What Happened
The DOJ indicted James Comey on two counts: threatening President Trump and transmitting the threat online, stemming from a deleted 2023 Instagram post of beach seashells arranged as '86 47.' '86' is slang for 'eject' or 'remove,' and '47' nods to Trump. Legal experts call it a weak case needing proof of 'true threat' intent, echoing a prior Comey indictment tossed by a judge.
Why You Should Care
No wallet hit for you, but it warns that edgy social media posts could draw federal heat if politicians cry foul.
📚 The Basics
'86' started as restaurant lingo for ditching bad food or rowdy customers, now slang for 'get rid of someone.' A 'true threat' under law means speech where the speaker seriously intends violence—protected by the First Amendment otherwise. 'Vindictive prosecution' is when charges punish someone for past criticism or rights use, often killing the case early.
🧠 Look Smart At Dinner
Say This
DOJ must prove Comey meant violence with random beach shells—Supreme Court says that's a First Amendment brick wall.
Context
Comey's last indictment got dismissed fast; this one's flimsier since he deleted the post and denied violent intent.
Avoid Saying
Don't say 'Comey's guilty, lock him up!'—true threats demand reckless intent for harm, not hurt feelings.
The Approved Opinion™
“Free speech protections must apply evenly, regardless of politics, to keep democracy strong.”
