Roger Stone is about to finish himself off
Roger Stone won’t shut up. In fact, Roger Stone doesn’t even know how to shut up. And with the new judicial gag order now on his case, Roger Stone’s future does not look bright.
Stone’s judge, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, is the same judge that threw Paul Manafort into prison because he violated the terms of his conditional release. Common sense tells us that the more flamboyant Stone will find it impossible to refrain from similar behavior.
The gag order is particularly treacherous to Stone as it specifically limits its focus on the time period while going to and from the courthouse. Stone’s attorney Bruce Rogow told BuzzFeed News in an email that, “We are pleased that Mr. Stone’s First Amendment Rights have been safeguarded. Courthouse steps restraints on all are reasonable.” A gentle reminder to readers and to Stone: While the current gag order is narrow in its focus around the courthouse, they still must abide by the local rule that prohibits all parties from making public statements that are likely to have a “materially prejudicial effect.”
Another perilous point Stone and his attorneys will undoubtedly ignore is that the judge closes the order with the remark that the court will evaluate future requests for relief to the extent that any publicity engendered was brought by the defendant himself.
Yep. Roger Stone will limit his actions – perhaps with a victory sign or two – at the courthouse steps. And then, because he has made his career out of being a literalist when it helps him, he will steal off to Fox News and begin the mental vomit of the mouth. Those who have dealt with Stone for decades are giving this a 0.00000001% chance of gagging him, because Roger Stone has no gag reflex. He is a dead man walking. Let the countdown begin.
TR Kenneth is the author of the thriller, A ROOM FULL OF NIGHT. You can read all about her at trkenneth.com and on Twitter