@deviatar.bsky.social
Drug traffickers are not an army and carrying drugs is not an armed attack on the US. There is no plausible legal justification for the US attacking boats suspected of carrying drugs and killing everyone on board. These are murders.
Memo Blessing Boat Strikes Is Said to Rely on Trump’s Claims About Cartels
Accounts of a secret Justice Department memo offer a window into how administration lawyers approved the president’s desired course of action.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
Accounts of a secret Justice Department memo offer a window into how administration lawyers approved the president’s desired course of action.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
Memo Blessing Boat Strikes Is Said to Rely on Trump’s Claims About Cartels
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Drug traffickers are not an army and carrying drugs is not an armed attack on the US. There is no plausible legal justification for the US attacking boats suspected of carrying drugs and killing everyone on board. These are murders.
Reposted
The Trump economy is a dumpster fire
Trump's ballroom fiasco looks even worse against backdrop of bad economic news:
*layoffs mounting
*food stamps expiring
*health care premiums soaring
*consumer sentiment sliding
On the pod, Elizabeth Pancotti is great in explaining the opening here for Dems:
newrepublic.com/article/2024...
*layoffs mounting
*food stamps expiring
*health care premiums soaring
*consumer sentiment sliding
On the pod, Elizabeth Pancotti is great in explaining the opening here for Dems:
newrepublic.com/article/2024...
Trump Ballroom Fiasco Takes Worse Turn as Economic Data Gets Brutal
As the ballroom story gets more damaging for Trump against a backdrop of terrible economic news, a progressive organizer explains how all this gives Democrats a big opening to regain crucial lost grou...
newrepublic.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:58 AM
The Trump economy is a dumpster fire
Reposted
Updated this post with the news that Mexican authorities failed to rescue the lone survivor of these latest boat strikes.
How the Boat Strike Videos Dehumanize and Gamify Murder
The latest boat strike video shows US military attacks on four boats in the Eastern Pacific. The strikes killed 14 people and left one survivor, who is, according to Pete Hegseth, now in the hands of Mexican authorities. Edited together to…
The latest boat strike video shows US military attacks on four boats in the Eastern Pacific. The strikes killed 14 people and left one survivor, who is, according to Pete Hegseth, now in the hands of Mexican authorities. Edited together to…
How the Boat Strike Videos Dehumanize and Gamify Murder
The latest boat strike video shows US military attacks on four boats in the Eastern Pacific. The strikes killed 14 people and left one survivor, who is, according to Pete Hegseth, now in the hands of Mexican authorities. Edited together to show three strikes in different locations, these videos have many of the features called out in my first post on this topic…
lvgaldieri.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Updated this post with the news that Mexican authorities failed to rescue the lone survivor of these latest boat strikes.
Reposted
I wrote about Trump’s missile strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, and about the secret Justice Department opinion that underwrites them. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/23/o...
Opinion | The Secretive Office Approving Trump’s Boat Strikes
www.nytimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:26 AM
I wrote about Trump’s missile strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, and about the secret Justice Department opinion that underwrites them. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/23/o...
Reposted
We can't be sure what Hegseth's meeting with senior military officers next week will entail - all the more reason to prepare for plausible contingencies.
Start with Eugene Fidell's new Q&A:
www.justsecurity.org/121421/hegse...
Start with Eugene Fidell's new Q&A:
www.justsecurity.org/121421/hegse...
September 26, 2025 at 10:30 PM
We can't be sure what Hegseth's meeting with senior military officers next week will entail - all the more reason to prepare for plausible contingencies.
Start with Eugene Fidell's new Q&A:
www.justsecurity.org/121421/hegse...
Start with Eugene Fidell's new Q&A:
www.justsecurity.org/121421/hegse...
Reposted
The United States’ Dirty War on “Narco Terrorism”
By Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law at The University of Sydney and United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism
By Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law at The University of Sydney and United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism
The United States’ Dirty War on “Narco Terrorism”
United Nations Special Rapporteur Ben Saul writes about the U.S. military strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats.
www.justsecurity.org
September 22, 2025 at 12:39 PM
The United States’ Dirty War on “Narco Terrorism”
By Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law at The University of Sydney and United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism
By Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law at The University of Sydney and United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism
The US terrorizing civilians on the high seas is an odd thing for the Vice President to boast about
Vance on Trump's strikes on boats: "I wouldn't go fishing right now in that area of the world."
September 17, 2025 at 8:33 PM
The US terrorizing civilians on the high seas is an odd thing for the Vice President to boast about
Reposted
Vance on Trump's strikes on boats: "I wouldn't go fishing right now in that area of the world."
September 17, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Vance on Trump's strikes on boats: "I wouldn't go fishing right now in that area of the world."
Reposted
Analyzing the legal and moral stakes of the Caribbean strikes – and how Congress could respond.
From Annie Shiel, @jwrchappell.bsky.social, Priyanka Motaparthy, Wells Dixon and Daphne Eviatar:
www.justsecurity.org/120794/legal...
From Annie Shiel, @jwrchappell.bsky.social, Priyanka Motaparthy, Wells Dixon and Daphne Eviatar:
www.justsecurity.org/120794/legal...
Murder by Drone: The Legal and Moral Stakes of the Caribbean Strikes
If allowed to go unchecked, the Caribbean strikes could encourage additional unlawful executions by the United States and other leaders.
www.justsecurity.org
September 17, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Analyzing the legal and moral stakes of the Caribbean strikes – and how Congress could respond.
From Annie Shiel, @jwrchappell.bsky.social, Priyanka Motaparthy, Wells Dixon and Daphne Eviatar:
www.justsecurity.org/120794/legal...
From Annie Shiel, @jwrchappell.bsky.social, Priyanka Motaparthy, Wells Dixon and Daphne Eviatar:
www.justsecurity.org/120794/legal...
Reposted
The Trump administration is claiming to be shutting down am major wind-power project over "national security interests." Like...continuing to rely on foreign countries for imported oil? www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-econ...
The Real Reason Trump Is a Threat to the Economy
It’s not just the agenda. It’s also the shambolic, vibes-based way he’s pursuing it.
www.thebulwark.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The Trump administration is claiming to be shutting down am major wind-power project over "national security interests." Like...continuing to rely on foreign countries for imported oil? www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-econ...
Reposted
The Many Ways in Which the September 2 Caribbean Strike was Unlawful … and the Grave Line the Military Has Crossed
By leading expert @martylederman.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120296/many-...
By leading expert @martylederman.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120296/many-...
The Many Ways in Which the Caribbean Strike was Unlawful
Legal expert on domestic authority and law most relevant to the US strike on alleged Venezuelan drug boat
www.justsecurity.org
September 10, 2025 at 1:12 PM
The Many Ways in Which the September 2 Caribbean Strike was Unlawful … and the Grave Line the Military Has Crossed
By leading expert @martylederman.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120296/many-...
By leading expert @martylederman.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120296/many-...
An important resource for active duty military nlgmltf.org/military-law...
FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders - Military Law Task Force
This FAQ (drafted by members of the MLTF) can also be found in printable PDF format here: Illegal Orders FAQ – 17JUN2025 DoD Instruction 1325.06 permits a servicemember to possess a single copy of this document. Do I have the right to refuse illegal orders? A. Yes! All members of the military have […]
nlgmltf.org
September 5, 2025 at 1:45 PM
An important resource for active duty military nlgmltf.org/military-law...
Turns out Trump’s claim he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and get away with it was not theoretical. His logic for killing Venezuelans at sea would apply equally here in the US. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/04/u...
Trump Claims the Power to Summarily Kill Suspected Drug Smugglers
www.nytimes.com
September 5, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Turns out Trump’s claim he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and get away with it was not theoretical. His logic for killing Venezuelans at sea would apply equally here in the US. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/04/u...
Reposted
In win for infectious diseases, Florida to end all school vaccine requirements
Exposing vulnerable people to vaccine-preventable disease is just part of life, Ladapo said.
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
Exposing vulnerable people to vaccine-preventable disease is just part of life, Ladapo said.
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
In win for infectious diseases, Florida to end all school vaccine requirements
Exposing vulnerable people to vaccine-preventable disease is just part of life, Ladapo said.
arstechnica.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:25 AM
In win for infectious diseases, Florida to end all school vaccine requirements
Exposing vulnerable people to vaccine-preventable disease is just part of life, Ladapo said.
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
Exposing vulnerable people to vaccine-preventable disease is just part of life, Ladapo said.
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
Reposted
Trump’s Chicago Occupation Could Cost Four Times More Than Housing City Homeless
Sending troops to Chicago could cost $1.6 million per day, four times as much as housing the city’s homeless — plus it’s illegal, experts say.
Full story: theintercept.com/2025/09/03/t...
Sending troops to Chicago could cost $1.6 million per day, four times as much as housing the city’s homeless — plus it’s illegal, experts say.
Full story: theintercept.com/2025/09/03/t...
Pritzker: "He has no idea what's he's talking about. There is no emergency that warrants deployment of troops. He is insulting the people of Chicago by calling our home a hellhole, and anyone that takes his word at face value is insulting Chicagoans too."
September 4, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Trump’s Chicago Occupation Could Cost Four Times More Than Housing City Homeless
Sending troops to Chicago could cost $1.6 million per day, four times as much as housing the city’s homeless — plus it’s illegal, experts say.
Full story: theintercept.com/2025/09/03/t...
Sending troops to Chicago could cost $1.6 million per day, four times as much as housing the city’s homeless — plus it’s illegal, experts say.
Full story: theintercept.com/2025/09/03/t...
This lethal strike against a Venezuelan ship, killing 11 civilians, was a blatant violation of international law and deserves much more attention than it’s getting. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/03/u...
Trump Administration Says Boat Strike Is Start of Campaign Against Venezuelan Cartels
www.nytimes.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM
This lethal strike against a Venezuelan ship, killing 11 civilians, was a blatant violation of international law and deserves much more attention than it’s getting. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/03/u...
Reposted
National guardsman in DC will now carry weapons. What could possibly go wrong?
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/u...
Hegseth Authorizes National Guard Troops in D.C. to Carry Weapons
It remains unclear whether the National Guard soldiers will be armed as they walk through the city.
www.nytimes.com
August 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM
National guardsman in DC will now carry weapons. What could possibly go wrong?
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/u...
Reposted
Trump and Hegseth are wrecking our military's ability to protect the country and turning its focus inward, no matter American tradition and the law strictly limit that
As Trump tightens his grip on the DC police and escalates his deployment of the National Guard there, it's probably worth noting that an internal Department of Homeland Security memo says operations like the one in LA may be needed "for years to come."
newrepublic.com/article/1990...
newrepublic.com/article/1990...
August 15, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Trump and Hegseth are wrecking our military's ability to protect the country and turning its focus inward, no matter American tradition and the law strictly limit that
Arendt’s Law, via Paul Krugman:
“Totalitarianism in power invariably replaces all first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty.” open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
“Totalitarianism in power invariably replaces all first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty.” open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
Hackification
Arendt’s Law comes for economic data
open.substack.com
August 13, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Arendt’s Law, via Paul Krugman:
“Totalitarianism in power invariably replaces all first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty.” open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
“Totalitarianism in power invariably replaces all first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty.” open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
Reposted
Group of Israeli international law scholars send urgent letter to Israel’s Minister of Defense, IDF Chief of Staff, and Attorney General
On plan to "concentrate" Palestinian population in South Gaza
via @eliavl.bsky.social and @tamarmegiddo.bsky.social
On plan to "concentrate" Palestinian population in South Gaza
via @eliavl.bsky.social and @tamarmegiddo.bsky.social
Israeli Int'l Law Scholars on Plan to "Concentrate" Gaza Population
Israeli international law scholars send urgent letter to Israel’s Minister of Defense, the IDF Chief of Staff, the Attorney General.
www.justsecurity.org
July 11, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Group of Israeli international law scholars send urgent letter to Israel’s Minister of Defense, IDF Chief of Staff, and Attorney General
On plan to "concentrate" Palestinian population in South Gaza
via @eliavl.bsky.social and @tamarmegiddo.bsky.social
On plan to "concentrate" Palestinian population in South Gaza
via @eliavl.bsky.social and @tamarmegiddo.bsky.social
Reposted
In light of state and local law enforcement doing more immigration enforcement, I’m re-upping this article via @justsecurity.org that highlights the rise of “287g” agreements between #DHS and state/local police and National Guard
> 800 agreements and rising!
www.justsecurity.org/114395/the-m...
> 800 agreements and rising!
www.justsecurity.org/114395/the-m...
The Mounting Crisis of Militarizing Immigration Enforcement
When part-time soldiers police their neighbors, federal authority displaces state and local officials, and strains civil-military relations.
www.justsecurity.org
July 12, 2025 at 4:55 PM
In light of state and local law enforcement doing more immigration enforcement, I’m re-upping this article via @justsecurity.org that highlights the rise of “287g” agreements between #DHS and state/local police and National Guard
> 800 agreements and rising!
www.justsecurity.org/114395/the-m...
> 800 agreements and rising!
www.justsecurity.org/114395/the-m...
Reposted
When you use up scarce law enforcement resources going after cooks and farmworkers, and put a bunch of unqualified lackeys in key leadership posts, can you possibly think you're making America safer? ICYMI Will Selber: www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-mass...
Trump’s Mass Deportations Are Making Us More Vulnerable to Domestic Terrorism
Law enforcement can only do so much at one.
www.thebulwark.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:00 AM
When you use up scarce law enforcement resources going after cooks and farmworkers, and put a bunch of unqualified lackeys in key leadership posts, can you possibly think you're making America safer? ICYMI Will Selber: www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-mass...
Reposted
Statement from North America's Building Trades Unions on Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”:
“If enacted, this stands to be the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country. Simply put, it is the equivalent of terminating more than 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects”
“If enacted, this stands to be the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country. Simply put, it is the equivalent of terminating more than 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects”
June 30, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Statement from North America's Building Trades Unions on Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”:
“If enacted, this stands to be the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country. Simply put, it is the equivalent of terminating more than 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects”
“If enacted, this stands to be the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country. Simply put, it is the equivalent of terminating more than 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects”
Reposted
The agreement with Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, is undermining a long-running federal investigation into the gang, according to people familiar with the inquiry.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/u...
Why Is Trump Returning MS-13 Leaders to El Salvador? 5 Takeaways From the Times Investigation.
www.nytimes.com
June 30, 2025 at 10:05 AM
The agreement with Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, is undermining a long-running federal investigation into the gang, according to people familiar with the inquiry.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/u...