On Saturday, I tried to read the initial reports about what’s in this new mountain of files but the sheer moral depravity of even those first bits was way too much for me. I felt like I needed a Silkwood shower after just 30 minutes with it - and couldn’t stop thinking about Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, which seems now like a warning based on actual knowledge rather than the horror-fantasy it seemed back then.
More clarity may be provided if a Democratic house committee starts the task of following the money, like Andrew Weissmann wanted to do when he was working for Mueller. I think it is very important to knit together the money trails in this matter.
We have to not allow it to go away. The worst crimes against children committed by the most influential and wealthiest people cannot be allowed to ever go away or be forgotten. It’s disgusting and horrific and that is the reason we have to make sure perpetrators are put away and that we have the necessary information to stop the loopholes and covering up that allowed this to happen in the first place. I know that YOU know this, but since not all people stop to really think about it, we’re talking about real children, innocent children here. Children like those we all know and love. These sorts of crimes are damaging beyond repair and despicable beyond belief. I feel the same fury about anyone who commits these sorts of crimes anywhere. But we know and have evidence about this giant set of crimes. In our home country. And maybe it reached elsewhere too, but we can’t let that dissuade us. We have to make the best use of it to change things for the better.
I always really enjoy your writing, Michael, and I’m grateful you’re delving into this muck so that not all of us have to. I am just so angry and sad about it all. 😞 The only thing that helps me feel any better at all is committing to seeing it through to justice for the victims. I may be naive, but I would rather be naive and still make it so that we hold these horrific criminals accountable. Not doing so is why it would be allowed to continue. And I can’t live with that. I just had to say all this out loud (or write it down). Thank you for listening/reading.
Thank you, Michael, for this! I am so anti-conspiracy theories; however, the more evidence I see the more it seems like we need to break the systems that allowed any of this to happen and to remake our societies in ways that protect the most vulnerable. This cabal of the very richest not just ruined individual children and young adult lives with sexual abuse, but it looks like they are a big reason for many of our societal ills that indirectly harm and kill people. It all just makes me so sick.
To add some context to the Epstein files’ mention of George Bush, here is an excerpt from a Time magazine article about Craig J. Spence, who was caught giving midnight White House tours to underage male prostitutes during the Bush administration:
“Jul 24, 1989 — To show off his clout last year, Spence took two clients and a pair of male prostitutes on a midnight July 4 tour of the White House.”
Also, the book, ‘The Franklin Scandal’, about a child sex trafficking ring based in Omaha in the 80’s stops just short of naming Bush when the author gives accounts from victims about politicians from the highest offices.
Power corrupts. Epstein will continue to haunt us. We are governed by cowards. We cannot let the people who perpetrated these acts have any peace. The story will be told and the victims will be vindicated. The coverup gives the whole thing away.
More than that. Why do we need files? Plenty of women have corroborated their abuses. All we need do is believe them. Powerful wealthy men have always gotten away with this shit.
Inevitably, there will be a slew of books...and a true crime series (or more than one) on streaming channels, or if they want to get graphic, HBO. This thing is so enormous, it really is too hard to just compartmentalize into a news article. I think most people, myself included, were not aware of the extent of the depravity of some of the world's most powerful people, but it certainly makes sense that those who enjoy controlling the lives of others would gravitate toward personal pleasure doing the same (I think history bears me out). It's also just plan grubby and sickening, and above all, horrifying. People with disposable income, doing what they felt like doing, using other human beings, reveling in their dirty little secrets. I hate knowing this stuff, learning about it, and worse, discovering that not a thing is going to happen to those who engage in it -- how can you blackmail someone when no consequences will occur when the truth is revealed?
It isn't going away' it's simply too big a story. One reason is the total incompetence of the DOJ, tripping all over themselves in order to satisfy the insatiable need of POTUS to keep the lid on. That lid is still covering a couple million additional pages, including 200000 or so that Todd Blanche says contain false information concerning The Donald. False according to whom? False because he couldn't possibly have committed those things? Hmmm
The Files also show that the conspiracy theorists weren't all loony (unfortunately) and that the totality of what has been and will be released will launch a thousand more conspiracy theories (unfortunately) and that those most deserving of justice will never receive it (most unfortunately) and that the perpetrators will (and already are) claim the label of victim and because they are wealthy and powerful that label will be given to them.
I refuse to believe this will just fade away. I think it is our responsibility to ensure it does not and to keep seeking answers, justice, and accountability. I'm fully aware this sounds naive. Looking through the files has me screaming in disbelief that, if even half of these allegations are true, they have all gotten away with the most depraved behavior and abuse. They are powerful and rich enough that they can threaten to kill survivors and their loved ones, and that's all it takes to keep them silent and keep the ring running. I don't blame survivors one bit for protecting themselves and their families; they've been through enough, but I can't believe that this will go away. We mustn't let it.
Thanks for the thoughts and words. Don't get lost in all the filth. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down too - and today is a two fer. You're appreciated.
On Saturday, I tried to read the initial reports about what’s in this new mountain of files but the sheer moral depravity of even those first bits was way too much for me. I felt like I needed a Silkwood shower after just 30 minutes with it - and couldn’t stop thinking about Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, which seems now like a warning based on actual knowledge rather than the horror-fantasy it seemed back then.
More clarity may be provided if a Democratic house committee starts the task of following the money, like Andrew Weissmann wanted to do when he was working for Mueller. I think it is very important to knit together the money trails in this matter.
Well done
“Too depressing” is sadly correct and also insufficient to describe the whole situation. Money does indeed make the world go around.
We have to not allow it to go away. The worst crimes against children committed by the most influential and wealthiest people cannot be allowed to ever go away or be forgotten. It’s disgusting and horrific and that is the reason we have to make sure perpetrators are put away and that we have the necessary information to stop the loopholes and covering up that allowed this to happen in the first place. I know that YOU know this, but since not all people stop to really think about it, we’re talking about real children, innocent children here. Children like those we all know and love. These sorts of crimes are damaging beyond repair and despicable beyond belief. I feel the same fury about anyone who commits these sorts of crimes anywhere. But we know and have evidence about this giant set of crimes. In our home country. And maybe it reached elsewhere too, but we can’t let that dissuade us. We have to make the best use of it to change things for the better.
I always really enjoy your writing, Michael, and I’m grateful you’re delving into this muck so that not all of us have to. I am just so angry and sad about it all. 😞 The only thing that helps me feel any better at all is committing to seeing it through to justice for the victims. I may be naive, but I would rather be naive and still make it so that we hold these horrific criminals accountable. Not doing so is why it would be allowed to continue. And I can’t live with that. I just had to say all this out loud (or write it down). Thank you for listening/reading.
Thank you for reading so we don't have to. I appreciate and value your writing about this shit show.
Also, have you read any of Dave Troy's writings? Also on Substack.
I also recommend Dave Troy, as well as his podcast.
Thank you, Michael, for this! I am so anti-conspiracy theories; however, the more evidence I see the more it seems like we need to break the systems that allowed any of this to happen and to remake our societies in ways that protect the most vulnerable. This cabal of the very richest not just ruined individual children and young adult lives with sexual abuse, but it looks like they are a big reason for many of our societal ills that indirectly harm and kill people. It all just makes me so sick.
Well said. I feel the same.
To add some context to the Epstein files’ mention of George Bush, here is an excerpt from a Time magazine article about Craig J. Spence, who was caught giving midnight White House tours to underage male prostitutes during the Bush administration:
“Jul 24, 1989 — To show off his clout last year, Spence took two clients and a pair of male prostitutes on a midnight July 4 tour of the White House.”
https://time.com/archive/6703057/washingtons-man-from-nowhere/
Also, the book, ‘The Franklin Scandal’, about a child sex trafficking ring based in Omaha in the 80’s stops just short of naming Bush when the author gives accounts from victims about politicians from the highest offices.
Yikes.
Power corrupts. Epstein will continue to haunt us. We are governed by cowards. We cannot let the people who perpetrated these acts have any peace. The story will be told and the victims will be vindicated. The coverup gives the whole thing away.
More than that. Why do we need files? Plenty of women have corroborated their abuses. All we need do is believe them. Powerful wealthy men have always gotten away with this shit.
Thank you for taking on the onerous task of studying the available files!! I am impressed with your tenacity and patience
Inevitably, there will be a slew of books...and a true crime series (or more than one) on streaming channels, or if they want to get graphic, HBO. This thing is so enormous, it really is too hard to just compartmentalize into a news article. I think most people, myself included, were not aware of the extent of the depravity of some of the world's most powerful people, but it certainly makes sense that those who enjoy controlling the lives of others would gravitate toward personal pleasure doing the same (I think history bears me out). It's also just plan grubby and sickening, and above all, horrifying. People with disposable income, doing what they felt like doing, using other human beings, reveling in their dirty little secrets. I hate knowing this stuff, learning about it, and worse, discovering that not a thing is going to happen to those who engage in it -- how can you blackmail someone when no consequences will occur when the truth is revealed?
Excellent essay.
It isn't going away' it's simply too big a story. One reason is the total incompetence of the DOJ, tripping all over themselves in order to satisfy the insatiable need of POTUS to keep the lid on. That lid is still covering a couple million additional pages, including 200000 or so that Todd Blanche says contain false information concerning The Donald. False according to whom? False because he couldn't possibly have committed those things? Hmmm
The Files also show that the conspiracy theorists weren't all loony (unfortunately) and that the totality of what has been and will be released will launch a thousand more conspiracy theories (unfortunately) and that those most deserving of justice will never receive it (most unfortunately) and that the perpetrators will (and already are) claim the label of victim and because they are wealthy and powerful that label will be given to them.
I refuse to believe this will just fade away. I think it is our responsibility to ensure it does not and to keep seeking answers, justice, and accountability. I'm fully aware this sounds naive. Looking through the files has me screaming in disbelief that, if even half of these allegations are true, they have all gotten away with the most depraved behavior and abuse. They are powerful and rich enough that they can threaten to kill survivors and their loved ones, and that's all it takes to keep them silent and keep the ring running. I don't blame survivors one bit for protecting themselves and their families; they've been through enough, but I can't believe that this will go away. We mustn't let it.
Thanks for the thoughts and words. Don't get lost in all the filth. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down too - and today is a two fer. You're appreciated.