Frank D. Russo
@fdrtoday.bsky.social
Attorney, active in politics & public policy half a century starting with JFK & civil rights movement, Ex Publisher California Progress Report & Legal Counsel to Speaker of CA Assembly. Trying to enjoy life in difficult times with music, photography travel
This Year, the Billionaires Give Thanks for Trump
by Molly Jong-Fast
NYT gift article
Trump has never been much for gratitude or giving back and is the opposite of myth and meaning of Thanksgiving to acknowledge the generosity of Indigenous people who helped keep colonizers alive
bit.ly/3M4XlG3
by Molly Jong-Fast
NYT gift article
Trump has never been much for gratitude or giving back and is the opposite of myth and meaning of Thanksgiving to acknowledge the generosity of Indigenous people who helped keep colonizers alive
bit.ly/3M4XlG3
November 27, 2025 at 7:27 PM
This Year, the Billionaires Give Thanks for Trump
by Molly Jong-Fast
NYT gift article
Trump has never been much for gratitude or giving back and is the opposite of myth and meaning of Thanksgiving to acknowledge the generosity of Indigenous people who helped keep colonizers alive
bit.ly/3M4XlG3
by Molly Jong-Fast
NYT gift article
Trump has never been much for gratitude or giving back and is the opposite of myth and meaning of Thanksgiving to acknowledge the generosity of Indigenous people who helped keep colonizers alive
bit.ly/3M4XlG3
The ‘Wild Card’ in the Comey and James Cases: Will Judges Pick the Next Prosecutor?
NYT Gift Article
Dismissal of indictments that President Trump sought against his foes opens the door for federal judges to pick a new U.S. attorney to replace a Trump loyalist
Could derail things
bit.ly/49BQrln
NYT Gift Article
Dismissal of indictments that President Trump sought against his foes opens the door for federal judges to pick a new U.S. attorney to replace a Trump loyalist
Could derail things
bit.ly/49BQrln
November 26, 2025 at 7:04 PM
The ‘Wild Card’ in the Comey and James Cases: Will Judges Pick the Next Prosecutor?
NYT Gift Article
Dismissal of indictments that President Trump sought against his foes opens the door for federal judges to pick a new U.S. attorney to replace a Trump loyalist
Could derail things
bit.ly/49BQrln
NYT Gift Article
Dismissal of indictments that President Trump sought against his foes opens the door for federal judges to pick a new U.S. attorney to replace a Trump loyalist
Could derail things
bit.ly/49BQrln
Times Analysis Finds Errors in Trump Supreme Court Filing That Calls for National Guard in Chicago
NYT Gift Article
They claimed police were slow to protect federal agents but videos and audio show that is simply not true
Retired conservative judge rips Solicitor General and A.G.
bit.ly/4imU4xZ
NYT Gift Article
They claimed police were slow to protect federal agents but videos and audio show that is simply not true
Retired conservative judge rips Solicitor General and A.G.
bit.ly/4imU4xZ
November 26, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Times Analysis Finds Errors in Trump Supreme Court Filing That Calls for National Guard in Chicago
NYT Gift Article
They claimed police were slow to protect federal agents but videos and audio show that is simply not true
Retired conservative judge rips Solicitor General and A.G.
bit.ly/4imU4xZ
NYT Gift Article
They claimed police were slow to protect federal agents but videos and audio show that is simply not true
Retired conservative judge rips Solicitor General and A.G.
bit.ly/4imU4xZ
She Tried to Leave America. She Entered an Immigration Hall of Mirrors
NYT Gift
After more than 20 years in the U.S. an Eritrean mother and nurse tried to self-deport to Canada. She found herself in a Texas detention center instead
I cried while reading this. Where is our humanity?
bit.ly/3XXUd1b
NYT Gift
After more than 20 years in the U.S. an Eritrean mother and nurse tried to self-deport to Canada. She found herself in a Texas detention center instead
I cried while reading this. Where is our humanity?
bit.ly/3XXUd1b
November 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM
She Tried to Leave America. She Entered an Immigration Hall of Mirrors
NYT Gift
After more than 20 years in the U.S. an Eritrean mother and nurse tried to self-deport to Canada. She found herself in a Texas detention center instead
I cried while reading this. Where is our humanity?
bit.ly/3XXUd1b
NYT Gift
After more than 20 years in the U.S. an Eritrean mother and nurse tried to self-deport to Canada. She found herself in a Texas detention center instead
I cried while reading this. Where is our humanity?
bit.ly/3XXUd1b
David French in his NYT article "Trump Has Put the Military in an Impossible Situation" cited the case of United States v. Calley (U.S. Court of Military Appeals, 21 December 1973), the best-known case to emerge from the Vietnam War.
Read the decision to understand the law
bit.ly/3M1JlNq
Read the decision to understand the law
bit.ly/3M1JlNq
November 26, 2025 at 5:43 PM
David French in his NYT article "Trump Has Put the Military in an Impossible Situation" cited the case of United States v. Calley (U.S. Court of Military Appeals, 21 December 1973), the best-known case to emerge from the Vietnam War.
Read the decision to understand the law
bit.ly/3M1JlNq
Read the decision to understand the law
bit.ly/3M1JlNq
Trump Has Put the Military in an Impossible Situation
by David French
NYT Gift Article
French served as a JAG officer & briefed thousands of soldiers, says the statements of lawmakers about duty to disobey unlawful orders is not radical
Read his reasoning to learn about the nuances
bit.ly/4op0y0H
by David French
NYT Gift Article
French served as a JAG officer & briefed thousands of soldiers, says the statements of lawmakers about duty to disobey unlawful orders is not radical
Read his reasoning to learn about the nuances
bit.ly/4op0y0H
November 26, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Trump Has Put the Military in an Impossible Situation
by David French
NYT Gift Article
French served as a JAG officer & briefed thousands of soldiers, says the statements of lawmakers about duty to disobey unlawful orders is not radical
Read his reasoning to learn about the nuances
bit.ly/4op0y0H
by David French
NYT Gift Article
French served as a JAG officer & briefed thousands of soldiers, says the statements of lawmakers about duty to disobey unlawful orders is not radical
Read his reasoning to learn about the nuances
bit.ly/4op0y0H
Legal limbo for Texas and California House maps
California Playbook
Erwin Chemerinsky dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and a Prop 50 proponent — breaks it all down in an interview
He doesn't think the Texas case will have an impact on California's map
2 other cases are pending
bit.ly/4pxDNsn
California Playbook
Erwin Chemerinsky dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and a Prop 50 proponent — breaks it all down in an interview
He doesn't think the Texas case will have an impact on California's map
2 other cases are pending
bit.ly/4pxDNsn
November 26, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Legal limbo for Texas and California House maps
California Playbook
Erwin Chemerinsky dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and a Prop 50 proponent — breaks it all down in an interview
He doesn't think the Texas case will have an impact on California's map
2 other cases are pending
bit.ly/4pxDNsn
California Playbook
Erwin Chemerinsky dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and a Prop 50 proponent — breaks it all down in an interview
He doesn't think the Texas case will have an impact on California's map
2 other cases are pending
bit.ly/4pxDNsn
YouGov poll finds 70% oppose U.S. military action in Venezuela and that Trump needs to explain reason and has not done so
CBS News
There's a lot here--narrow 53-47% approve boat strikes
This is a poll of 2489 US adults
More bad news for Trump on economy, inflation and immigration
bit.ly/4rk6dI1
CBS News
There's a lot here--narrow 53-47% approve boat strikes
This is a poll of 2489 US adults
More bad news for Trump on economy, inflation and immigration
bit.ly/4rk6dI1
November 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
YouGov poll finds 70% oppose U.S. military action in Venezuela and that Trump needs to explain reason and has not done so
CBS News
There's a lot here--narrow 53-47% approve boat strikes
This is a poll of 2489 US adults
More bad news for Trump on economy, inflation and immigration
bit.ly/4rk6dI1
CBS News
There's a lot here--narrow 53-47% approve boat strikes
This is a poll of 2489 US adults
More bad news for Trump on economy, inflation and immigration
bit.ly/4rk6dI1
Chuck Schumer Faces Pushback From a ‘Fight Club’ of Senate Democrats
NYT Gift Article
Challenge over his approach to midterms and Trump a sign of deep frustration
Focus on contested primaries for open seats in Minnesota, Michigan and Maine
Find a graceful way out for him
bit.ly/4ofvwbe
NYT Gift Article
Challenge over his approach to midterms and Trump a sign of deep frustration
Focus on contested primaries for open seats in Minnesota, Michigan and Maine
Find a graceful way out for him
bit.ly/4ofvwbe
November 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Chuck Schumer Faces Pushback From a ‘Fight Club’ of Senate Democrats
NYT Gift Article
Challenge over his approach to midterms and Trump a sign of deep frustration
Focus on contested primaries for open seats in Minnesota, Michigan and Maine
Find a graceful way out for him
bit.ly/4ofvwbe
NYT Gift Article
Challenge over his approach to midterms and Trump a sign of deep frustration
Focus on contested primaries for open seats in Minnesota, Michigan and Maine
Find a graceful way out for him
bit.ly/4ofvwbe
The Incomprehensible March Toward Regime Change in Venezuela
by Michelle Goldberg
NYT Gift Article
Trump designates Maduro of Venezuela and his allies in government as members of foreign terrorist organization called Cartel de los Soles, a group that doesn’t exist
Phony war ahead
bit.ly/4pBO9Yh
by Michelle Goldberg
NYT Gift Article
Trump designates Maduro of Venezuela and his allies in government as members of foreign terrorist organization called Cartel de los Soles, a group that doesn’t exist
Phony war ahead
bit.ly/4pBO9Yh
November 25, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The Incomprehensible March Toward Regime Change in Venezuela
by Michelle Goldberg
NYT Gift Article
Trump designates Maduro of Venezuela and his allies in government as members of foreign terrorist organization called Cartel de los Soles, a group that doesn’t exist
Phony war ahead
bit.ly/4pBO9Yh
by Michelle Goldberg
NYT Gift Article
Trump designates Maduro of Venezuela and his allies in government as members of foreign terrorist organization called Cartel de los Soles, a group that doesn’t exist
Phony war ahead
bit.ly/4pBO9Yh
Read the decision of Judge Cameron McGowan Currie dismissing the indictment of James Comey without prejudice
This and other rulings are subject to appeal
bit.ly/4py1lNS
This and other rulings are subject to appeal
bit.ly/4py1lNS
November 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Read the decision of Judge Cameron McGowan Currie dismissing the indictment of James Comey without prejudice
This and other rulings are subject to appeal
bit.ly/4py1lNS
This and other rulings are subject to appeal
bit.ly/4py1lNS
The Boomers Are Protesting Trump. Where Is Gen Z?
by Brendan Nyhan
NYT Gift Article
"The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning"
Serious article from college Poli Sci prof
Boomers need to LISTEN to the young who need to forge their path
bit.ly/49DIKey
by Brendan Nyhan
NYT Gift Article
"The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning"
Serious article from college Poli Sci prof
Boomers need to LISTEN to the young who need to forge their path
bit.ly/49DIKey
November 24, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The Boomers Are Protesting Trump. Where Is Gen Z?
by Brendan Nyhan
NYT Gift Article
"The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning"
Serious article from college Poli Sci prof
Boomers need to LISTEN to the young who need to forge their path
bit.ly/49DIKey
by Brendan Nyhan
NYT Gift Article
"The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning"
Serious article from college Poli Sci prof
Boomers need to LISTEN to the young who need to forge their path
bit.ly/49DIKey
Aren’t Trump’s apologists exhausted by their moral calisthenics?
by Frank Bruni
Voters who regard him as lesser of evils tell themselves: Trump has shortcomings but those are merely mirrors of the corruption and craziness on the other side e.g."Trump is using his DOJ as Biden did"
bit.ly/4oqudqo
by Frank Bruni
Voters who regard him as lesser of evils tell themselves: Trump has shortcomings but those are merely mirrors of the corruption and craziness on the other side e.g."Trump is using his DOJ as Biden did"
bit.ly/4oqudqo
November 24, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Aren’t Trump’s apologists exhausted by their moral calisthenics?
by Frank Bruni
Voters who regard him as lesser of evils tell themselves: Trump has shortcomings but those are merely mirrors of the corruption and craziness on the other side e.g."Trump is using his DOJ as Biden did"
bit.ly/4oqudqo
by Frank Bruni
Voters who regard him as lesser of evils tell themselves: Trump has shortcomings but those are merely mirrors of the corruption and craziness on the other side e.g."Trump is using his DOJ as Biden did"
bit.ly/4oqudqo
How an outsider once ignored by the public-health establishment became the most powerful man in science
By Michael Scherer a lengthy article to appear in January 2026 printed edition of the Atlantic
A lot of back and forth: Read to understand RFK Jr. not to agree with him
Read here
bit.ly/4ilIgvZ
By Michael Scherer a lengthy article to appear in January 2026 printed edition of the Atlantic
A lot of back and forth: Read to understand RFK Jr. not to agree with him
Read here
bit.ly/4ilIgvZ
November 24, 2025 at 2:54 PM
How an outsider once ignored by the public-health establishment became the most powerful man in science
By Michael Scherer a lengthy article to appear in January 2026 printed edition of the Atlantic
A lot of back and forth: Read to understand RFK Jr. not to agree with him
Read here
bit.ly/4ilIgvZ
By Michael Scherer a lengthy article to appear in January 2026 printed edition of the Atlantic
A lot of back and forth: Read to understand RFK Jr. not to agree with him
Read here
bit.ly/4ilIgvZ
Bondi Jumps to Trump's Epstein Demand: 'Investigate Bill Clinton'
The National Circus
Trump named Clinton but in newly released emails Epstein claimed that Trump "knew about the girls" and that Clinton "never" visited Epstein's private island
How about Special Prosecutor for Trump?
bit.ly/4o94mCZ
The National Circus
Trump named Clinton but in newly released emails Epstein claimed that Trump "knew about the girls" and that Clinton "never" visited Epstein's private island
How about Special Prosecutor for Trump?
bit.ly/4o94mCZ
November 23, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Bondi Jumps to Trump's Epstein Demand: 'Investigate Bill Clinton'
The National Circus
Trump named Clinton but in newly released emails Epstein claimed that Trump "knew about the girls" and that Clinton "never" visited Epstein's private island
How about Special Prosecutor for Trump?
bit.ly/4o94mCZ
The National Circus
Trump named Clinton but in newly released emails Epstein claimed that Trump "knew about the girls" and that Clinton "never" visited Epstein's private island
How about Special Prosecutor for Trump?
bit.ly/4o94mCZ
ICE Violates Charlotte’s Web
By Robin Bates, Better Living Through Beowulf
Estate of E.B. White has hit back with White’s granddaughter and literary executor saying it's “antithetical” to the author’s values. He “didn’t believe in masked men, in unmarked cars raiding people’s homes"
bit.ly/3XaSupd
By Robin Bates, Better Living Through Beowulf
Estate of E.B. White has hit back with White’s granddaughter and literary executor saying it's “antithetical” to the author’s values. He “didn’t believe in masked men, in unmarked cars raiding people’s homes"
bit.ly/3XaSupd
November 23, 2025 at 6:13 PM
ICE Violates Charlotte’s Web
By Robin Bates, Better Living Through Beowulf
Estate of E.B. White has hit back with White’s granddaughter and literary executor saying it's “antithetical” to the author’s values. He “didn’t believe in masked men, in unmarked cars raiding people’s homes"
bit.ly/3XaSupd
By Robin Bates, Better Living Through Beowulf
Estate of E.B. White has hit back with White’s granddaughter and literary executor saying it's “antithetical” to the author’s values. He “didn’t believe in masked men, in unmarked cars raiding people’s homes"
bit.ly/3XaSupd
A coming debate over Republican identity in a post-Trump era
NYT Gift Article
First whispers of a complicated conversation: What will being Republican mean in an era no longer dominated by Trump?
Conservative ideals or right-wing identity politics on race, gender and national origin
bit.ly/3LSrcS5
NYT Gift Article
First whispers of a complicated conversation: What will being Republican mean in an era no longer dominated by Trump?
Conservative ideals or right-wing identity politics on race, gender and national origin
bit.ly/3LSrcS5
November 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
A coming debate over Republican identity in a post-Trump era
NYT Gift Article
First whispers of a complicated conversation: What will being Republican mean in an era no longer dominated by Trump?
Conservative ideals or right-wing identity politics on race, gender and national origin
bit.ly/3LSrcS5
NYT Gift Article
First whispers of a complicated conversation: What will being Republican mean in an era no longer dominated by Trump?
Conservative ideals or right-wing identity politics on race, gender and national origin
bit.ly/3LSrcS5
Thomas Friedman Gives Trump the "Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize” — awarded by history to the leader of the country that most flagrantly sells out its allies and its values to an aggressive dictator
NYT Gift Article
Surrender of Ukraine with US profiting from funds to rebuild
Stinks
bit.ly/4oglEyd
NYT Gift Article
Surrender of Ukraine with US profiting from funds to rebuild
Stinks
bit.ly/4oglEyd
November 23, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Thomas Friedman Gives Trump the "Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize” — awarded by history to the leader of the country that most flagrantly sells out its allies and its values to an aggressive dictator
NYT Gift Article
Surrender of Ukraine with US profiting from funds to rebuild
Stinks
bit.ly/4oglEyd
NYT Gift Article
Surrender of Ukraine with US profiting from funds to rebuild
Stinks
bit.ly/4oglEyd
Trump officials' meeting with Russian in Miami spurs questions about Ukraine proposal
Reuters
Shock about secret meeting of Trump admin officials with head of Russia’s wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev a Russian who is under U.S. sanctions to draft the plan to end the war in Ukraine
bit.ly/48udUUp
Reuters
Shock about secret meeting of Trump admin officials with head of Russia’s wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev a Russian who is under U.S. sanctions to draft the plan to end the war in Ukraine
bit.ly/48udUUp
November 23, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Trump officials' meeting with Russian in Miami spurs questions about Ukraine proposal
Reuters
Shock about secret meeting of Trump admin officials with head of Russia’s wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev a Russian who is under U.S. sanctions to draft the plan to end the war in Ukraine
bit.ly/48udUUp
Reuters
Shock about secret meeting of Trump admin officials with head of Russia’s wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev a Russian who is under U.S. sanctions to draft the plan to end the war in Ukraine
bit.ly/48udUUp
G20 Leaders Push Back on U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine
NYT Gift Article
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine which faces the prospect of losing American support if it rejects Trump proposal
Strong statement by Germany, France, Britain, Japan, Canada and the European Union
bit.ly/43Lfpel
NYT Gift Article
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine which faces the prospect of losing American support if it rejects Trump proposal
Strong statement by Germany, France, Britain, Japan, Canada and the European Union
bit.ly/43Lfpel
November 23, 2025 at 3:49 PM
G20 Leaders Push Back on U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine
NYT Gift Article
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine which faces the prospect of losing American support if it rejects Trump proposal
Strong statement by Germany, France, Britain, Japan, Canada and the European Union
bit.ly/43Lfpel
NYT Gift Article
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine which faces the prospect of losing American support if it rejects Trump proposal
Strong statement by Germany, France, Britain, Japan, Canada and the European Union
bit.ly/43Lfpel
Pope Leo XIV was a fan of The Blues Brothers in the 1980s. The film was made in Chicago and had the line “We’re on a mission from God”
Can you dig it?
Can you dig it?
November 22, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Pope Leo XIV was a fan of The Blues Brothers in the 1980s. The film was made in Chicago and had the line “We’re on a mission from God”
Can you dig it?
Can you dig it?
I have Nikon D3500 from Costco for $500 with a long lens. I am gobsmacked with the pictures I can process on the computer and with a Canon Pro-100 printer can print up to 13" by 19" and put them up on the wall. Flatbed scanner allows me to digitally print my 50+ year old shots from Speaker's Corner
November 22, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I have Nikon D3500 from Costco for $500 with a long lens. I am gobsmacked with the pictures I can process on the computer and with a Canon Pro-100 printer can print up to 13" by 19" and put them up on the wall. Flatbed scanner allows me to digitally print my 50+ year old shots from Speaker's Corner
I had a Canon TL/QL in 1971 my first 35mm camera, took many wonderful photos with it on film for 30+ years. Enjoyed processing and printing b and w pictures while taking color slides and film to be processed
I've gone digital since then. Had my handy phone on me & took this one at the right moment
I've gone digital since then. Had my handy phone on me & took this one at the right moment
November 22, 2025 at 5:40 PM
I had a Canon TL/QL in 1971 my first 35mm camera, took many wonderful photos with it on film for 30+ years. Enjoyed processing and printing b and w pictures while taking color slides and film to be processed
I've gone digital since then. Had my handy phone on me & took this one at the right moment
I've gone digital since then. Had my handy phone on me & took this one at the right moment
The Week That Was
Lawfare
A deep dive into the government’s mix of misconduct and ineptitude in its criminal case against former James Comey, the Judge and Magistrate hearings and court filings, this is an article to read with plenty of links to articles
From a legal perspective
bit.ly/4a8ulHi
Lawfare
A deep dive into the government’s mix of misconduct and ineptitude in its criminal case against former James Comey, the Judge and Magistrate hearings and court filings, this is an article to read with plenty of links to articles
From a legal perspective
bit.ly/4a8ulHi
November 22, 2025 at 5:13 PM
The Week That Was
Lawfare
A deep dive into the government’s mix of misconduct and ineptitude in its criminal case against former James Comey, the Judge and Magistrate hearings and court filings, this is an article to read with plenty of links to articles
From a legal perspective
bit.ly/4a8ulHi
Lawfare
A deep dive into the government’s mix of misconduct and ineptitude in its criminal case against former James Comey, the Judge and Magistrate hearings and court filings, this is an article to read with plenty of links to articles
From a legal perspective
bit.ly/4a8ulHi
Bipartisan House lawmakers float two-year ACA subsidy extension
The Hill
Would extend credits for those earning less than $200,000 per year for family of four and extend open enrollment to May 15
Some changes to try to assuage conservatives’ concerns about fraud
Hopeful news?
bit.ly/3XbxZIR
The Hill
Would extend credits for those earning less than $200,000 per year for family of four and extend open enrollment to May 15
Some changes to try to assuage conservatives’ concerns about fraud
Hopeful news?
bit.ly/3XbxZIR
November 22, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Bipartisan House lawmakers float two-year ACA subsidy extension
The Hill
Would extend credits for those earning less than $200,000 per year for family of four and extend open enrollment to May 15
Some changes to try to assuage conservatives’ concerns about fraud
Hopeful news?
bit.ly/3XbxZIR
The Hill
Would extend credits for those earning less than $200,000 per year for family of four and extend open enrollment to May 15
Some changes to try to assuage conservatives’ concerns about fraud
Hopeful news?
bit.ly/3XbxZIR