Taylor Kordsiemon
@tkords.bsky.social
Dad. Lawyering in Utah. Occasional pretend scholar. Movies. Books.
Lawyer Work: https://www.mc2b.com/taylor-kordsiemon
Pretend Scholar Work: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=3465182
Lawyer Work: https://www.mc2b.com/taylor-kordsiemon
Pretend Scholar Work: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=3465182
Hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but they’ve been gathering signatures to repeal Prop 4 since October. They and ~89k signatures on Friday. Deadline was Sunday. Now they’re reporting Utah GOP says they have 200k+ signatures?
I’ll see how many get verified, but color me skeptical.
I’ll see how many get verified, but color me skeptical.
🚨UPDATE:
On Friday afternoon, the Utah Supreme Court denied Utahns for Representative Government's last-minute bid for an extension to submit signatures.
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-repea...
On Friday afternoon, the Utah Supreme Court denied Utahns for Representative Government's last-minute bid for an extension to submit signatures.
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-repea...
February 16, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but they’ve been gathering signatures to repeal Prop 4 since October. They and ~89k signatures on Friday. Deadline was Sunday. Now they’re reporting Utah GOP says they have 200k+ signatures?
I’ll see how many get verified, but color me skeptical.
I’ll see how many get verified, but color me skeptical.
I might be overstating this, but McKenzie Scott might be the only ethical billionaire. In just seven years, she’s given more to charity than any Americans besides Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates.
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
America’s Top 25 Philanthropists — And The Richest Not On the List
MacKenzie Scott was the nation’s top philanthropist in 2025 and ranks third behind Warren Buffett and Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates in terms of lifetime giving.
www.forbes.com
February 16, 2026 at 6:38 PM
I might be overstating this, but McKenzie Scott might be the only ethical billionaire. In just seven years, she’s given more to charity than any Americans besides Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates.
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
A New York Times op-ed last week boasted libertarians "told you so" about Trump.
But it was only a few, since politically exiled, who saw Trump's rise and said: “You know what? I think he and a lot of his followers mean it with the racism, violence and fascism.”
(new @ms.now column)
But it was only a few, since politically exiled, who saw Trump's rise and said: “You know what? I think he and a lot of his followers mean it with the racism, violence and fascism.”
(new @ms.now column)
Opinion | Libertarians warned about executive power. Only a few actually warned about Trump.
Anthony L. Fisher: A recent New York Times op-ed showed the blind spot many libertarians still have for President Donald Trump.
www.ms.now
February 16, 2026 at 2:43 PM
A New York Times op-ed last week boasted libertarians "told you so" about Trump.
But it was only a few, since politically exiled, who saw Trump's rise and said: “You know what? I think he and a lot of his followers mean it with the racism, violence and fascism.”
(new @ms.now column)
But it was only a few, since politically exiled, who saw Trump's rise and said: “You know what? I think he and a lot of his followers mean it with the racism, violence and fascism.”
(new @ms.now column)
Make fun all you want, but InfantryDort is right. This is why Sparta is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been continually occupied for 5,000 years. In contrast, Athens is primarily known for losing a battle with style. /s
February 16, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Make fun all you want, but InfantryDort is right. This is why Sparta is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been continually occupied for 5,000 years. In contrast, Athens is primarily known for losing a battle with style. /s
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
On Thanksgiving, the immigrant children held at the Dilley detention center gathered in the gym for what they thought was a holiday feast.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
February 13, 2026 at 7:41 PM
On Thanksgiving, the immigrant children held at the Dilley detention center gathered in the gym for what they thought was a holiday feast.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
Yesterday we learned that the Department of Justice is monitoring and tracking members of Congress’s searches of the Epstein files. There’s no sugar coating it: the administration is spying on lawmakers as they exercise their constitutional oversight responsibilities. 1/10
February 12, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Yesterday we learned that the Department of Justice is monitoring and tracking members of Congress’s searches of the Epstein files. There’s no sugar coating it: the administration is spying on lawmakers as they exercise their constitutional oversight responsibilities. 1/10
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
“We must abolish ICE and the entire DHS. We must proclaim a general amnesty to all undocumented immigrants currently residing in America. We must decriminalize unauthorized immigration. And we must enshrine freedom of movement in the constitution.” www.liberalcurrents.com/abolition-am...
Abolition, Amnesty, Decriminalization, Open Borders
You may not believe immigration restrictions are racist, but racists believe immigration restrictions are racist.
www.liberalcurrents.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:02 PM
“We must abolish ICE and the entire DHS. We must proclaim a general amnesty to all undocumented immigrants currently residing in America. We must decriminalize unauthorized immigration. And we must enshrine freedom of movement in the constitution.” www.liberalcurrents.com/abolition-am...
I identified as a libertarian throughout undergrad. Now I call myself a liberal even though I still have a libertarian streak.
A huge part of my decision to disassociate with libertarianism was the utter failure of its adherents to rise the the moment in the face of Trump. Or worse, support Trump.
A huge part of my decision to disassociate with libertarianism was the utter failure of its adherents to rise the the moment in the face of Trump. Or worse, support Trump.
I feel like I'm losing my goddamnned mind.
This op-ed was written by Kathrine Mangu-Ward. Katherine is editor-in-chief of Reason magazine.
Reason fired @shikhadalmia.bsky.social for being too anti-Trump.
This op-ed was written by Kathrine Mangu-Ward. Katherine is editor-in-chief of Reason magazine.
Reason fired @shikhadalmia.bsky.social for being too anti-Trump.
Opinion | Libertarians Tried to Warn You About Trump
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:20 PM
I identified as a libertarian throughout undergrad. Now I call myself a liberal even though I still have a libertarian streak.
A huge part of my decision to disassociate with libertarianism was the utter failure of its adherents to rise the the moment in the face of Trump. Or worse, support Trump.
A huge part of my decision to disassociate with libertarianism was the utter failure of its adherents to rise the the moment in the face of Trump. Or worse, support Trump.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
When I worked for Reason magazine during Trump's rise to power in 2016, I was explicitly forbidden by the editor in chief from writing about Trump's racism, or the violence and racism at his rallies.
It was a "sideshow," I was told.
It was a "sideshow," I was told.
February 9, 2026 at 2:10 PM
When I worked for Reason magazine during Trump's rise to power in 2016, I was explicitly forbidden by the editor in chief from writing about Trump's racism, or the violence and racism at his rallies.
It was a "sideshow," I was told.
It was a "sideshow," I was told.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
I feel like I'm losing my goddamnned mind.
This op-ed was written by Kathrine Mangu-Ward. Katherine is editor-in-chief of Reason magazine.
Reason fired @shikhadalmia.bsky.social for being too anti-Trump.
This op-ed was written by Kathrine Mangu-Ward. Katherine is editor-in-chief of Reason magazine.
Reason fired @shikhadalmia.bsky.social for being too anti-Trump.
Opinion | Libertarians Tried to Warn You About Trump
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:09 PM
I feel like I'm losing my goddamnned mind.
This op-ed was written by Kathrine Mangu-Ward. Katherine is editor-in-chief of Reason magazine.
Reason fired @shikhadalmia.bsky.social for being too anti-Trump.
This op-ed was written by Kathrine Mangu-Ward. Katherine is editor-in-chief of Reason magazine.
Reason fired @shikhadalmia.bsky.social for being too anti-Trump.
I came across this exact issue in my practice as a tangential party without any legal interest in the outcome. I thought the administration’s position was so frivolous that it was potentially sanctionable. But I guess the Fifth Circuit disagrees.
BREAKING: A 5th Circuit panel has backed ICE's mass detention policy, a decision that clears the way for the administration to lock up people who are in immigration proceedings
It's a 2-1 ruling
Majority: Jones (Reagan), Duncan (Trump)
Minority: Douglas (Obama)
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
It's a 2-1 ruling
Majority: Jones (Reagan), Duncan (Trump)
Minority: Douglas (Obama)
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
February 7, 2026 at 5:23 PM
I came across this exact issue in my practice as a tangential party without any legal interest in the outcome. I thought the administration’s position was so frivolous that it was potentially sanctionable. But I guess the Fifth Circuit disagrees.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
Olympians, they’re just like us.
February 6, 2026 at 5:54 AM
Olympians, they’re just like us.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
“We have been asked to call the centrist response to this presidency “moderation.” Recent events make it clear we should recognize it as appeasement.”
Excellent piece by @rauchway.bsky.social about the importance of building an enduring coalition capable of recovery and reform.
Excellent piece by @rauchway.bsky.social about the importance of building an enduring coalition capable of recovery and reform.
We need reconstruction, not restoration—as FDR knew.
Eric Rauchway responds in a forum on “How Not to Defeat Authoritarianism.”
www.bostonreview.net
February 3, 2026 at 9:31 PM
“We have been asked to call the centrist response to this presidency “moderation.” Recent events make it clear we should recognize it as appeasement.”
Excellent piece by @rauchway.bsky.social about the importance of building an enduring coalition capable of recovery and reform.
Excellent piece by @rauchway.bsky.social about the importance of building an enduring coalition capable of recovery and reform.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
This @bostonreview.bsky.social piece by @adambonica.bsky.social and @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social is an absolute must-read, as are many of the responses to it.
Spread this one far and wide.
Spread this one far and wide.
How Not to Defeat Authoritarianism
Moderation used to help Democrats win, but its advantages now have been greatly exaggerated.
www.bostonreview.net
February 3, 2026 at 4:31 PM
This @bostonreview.bsky.social piece by @adambonica.bsky.social and @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social is an absolute must-read, as are many of the responses to it.
Spread this one far and wide.
Spread this one far and wide.
I love these games, and I’m skeptical that an adaptation can do them justice.
That said, I think Ryan Hurst as Kratos could be a phenomenal casting choice.
That said, I think Ryan Hurst as Kratos could be a phenomenal casting choice.
Amazon Prime Video is shaping out its cast for the upcoming God of War TV series, and at this point, we're only missing a few of the main players.
Stay tuned for more updates: https://bit.ly/4q7NMEC
Stay tuned for more updates: https://bit.ly/4q7NMEC
January 30, 2026 at 6:07 PM
I love these games, and I’m skeptical that an adaptation can do them justice.
That said, I think Ryan Hurst as Kratos could be a phenomenal casting choice.
That said, I think Ryan Hurst as Kratos could be a phenomenal casting choice.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
Honestly Wurman's ridiculous amicus brief is a gift. I have a keynote to give next week, and it's about drawing on the past in our present-day constitutional fight against trumpist tyranny. Naturally I have to mention this.
January 29, 2026 at 2:20 AM
Honestly Wurman's ridiculous amicus brief is a gift. I have a keynote to give next week, and it's about drawing on the past in our present-day constitutional fight against trumpist tyranny. Naturally I have to mention this.
“Make America Healthy Again.”
January 28, 2026 at 4:44 PM
“Make America Healthy Again.”
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
it is beautiful how we are having another moment of Bluesky unity. everybody basking in the glow of how Ilhan Omar was very visibly gonna punch that dude in the mouth
January 28, 2026 at 2:28 AM
it is beautiful how we are having another moment of Bluesky unity. everybody basking in the glow of how Ilhan Omar was very visibly gonna punch that dude in the mouth
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
From "Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong" by Adam Serwer.
Recommended. [gift link]
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Recommended. [gift link]
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
January 27, 2026 at 11:44 PM
From "Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong" by Adam Serwer.
Recommended. [gift link]
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Recommended. [gift link]
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
The Trump admin is scrambling because the secret police it sends out for kidnappings and rioting has been killing people on video then brazenly lying about it, but Schumer's instinct is to whip his caucus into taking a position *more conservative* than that held by the median voter.
He's got to go.
He's got to go.
Majority of the country now wants to abolish and/or dismantle ICE and yet Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. told the caucus the message had to be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Senate Democrats plot strategy as DHS standoff deepens heading into shutdown week
Two sources who were on a Democratic caucus strategy call Sunday said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the group the message must be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:48 AM
The Trump admin is scrambling because the secret police it sends out for kidnappings and rioting has been killing people on video then brazenly lying about it, but Schumer's instinct is to whip his caucus into taking a position *more conservative* than that held by the median voter.
He's got to go.
He's got to go.
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
Okay I think I've mapped out ICE politics as of Monday night
January 27, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Okay I think I've mapped out ICE politics as of Monday night
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
Reposted by Taylor Kordsiemon
In today's @nytimes.com, @barryfriedman1.bsky.social and I argue that, with no *other* means of pursuing accountability for lawlessness by ICE, local/state prosecutions become not just legally viable, but necessary—both to punish past abuses and to deter future ones:
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/o...
Opinion | Local Prosecution Is the Answer to Federal Lawlessness
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:56 AM
In today's @nytimes.com, @barryfriedman1.bsky.social and I argue that, with no *other* means of pursuing accountability for lawlessness by ICE, local/state prosecutions become not just legally viable, but necessary—both to punish past abuses and to deter future ones:
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/o...
@nytimes.com, you should let your crossword person know that “quiz” is not the highest-scoring four-letter Scrabble word with 22 points.
Just off the top of my head, “jazz” is worth 29 points.
Just off the top of my head, “jazz” is worth 29 points.
January 25, 2026 at 4:06 PM
@nytimes.com, you should let your crossword person know that “quiz” is not the highest-scoring four-letter Scrabble word with 22 points.
Just off the top of my head, “jazz” is worth 29 points.
Just off the top of my head, “jazz” is worth 29 points.