StocktonAfterClass

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The Mara-Lago Classified Documents Case seemed to me to be the strongest of all the cases against Trump.  Those were highly sensitive documents.  Some were so sensitive that even their classifications were classified.  As a private citizen Trump had no right to any of those.  Moreover, he had tried to hide them, had urged others to deny they were there, and and had lied to the FBI when they came to collect them. 

In late January, 2025, the new Trump administration dropped all further actions on this case.   Eileen Cannon, the incompetent and highly partisan judge who was in charge of that case had ruled that the Justice Department was wrong in pursuing charges.    Special investigator Jack Smith had appealed against this ruling, knowing that Cannon had made kooky rulings before and had been overruled by higher judges.  Most observers though the higher courts would support Smith and reinstate the case.  By dropping all further actions, the case is now ended. 

This was the original posting I did on this case, discussing the Smith document charging Trump and his co-defendants and the logic of those charges. 

We still do not know what Trump planned to do with those documents,, which would have been of exceptional value to foreign intelligence agencies. 

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When Jimmy Carter published this book in 2006 he was subjected to a barrage of vilification.  As we look back on this book today, we might well ask ourselves, "What was the problem?"  In fact, as we looked at the book when it was published, we might ask the same question.  The problem, it seems to me,  was that Carter was challenging the pro-Israeli narrative which presented Israel as innocent, committed to peace, sharing values and interests with the U. S., and fully embracing religious freedom.  

This podcast outlines the main arguments that Carter made in his book, and why the response from Israeli support groups was so intense. 

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Jane and I were on our way from Mobile (where her family had originated) to Andersonville,  the terrible Confederate prison camp where both of us had lost relatives.  She realized that we would be very close to Plains.  Not only that, Jimmy would be teaching Sunday School that day.  We went to that service and watched a Baptist Deacon teach a lesson on the diseased woman that Jesus cured.  There were a couple of hundred people in the audience but our teacher used a traditional discussion format and managed to connect with each of us. 

When Jimmy was sent home from the hospital a year or so ago, and turned over to the care of hospice nurses, I wrote this tribute. 

Over the years Jane and I have read or listened to most of Jimmy's books.  The one that stands out is his childhood memoir, An Hour Before Daylight.  Do yourself a favor and get an audio version of that book.  It is unique.

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I have visited Syria several times, running or participating in academic programs.  These are my reflections.  

I noticed a couple of glitches along the way, but nothing that will not be obvious to you.  (If the Israelis withdrew from the Golan, they would be replaced by Syrians, not Israelis.  Sorry for that).  

Twice I discussed maps.  One was of Syria, the other of what is commonly called Greater Syria, including all of the areas controlled by the Ottomans before WWI. 

If you are not good at conceptualizing such things, you might go online to find the maps I discuss. 

Update:  A Syrian friend reminded me that I  first visited her country in 1991 rather than 1993.  Thanks to her for that helpful reminder. 

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Back in 2009 Jonathan Goldstein wrote an entertaining book entitled "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bible!"  For those looking for orthodox teaching, it might veer a bit off base.  But for those looking for 15 minutes of entertainment, maybe you will like this.  

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This is a different type of podcast.  It is not me explaining someting to you.  It is my former student, now an immigration attorney, explaining something to me. 

Shahad Atiya has practiced law for several years.  She knows the ins and outs and how the system actually works.  Temporary Protected Status is an exceptionally important policy, relevant to people whose home country has had a sudden disaster:  maybe a war, maybe civil unrest, maybe an earthquake or hurricane that leaves the capital destroyed. Under those circumstances, if you are in the U.S. on a visa, maybe visiting or as a student, and something goes wrong back home so that returning could put you at risk, you (that is, everyone from your country) can be granted a waiver to remain here until things are stable.  This is called Temporary Protected Status. 

There are currently 17 countries that have TPS.  Shehad explains the law and policies around TPS and what the future may hold. 

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Well, I'm feeling good about StocktonAfterClass.  We just passed 60,000 downloads.  That is not many compared with media Superstars but to me it is an impressive number.  And you are from over 130 different countries.  

I am not told anything about any of you except where you live but in the past when I have had zoom sessions, I have found those who checked in to be very interesting people.  

Would you like to join us?  There is no agenda.  Whatever you want to talk about is good with me.  Maybe you want to discuss one of the previous podcasts, or maybe you just want to chat about the weather.  Whatever. 

I am guessing we would go on for an hour or so, but the last time I tried this there were some very intersting people (and talkative) and we went on longer than that.  

If you are interested you have to let me know so I can sign you in.  Please send me an email to 

[email protected] 

And if the time comes and I have not started the meeting, please be patient.  I am a bit of a klutz where zoom stuff is concerned. 

And if you wanted to join in but are not allowed by the time the session starts, please send me an email.  I probably did something wrong. 

See you on Sunday, December 8  at 2:00.  

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In late November, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his Defense minister Gallant.  Also for one of the remaining Hamas  leaders the Israelis had not assassinated. 

This is different from the Genocide Accusation before the International Court of Justice. 

Note:  The U.S. is not a signatory of this court so we are not obligated to obey its order.  But almost all of the NATO countries ARE signatories. 

Also Note:  The Mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, where I live, has announced that if Netanyahu comes to our fair city, he will be arrested.  

That would be interesting. 

Note that this is the first time that  calculated starvation has been listed as a war crime. 

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I can hardly read this address without getting emotional.  Lincoln believed God was stretching out America's affliction because we as a nation had allowed grievous injustice in our land. Our punishment was a protracted Civil War that took 700,000 lives.  

Or to borrow from the great British song, The Streets of London

How can you tell me you're lonely
And that for you, the sun don't shine
Let me take you by the hand 
And lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something
That'll change your mind. 


This is a reposting.  Because we may need to think of these things. 

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Bernie was a legendary professor.  He was the senior political scientist when I was hired and was beloved by his students.  Bernie was famous for his anecdotes into how the political system actually worked.  And for his jokes, one of which got him in trouble.  He had been the Comptroller of the City of Detroit under the famous Jerry Cavanaugh during the Detroit Riot of 1967.  He won the Distinguished Teaching Award in the 1980s.  He was an early victim of the pandemic. 

I could tell you more, but why not just spent 13 or so minutes listening to the full podcast.