Dear Readers:
Below (and/or attached hereto) is a copy of an anonymous letter we received. We have not verified the accuracy of all of its statements, although much of it seems to be consistent with publicly available information. We encourage all of our readers to do their own research to verify whether what “Concerned Citizen” says was/is accurate.
Sincerely
Reasonandbalance.com management
[see letter below or on the following pages.]
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To: Concerned Reader
From: Concerned Citizen 12/13/24
RE: TRUMP’s INCREDIBLE RECORD
[Some of what follows reflects my own opinion. I put this together based on my own personal research and doing a ChatGPT query. Everyone should independently verify any facts that I’ve referred to or alleged below. Any and all errors are inadvertent. ]
For those who truly cherish democracy and our Constitution, and/or who have had their patriotism and/ or sanity questioned by MAGA and Trump supporters, consider the following:
A cursory look at just the highlights, shows that America has lost it’s moral compass in both electing Trump to a second term and in bestowing any kind of Man of the Year award on him, like Time magazine has done. Simply put, literally speaking, Trump’s record could not be worse.
One has to seriously wonder, how a man with such a record could have ever been nominated let alone elected President. It simply takes one’s breath away.
Is it because of decades long constant brainwashing by Fox, Rush Limbaugh and right wing news platforms?
Is it because of racism?
Is it because blue collar workers—folks without college degrees especially are so easily mislead as some have suggested?
Was inflation so bad that it caused Trump voters to sell their soul to the devil?
Is it because the number of aliens amongst us has gone past the breaking point?
Was it because Kamala Harris ran an ineffective campaign?
Is America ready for a non-White female to be President? Was Harris doomed from the start because
of race and gender.
Who knows, but it’s as devastating as it is incredible. In normal (more rational times) Americans would have expected to find someone with this record to be in prison not the White House for a second time.
Preliminarily two extremely important things should be remembered:
.1. A Supreme Court with 2 justices receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts and benefits from known Republican donors allowed Trump to remain on the ballot in a decision that highly respected legal scholars and judges have questioned; and
.2. all should consider government’s last Motion (filed on October 2, 2024) by Special Prosecutor Jack Smith in the Trump election interference case (with pertains to the 2020 election, the counting of electoral votes thereon, and the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot). Smith’s Motion was, of course, filed before election night 2024 when Trump was t’re-elected and before Mr. Smith voluntarily moved to dismiss the case just a couple of weeks ago.
I am not at all exaggerating when I say that the evidence referenced in Smith’s October motion is startling, particularly when one realizes that most of the evidence is based on grand jury testimony taken under oath from many independent witnesses. The record clearly demonstrates for all who are willing to be reasonable, objective and fair-minded that: (a) Trump was/is an insurrectionist (in fact the state courts in Colorado found him to be an insurrectionist because Trump clearly already knew he had lost the election when in November and December of 2020 he applied strong arm tactics to both state election officials and later Mike Pence to steal the election from Joe Biden who had won that election fair and square. In fact, 60 courts from around the country with Republican and Democratic judges entered judgements which had the effect of upholding the validity of 2020); and b) how fragile America’s democracy is, and how so much depends on electing public officials who are honest, and courageous enough to stand up for the rule of law when their own lives and welfare are put on the line. Mike Pence’s life was clearly endangered by the Capitol rioting. Nevertheless he courageously, and at risk to his own life, followed the electoral vote counting process in accordance with the letter of the law, and not the wishes of Donald Trump who was in the process of betraying the will of the voters. Here are the links to Smith’s actual Government motion. [P.S. Attorney General Garland appointed Smith as a Special Prosecutor, to remove the appearance that this case was a Biden Administration versus Trump matter. Special prosecutors are appointed to remove political influence from the case.]
THE INSURRECTION: The Capitol Riot and 2020 Election Certification Process
Here’s the link to the actual new Motion filed by the federal government Special Prosecutor regarding January 6, 2021 Capitol riot and the 2020 election in general:
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/02/jack-smith-trump-court-filing-election-00182235
Or just cut and paste the following into your browser:
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000192-4ed8-d086-a1fe-7edb0e150000
CHATGPT RESPONSES:
[The following represents the answers I was given by ChatGPT. I did make some minor non-substantive nonfactually-related edits.]
As of December 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump has been convicted BY A JURY of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. This is in the state courts of New York. These convictions stem from a case involving a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. The payments were allegedly misrepresented in business records to conceal their true purpose.
In addition to this conviction, Trump faced other legal challenges:
- Federal Classified Documents Case: Trump was indicted on charges related to the mishandling of classified documents after leaving office. However, in July 2024, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case, ruling that Special Counsel Jack Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional.
- Federal Election Interference Case: This case involved allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. In November 2024, Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped the prosecution following Trump’s re-election.
- Georgia Election Interference Case: Trump was indicted on state charges in Georgia related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The trial has not yet commenced, and some charges have been dismissed.
Regarding the New York conviction, sentencing has been postponed indefinitely as of November 22, 2024, to allow for anticipated litigation, including potential motions to dismiss the case.
It’s important to note that legal proceedings are dynamic, and outcomes can change due to appeals, dismissals, or other legal actions.
TRUMP HELD LIABLE IN CIVIL CASES
Former President Donald Trump has been involved in several high-profile CIVIL lawsuits resulting in significant judgments against him. Notable cases include:
- New York Civil Fraud Case
In February 2024, a New York judge ruled that Trump and his companies engaged in a years-long scheme to inflate his assets and net worth on financial statements, misleading banks and insurers. The court imposed a penalty of $354 million, which, with interest, totals approximately $454 million. Trump is appealing the decision.
.2. E. Jean Carroll Defamation and Battery Case (2 cases)
In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages. In a subsequent lawsuit, another jury awarded Carroll an additional $83 million in damages for defamation. Trump is appealing these verdicts.
.3. Trump University Fraud Case
In 2016, Trump settled three lawsuits alleging that Trump University defrauded students by falsely promising to teach them his real estate secrets. The settlement amounted to $25 million.
.4. Trump Foundation Case
In 2018, the New York Attorney General sued the Trump Foundation, alleging it engaged in a “shocking pattern of illegality.” In 2019, Trump agreed to dissolve the foundation and pay $2 million in damages to various charities.
These cases represent some of the significant civil judgments against Trump, reflecting legal challenges related to his business practices and personal conduct.
Also the TRUMP ORGANIZATION conviction
. The Trump Organization
- Convictions:
- In December 2022, two entities within the Trump Organization were found guilty on 17 counts, including tax fraud and falsifying business records.
- The convictions were related to a scheme where top executives received off-the-books compensation to evade taxes.
- Sentence: The organization was fined $1.61 million, the maximum allowable under New York State law.
TRUMP RELATED BANKRUPTCIES
Among the six Trump-affiliated businesses that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy between 1991 and 2009, several eventually ceased operations:
- Trump Taj Mahal (1991): After its initial bankruptcy, the casino continued operations but faced ongoing financial challenges. It closed permanently in October 2016.
.2. Trump Plaza Hotel (1992): Located in New York City, this hotel filed for bankruptcy in 1992. It was sold in 1995 and continues to operate under new ownership.
.3. Trump Castle Hotel and Casino (1992): Renamed Trump Marina in 1997, it was sold in 2011 and now operates as the Golden Nugget Atlantic City.
.4. Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino (1992): This Atlantic City casino closed in September 2014 and was demolished in February 2021.
.5. Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts (2004): This holding company restructured and emerged from bankruptcy, later becoming Trump Entertainment Resorts.
.6. Trump Entertainment Resorts (2009): After its 2009 bankruptcy, the company continued to operate but faced ongoing financial issues. By 2016, its remaining properties had been sold or closed.
In summary, of the six entities, three (Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, and Trump Entertainment Resorts) eventually went out of business, while the others continued under new ownership or restructuring.
RECORD OF PERSONS PROFESSIONALLY ASSOCIATED WITH TRUMP
Several individuals who served in former President Donald Trump’s cabinet, campaign, or White House staff have been convicted of crimes or served prison sentences. Here’s a summary:
- Paul Manafort
- Role: Trump’s 2016 Campaign Chairman
- Conviction: In 2018, Manafort was convicted of tax fraud, bank fraud, and failing to disclose foreign bank accounts.
- Sentence: He was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison but was released to home confinement in May 2020 due to health concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Pardon: Manafort received a full pardon from President Trump in December 2020.
- .2. Michael Flynn
- Role: National Security Advisor
- Conviction: In 2017, Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian ambassador.
- Pardon: He was pardoned by President Trump in November 2020 before sentencing occurred.
- .3. Rick Gates
- Role: Deputy Campaign Chairman
- Conviction: In 2018, Gates pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and making false statements.
- Sentence: He was sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years of probation.
- .4. George Papadopoulos
- Role: Foreign Policy Advisor
- Conviction: In 2017, Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI regarding his contacts with individuals linked to Russia.
- Sentence: He served 12 days in prison.
- Pardon: He was pardoned by President Trump in December 2020.
- .5. Roger Stone
- Role: Campaign Advisor
- Conviction: In 2019, Stone was convicted of obstruction, making false statements, and witness tampering.
- Sentence: He was sentenced to 40 months in prison.
- Commutation and Pardon: President Trump commuted his sentence in July 2020 and granted a full pardon in December 2020.
- .6. Steve Bannon
- Role: White House Chief Strategist
- Conviction: In 2022, Bannon was convicted of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6th Capitol riot.
- Sentence: He was sentenced to four months in prison and reported to a federal prison in July 2024.
.7. Peter Navarro
- Role: White House Trade Advisor
- Conviction: In 2024, Navarro was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the January 6th attack.
- Sentence: He was sentenced to four months in prison and reported to a federal prison in March 2024.
.8. Elliott Broidy
- Role: Fundraiser for Trump’s 2016 Campaign
- Conviction: In 2020, Broidy pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate foreign lobbying laws.
- Pardon: He was pardoned by President Trump in January 2021 before sentencing.
- .9. George Nader
- Role: Informal Foreign Policy Advisor
- Conviction: In 2020, Nader pleaded guilty to child sex charges and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
.10. Michael Cohen
- Role: Trump’s Personal Attorney
- Conviction: In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to tax evasion, bank fraud, and campaign finance violations related to hush money payments.
- Sentence: He was sentenced to three years in prison and was released to home confinement in May 2020.
CONTRACTORS WORKING FOR and EMPLOYEES OF TRUMP
Several individuals associated with Donald Trump’s private business ventures have faced legal convictions or disbarment. Notable cases include:
- Allen Weisselberg
- Role: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Trump Organization
- Convictions:
- In August 2022, Weisselberg pleaded guilty to 15 felony charges, including grand larceny, tax fraud, and falsifying business records.
- He admitted to orchestrating a scheme to receive over $1.7 million in unreported compensation, such as luxury perks and bonuses, which allowed him and other executives to evade taxes.
- Sentence: Weisselberg was sentenced to five months in jail and served his term at New York City’s Rikers Island jail complex.
.2. Michael Cohen
- Role: Personal attorney to Donald Trump and Vice President of the Trump Organization
- Convictions:
- In August 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges, including tax evasion, bank fraud, and campaign finance violations related to hush money payments during the 2016 election.
- Sentence: He was sentenced to three years in federal prison and was disbarred following his conviction.
Please provide the following: The name of all persons who have worked for Trump in one of his normal private businesses who’ve been convicted of a crime, disbarred, or served a prison sentence
Several attorneys who represented or advised former President Donald Trump have faced professional disciplinary actions, including disbarment, suspension, or sanctions, primarily due to their involvement in efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results. Notable cases include:
- Rudy Giuliani
- Actions: As Trump’s personal attorney, Giuliani led efforts to contest the 2020 election results, making numerous unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.
- Disciplinary Measures:
- New York: In July 2024, Giuliani was disbarred in New York after a state appeals court found he made false statements intended to undermine the election outcome.
-
- Washington, D.C.: In September 2024, he was disbarred in Washington, D.C., for his attempts to overturn the election results, with the court describing his actions as causing significant harm to the U.S. Constitution.
.2. Michael Cohen
- Actions: Served as Trump’s personal attorney and was involved in various legal matters on his behalf.
- Disciplinary Measures: In 2019, Cohen was disbarred in New York following his guilty pleas to charges including tax evasion, bank fraud, and campaign finance violations related to hush money payments during the 2016 election.
- .3. John Eastman
- Actions: Authored memos outlining strategies to overturn the 2020 election results, including the use of alternate electors.
- Disciplinary Measures: Eastman’s law license was suspended in California, and a state bar court judge recommended his disbarment for knowingly making false statements about election fraud.
.4. Jenna Ellis
- Actions: Served as a legal advisor to Trump’s 2020 campaign, promoting claims of election fraud.
- Disciplinary Measures: In May 2024, Ellis agreed to a three-year suspension of her Colorado law license after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting false statements and writings in Georgia.
.5. Kenneth Chesebro
- Actions: Developed legal strategies to challenge the 2020 election results, including the submission of false elector certificates.
- Disciplinary Measures: In October 2024, Chesebro’s New York law license was indefinitely suspended following his guilty plea in Georgia for conspiracy to commit filing false documents.
.6. Sidney Powell
- Actions: Promoted unfounded claims of election fraud and filed lawsuits seeking to overturn the 2020 election results.
- Disciplinary Measures: Powell faced sanctions, including monetary penalties and referrals for potential disbarment. However, in April 2024, a Texas appeals court dismissed an ethics case against her due to procedural deficiencies in the disciplinary proceedings.
.7. L. Lin Wood
- Actions: Filed lawsuits challenging the 2020 election results and promoted conspiracy theories regarding election fraud.
- Disciplinary Measures: Wood voluntarily surrendered his law license in Georgia, effectively avoiding potential disciplinary actions, including disbarment.
Conclusion (Not ChatGPT)
It is extremely important to note that at least 3 separate juries have unanimously held against Trump.
Moreover the federal government and numerous state courts have been involved, and but for
the U.S. Supreme Court (whose own ethics, neutrality and objectivity have to be seriously questioned) ruling in October of this year, virtually all of them have held against Trump (except the Trump appointee Judge Cannon in Mar a Lago stolen documents case in Florida.) And that’s not even counting the 60 courts that held against Trump that the 2020 election was not stolen. It simply gets exhausting reciting all of the wrongs Trump has committed.
To put this in Biblical terms: Has America been seduced by the “great deceiver” of John, 2d Corinthians and Revelation himself? The scary thing to me is the answer is an emphatic …“ NO”! Unfortunately, Americans do not even have the luxury of being able to point to a superior power overwhelming their sensibilities. All one has to do is read objective news reporting in reputable newspapers (that actually have real investigative reporters) to know the truth. None are so blind as those who will not see and about 49.8% of the American public have glued their eyes ever so tightly shut. Unfortunately, that 49.8% (plus or minus) is enough to send all of us straight to Hell.
Do Americans even remember that we fought Fascism in World War II? How is it that all of a sudden, our elected President and Time’s Man of the Year wants to pardon so many members of Fascist supporting groups for the January 6 Capitol riot? Doesn’t Trump remember that several people died largely as a result of the rioting? Did those brave men at Normandy, Anzio, the Bulge and on many other battlefields during WWII die in vain?
And think about it….America’s the leader of “free” world !! What incentive do future government officials have to be law abiding citizens or respect the rule of law? And of course, we’ll tell our kids to do what’s right and to obey the law ! Good luck with that ! What kind of example are we setting?.