Scott Bender

Husband, Dad, Runner, & Excited About All Things AI

[U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell @SenMcConnell]

Joe Kent testified before the Senate one year ago that Iran and its terror proxies threatened U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East. He said it would be an honor to return to the fight against terrorism, and he pledged to lead with integrity and accountability. The virulent anti-Semitism of his resignation letter makes it clear that Mr. Kent is incapable of upholding these pledges, and those who mistake its baseless and incendiary conspiracies for brave truth-telling are only fooling themselves. Isolationists and anti-Semites have no place in either party, and certainly do not deserve places of trust in our government.

[Justin Amash @justinamash]

We are governed by complete morons.

[Scott MacFarlane @MacFarlaneNews]

Multiple Jan 6 defendants were accused of carrying guns during Capitol siege

One allegedly fired into the air

All of them were pardoned.

[Phil Magness @PhilWMagness]

There. Is. No. Article. 2. Tariff. Power.

[Jim Geraghty @jimgeraghty]

In a saner and better world, we would be having a serious discussion of the 25th Amendment of the Constitution right now.

https://t.co/u2l265uZPu

[Republicans against Trump @RpsAgainstTrump]

The 25th Amendment exists for moments like this.

[Jonah Goldberg @JonahDispatch]

Congress does nothing to preserve American honor, and then when Trump (and other presidents to a lesser degree) debases it further they’re like “these are the times we live in.” Yes, because of you. History will have nothing but contempt for your cowardice, certainly as an institution but for many of you as individuals.

[Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ @RepDonBacon]

The Russians are cheering on this Greenland debacle. Embarrassing.

[Jonah Goldberg @JonahDispatch]

Never in my life have I so thoroughly sided with Europe in a disagreement with the United States. They are right and America is in the wrong here. The White House is behaving dishonorably, and the legislators who know it but do nothing are cowards.

[Jonah Goldberg @JonahDispatch]

Beyond the fact that threatening military force on an ally to seize property is profoundly stupid and dangerous, I think people — particularly all the self-styled super patriots out there — should appreciate that it’s also profoundly dishonorable. So much of the MAGA crowd confuses glory and strength for patriotism and honor. National honor matters. https://t.co/eJ0T39S411

[Scott Bender @scottbender]

@CindyCoops @JonahDispatch It is their duty to call out an obvious move motivated by politics, aimed at coercion, and threatening the independence of the Federal Reserve. If the constitutional questions aren’t alarming enough, then think about the impact these moves will have on the market and economy

[Jonah Goldberg @JonahDispatch]

Hey Congress, time to look for your spine. https://t.co/PbJBe7zQjO

[Jonah Goldberg @JonahDispatch]

There are a lot of folks who get pretty righteous about the Constitution when Democrats are in charge. Many seem to go into hibernation mode when Trump is involved. Others seem to think that “national security” is code for “the Constitution lets the president do whatever he wants.” You know, like:

• Commit numerous acts of war, from outright hostilities to blockades and embargoes without authorization from Congress

• seize another country’s oil fields for the purpose of creating a presidential slush fund

• threaten an ally with military force in order to seize new territory

• acquire new sovereign U.S. territory without Congressional approval

• abrogate treaty obligations without any consultation with the senate

• Ignore the law

• compel corporations to partially nationalize themselves

• levy tariffs at presidential whim and commit the (wildly exaggerated) proceeds of these taxes to whatever he wants

• Deploy military troops on US soil for transparently pre-textual emergencies over the objections of the governors and state’s rights

• Use the pardon power for personal aggrandizement and in furtherance of corrupt schemes

• Threaten censorship and the revocation of broadcast license entirely based on viewpoint discrimination

• Repurpose Congressionally approved spending for novel and unauthorized purposes

• Treat the emoluments clause like toilet paper

Now, some of these things need to be adjudicated or can be debated. What can’t be denied, however, is that Trump talks about doing all of these things, and worse, routinely. And it is not just “talk” because he uses threats of constitutional abuse to get what he wants short of actually doing it. And many of the folks who are fastidious about even the vaguest rhetorical violation of the Constitution by Democratic presidents, roll their eyes, laugh, yawn, or cheer Trump in this regard.

Just because you’re surrounded by people doing the same thing, doesn’t mean other people aren’t noticing or that it won’t be remembered.

[Jonah Goldberg @JonahDispatch]

If Congress had the slightest courage or self-respect, they’d launch oversight hearings of these allegations. If the allegations are false or overstated they’d be helping the administration and the country by clearing the air. If they are found to be true, and part of administration policy, impeachment proceedings of those responsible should be launched.

But not caring either way and doing nothing is flatly a violation of their oaths. The GOP controlled Congress is simply derelict.

[The Dispatch @thedispatch]

Introducing the Dispatch Junto program!

We are looking for dedicated Dispatch members interested in organizing regular meetups in their communities—at a local happy hour, restaurant, or coffee shop—for local Dispatch readers and listeners, as well as guests who are interested in learning more. We’ll help promote the events and convene the group—and offer you some pointers for discussion topics—but you’ll run your Junto the way you and your fellow members decide. And if your gatherings grow large enough, your city will jump to the front of the line as we plan our next regional event or live podcast taping.

If you’re interested in applying to lead your local Junto—or just want to learn a little more about the program—please fill out the form below. We’re looking forward to building this with you.

https://t.co/g31kEJrx1O

[David French @DavidAFrench]

Listen to her words.

[Scott Lincicome @scottlincicome]

"Trump is not a dictator, but as Benjamin Franklin understood, republics fail not so much because would-be Caesars seize power. They fail because cowards give it to them—under the false pretense of an emergency." https://t.co/zvGHs0uxO6 via @JonahDispatch

[Scott Bender @scottbender]

@Timodc “deprogrammed” @Timodc?? C’mon! His views and the sentiment behind them have not changed regardless of his rhetoric and erased tweets for the general election.

[Scott Bender @scottbender]

@FrankLuntz Hey @FrankLuntz while you’re busy admonishing Canada, any comment on the fact that the ad was absolutely on point about the Gipper’s views on tariffs. Love you through the years, but really disappointing. You know better, but of course you have to make a living.