02/14/24
Good morning! It’s Wednesday, February 14th.
Valentime’s Day.
Valentime’s… that’s comedy right there.
And now, the news.
Mayorkas Impeached
Let’s start with the major story of the day… Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been impeached in the House.
As a reminder, they tried to get this done last week but, likely not understanding what a big part of his job basic math would be, Speaker Johnson called the impeachment to a vote and it failed, with two Republicans defecting at the last minute.
That was last week. This is this week and, with the return of House Rep Scalise, who was out after blood cancer treatment, the House Republicans found they had the votes to take this back to the floor. It ultimately passed on a 214-213 vote. Naaaaarrowwwww.
This is historical and frustration.
Historical because this is only the second time a cabinet official has ever been impeached. The first time? William Belknap, who was impeached in 1876 for exchanging money and gifts for gigs.
Speaker Johnson recognized the historical weight of the moment in a statement, saying: "Next to a declaration of war, impeachment is arguably the most serious authority given to the House and we have treated this matter accordingly."
And then was like – eh, actually maybe instead of taking it seriously, we’ll take it politically.
And here’s where it gets frustrating because impeachments are meant for high crimes and misdemeanors. Not political differences.
Listen, what’s happening at the border is not good. Okay. But Mayorkas was accused of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law.” …where?
Great question. We’ll hold until the House Republicans tell us.
(crickets)
Literally, check out the link to the article by the Hill that’s in show notes, where actual lawyers also attempt, without much luck, to understand what law he actually broke.
So here we are, without a clear, or even real, crime, with Republicans impeaching the Homeland Security Secretary simply because the border… exists, while, on the other hand, not wanting to work with the democrats to help the border.
The cruelty is the point, we know that, but here it’s the chaos. The chaos is their goal.
When you vote this year, let em find out that the chaos they created is also what led them to the downfall of their party.
Wildly unserious and dangerous.
NYC Election Results
-via NY Times
Speaking of trying to inject some normalcy back into our politics, a little level-setting if you will… New York went to the polls yesterday to fill the spot that George Santos left.
In the House. Not in our hearts.
Not that he’s going to stay in my heart, he just hasn’t left yet. It’s actually very annoying. I’ve asked and he just keeps asking if he can tell me stories about his time as a volleyball player.
Because the House is so narrow, this was a crucial election.
And because actions have consequences… in an extremely tight race, Tom Suozzi has gotten the W. This is actually his second time in the seat. He previously held that House Rep title in that same district from 2017 to 2023, when he stepped down to run, unsuccessfully, for governor. But he’s back now!
It’s a nice moment for Democrats, but remember that special elections have very low turnout and he has great name recognition in the area. If you’re happy with these results, feel that. Feel good. And then remember that it’s going to take real work to get these wins nationwide.
Very important to note that, after he took the stage, but before his speech started, pro-ceasefire protestors made their way to the stage and accused Suozzi of supporting genocide and chants for a ceasefire could be heard.
Arrest Made in Statue Theft
-via AP News
Quick follow up on a story from earlier this month – the theft of the Jackie Robinson statue form a little league park.
Turns out it was someone named Ricky Alderete, who had actually been arrested earlier this month on kidnapping charges. And then on Monday this charge was added as well, with police noting this is only the first arrest, and there are more to come. They don’t believe this is a hate-crime, and instead he was going to use the statue for sheet metal.
Vehicle Crashes into Austin Medical Center
-via CBS News
Multiple people were injured Tuesday night, including two children, after a vehicle crashed into an emergency room in Austin, Texas.
It does not appear to have been an intentional act.
And that’s it, that’s the news.
There is a lot of news expected to break this week – including a decision by the Supreme Court over whether they’ll hear Trump’s please please please, let me get what I want appeal to allow the president to have carte blanche immunity. Jack Smith wants the Court to respond by next Tuesday in order to prevent the continued delay tactic from Trump Camp.
We’ll also know more about what’s going on with DA Fani Willis and whether she’ll be able to stay on the Georgia RICO case because of her personal relationship with a prosecutor on the case.
It's possible, for the sake of the RICO case, that Willis may announce today that she’s stepping down so that the case can more forward.
So we’ll keep an eye on all that.
In the meantime – because I’m gonna pretend you at least chuckled at my Valentime’s Day joke… I’m proud of you.