Venezuela 2025

[JohnH]

How does this pertain to the thread on "Venezuela 2025"?

Venezuela is in Latin America, and follows the same pattern of elected officials being put in prison (either before or after holding office), and obviously one reason Maduro won't step down is because he'd face the same fate.

It takes a certain degree of maturity, but it's best to not try to incarcerate your political opponents.

Maturity and integrity would be not breaking the law and engaging in corruption in the first place. There's a good chance nobody would be wanting to put Maduro in prison if he was an honest and upright man.

It should be obvious the problems that are created by each change of power resulting in trying to imprison, punish, torture, or kill/execute the party going out of power.

[temporal1]

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

“Reward Offer Increase of Up to $50 Million for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Nicolás Maduro”
PRESS STATEMENT
MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE
AUGUST 7, 2025
https://www.state.gov/reward-offer-incr ... las-maduro

[JimFoxvog]

Practically speaking, both sides of the political spectrum constantly accuse the other of breaking the law.

This is why the former tradition of the independence of the Justice Department from politics and the Chief Executive is so important. This is why a trial by jury of one's peers is important.

[JohnH]

Practically speaking, both sides of the political spectrum constantly accuse the other of breaking the law.

This is why the former tradition of the independence of the Justice Department from politics and the Chief Executive is so important. This is why a trial by jury of one's peers is important.

How is the Department of Justice democratically accountable to the voters?

[JimFoxvog]

How is the Department of Justice democratically accountable to the voters?

Its independence needs to be based on laws made by the Congressional representatives elected by the voters. Its officers need to be committed to the rule of law; following the laws made by those the voters elected.

The US system of checks and balances provides that the election of one person as president, who can possibly be corrupt or deranged, can be offset by others chosen by the voters.

[JohnH]

How is the Department of Justice democratically accountable to the voters?

Its independence needs to be based on laws made by the Congressional representatives elected by the voters. Its officers need to be committed to the rule of law; following the laws made by those the voters elected.

The US system of checks and balances provides that the election of one person as president, who can possibly be corrupt or deranged, can be offset by others chosen by the voters.

Right. So we live in a democracy. How is the Department of Justice accountable to the voters?

Congress is forbidden by the Constitution from running executive departments. At most they can pass laws about how the executive branch is to be run. But the executive branch itself has to be run by a President who is accountable directly to the voters, and also to Congress who can impeach and convict him.

This precludes an “independent” Department of Justice. Congress can’t go create a second President and a second executive branch.

[temporal1]

JH:
.. Congress can’t go create a second President and a second executive branch.

Funny.
It’s occured to me recently, every individual posting on social media, esp hollywood elite, like George Clooney, but, SO MANY of them, AND everyday others, seem to believe their individual voices on the internet (trump) the president AND all elected+appointed, courts, Congress, ALL.

So many itching tyrants ready to conquer. my way! my way!

Literally, many seem deluded THEY can simply expound in public, voila’, parallell president!
The egos! oof.

Move over, Shakespeare!
Not eyes, the internet is upon us:

The phrase "eyes are the mirror to the soul"
suggests that one can perceive a person's true feelings and thoughts by looking into their eyes.

Meaning of the Phrase
The saying implies that the eyes reveal a person's inner emotions and intentions. When we look into someone's eyes, we can often discern their feelings—whether they are happy, sad, angry, or truthful. This connection is significant in human interactions, as eye contact can convey messages that words may not express. For instance, a genuine smile is often accompanied by crinkling around the eyes, indicating true happiness, while a lack of eye contact may suggest discomfort or dishonesty.
The History of English
+2
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase "the eyes are the windows to the soul" is frequently attributed to William Shakespeare, who explored similar themes in his works. However, it is also believed that Leonardo da Vinci may have used a variation of this expression earlier. The concept has persisted through centuries, highlighting the importance of eyes in understanding human emotions.
The History of English
+1
Psychological Insights
Research supports the idea that eyes can reveal much about a person's emotional state. For example, pupils dilate in response to excitement or attraction, while they constrict in bright light. This physiological response can indicate a person's interest or emotional engagement in a situation. Additionally, subtle changes in eye movement can reflect curiosity or attentiveness, further emphasizing the eyes' role in communication.
Psychology Today
+1
Usage in Literature and Everyday Life
The phrase is often used in literature and everyday conversation to emphasize the depth of emotional expression found in the eyes. For example, characters in novels may have their true feelings revealed through their gaze, and people often remark on the significance of eye contact in establishing trust and connection. Variations of the phrase, such as "the eyes are the windows to the soul," are commonly used to convey similar sentiments.
The History of English
+1

In summary, the phrase "eyes are the mirror to the soul" encapsulates the profound connection between our eyes and our emotions, serving as a reminder of the depth of human expression and understanding that can be conveyed through a simple gaze.

[Bootstrap]

I wonder if we could stop speculating about the Constitution in this thread and focus on Venezuela? Or be specific about what Constitutional question we are discussing with respect to Venezuela?

[temporal1]

I wonder if we could stop speculating about the Constitution in this thread and focus on Venezuela? Or be specific about what Constitutional question we are discussing with respect to Venezuela?

This is dated August. Did you have any idea? If i did, it was in passing.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

“Reward Offer Increase of Up to $50 Million for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Nicolás Maduro”
PRESS STATEMENT
MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE
AUGUST 7, 2025
https://www.state.gov/reward-offer-incr ... las-maduro

[Bootstrap]

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

“Reward Offer Increase of Up to $50 Million for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Nicolás Maduro”
PRESS STATEMENT
MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE
AUGUST 7, 2025
https://www.state.gov/reward-offer-incr ... las-maduro

You don’t put out a reward poster for someone you claim is a lawful military target in an armed conflict. A reward poster implies a trial, due process, and all that.

If the conflict is justified as a non-international armed conflict (NIAC), then you cannot target the president of a country.

Leaked reports say that NIAC is the legal justification, but I think there is still no public document that says why we think we have the right to threaten Nicaragua and blow up boats with people on board. A legal justification, I mean.