this post was submitted on 22 Jul 2025
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[–] moobythegoldensock@infosec.pub 406 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (10 children)

The Democrats are trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. There’s nothing there, nothing of importance, and the Trump administration has already asked the courts to start working on the release, so there’s no point in the House getting involved anyway.

This is such a non-issue that the Republicans have shut down the entire legislative session and won’t vote on any of their own bills until September. Again, Democrats are just trying to make a show out of nothing, which is why blocking it is the Republicans’ top priority. Their work would be redundant anyway, which is why the Republicans are so unafraid to vote on it that everyone just up and left.

On an unrelated note, my favorite local restaurant is so clean and compliant with all regulations that when visited by the food inspector they turned out the lights, locked all the doors, and refused to serve any food again until the health department leaves. As one does when they’re unafraid and have nothing to hide.

[–] Gradually_Adjusting@lemmy.world 167 points 4 days ago (3 children)

Dear diary,

Today someone was sarcastic on Lemmy and people liked it. Big day for the fediverse.

[–] chemical_cutthroat@lemmy.world 45 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I literally looked at the upvote as I was reading and had to question if it was sarcasm because it hadn't been downvote into oblivion...

[–] Steve@startrek.website 12 points 4 days ago

Me too! Its a handy satire indicator

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[–] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 21 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

fr. I've actually been surprised by how little people around here seem to understand sarcasm

[–] Gradually_Adjusting@lemmy.world 24 points 4 days ago (1 children)

We're a pretty neurodivergent crowd. I thrive in sarcasm, but a lot of us come with different care instructions

[–] LavaPlanet@sh.itjust.works 14 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That's not the only blockage to noticing sarcasm, there are so many people who say these / the things and actually MEAN them. We need differentiators, because the crazy levels are too high to wade through.

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[–] natedog526@lemmy.world 91 points 4 days ago (1 children)

You had me in the first 2/3 there

[–] Raiderkev@lemmy.world 38 points 4 days ago

Had me in the 1st half, ngl

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[–] lmdnw@lemmy.world 101 points 4 days ago (3 children)

“Christian” Mike Johnson doing his best to give cover to pedophiles. Wonder if him and his son discuss these sins at bedtime together while going over their porn monitoring.

[–] floo@retrolemmy.com 27 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (3 children)

Those quotation marks are unnecessary. This is hardly unusual behavior for a Christian.

I’ve never met a Christian, who actually embodied Christian values. Every one of them, especially the more religious of them, is a lying bigoted hypocrite, who only gives a shit about themselves and their own family. Maybe I’ve met the wrong kind of Christians, but there it is.

I have, however, met a great deal of atheists, who, in fact, do embody what Christians proselytize as their values. Kindness, acceptance, understanding, a duty to help others… in my life, the worst people I’ve ever met were strongly religious. And the best people I’ve ever met were atheists.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[–] FabledAepitaph@lemmy.world 13 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Completely agree with this. To be "Christian" is to embrace this concept of an in-crowd and an out-crowd; if you're not part of "my" crowd you can literally go to fucking hell and my omnipotent God-ruler is going to make sure you're punished eternally if you don't do what I say.

Being a shitty person is baked in at the deepest foundation of being Christian, and probably most types of religion tbh.

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Can you imagine how much better off we'd be if they were this determined to do any positive thing at all in their careers?

[–] shittydwarf@sh.itjust.works 70 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Well that pretty much confirms it

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[–] WanderWisley@lemmy.world 55 points 4 days ago (3 children)

The GOP till about a week ago: “we need to release the files!” The GOP now: “ we need to protect the philes!”

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[–] cabron_offsets@lemmy.world 46 points 4 days ago (4 children)

May as well hire a skywriter to put “TRUMP RAPED KIDS” above the Capitol.

[–] LogicalDrivel@sopuli.xyz 11 points 4 days ago (1 children)
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[–] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 46 points 4 days ago (3 children)

It's actually better if they can't pass their shitty Republican bills. Democrats should just keep nagging about this. Either they actually have to address it, or the Republicans block themselves.

[–] ToastedRavioli@midwest.social 48 points 4 days ago

Epstining is the new filibuster

[–] Scotty_Trees@lemmy.world 24 points 4 days ago (1 children)

They are doing more damage with all their other nefarious shit going around or ignoring Congress/judges/scotus/etc, we're still in a really, really fucked up place right now and it's still only going to get worse for the average person.

It'll take at least the next 2-4 years to start to show tangible devastating affects that will get millions of Americans killed with stripping away healthcare, food/snap programs, children's cancer research being scrapped, and a list of 100 other programs being cut, gutted,or flat out just gone now and some of those programs may never come back. Shit ain't over just cuz Congress put their feet up on the desk. Stay sharp, stay focused.

[–] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 16 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Oh, we're absolutely fucked for at least a generation. I'm just thinking harm reduction.

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[–] tonytins@pawb.social 11 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Honestly, I was thinking the same thing. The GOP are really up against rock and hard place.

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[–] MuskyMelon@lemmy.world 45 points 4 days ago

Guardians Of Pedophiles

Eveyone: We want you to release the pedo files

Trump: What if we release the pedophiles instead?

[–] Moose@moose.best 40 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I've always wondered why politicians get a massive break in the summer, seems like a really bad idea to have the people running the country not around to do their jobs in case of an emergency. I know they can be recalled, but still, that takes time. This isn't just a USA specific problem either.

[–] AdmiralRob@lemmy.zip 24 points 4 days ago (1 children)

My understanding: back when the population was small enough for this government to be actually representative, the idea was that legislators would go home to wherever they were elected from and be among the people who elected them so they could still represent their desires. Why it happens now? Tradition, I guess.

[–] Landless2029@lemmy.world 12 points 4 days ago

If they did return to where they were elected from and interacted with the people. Mayors and town halls. That would be fantastic. But it's more golf time.

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[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 37 points 4 days ago (1 children)
[–] Infinite@lemmy.zip 34 points 4 days ago

That's how they got in this mess in the first place!

[–] ZoopZeZoop@lemmy.world 37 points 4 days ago (5 children)

So, at what point do we decide they are not representing us, they are no longer a legitimate government, and we are going to rule without them?

[–] Saleh@feddit.org 18 points 4 days ago

If you want that, you should call all your friends, grab your guns and meet at the town square.

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[–] negativenull@lemmy.world 35 points 4 days ago
[–] Wilco@lemmy.zip 33 points 4 days ago (7 children)
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[–] NocturnalMorning@lemmy.world 31 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Is it bcz there are people in Congress who are in the files? Sounds like they're not just protecting Trump.

[–] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 26 points 4 days ago (3 children)

People in Congress and/or people who are funding people in Congress.

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[–] peoplebeproblems@midwest.social 20 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Man our government has fucking collapsed lol.

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[–] ReallyAngryNerd@europe.pub 19 points 3 days ago (3 children)

Time for the still sane Americans to decide if they still want a bunch of pedo's and pedoprotectors to represent them. Decide if this might just be the final straw before springing to real action. Maybe they can now see that these people are so shameless, corrupt, criminal and whiteout morals, that one 9 to 5 protest every month or so isn't going to impress these shitbags.

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[–] Jaysyn@lemmy.world 18 points 3 days ago (1 children)

The entire top level of the current GOP is a pedophile, christofascist cult.

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[–] iAvicenna@lemmy.world 18 points 3 days ago

Well from now whenever republicans defecate some sentences involving "but the kids" from their mouths the default reply should be "Oh like the time you didn't release Epstein files?"

[–] bender223@lemmy.today 17 points 3 days ago (1 children)

GOP = Gross Old Pedophiles

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[–] Cyberflunk@lemmy.world 16 points 3 days ago (2 children)

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/67b91960-caf9-4199-8315-932b7abebc38#0

Did Mike Johnson Backtrack on Epstein Report Release?

Johnson’s Public Position on Epstein Report

  • Previously, House Speaker Mike Johnson had publicly expressed support for releasing the Justice Department’s files on Jeffrey Epstein, echoing calls from both the MAGA base and House Democrats for “everything” to be disclosed:

    “It’s a very delicate subject, but we should — we should put everything out there and let the people decide it,” Johnson said just days before the controversy escalated[1].

  • Johnson also stated, “House Republicans advocate for transparency and are seeking ways to demonstrate that. … I have been unequivocal, and the members have expressed the same”[2].

What Changed?

  • Despite these statements, Johnson reversed course this week, saying that he would NOT hold a House vote on measures related to releasing the Epstein files before Congress left for its August recess[1][3][4].
  • In explaining the move, Johnson argued there was “no purpose for Congress to urge an administration to do something they’re already doing,” referring to ongoing internal Justice Department processes[5][6].
  • He blamed Democrats for pushing the issue as “political games”—even as a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Thomas Massie, continued working to force a vote when Congress returns in September[6][3].

Shutting Down the Floor

  • Republicans on the House Rules Committee refused to allow votes on any bills this week, out of fear Democrats would attempt to force amendments calling for the release of the Epstein files[4][7].
  • This led Johnson and GOP leaders to shut down the House early, cancelling scheduled votes and starting their August recess a day ahead of plan, essentially blocking any immediate action on the Epstein documents[8][2][6][9].
  • Johnson’s move has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, with some accusing him of putting party politics and Trump’s interests ahead of transparency and public interest[2][1][10][11].

Summary Table: Johnson’s Stance vs. Actions

What Johnson Said What Johnson Did
Supported full transparency[1] Blocked a House vote on Epstein files before recess[6][2][3]
Urged release of all files[1] Sent House home early to avoid the vote[8][2][6][9]
Blamed Democrats for drama[2] Accused of shielding the White House from scrutiny[11][2]

Key Takeaways

  • Mike Johnson initially voiced support for releasing the Epstein report, backing full transparency.
  • He then blocked a House vote and adjourned Congress early, delaying any legislative push for disclosure.
  • Public reaction has been critical, with many seeing this as Johnson reversing himself to sidestep political fallout and protect the White House[1][2][4][11].

This sequence highlights a sharp contrast between Johnson’s earlier rhetoric on transparency and his recent actions to halt legislative business on the Epstein files.

Sources [1] Speaker Mike Johnson Backtracks on Call for DOJ to Release Epstein Files https://www.democracynow.org/2025/7/22/headlines/speaker_mike_johnson_backtracks_on_call_for_doj_to_release_epstein_files [2] Mike Johnson Under Pressure Over Shutting Down House to Stop Epstein Vote https://www.newsweek.com/mike-johnson-epstein-vote-house-2102804 [3] Johnson shuts door on House vote before September on releasing Epstein files https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/politics/epstein-files-house-vote-gop-johnson-massie [4] House stymied as Speaker Johnson’s hand-picked committee rebels over Epstein https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5414582-speaker-johnson-rules-committee-epstein/ [5] House ending session early as Republicans clash over Epstein vote https://apnews.com/article/congress-jeffrey-epstein-trump-f2a03eca247268b14a9e38858338eded [6] Johnson ending legislative session early over Epstein controversy as some Republicans demand answers https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/house-paralyzed-epstein-files-2nd-week-row/story?id=123953105 [7] House largely grinds to a halt over Epstein files https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/22/house-republicans-epstein-files-mike-johnson/ [8] Epstein crisis forces Republicans to shut down House early https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/22/congress/house-gop-huddles-on-epstein-drama-00466738 [9] Johnson Cuts Short House Business to Avoid Vote on Releasing Epstein Files https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/us/politics/mike-johnson-ends-house-session-epstein-vote.html [10] Speaker Johnson reverses course on Epstein transparency, realigns with Trump https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/speaker-johnson-reverses-course-epstein-transparency-realigns-trump-rcna220197 [11] Johnson Does a Full 180 on Epstein Files After Hearing ‘the President’s Heart’ https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/mike-johnson-shuts-down-house-trump-epstein-files.html [12] House cancels votes amid fight over Jeffrey Epstein files https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-cancels-votes-fight-jeffrey-epstein-files-rcna220238 [13] Johnson tries to contain Epstein dissent https://www.politico.com/newsletters/inside-congress/2025/07/23/johnson-tries-to-contain-epstein-dissent-00469082 [14] Johnson confirms: No vote on Epstein before recess https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/21/congress/johnson-epstein-vote-recess-00465643 [15] House Speaker Johnson explains why he won't force ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6spfpC4IAa8 [16] Johnson sending House home early amid push to force Epstein files vote https://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-house-recess-epstein-files-vote/ [17] Why House Republican leaders closed up shop to stop more votes on the Epstein files https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/epstein-files-trump-house-mike-johnson-rcna220266 [18] Johnson shuts down House for the summer to sideline calls for Epstein transparency https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/speaker-ends-house-session-early-as-gop-clashes-over-epstein-files-vote

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[–] Blackmist@feddit.uk 10 points 3 days ago

Must protect Dear Paeder.

[–] selkiesidhe@sh.itjust.works 10 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Anyone check the Con subreddits/communities to see how they're dealing with that little nugget?

MAGAt morons have been told directly by their Dear Leader... But they wanted those files revealed. What shall they do? Worship an old nasty rapist or learn the truth. Hmmm, probably whatever Faux News Entertainment tells them to think...

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