential Amendments to Metropolitan Police Department General Orders.  (a)  The Attorney General shall review the Metropolitan Police Department General Orders and shall request that the Mayor of the District of Columbia make such updates and modifications to such orders as the Attorney General determines are necessary to address the crime emergency and ensure public order and safety.

Sec4.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

PROSECUTING BURNING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Purpose.  Our great American Flag is the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America, and of American freedom, identity, and strength.  Over nearly two-and-a-half centuries, many thousands of American patriots have fought, bled, and died to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly.  The American Flag is a special symbol in our national life that should unite and represent all Americans of every background and walk of life.  Desecrating it is uniquely offensive and provocative.  It is a statement of contempt, hostility, and violence against our Nation — the clearest possible expression of opposition to the political union that preserves our rights, liberty, and security.  Burning this representation of America may incite violence and riot.  American Flag burning is also used by groups of foreign nationals as a calculated act to intimidate and threaten violence against Americans because of their nationality and place of birth.

Notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s rulings on First Amendment protections, the Court has never held that American Flag desecration conducted in a manner that is likely to incite imminent lawless action or that is an action amounting to “fighting words” is constitutionally protected.  See Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397, 408-10 (1989).

My Administration will act to restore respect and sanctity to the American Flag and prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority.

Sec2.  Measures to Combat Desecration of the American Flag.  (a)  The Attorney General shall prioritize the enforcement to the fullest extent possible of our Nation’s criminal and civil laws against acts of American Flag desecration that violate applicable, content-neutral laws, while causing harm unrelated to expression, consistent with the First Amendment.  This may include, but is not limited to, violent crimes; hate crimes, illegal discrimination against American citizens, or other violations of Americans’ civil rights; and crimes against property and the peace, as well as conspiracies and attempts to violate, and aiding and abetting others to violate, such laws.

(b)  In cases where the Department of Justice or another executive department or agency (agency) determines that an instance of American Flag desecration may violate an applicable State or local law, such as open burning restrictions, disorderly conduct laws, or destruction of property laws, the agency shall refer the matter to the appropriate State or local authority for potential action.

(c)  To the maximum extent permitted by the Constitution, the Attorney General shall vigorously prosecute those who violate our laws in ways that involve desecrating the American Flag, and may pursue litigation to clarify the scope of the First Amendment exceptions in this area.

(d)  The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting within their respective authorities, shall deny, prohibit, terminate, or revoke visas, residence permits, naturalization proceedings, and other immigration benefits, or seek removal from the United States, pursuant to Federal law, including 8 U.S.C. 1182(a), 8 U.S.C. 1424, 8 U.S.C. 1427, 8 U.S.C. 1451(c), and 8 U.S.C. 1227(a), whenever there has been an appropriate determination that foreign nationals have engaged in American Flag-desecration activity under circumstances that permit the exercise of such remedies pursuant to Federal law.

Sec3.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

Last edition:

Court Watch

Friday, June 27, 2025

Five Republicans listening to their base.

 



The margin on this bill is so tight that five votes has a very good chance of sinking it in the House.

Good for the five.

And shame on Wyoming's delegation in Congress if it does not follow suit.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Friday, March 19, 1875. The execution of Tiburcio Vásquez.


 Legendary Californio bandido Tiburcio Vásquez was executed at age 39.

The March 1875 Southeast tornado outbreak struck the Southern United States producing no less than 19 tornadoes.

Last edition:

Saturday, March 13, 1875. Sheep.

Friday, January 17, 2025

Cliffnotes of the Zeitgeist. 72nd Edition. Carbon Comparison and Contrast.

New York and Vermont recently passed laws like these, which require energy companies to pay climate damages and will likely face fierce challenges.

and: 

‘Make Carbon Dioxide Great Again’ law would ban carbon reduction efforts in Wyoming

Sen. Steinmetz wants to repeal Wyoming’s carbon capture mandate for coal plants.

The thing that those living in Wyoming fail to appreciate (I'm not using the word Wyomingite intentionally, as I think a lot of actual Wyomingites do get it) is that the entire population of Wyoming would amount to what Californians would regard as a mid sized city.

Yes, Trump will have the keys to the Executive Power of the US over the next four years, or until age or J. D. Vance removes him, but that is temporary and even with the dictatorial powers he aspires to, he doesn't have complete dictatorial control.  The clock is really winding down on this one, and the lawsuits about to begin.

Big Tobacco anyone?

Last edition:

Cliffnotes of the Zeitgeist. 71st Edition. DiscrLabels: editing himself and the rest of us in turn.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

How did so many of us, become so mean?

Indeed I tremble for my country when reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever: that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation, is among possible events: that it may become probable by supernatural interference!

Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia

An item from Cowboy State Daily columnist Dave Simpson (who is not from Wyoming, like so many of Wyoming's far right are not):

Dave Simpson: Wyoming Paid Us To Cut Dead Trees

Within the column:

Apparently California hasn't had the good sense to encourage landowners to clear their land of the brush that went up in flames around Los Angeles last week, taking 24 lives and destroying 12,000 homes so far. One report explained that landowners clearing brush could be fined for killing rare, protected plants.

Good grief.

Here in Wyoming, we made our places less prone to fire.

Too bad California didn't encourage landowners to do the same.

They're paying the price now.

What a massively ignorant and mean thing to say.

The replies on twitter, at least, were not clueless:

Stephanie Hewitt@Stephhewitt1 2h

But even with thinning the forest, the Snowy Range would not survive with hurricane force winds during a forest fire. Stop the grandstanding.

Indeed the recent fire in Albany and Carbon Counties more than proved that. 

Buckwild @veedawhoo 3h

Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back chief🙄

Exactly. 

Traveler@JuniperMesa 1h

Fill Sky will massive amounts heat trapping gases, catastrophically overheat Planet = catastrophic climate change, Aridification, Megadrought, FireStorms gone Runaway, beyond Apocalyptic self reinforcing feedback loop, not "potential", Rocky Mountain Ecosystem, not built for heat

And right again.

Of course, as Simpson, who actual Wyomingites would not regard as a Wyomingite (you have to be born here or in a neighboring state, wondering in as an adult doesn't count), is from the far right, and as a far right migrant who didn't grow up here with winters were real, probably is in the climate change is a fib category.

It isn't.

The old saying is "paybacks are a bitch". 

How naive and clueless can a person be to not realize that an urban fire.

There was a desert wind blowing that night. It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands' necks. Anything can happen. You can even get a full glass of beer at a cocktail lounge.

Raymond Chandler, Red Wind: A Collection of Short Stories

The fires were driven by Santa Ana winds, strong, extremely dry katabatic winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California.

Chandler wasn't kidding. They're something else, and indeed "Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands' necks."

I fear that Wyoming is about to get a real dope slap.

California contributes five times more to the Federal coffers than it receives.

Then I rapped upon a house with a U.S. flag upon display

I said, "Could you help me out, I got some friends down the way"

The man said, "Get out of here, I'll tear you limb from limb"

I said, You know, they refused Jesus, too, " he said, "You're not him

Get out of here before I break your bones, I ain't your pop"

I decided to have him arrested, and I went looking for a cop

Bob Dylan 115th Street Dream.

Wyoming receives more than it gives.

Sitting there smug with a 307 beer can isn't going to change that.

And we have disasters, including fire related disasters, every year.

This year, the Hageman homestead was burned in one such fire.

Guess the Hageman's didn't know enough to clear the underbrush?

I suspect nobody is going to say that.

And if the fires return here next summer, and its been a very dry winter, what will people who hold such mean spirted views say?

And will Wyoming, which had its hand out for disaster relief in 2024, be too embarrassed to ask for it in 2024.  Simpson speaks for a common view here, and the GOP is threatening to hold disaster aid to California up.  Indeed, our Senator, in his new whip role, has hinted at that.

Nature and events have a terrible way of humbling the arrogant.

Every proud heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured that none will go unpunished.

Proverbs, 16:5