This article excerpt highlights Donald Trump’s assertion that the term “86” is a mob slang for “kill him.” According to Trump, the mafia uses this phrase specifically when intending to eliminate someone. He further elaborated that “86 the son of a gun” is the colloquial expression employed by mobsters to convey such a lethal intent.
A federal grand jury has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for arranging seashells on a beach to spell “86 47,” with charges of making and transmitting threats against the president. This action follows a previous, flawed attempt to indict Comey for false statements, which was dismissed due to procedural errors. The current indictment is criticized for misstating the law regarding threats and for including an unusual forfeiture notice, raising concerns about its frivolous nature and potential chilling effect on civil liberties.
The conviction of nine activists on terrorism charges in Texas sets a concerning precedent, allowing the Trump administration to target leftwing groups and label them as domestic terrorists. While the administration framed the verdict as a victory against “antifa,” legal experts note the terrorism charges focused narrowly on specific criminal acts rather than organizational ties or ideology. Concerns have been raised that the prosecution may have criminalized common practices like using secure messaging apps or reading certain literature, potentially chilling free speech and assembly. This case highlights how easily conspiracy charges can be constructed, and experts predict the government is likely to pursue similar prosecutions against individuals perceived to be associated with “antifa.”
Federal Judge James Boasberg quashed two grand jury subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, citing ample evidence of harassment and coercion rather than legitimate wrongdoing. The judge found that the subpoenas were intended to pressure Powell into lowering interest rates, pointing to numerous social media posts and statements as proof of improper motive. Despite the government’s claims of legitimate purpose, Boasberg noted prosecutors declined to provide further evidence, highlighting a pattern of questionable investigations within the Justice Department. The US attorney announced an appeal, but the judge’s decision exposed the department’s compromised independence under presidential influence.
John Q. Hosedrinker