The Carter Page lawsuit: a summary
I’ve often looked for a summary of Russiagate/Spygate to send to friends or family who might be interested. That idea was sparked by a conversation I had with a very intelligent person in which I referred to “the FISA violations” and the person responded, “What’s FISA? What are you talking about?”
That was one of many reminders that those who are relatively busy and who also get their information from the MSM and similar sources don’t even know what those of us on the right are talking about. So without the same basic knowledge of the events in question, it’s hard to even have a discussion until the backstory is filled in.
This podcast by “Viva Frei,” a Canadian lawyer who is a YouTube regular, contains a good summary of the FBI/DOJ excesses against Carter Page involving Russiagate and the FISA applications and is also a good source for those who might not ever have heard the tale before:
This is somewhat related; it features Frei and lawyer Robert Barnes, who often speak together on legal/political subjects. They speak of Page but also about the election fraud issue:
Yikes!
I don’t doubt what you write is true, nor that your acquaintance is intelligent, but it alarms me when folks display such minimal interest in understanding basic concepts of citizenship. How could a free man or woman living in the U.S. not know of one of the government’s tools for abuse used to deny citizens of their first and fourth amendment rights?
Which reminds me: I hope Trump pardons Edward Snowden prior to January 20th.
Rufus T. Firefly, I hope he pardons Snowden, too.
I get your concern, Rufus, but, with the ‘news media’ almost completely ignoring the substance of Trump administration officials complaints about FISA abuses, and instead repeating (ad nauseum) “Orange Man BAD”, it’s not surprising that this is not known.
It’s tough to try to educate people. If you tell them the whole story, it’s too much for them to grasp (partly because it contradicts their prior thinking). I’ve found the best way to enlighten them is to deliver the message in small chunks:
– What a FISA is, and why it’s needed for that kind of investigation (many of them will understand if you put it in terms of “would you want Trump to be able to investigate YOU/Biden without that protection?”
– What constitutes unacceptable levels of evidence for granting a FISA
– Why a person investigated by the FBI or other government agency needs a lawyer with them at ALL times
– What’s a 302?
– That NO recording is made of FBI interviews – the accused is completely at the mercy of the FBI person’s recollection
– What the Logan Act is
– How seldom it has been used
– Why Flynn’s actions would not constitute a violation
– Why both Kerry’s AND Biden’s action would
The list would take many conversations to gradually lead that person to an understanding. And, that is why so few people do manage to change mind of the person who is caught up in Leftist thinking.
Rufus T. Firefly:
This person is not only extremely intelligent but also very well-informed on the latest memes and arguments on the left, as well as every supposed offense of Trump’s and every alleged violation of “the rule of law” on Trump’s part. And yet did not know about the FISA court or the abuses there. It gobsmacked me, actually, so much so that although I tried to explain a little bit, the magnitude of the gulf made it feel impossible to convey in any adequate fashion.
Well, well, well. At least there is going to be some accounting done in the Russiagate caper. Page’s lawsuit will, if nothing else, put the defendants through the “process.” The charges are certainly well investigated and the evidence, most of it anyway, is in the open. If I were a lawyer, I would drool over the prospect of taking this on. Unfortunately, the case will not be covered by the MSM. Unless they can figure out a way to help the defendants with coverage. My hope is that Dr. Page becomes a multi-millionaire and several former government employees are pauperized and ruined by the process. Karma!
… and the person responded, “What’s FISA? What are you talking about?”
Yes, I had an experience just like Neo’s two or three years ago. A friend was visiting and I had a Fox News show on where they were talking about the Fast and Furious DOJ/BATF gun running scandal. My friend, who considers himself intelligent and oh so well informed remarked, “What’s the Fast and Furious?”
The time period was many months into the scandal. And it wasn’t just the obscure origin of the F&F naming since he had just heard the entire description of the scandal and knew nothing about any of it. He does not watch much TV news, but reads the New Yorker cover to cover and many of the junk books and news sources they reference.
Interestingly, since the TDS content in the left wing media moved into overdrive this year, he said that he can’t tolerate the New Yorker’s bias and hysteria any more. He did mention that he listens to some talk radio and has even learned about the destructive effects of a high minimum wage. So naturally he voted a Democrat ticket this year.
Many years ago, discussing a personal issue with an acquaintance about getting her life straight, I conceived of the metaphor of shooting BBs at a bowling ball.
I suspect the brilliant but ignorant folks are ignorant either because they are proof against incoming information they can’t use and so whatever fragments floating around bounced off. Thus, there was no motivation to learn more.
Or, once a certain degree of competence is established on the issue, by neo or others like her, and they might conclude……end of story and off to Orangemanbad.
Never, ever seen an exception.
Mixed reactions.
I am delighted that Carter Page is suing. If nothing else, making those Cretins lawyer up and blow through their assets is a measure of justice. That does not mean that I don’t want him to win, and take them for everything they have.
I trust another shoe will drop, and General Flynn will go after them once his attack “Amazon” finishes her business in Georgia. I ponder whether a Federal Judge (Sullivan in particular) can be sued for prejudicial behavior and egregious misconduct.. I hope so.
However, given the state of mind of the country, and the fecklessness of the Judiciary, I would not be optimistic about the actual outcome of any litigation.
This bit of cheer is more than offset, unfortunately.
On the down side is the ignorance of people who should know better, but have bought into the destructive leftist narratives. I stopped by my daughter’s this afternoon, and in her front window was one of those stupid virtue signalling signs. This was a little different because it started with “In this America”. And there was something about disabilities (She is a Physical Therapist and her ex-husband, and father of her children, is quadriplegic); but, there was the obligatory “Black Lives Matter”, along with other tripe. I have a feeling that my older granddaughter who is home from U of Washington graduate school (social work) brought it–but, daughter allowed it to be displayed; and she is an avowed Trump hater. They cannot plead ignorance due to paucity of information resources, because I have tried very hard over the years to get through using fact based arguments.
I am depressed. I admit it. Our values are under assault on every level. I can’t even watch sports; because seeing members of the most privileged generation in human history kneel for our national anthem in some mindless protest drives me into paroxysm of rage. Our National Women’s soccer team kneels for our anthem on foreign soil, while standing to respect the anthem of their host country. My favorite college basketball coach; who is a devout Christian and an exemplary human, has either bought into the “white guilt” narrative or is pandering to his black players (I suspect the former). His team now publicly supports protests against racial justice and police brutality.
It is very hard to see a happy way forward.
PS I don’t know how many times over the course of my 25 year career while anchored in a foreign port, I have stood at attention, in formation on the flight deck with my shipmates , as the flag was raised, and the anthem played. Literally millions of Americans have done the same in hell holes around the globe. Now, some idiots have the nerve to claim that they are honoring the country “in a different way”.
Maybe I will have another glass of wine. Maybe it will help temporarily.
Oldflyer: “Maybe I will have another glass of wine. Maybe it will help temporarily.”
I join you in your sentiments. Been all over the world and have never found a better place . Yet, there are so many who don’t know what they’re doing when they spit on our Flag and kneel for our Anthem. It.is.depressing.
Prior to giving up alcohol, my choice was a vodka martini on the rocks, shaken, not stirred. It’s times like these when it would go down well and ease the anger that dwells in my bones. Alas, a martini tonight would give me a three day hangover. So, that’s out. Possibly a bit of target shooting tomorrow. 🙂
At least my wife and daughter are both conservative. We can discuss politics and have a good time of it. That’s a blessing in my dotage.
There’s still a lot of ruin in the county. 74 million Trump voters. Mostly hard working people who do the essential jobs and keep this country running. Tomorrow’s another day. A good day to try to do whatever little I can to serve the country. Sending a few bucks to: http://www.gabattleground.com
We need those Senate seats.
Old Flyer – I will have a glass of wine with you but in the manner of a toast of comradery and bonhomie.
Your mission instruction is to keep the truth in front of them in a loving consistent manner. At some point when the wrenching realization hits them that there was massive fraud and Biden is not going to be president there will be an opening in their mind set. Give them something to latch on to. The evidence is starting to gain critical mass. The next 5 days are going to be doozies.
As I always say, change is a process and not a moment.
Related:
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/unearthed-secrets-detail-how-hillary-clinton-allies-boosted-christopher-steeles-access-to-fbi
H/T Instapundit.
Ah yes, “Dammit-it’s-my-turn” Hillary, the selfless, patriotic pol who did her best to bring us CW2.
(Admittedly, she had quite a bit of help on that score. And they may soon be coming to a WH near you…)