@lbroom.bsky.social
Pity the nation — oh, pity the people who allow their rights to erode and their freedoms to be washed away.
My country, tears of thee, sweet land of liberty.
― Lawrence Ferlinghetti (1919-2021), 2007
DEMOCRACY DIES IN IGNORANCE
My country, tears of thee, sweet land of liberty.
― Lawrence Ferlinghetti (1919-2021), 2007
DEMOCRACY DIES IN IGNORANCE
Pinned
lbroom.bsky.social
@lbroom.bsky.social
· Apr 26
How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days
He used the constitution to shatter the constitution.
www.theatlantic.com
"Incompetent" -- During the years this guy spent in politics, he manifesto'ed lot of damage before he was stopped -- even though his naysayers viewed him and his crew as "incompetent". Think Project 2025. I re-gifted this a 2nd time.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Reposted
Shiny object: FBI is searching Fulton County election office in 2020 vote case: www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi...
FBI executing search warrant at Georgia election office related to 2020 vote, law enforcement official says
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is executing a search warrant at a Fulton County election office in Georgia related to the 2020 election, a law enforcement official familiar with the matter said o...
www.reuters.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Shiny object: FBI is searching Fulton County election office in 2020 vote case: www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi...
A SCOTUS "decision in the case is expected by summer". Which means that 9 Scotus judges get to decide whether Trump's decision to fire her for "cause", i.e. fraud - is a legitimate reason. No indictment, no discovery, & no trial by jury. Even Scotus must see that is not justice served.
Here's Amy's overview of this morning's argument in Trump v. Cook
Supreme Court appears inclined to prevent Trump from firing Fed governor
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared likely to leave Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, on the job while her challenge to President Donald Trump’s […]
www.scotusblog.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:54 PM
A SCOTUS "decision in the case is expected by summer". Which means that 9 Scotus judges get to decide whether Trump's decision to fire her for "cause", i.e. fraud - is a legitimate reason. No indictment, no discovery, & no trial by jury. Even Scotus must see that is not justice served.
Georgia Justice has failed in Fulton County. “So what are we going to do here, folks? I only need 11,000 votes. Fellas, I need 11,000 votes. Give me a break.”
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
The Last Big Case Against Trump Has Been Dropped
The U.S. justice and political systems have shown that they can’t hold the president and his allies to account for trying to steal the 2020 election.
www.theatlantic.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Georgia Justice has failed in Fulton County. “So what are we going to do here, folks? I only need 11,000 votes. Fellas, I need 11,000 votes. Give me a break.”
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
Just click on "No Thanks" and you can read this very understandable status of where the unitary executive theory is heading through the courts.
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
A 2-1 Panel of the D.C. Circuit Makes the Presidency More Muscular
An important case, as the Supreme Court takes up a similar issue next week
open.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Just click on "No Thanks" and you can read this very understandable status of where the unitary executive theory is heading through the courts.
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
O'Hara said to stop unlawful force, but won't be "arresting ICE agents". Will they verify that these are actual ICE agents? Will they request that agents remove their masks? Ask them to follow the law under 8 CFR 287.8 requiring ICE to identify themselves and prevent discrimination?
“Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara issued a stern warning to his officers on Thursday: Intervene when you see Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using unlawful force or lose your job.”
www.ms.now/news/minneap...
www.ms.now/news/minneap...
Minneapolis police chief warns officers: Stop unlawful force by ICE or lose your job
Chief Brian O’Hara says he’ll fire city police officers if they don’t intervene when immigration agents use unlawful force.
www.ms.now
December 5, 2025 at 6:56 PM
O'Hara said to stop unlawful force, but won't be "arresting ICE agents". Will they verify that these are actual ICE agents? Will they request that agents remove their masks? Ask them to follow the law under 8 CFR 287.8 requiring ICE to identify themselves and prevent discrimination?
Trump, the President of Peaceful Pretense. All for showcasing Trump's chest-thumping over those "peace" deals that he knows aren't worth a plug nickle. Like his failed Gaza cease-fire . . . www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
December 5, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Trump, the President of Peaceful Pretense. All for showcasing Trump's chest-thumping over those "peace" deals that he knows aren't worth a plug nickle. Like his failed Gaza cease-fire . . . www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
Belgium is home base for the European Union, NATO, the World Bank, and giving in to help Putin get whatever he wants because oil? Oh wait, it's not No, this is the Yes Kings place where democracy seems to becoming a facade and not a fact.
This is what happens when you let Belgian bankers decide a grave global security matter.
Europe Scales Back Plan to Make Massive Loans to Ukraine
The proposal is aimed at addressing the concerns of Belgium and leaving room for the U.S. to use the funds as a lure for Moscow.
www.wsj.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Belgium is home base for the European Union, NATO, the World Bank, and giving in to help Putin get whatever he wants because oil? Oh wait, it's not No, this is the Yes Kings place where democracy seems to becoming a facade and not a fact.
"Nearly six in 10 enrollees live in congressional districts represented by a Republican."
A new poll shows more than 70% of Republicans with Obamacare coverage don’t want their enhanced premium subsidies to expire.
Millions of Republicans on Obamacare want enhanced subsidies extended. Most Hill Republicans don’t | CNN Politics
A new poll shows more than 70% of Republicans with Obamacare coverage don’t want their enhanced premium subsidies to expire.
www.cnn.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:31 PM
"Nearly six in 10 enrollees live in congressional districts represented by a Republican."
I am NOT okay with Trump spending our tax dollars on convicted drug lords: "Garcia said her husband is in a 'safe place' in the United States and that Trump's administration has provided protection."
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Wife of former Honduran president says he will not immediately return home after Trump pardon
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez will not immediately return to the Central American country after leaving this week the U.S. prison where he was serving a sentence for drug traffickin...
www.reuters.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:54 PM
I am NOT okay with Trump spending our tax dollars on convicted drug lords: "Garcia said her husband is in a 'safe place' in the United States and that Trump's administration has provided protection."
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Finally, someone who agrees! She is absolutely right. The only ticket that will win the next presidential election will have two mature, but not old, photogenic males with an over-abundance of charm, and a radio voice that can tell you what you want to hear. Because, some grown-ups aren't grown.
Michelle Obama said Americans shouldn't look to her to run for the nation's highest office.
During a live conversation with actor Tracee Ellis Ross in NY, the former first lady said the United States is "not ready for a woman" to be president, because the country has a "lot of growing up to do."
During a live conversation with actor Tracee Ellis Ross in NY, the former first lady said the United States is "not ready for a woman" to be president, because the country has a "lot of growing up to do."
November 17, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Finally, someone who agrees! She is absolutely right. The only ticket that will win the next presidential election will have two mature, but not old, photogenic males with an over-abundance of charm, and a radio voice that can tell you what you want to hear. Because, some grown-ups aren't grown.
The discovery process could work both ways (counter-suit?). I'd like to see the RNC's behind the scenes emails & documents leading up to their filing of this lawsuit.
NEW: As part of a broader national effort to pressure states to hand over voter records, the RNC filed a lawsuit against New Jersey for refusing to provide voter list maintenance information — a move that could invite intrusive scrutiny of individual voters.
RNC Escalates Legal Fight Over New Jersey’s Voter Records
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The discovery process could work both ways (counter-suit?). I'd like to see the RNC's behind the scenes emails & documents leading up to their filing of this lawsuit.
Don't hold your breath. Trump will veto the bill. And Congress doesn't have the two-thirds vote needed to overrided DT's veto. Trump will take the heat. Republicans in Congress will be off the hook for not following through.
NEWS: Ro Khanna tells us *50 Republicans* may be set to join him, Thomas Massie, and Democrats in voting to release the Epstein files.
Perhaps explains why Trump is now spinning out of control, attacking Republicans like Massie and MTG who are joining Democrats in responding to the public demand.
Perhaps explains why Trump is now spinning out of control, attacking Republicans like Massie and MTG who are joining Democrats in responding to the public demand.
Trump Tries to Cover Up His Epstein Scandal With Wildly Corrupt Bullying
A Trump adviser tells Zeteo the Epstein scandal “really fucking pisses him off.” It’s only getting worse for the president.
zeteo.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Don't hold your breath. Trump will veto the bill. And Congress doesn't have the two-thirds vote needed to overrided DT's veto. Trump will take the heat. Republicans in Congress will be off the hook for not following through.
Justice Jackson did her best. A decision from the full court could have been much worse for SNAP overall. Vladeck explains why here . . .
If you’re trying to catch up on what went down with #SNAP late last night at #SCOTUS, here’s my attempt to read the breadcrumbs on the “administrative stay” issued by Justice Jackson—and why a justice so critical of the Court’s grants of emergency relief to Trump still granted temporary relief here:
190. SNAP WTF?
A very quick explainer on why Justice Jackson issued an "administrative stay" in the SNAP case late on Friday night, and on what's likely to happen next
www.stevevladeck.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Justice Jackson did her best. A decision from the full court could have been much worse for SNAP overall. Vladeck explains why here . . .
Reposted
With @mjsdc.bsky.social and Marc Busch of Georgetown on what real, actual economists think about tariffs (and why Trump is likely gonna lose this one)
The Supreme Court Might Actually…Say No to Trump?
It seems like the tariffs aren’t long for this world, but you never know with this court.
slate.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
With @mjsdc.bsky.social and Marc Busch of Georgetown on what real, actual economists think about tariffs (and why Trump is likely gonna lose this one)
What's up? While we are waiting on the SNAP issue, lest we forget, prices are up . . .
www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/11/07/t...
www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/11/07/t...
Trump 2.0 tariff tracker
According to President Trump, “Tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump promised to use tariffs
www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:41 PM
What's up? While we are waiting on the SNAP issue, lest we forget, prices are up . . .
www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/11/07/t...
www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/11/07/t...
190. SNAP WTF?
open.substack.com/pub/stevevla...
open.substack.com/pub/stevevla...
190. SNAP WTF?
A very quick explainer on why Justice Jackson issued an "administrative stay" in the SNAP case late on Friday night, and on what's likely to happen next
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
190. SNAP WTF?
open.substack.com/pub/stevevla...
open.substack.com/pub/stevevla...
I reposted when my jaw was pick up off the flloor.
NEW: A civil rights organization sued the Trump administration Saturday over a new policy barring nonprofits from helping new U.S. citizens register to vote, calling it part of a “broader effort to ensure that new Americans cannot exert their democratic will on the nation.”
Lawsuit Blasts Trump’s Bid to Keep New Citizens From Registering to Vote
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I reposted when my jaw was pick up off the flloor.
Perhaps a bookmark for this page is in order. Everything you'd ever want to know about how to correctly present regularity to a court and what makes Trump's arguments highly irregular.
I'm grateful to @60minutes.bsky.social featuring our study published @justsecurity.org.
Link to the study (on the 'presumption of regularity'): www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
Link to the study (on the 'presumption of regularity'): www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
October 20, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Perhaps a bookmark for this page is in order. Everything you'd ever want to know about how to correctly present regularity to a court and what makes Trump's arguments highly irregular.
I'm still reading this, but my first OMG moment was "several of her messages contained language that touch on grand jury matters" -- & many other OMG moments -- people should read this.
October 20, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I'm still reading this, but my first OMG moment was "several of her messages contained language that touch on grand jury matters" -- & many other OMG moments -- people should read this.
Corrected Headline: "Taxpayers Funding Coast Guard's $172 Million Purchase of Two Private Jets for Noem"
Luxury living, while your costs go up and up. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
Coast Guard Buys Two Private Jets for Noem, Costing $172 Million
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Corrected Headline: "Taxpayers Funding Coast Guard's $172 Million Purchase of Two Private Jets for Noem"
Two fixes the RNC wants states to use: "alternative government databases" and the ability to challenge a "mail-in early ballot BEFORE it is returned" - all to restrict voting. The RNC threw 9 fixes at the courts to see if any would stick a win in their column. One RNC loss so far, 8 to go.
WIN: The Arizona Supreme Court upheld the state's Election Procedures Manual, rejecting the RNC's attempt to block its enforcement. While the EPM can be used in upcoming contests, lower courts must still weigh the RNC's remaining challenges. https://bit.ly/4ooNskr
In Win for Voters, Arizona Supreme Court Tosses GOP Challenge to State’s Election Manual
Read more here.
bit.ly
October 20, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Two fixes the RNC wants states to use: "alternative government databases" and the ability to challenge a "mail-in early ballot BEFORE it is returned" - all to restrict voting. The RNC threw 9 fixes at the courts to see if any would stick a win in their column. One RNC loss so far, 8 to go.
I loved this book! He is a good storyteller, and sprinkles his words with a bit of humor throughout. Enjoyable read.
July 14, 2025 at 4:55 PM
I loved this book! He is a good storyteller, and sprinkles his words with a bit of humor throughout. Enjoyable read.
Patty points out that nationwide we are losing money - all those research and medical projects across the board generate billions of revenue for federal, state, and local entities that keep our economy strong. Trump has weakened the economy - and it will get even worse.
My message to Trump’s NIH Director? No one in America wants us to do LESS cancer research.
No one is asking Trump to make it harder to cure Alzheimer's disease.
Yet Trump is cutting all of this NOW and demanding an $18 BILLION cut to NIH next year. Not on my watch.
No one is asking Trump to make it harder to cure Alzheimer's disease.
Yet Trump is cutting all of this NOW and demanding an $18 BILLION cut to NIH next year. Not on my watch.
June 10, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Patty points out that nationwide we are losing money - all those research and medical projects across the board generate billions of revenue for federal, state, and local entities that keep our economy strong. Trump has weakened the economy - and it will get even worse.
No need to subscribe to read, just click on the no thanks.
"As Joe Biden used to say, just enough of us. It doesn’t have to be a landslide. The fever needs to subside in a few more places, not everywhere. This week, it looks like we continue on that trajectory. It is slow. It is frustrating."
"As Joe Biden used to say, just enough of us. It doesn’t have to be a landslide. The fever needs to subside in a few more places, not everywhere. This week, it looks like we continue on that trajectory. It is slow. It is frustrating."
Is the fever dream finally going to break? A realistic assessment of where we are. open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
The Week Ahead
May 4, 2025
open.substack.com
May 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
No need to subscribe to read, just click on the no thanks.
"As Joe Biden used to say, just enough of us. It doesn’t have to be a landslide. The fever needs to subside in a few more places, not everywhere. This week, it looks like we continue on that trajectory. It is slow. It is frustrating."
"As Joe Biden used to say, just enough of us. It doesn’t have to be a landslide. The fever needs to subside in a few more places, not everywhere. This week, it looks like we continue on that trajectory. It is slow. It is frustrating."