Dr. Bandy Lee's insight and suggestions are wise and appropriate. The U.S. is obviously headed towards an oligarhical and feudal kakistocracy, especially in light of the President-elect's proposed political appointments. [BTW, a kakistocracy is government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state.] Said political appointments seem to be narcissistic rage at a terrifying level that actually endangers the planet. The President-elect has proven that the legal and justice system is multi-tiered and sufficient money, even ill-gotten monies, can immunize one from legal accountability and justice.
How many more unhinged statements, threats of invasion, handing out important positions to family, friends and transactional partners do we need to tolerate before he’s committed?
Absolutely correct Dr. Lee. It must be done, it may be the last chance we have for some kind of salvation of our country and the abject evil that we're about to descend into.
I would say that he has NOT complied with the court. He threatened the judge, the judge's daughter, prosecutors, and anyone who dare try to hold him accountable. The result? Death threats. When he was gagged, he forced his fellow Insurrectionists in Congress to show up at the courthouse wearing Trump uniforms to continue the verbal threats and attacks that he was barred from saying himself. He was found in contempt of court 10 TIMES. This is not normal. Even mafia bosses don't behave that way.
New York Appellate Judge Ellen Gesmer DENIED Trump's Motion to Stay Friday's Hearing.
Sentencing remains on Calendar.
Trump has done something & I will not call it a SCOTUS CERT requestl. But, some sort of anguish scream to Roberts of "Save Me!".
Trump is treating the SCOTUS 6 like an Article 2 Court, an executive court rarely used except at times of civil unrest or war.
Sentencing remain calendar for this Friday.
*****
I am retired CA Trial attorney but, remain an Active ABA Member.
But, anyone can read the the New York statute on "Unconditional Discharge" which is spelled out at New York Penal Code Section 65.20.
By N.Y. definition that means a sentence "without imprisonment, probation or supervision" plainly sated -- no jail time.
You may or not recall that in addition to the Jury's determination of 34 felonies, Judge Merchan also banged the gavel down on 10 civil contempts & thus The Court has already imposed money sanctions. The defendant may continue his contumacious conduct - a long time to Friday in Trump World.
Likely at the top Judge Merchan's "To Do" list is to bring the case to final judgment so the Defendant can start his appeal(s) & the judicial clock starts ticking.
The sentencing hearing remains set for this Friday.
Contumacious is very apt! As I've commented, I think something very ugly has now become entrenched in the politics of this country through Trump world or the Cult of Trump Personality (CTP, formerly GOP). History has shown how a large segment of a population can support the the start of eventual dictatorship, even taking over the courts. I'm in near despair over being too old to see it eventually stopped.
You and your colleagues, Dr. Lee, have performed an invaluable public service by providing us with a perspicuous view of Donald Trump's mind every bit as much as we witnessed Trump's orchestrated assault on the Capitol with our own eyes. Thank you for this and for your wise and practical admonition that Judge Merchan order a standard, comprehensive pre-sentencing mental health examination for the convicted felon.
Dr. Lee, will you be encouraging Judge Merchan to order Donald to be tested? I remember that you and your colleagues have sent recommendations to judges before. I don’t know who else could convince him, although I am encouraged by John Hartmann’s offer above.
QUESTION: What is the most vital body organ in a sitting POTUS? So why isn't it examined & screened for psychopathy, dementia, etc., BEFORE we hand him the nuke codes & our lives? Why can't a SPECT Brain Scan & other MRI-like medical screening equipment be used even though it's not "standard of care" under these (exceptional & unique) circumstances esp since Trump is being given a slap on the hand & getting away with murder, amongst many other crimes?
I continue to thank Dr. Lee, thoroughly appreciating her opinions and efforts (especially the ones that encourage!). However, it remains so frustrating that her rationality and compassion seem to be like King Canute trying to keep the tide from coming in by holding up his hand. It looks to me like nothing rational and compassionate apply where Trump is concerned. I think what prevails in his favor is a combination of diabolically successful propaganda (misleading ignorant people--particularly with that hideous mechanize), greedy selfishness (APA especially), and gangsterism (further corruption through fear-inducement). Ruthlessness, as he has openly bragged about, goes a long way and fast (like blitzkrieg), and with any negative motivation, it ultimately leads to ruin. There is a clean-up eventually afterward, with a lot of explaining how such things could happen--after the fact, having ignored Dr. Lee's warnings beforehand!. Tragically, it's also after so many innocent people are harmed in the meantime. About Dr. Lee, I keep thinking of Cassandra, who was given the gift of prophecy by the Greek gods but along with nobody (except in WMHC for Dr. Lee) believing her.
So, can we collectively send Judge Merchan an email to request that he order a psych eval on Trump? Judge Merchan needs to be "lit up" with requests from as many people as possible. How can this be accomplished ASAP? Hmmm?
I just learned today from The Daily Beans podcast that we can leave a message for the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, by following this link https://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justice and then choosing “Message to the Attorney General” from the drop down list.
More than anything, Justice Merchan should treat Trump like an ordinary criminal which he is. While Trump acts like a king after his victory, a prison sentence will bring him to the ground and may trigger 'emperor has no clothes' moment in America. Justice Merchan can go further by giving a detailed opinion about how the societal safety checks & constitution have failed in current times allowing the most incompetent and unfit man to become President. If Merchan do that, he will go down in history books as a voice of dissent in times of Mass Psychosis.
I guess the value of a medical evaluation would be in proving Trump is unfit for office to be removed from office. That means we have Liar-liar-Vance-on-fire as the president. Makes me uneasy.
Given the impulsiveness of the defendent in skirting orders, his threats to the court, his defiance, it seems a reasonable request for the people to ask expert advice from mental health professionals to determine the ability of the defendent to understand the authority under which he is being sentenced and the seriousness of his crimes.
That’s a definite possibility, or we could fund campaigns with a tax. I like your idea of a candidate having to demonstrate 5% or more support to qualify. Personally, I think we should tax Wall Street trades a very, very small amount— like .0125%, that when “pooled” would amount to a lot of money. But we need democrats in the House to come up with draft legislation now, because it will take awhile for some people to get used to the idea. I’m certain there’s no way to pass such legislation for the next 4 years, but we should start talking about it now. There are a lot of details to iron out.
I like your list, but I think all private donations to campaigns should be made illegal otherwise they will find a way to cheat. Only public money should be available to campaigns. Each candidate for the same office should be given the same amount of public money at the same time. Every expenditure
must have a receipt and all receipts must be turned over to the fec. When the money is gone, there’s no
FINALLY!!?? Could a "miracle" actually happen? (And if it does... anyone who "leaks" out the names or other identifying info of the doctors & other mental health providers/staff should be charged with whatever laws may apply...).
Dr. Bandy Lee's insight and suggestions are wise and appropriate. The U.S. is obviously headed towards an oligarhical and feudal kakistocracy, especially in light of the President-elect's proposed political appointments. [BTW, a kakistocracy is government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state.] Said political appointments seem to be narcissistic rage at a terrifying level that actually endangers the planet. The President-elect has proven that the legal and justice system is multi-tiered and sufficient money, even ill-gotten monies, can immunize one from legal accountability and justice.
How many more unhinged statements, threats of invasion, handing out important positions to family, friends and transactional partners do we need to tolerate before he’s committed?
Absolutely correct Dr. Lee. It must be done, it may be the last chance we have for some kind of salvation of our country and the abject evil that we're about to descend into.
I agree: it must/should be done. I believe that: it won't be done.
I would say that he has NOT complied with the court. He threatened the judge, the judge's daughter, prosecutors, and anyone who dare try to hold him accountable. The result? Death threats. When he was gagged, he forced his fellow Insurrectionists in Congress to show up at the courthouse wearing Trump uniforms to continue the verbal threats and attacks that he was barred from saying himself. He was found in contempt of court 10 TIMES. This is not normal. Even mafia bosses don't behave that way.
Wednesday Update:
New York Appellate Judge Ellen Gesmer DENIED Trump's Motion to Stay Friday's Hearing.
Sentencing remains on Calendar.
Trump has done something & I will not call it a SCOTUS CERT requestl. But, some sort of anguish scream to Roberts of "Save Me!".
Trump is treating the SCOTUS 6 like an Article 2 Court, an executive court rarely used except at times of civil unrest or war.
Sentencing remain calendar for this Friday.
*****
I am retired CA Trial attorney but, remain an Active ABA Member.
But, anyone can read the the New York statute on "Unconditional Discharge" which is spelled out at New York Penal Code Section 65.20.
By N.Y. definition that means a sentence "without imprisonment, probation or supervision" plainly sated -- no jail time.
You may or not recall that in addition to the Jury's determination of 34 felonies, Judge Merchan also banged the gavel down on 10 civil contempts & thus The Court has already imposed money sanctions. The defendant may continue his contumacious conduct - a long time to Friday in Trump World.
Likely at the top Judge Merchan's "To Do" list is to bring the case to final judgment so the Defendant can start his appeal(s) & the judicial clock starts ticking.
The sentencing hearing remains set for this Friday.
Contumacious is very apt! As I've commented, I think something very ugly has now become entrenched in the politics of this country through Trump world or the Cult of Trump Personality (CTP, formerly GOP). History has shown how a large segment of a population can support the the start of eventual dictatorship, even taking over the courts. I'm in near despair over being too old to see it eventually stopped.
Must sop & will stop for the grandchildren & next generations.
You and your colleagues, Dr. Lee, have performed an invaluable public service by providing us with a perspicuous view of Donald Trump's mind every bit as much as we witnessed Trump's orchestrated assault on the Capitol with our own eyes. Thank you for this and for your wise and practical admonition that Judge Merchan order a standard, comprehensive pre-sentencing mental health examination for the convicted felon.
Excellent!! What could I do to help?
Dr. Lee, will you be encouraging Judge Merchan to order Donald to be tested? I remember that you and your colleagues have sent recommendations to judges before. I don’t know who else could convince him, although I am encouraged by John Hartmann’s offer above.
QUESTION: What is the most vital body organ in a sitting POTUS? So why isn't it examined & screened for psychopathy, dementia, etc., BEFORE we hand him the nuke codes & our lives? Why can't a SPECT Brain Scan & other MRI-like medical screening equipment be used even though it's not "standard of care" under these (exceptional & unique) circumstances esp since Trump is being given a slap on the hand & getting away with murder, amongst many other crimes?
I continue to thank Dr. Lee, thoroughly appreciating her opinions and efforts (especially the ones that encourage!). However, it remains so frustrating that her rationality and compassion seem to be like King Canute trying to keep the tide from coming in by holding up his hand. It looks to me like nothing rational and compassionate apply where Trump is concerned. I think what prevails in his favor is a combination of diabolically successful propaganda (misleading ignorant people--particularly with that hideous mechanize), greedy selfishness (APA especially), and gangsterism (further corruption through fear-inducement). Ruthlessness, as he has openly bragged about, goes a long way and fast (like blitzkrieg), and with any negative motivation, it ultimately leads to ruin. There is a clean-up eventually afterward, with a lot of explaining how such things could happen--after the fact, having ignored Dr. Lee's warnings beforehand!. Tragically, it's also after so many innocent people are harmed in the meantime. About Dr. Lee, I keep thinking of Cassandra, who was given the gift of prophecy by the Greek gods but along with nobody (except in WMHC for Dr. Lee) believing her.
So, can we collectively send Judge Merchan an email to request that he order a psych eval on Trump? Judge Merchan needs to be "lit up" with requests from as many people as possible. How can this be accomplished ASAP? Hmmm?
I just learned today from The Daily Beans podcast that we can leave a message for the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, by following this link https://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justice and then choosing “Message to the Attorney General” from the drop down list.
More than anything, Justice Merchan should treat Trump like an ordinary criminal which he is. While Trump acts like a king after his victory, a prison sentence will bring him to the ground and may trigger 'emperor has no clothes' moment in America. Justice Merchan can go further by giving a detailed opinion about how the societal safety checks & constitution have failed in current times allowing the most incompetent and unfit man to become President. If Merchan do that, he will go down in history books as a voice of dissent in times of Mass Psychosis.
I guess the value of a medical evaluation would be in proving Trump is unfit for office to be removed from office. That means we have Liar-liar-Vance-on-fire as the president. Makes me uneasy.
What is the precedent for such an order?
Given the impulsiveness of the defendent in skirting orders, his threats to the court, his defiance, it seems a reasonable request for the people to ask expert advice from mental health professionals to determine the ability of the defendent to understand the authority under which he is being sentenced and the seriousness of his crimes.
THE AWAKENING MANIFESTO:
TAKING BACK OUR FUTURE
To the People Everywhere,
The system is rigged. The wealthiest 1% control governments, economies, and media, while the rest struggle to get by.
This isn’t about politics or ideology—it’s about power. They have it. We don’t.
The good news? We’re waking up. Across the globe, people are uniting to demand fairness, justice, and freedom. Together, we can take back what’s ours.
THE PROBLEM
• The Middle Class is Under Attack:
Housing prices, wages, and food costs are manipulated, pushing us into desperation and dependence. They want us divided, weak, and easy to control.
• Technology is Being Used Against Us:
Surveillance and media are tools to monitor, distract, and divide. Innovation should liberate us—not make us pawns in their game.
• Corporate Greed Controls Politics:
Politicians answer to billionaires and corporations, not to the people. Our votes mean little when money is involved.
THE SOLUTION
We don’t need to destroy the system but rebuild it. This starts with everyday people taking action together.
1. Money Out of Politics
• Ban corporate donations and Super PACs.
• Cap campaign spending and make funding 100% transparent.
2. Fair Wages and Strong Communities
• Demand a living wage and break up monopolies.
• Support local businesses, co-operatives, and renewable energy owned by communities.
3. Reclaim Technology
• End mass surveillance and ensure internet access is a human right.
• Decentralize control of critical technologies to empower everyone.
4. Unite Across Borders
• This is a global fight. Share strategies, resources, and victories. Together, we’re unstoppable.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
1. Educate Yourself:
Learn how the system works. Share the truth.
2. Organize Locally:
Build mutual aid networks and community projects.
3. Resist:
Boycott exploitative companies.
Demand accountability from leaders.
4. Take Action:
Protest, vote, and fight for policies that put people first.
WHY IT MATTERS
The future belongs to us—not the billionaires.
If we rise together, we can create a world where everyone thrives, not just the wealthy few.
The storm is here, and we’re the ones who can change its course.
It’s time to fight back.
For our families.
For our communities.
For our future.
The time is now.
Let’s rise.
GQ
I agree. Public funds equally distributed by anyone demonstrating 5% or more support could be on viable option?
That’s a definite possibility, or we could fund campaigns with a tax. I like your idea of a candidate having to demonstrate 5% or more support to qualify. Personally, I think we should tax Wall Street trades a very, very small amount— like .0125%, that when “pooled” would amount to a lot of money. But we need democrats in the House to come up with draft legislation now, because it will take awhile for some people to get used to the idea. I’m certain there’s no way to pass such legislation for the next 4 years, but we should start talking about it now. There are a lot of details to iron out.
Great idea!
I like your list, but I think all private donations to campaigns should be made illegal otherwise they will find a way to cheat. Only public money should be available to campaigns. Each candidate for the same office should be given the same amount of public money at the same time. Every expenditure
must have a receipt and all receipts must be turned over to the fec. When the money is gone, there’s no
more.
FINALLY!!?? Could a "miracle" actually happen? (And if it does... anyone who "leaks" out the names or other identifying info of the doctors & other mental health providers/staff should be charged with whatever laws may apply...).