Teri Kanefield
@terikanefield.bsky.social
Former appellate defender and UC Berkeley Law graduate. I’ve written more than a dozen books and published more than 50 pieces in major outlets including The Washington Post.
Website: www.terikanefield.com
Subscribe to my blog here: eepurl.com/h4xCMr
Website: www.terikanefield.com
Subscribe to my blog here: eepurl.com/h4xCMr
You can find political messages in interesting places in California.
This painted rock was spotted along a trail in the coastal range.
This painted rock was spotted along a trail in the coastal range.
November 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
You can find political messages in interesting places in California.
This painted rock was spotted along a trail in the coastal range.
This painted rock was spotted along a trail in the coastal range.
I finished that thing I've been writing. It looks like I've taken on some big questions.
The conclusions are what I’ve been trying to say for several years, but I believe now I've explained it better and with more context.
terikanefield.com/whyextremism...
For a blog post . . .
1/
The conclusions are what I’ve been trying to say for several years, but I believe now I've explained it better and with more context.
terikanefield.com/whyextremism...
For a blog post . . .
1/
Why Intolerance and Extremism Happen (and how to protect democracy in a divided world) - Teri Kanefield
Hello, and welcome. I plan to take on some big questions, including: Why do some people spiral into extremism? Why does democracy seem perpetually on the brink? Why are we so divided? What can we do t...
terikanefield.com
October 4, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I finished that thing I've been writing. It looks like I've taken on some big questions.
The conclusions are what I’ve been trying to say for several years, but I believe now I've explained it better and with more context.
terikanefield.com/whyextremism...
For a blog post . . .
1/
The conclusions are what I’ve been trying to say for several years, but I believe now I've explained it better and with more context.
terikanefield.com/whyextremism...
For a blog post . . .
1/
Part II of this thing I’m working on is ready.
Part I was called “Here’s Why Intolerance and Extremism happen.” It was about demagogues and artists (and more).
In Part II, I quote the lyrics to three songs . . .
terikanefield.com/heres-why/
1/
Part I was called “Here’s Why Intolerance and Extremism happen.” It was about demagogues and artists (and more).
In Part II, I quote the lyrics to three songs . . .
terikanefield.com/heres-why/
1/
Here's Why - Teri Kanefield
* * * Welcome! If you’ve already read Part I, click here to skip to Part II. * * * Part I: Why Intolerance and Extremism Happen Introduction In September 2024, I visited Chile for the national indepe...
terikanefield.com
September 13, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Part II of this thing I’m working on is ready.
Part I was called “Here’s Why Intolerance and Extremism happen.” It was about demagogues and artists (and more).
In Part II, I quote the lyrics to three songs . . .
terikanefield.com/heres-why/
1/
Part I was called “Here’s Why Intolerance and Extremism happen.” It was about demagogues and artists (and more).
In Part II, I quote the lyrics to three songs . . .
terikanefield.com/heres-why/
1/
Okay, whew. I've been writing. Some light summer beach reading . . . NOT
I begin by going over familiar territory: The authoritarian personality, what the neuroscientists tell us about our political differences.
I need this because the new stuff requires context, so please stick with me. . .
1/
I begin by going over familiar territory: The authoritarian personality, what the neuroscientists tell us about our political differences.
I need this because the new stuff requires context, so please stick with me. . .
1/
August 30, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Okay, whew. I've been writing. Some light summer beach reading . . . NOT
I begin by going over familiar territory: The authoritarian personality, what the neuroscientists tell us about our political differences.
I need this because the new stuff requires context, so please stick with me. . .
1/
I begin by going over familiar territory: The authoritarian personality, what the neuroscientists tell us about our political differences.
I need this because the new stuff requires context, so please stick with me. . .
1/
Popping into say sorry I've been MIA so long.
A combination of traveling, family commitments, and getting involved in what you might call a local political issue has taken my time.
But I am working on a piece of writing that feels ambitious. I will share it when it's ready.
A combination of traveling, family commitments, and getting involved in what you might call a local political issue has taken my time.
But I am working on a piece of writing that feels ambitious. I will share it when it's ready.
August 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Popping into say sorry I've been MIA so long.
A combination of traveling, family commitments, and getting involved in what you might call a local political issue has taken my time.
But I am working on a piece of writing that feels ambitious. I will share it when it's ready.
A combination of traveling, family commitments, and getting involved in what you might call a local political issue has taken my time.
But I am working on a piece of writing that feels ambitious. I will share it when it's ready.
Hi, everyone,
I am traveling so I haven’t been posting (or writing) much.
Here is a first for me: The New York Times Book Review did a full review on my latest book.
Here is a gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/04/b...
1/
I am traveling so I haven’t been posting (or writing) much.
Here is a first for me: The New York Times Book Review did a full review on my latest book.
Here is a gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/04/b...
1/
Making the Bill of Rights Relevant to Young Readers
www.nytimes.com
July 7, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Hi, everyone,
I am traveling so I haven’t been posting (or writing) much.
Here is a first for me: The New York Times Book Review did a full review on my latest book.
Here is a gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/04/b...
1/
I am traveling so I haven’t been posting (or writing) much.
Here is a first for me: The New York Times Book Review did a full review on my latest book.
Here is a gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/04/b...
1/
Reposted by Teri Kanefield
I started reading when the ebook dropped at midnight; it's excellent. I learned a lot just reading the prologue. I love how @terikanefield.bsky.social uses court cases to show how the amendments have been interpreted and reinterpreted over the years.
#BillOfRights #UShistory #books #law
#BillOfRights #UShistory #books #law
(Trying again because of typo. . .)
Hello Bluesky Peeps.
I have a birth announcement.
(Yeah, I know it's corny, but I've been creating birth announcements for each book, beginning with my firstborn novel in 2001. Back then I didn't have photoshop.)
And now, a moment of reflection . . .
1/
Hello Bluesky Peeps.
I have a birth announcement.
(Yeah, I know it's corny, but I've been creating birth announcements for each book, beginning with my firstborn novel in 2001. Back then I didn't have photoshop.)
And now, a moment of reflection . . .
1/
May 20, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I started reading when the ebook dropped at midnight; it's excellent. I learned a lot just reading the prologue. I love how @terikanefield.bsky.social uses court cases to show how the amendments have been interpreted and reinterpreted over the years.
#BillOfRights #UShistory #books #law
#BillOfRights #UShistory #books #law
(Trying again because of typo. . .)
Hello Bluesky Peeps.
I have a birth announcement.
(Yeah, I know it's corny, but I've been creating birth announcements for each book, beginning with my firstborn novel in 2001. Back then I didn't have photoshop.)
And now, a moment of reflection . . .
1/
Hello Bluesky Peeps.
I have a birth announcement.
(Yeah, I know it's corny, but I've been creating birth announcements for each book, beginning with my firstborn novel in 2001. Back then I didn't have photoshop.)
And now, a moment of reflection . . .
1/
May 20, 2025 at 1:31 PM
(Trying again because of typo. . .)
Hello Bluesky Peeps.
I have a birth announcement.
(Yeah, I know it's corny, but I've been creating birth announcements for each book, beginning with my firstborn novel in 2001. Back then I didn't have photoshop.)
And now, a moment of reflection . . .
1/
Hello Bluesky Peeps.
I have a birth announcement.
(Yeah, I know it's corny, but I've been creating birth announcements for each book, beginning with my firstborn novel in 2001. Back then I didn't have photoshop.)
And now, a moment of reflection . . .
1/
In honor of the special occasion, I have a blog post ready: All About the Tenth Amendment.
(No, really, it IS all about the Tenth Amendment)
The history of the Tenth Amendment explains (almost) everything happening in American politics and government today.
terikanefield.com/its-all-abou...
(No, really, it IS all about the Tenth Amendment)
The history of the Tenth Amendment explains (almost) everything happening in American politics and government today.
terikanefield.com/its-all-abou...
It's All About the Tenth Amendment - Teri Kanefield
No, really, it is. The history of the Tenth Amendment explains [almost] everything happening in politics and government today. But before I get to the [scintillating] topic of the Tenth Amendment, I h...
terikanefield.com
May 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
In honor of the special occasion, I have a blog post ready: All About the Tenth Amendment.
(No, really, it IS all about the Tenth Amendment)
The history of the Tenth Amendment explains (almost) everything happening in American politics and government today.
terikanefield.com/its-all-abou...
(No, really, it IS all about the Tenth Amendment)
The history of the Tenth Amendment explains (almost) everything happening in American politics and government today.
terikanefield.com/its-all-abou...
After working all morning to get the blog post done, I needed a break. My favorite 3 year old challenged me to a game of hide and seek.
Where CAN he be?
(I'm sure his eyes are closed, which naturally makes it harder for me to see him.)
Where CAN he be?
(I'm sure his eyes are closed, which naturally makes it harder for me to see him.)
April 27, 2025 at 12:58 AM
After working all morning to get the blog post done, I needed a break. My favorite 3 year old challenged me to a game of hide and seek.
Where CAN he be?
(I'm sure his eyes are closed, which naturally makes it harder for me to see him.)
Where CAN he be?
(I'm sure his eyes are closed, which naturally makes it harder for me to see him.)
I have a blog post ready.
It's here: terikanefield.com/your-brain-o...
When the Guardian, the Telegraph, and @jenmercieca.bsky.social recommended The Ideological Brain by Leor Zmigrod, I figured I should get a copy and read it.
So I did.
I'll start with a 2 picture summary of the book ⤵️
1/
It's here: terikanefield.com/your-brain-o...
When the Guardian, the Telegraph, and @jenmercieca.bsky.social recommended The Ideological Brain by Leor Zmigrod, I figured I should get a copy and read it.
So I did.
I'll start with a 2 picture summary of the book ⤵️
1/
April 26, 2025 at 5:42 PM
I have a blog post ready.
It's here: terikanefield.com/your-brain-o...
When the Guardian, the Telegraph, and @jenmercieca.bsky.social recommended The Ideological Brain by Leor Zmigrod, I figured I should get a copy and read it.
So I did.
I'll start with a 2 picture summary of the book ⤵️
1/
It's here: terikanefield.com/your-brain-o...
When the Guardian, the Telegraph, and @jenmercieca.bsky.social recommended The Ideological Brain by Leor Zmigrod, I figured I should get a copy and read it.
So I did.
I'll start with a 2 picture summary of the book ⤵️
1/
I just realized it's April 23.
That means it's the anniversary of the Farmville, Virginia Motion High School student strike.
What? You don't know about that?
Well, in 1951, Barbara Johns was fed up with the deplorable conditions in her segregated school, so she organized a strike.
1/
That means it's the anniversary of the Farmville, Virginia Motion High School student strike.
What? You don't know about that?
Well, in 1951, Barbara Johns was fed up with the deplorable conditions in her segregated school, so she organized a strike.
1/
April 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I just realized it's April 23.
That means it's the anniversary of the Farmville, Virginia Motion High School student strike.
What? You don't know about that?
Well, in 1951, Barbara Johns was fed up with the deplorable conditions in her segregated school, so she organized a strike.
1/
That means it's the anniversary of the Farmville, Virginia Motion High School student strike.
What? You don't know about that?
Well, in 1951, Barbara Johns was fed up with the deplorable conditions in her segregated school, so she organized a strike.
1/
So I saw Wicked, Part I.
Anyone else like it?
It was so woke. And it was about democracy and fascism.
(Or maybe if you spend e enough time thinking about democracy and fascism, everything is about democracy and fascism. Or maybe everything IS about democracy and fascism🤔 )
1/
Anyone else like it?
It was so woke. And it was about democracy and fascism.
(Or maybe if you spend e enough time thinking about democracy and fascism, everything is about democracy and fascism. Or maybe everything IS about democracy and fascism🤔 )
1/
April 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
So I saw Wicked, Part I.
Anyone else like it?
It was so woke. And it was about democracy and fascism.
(Or maybe if you spend e enough time thinking about democracy and fascism, everything is about democracy and fascism. Or maybe everything IS about democracy and fascism🤔 )
1/
Anyone else like it?
It was so woke. And it was about democracy and fascism.
(Or maybe if you spend e enough time thinking about democracy and fascism, everything is about democracy and fascism. Or maybe everything IS about democracy and fascism🤔 )
1/
Reposted by Teri Kanefield
This is fascinating.
Hi, Bluesky Peeps,
I have my blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/chapter-1/
Last month, I talked about a philosophical journey for perspective on today’s politics.
Plato is always a good place to start.
I’ll also talk about TV lawyers and the spirit of liberty because . . . it follows.
1/
I have my blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/chapter-1/
Last month, I talked about a philosophical journey for perspective on today’s politics.
Plato is always a good place to start.
I’ll also talk about TV lawyers and the spirit of liberty because . . . it follows.
1/
Making Philosophy Cool Again, Part 1: Euthyphro, The Spirit of Liberty, TV Lawyers (and more) - Teri Kanefield
Last month, I talked about a philosophical journey for perspective on today’s politics. Plato is always a good place to start. If you’ve never delved into Plato, you’re in for a treat. I’ll try to be ...
terikanefield.com
March 17, 2025 at 5:14 PM
This is fascinating.
Reposted by Teri Kanefield
“Modern critics of democracy describe it this way: Majority rule is the equivalent of two wolves and a sheep voting on the dinner menu.”
Author @terikanefield.bsky.social traces the appeal of monarchy throughout history ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Author @terikanefield.bsky.social traces the appeal of monarchy throughout history ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Part 5: Do the People Want a King? - Teri Kanefield
To gain perspective on today’s politics, I have set out on a journey. I haven’t settled on a title yet, but I’m thinking something like “Make Political Philosophy Cool Again.” Here’s where we’ve been ...
terikanefield.com
March 16, 2025 at 10:21 PM
“Modern critics of democracy describe it this way: Majority rule is the equivalent of two wolves and a sheep voting on the dinner menu.”
Author @terikanefield.bsky.social traces the appeal of monarchy throughout history ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Author @terikanefield.bsky.social traces the appeal of monarchy throughout history ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Oh, and some news.
My upcoming book is a Junior Library Guild selection. I haven't received my certificate or the gold sticker that goes on the books, but I've been assured they are on their way.
And the first trade review (Kirkus) was quite positive:
www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...
My upcoming book is a Junior Library Guild selection. I haven't received my certificate or the gold sticker that goes on the books, but I've been assured they are on their way.
And the first trade review (Kirkus) was quite positive:
www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...
REBELS, ROBBERS, AND RADICALS | Kirkus Reviews
A compelling exploration of the Bill of Rights that weaves together landmark cases, historical narratives, and reflections on the paradoxes of liberty.
www.kirkusreviews.com
March 15, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Oh, and some news.
My upcoming book is a Junior Library Guild selection. I haven't received my certificate or the gold sticker that goes on the books, but I've been assured they are on their way.
And the first trade review (Kirkus) was quite positive:
www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...
My upcoming book is a Junior Library Guild selection. I haven't received my certificate or the gold sticker that goes on the books, but I've been assured they are on their way.
And the first trade review (Kirkus) was quite positive:
www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...
Hello Bluesky Peeps: I have a new blog post ready called "Do the People Want a King?"
Usually I write a short intro but it seems to me a blog post called "Do the People Want a King" needs no further introduction.
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Usually I write a short intro but it seems to me a blog post called "Do the People Want a King" needs no further introduction.
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Part 5: Do the People Want a King? - Teri Kanefield
To gain perspective on today’s politics, I have set out on a journey. I haven’t settled on a title yet, but I’m thinking something like “Make Political Philosophy Cool Again.” Here’s where we’ve been ...
terikanefield.com
March 15, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Hello Bluesky Peeps: I have a new blog post ready called "Do the People Want a King?"
Usually I write a short intro but it seems to me a blog post called "Do the People Want a King" needs no further introduction.
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Usually I write a short intro but it seems to me a blog post called "Do the People Want a King" needs no further introduction.
terikanefield.com/part-5-do-th...
Reposted by Teri Kanefield
“Specifically the founders feared that a demagogue, or a leader of the people, would lead the people to disaster.”
*Excellent* essay by author/historian/attorney/former teacher/former “Twitter Mom” @terikanefield.bsky.social ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
*Excellent* essay by author/historian/attorney/former teacher/former “Twitter Mom” @terikanefield.bsky.social ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
Socrates and the Subversive Element - Teri Kanefield
I started out writing about the trial and execution of Socrates. This brought me to the nature of subversiveness and the role of subversive elements in a democracy. * * * To gain perspective on tod...
terikanefield.com
February 15, 2025 at 11:58 PM
“Specifically the founders feared that a demagogue, or a leader of the people, would lead the people to disaster.”
*Excellent* essay by author/historian/attorney/former teacher/former “Twitter Mom” @terikanefield.bsky.social ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
*Excellent* essay by author/historian/attorney/former teacher/former “Twitter Mom” @terikanefield.bsky.social ⬇️:
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
I started out writing about the trial and execution of Socrates.
That brought me to the nature of subversiveness and the role of subversive elements in a democracy.
🎶 Come gather 'round people wherever you roam . . . "🎶
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
That brought me to the nature of subversiveness and the role of subversive elements in a democracy.
🎶 Come gather 'round people wherever you roam . . . "🎶
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
February 15, 2025 at 3:40 PM
I started out writing about the trial and execution of Socrates.
That brought me to the nature of subversiveness and the role of subversive elements in a democracy.
🎶 Come gather 'round people wherever you roam . . . "🎶
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
That brought me to the nature of subversiveness and the role of subversive elements in a democracy.
🎶 Come gather 'round people wherever you roam . . . "🎶
terikanefield.com/part-4-socra...
Philosophical question: If I can't stop tinkering with the words in a blog post, does that mean I will never be finished?
Okay, that's it. Time to stop and publish.
One moment here . . .
Okay, that's it. Time to stop and publish.
One moment here . . .
February 15, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Philosophical question: If I can't stop tinkering with the words in a blog post, does that mean I will never be finished?
Okay, that's it. Time to stop and publish.
One moment here . . .
Okay, that's it. Time to stop and publish.
One moment here . . .
Hello, Bluesky Peeps,
I have another blog post ready.
As coincidence would have it, I was reading Book VIII of the Republic and considering a blog post about the interplay of democracy and oligarchy when Biden gave a speech warning of a rising oligarchy.
terikanefield.com/democracy-ol...
1/
I have another blog post ready.
As coincidence would have it, I was reading Book VIII of the Republic and considering a blog post about the interplay of democracy and oligarchy when Biden gave a speech warning of a rising oligarchy.
terikanefield.com/democracy-ol...
1/
Part 3: Democracy, Oligarchy, and Tyranny - Teri Kanefield
As coincidence would have it, as I was reading Book VIII of The Republic and considering a blog post about the interplay of democracy and oligarchy when Biden gave a speech warning Americans of a risi...
terikanefield.com
January 19, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Hello, Bluesky Peeps,
I have another blog post ready.
As coincidence would have it, I was reading Book VIII of the Republic and considering a blog post about the interplay of democracy and oligarchy when Biden gave a speech warning of a rising oligarchy.
terikanefield.com/democracy-ol...
1/
I have another blog post ready.
As coincidence would have it, I was reading Book VIII of the Republic and considering a blog post about the interplay of democracy and oligarchy when Biden gave a speech warning of a rising oligarchy.
terikanefield.com/democracy-ol...
1/
Reposted by Teri Kanefield
If you haven’t yet started reading Teri Kanefield’s recent blog posts exploring the contemporary American political situation through a philosophical (and literary) lens, you really need to do so. You won’t regret it.
Hi, Bluesky Peeps,
I have my next blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/destination-...
In November I set out on a philosophical journey for perspective on today's politics.
When I started this series, I switched to monthly instead of weekly because these posts take so long to write . . .
1/
I have my next blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/destination-...
In November I set out on a philosophical journey for perspective on today's politics.
When I started this series, I switched to monthly instead of weekly because these posts take so long to write . . .
1/
Make Politics Cool Again, Chapter 2 Antigone: Rule of Law or my Conscience (and a bit more about the election) - Teri Kanefield
Welcome to the second stop of the journey I announced in November as a way to gain perspective on the state of western democracy in general and American politics in particular. If you are just joining...
terikanefield.com
December 22, 2024 at 6:56 PM
If you haven’t yet started reading Teri Kanefield’s recent blog posts exploring the contemporary American political situation through a philosophical (and literary) lens, you really need to do so. You won’t regret it.
Perhaps "Bluesky mom" needs an explanation.
Several years ago, one of my Twitter followers asked me to adopt him. I didn't want to play favorites, so I adopted all my followers and warned them that, as siblings, they all needed to get along.
I guess that transferred to Bluesky.
Several years ago, one of my Twitter followers asked me to adopt him. I didn't want to play favorites, so I adopted all my followers and warned them that, as siblings, they all needed to get along.
I guess that transferred to Bluesky.
Bluesky mom knows Sophokles 😍😍😍
Ἀκτὶς ἀελίου, τὸ κάλ-
λιστον ἑπταπύλῳ φανὲν
Θήβᾳ τῶν πρότερον φάος.
🙂
Ἀκτὶς ἀελίου, τὸ κάλ-
λιστον ἑπταπύλῳ φανὲν
Θήβᾳ τῶν πρότερον φάος.
🙂
December 21, 2024 at 7:27 PM
Perhaps "Bluesky mom" needs an explanation.
Several years ago, one of my Twitter followers asked me to adopt him. I didn't want to play favorites, so I adopted all my followers and warned them that, as siblings, they all needed to get along.
I guess that transferred to Bluesky.
Several years ago, one of my Twitter followers asked me to adopt him. I didn't want to play favorites, so I adopted all my followers and warned them that, as siblings, they all needed to get along.
I guess that transferred to Bluesky.
Hi, Bluesky Peeps,
I have my next blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/destination-...
In November I set out on a philosophical journey for perspective on today's politics.
When I started this series, I switched to monthly instead of weekly because these posts take so long to write . . .
1/
I have my next blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/destination-...
In November I set out on a philosophical journey for perspective on today's politics.
When I started this series, I switched to monthly instead of weekly because these posts take so long to write . . .
1/
Make Politics Cool Again, Chapter 2 Antigone: Rule of Law or my Conscience (and a bit more about the election) - Teri Kanefield
Welcome to the second stop of the journey I announced in November as a way to gain perspective on the state of western democracy in general and American politics in particular. If you are just joining...
terikanefield.com
December 21, 2024 at 7:17 PM
Hi, Bluesky Peeps,
I have my next blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/destination-...
In November I set out on a philosophical journey for perspective on today's politics.
When I started this series, I switched to monthly instead of weekly because these posts take so long to write . . .
1/
I have my next blog post ready.
terikanefield.com/destination-...
In November I set out on a philosophical journey for perspective on today's politics.
When I started this series, I switched to monthly instead of weekly because these posts take so long to write . . .
1/