Why We Could Be On The Verge Of A Constitutional Apocalypse
If Republicans achieve veto-proof control in 38 states, they can do something that has never been done before—hold a constitutional convention, and then ratify new amendments that are put forth. They could outlaw the New Deal and its social democratic programs. And if they get crazy enough, they could end separation of church and state and undo other portions of the Bill of Rights.
Is Time Running Out On Our Democracy?
Timothy Snyder, a Yale scholar and an authority on European political history, has spent decades studying the rise of fascist movements. With the ascension of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Snyder sees echoes from history, and warns that the time to save America from autocracy is in short supply.
The ‘Coastal Elites’ Are Reclaiming The Mantle Of God And Country
Democrats, liberals, and other “coastal elites” have begun taking back the mantle of God and country that has been denied them since 1980. With Ronald Reagan’s ascent, no one could be more patriotic than a Republican, according to Republicans. But with an authoritarian’s ascent, the Republicans are forfeiting, eagerly, the exclusive claim they once had to “restoring” the Constitution.
Can A Coalition Of The Principled Center Fight Trumpism?
The far left has become politically inert, preferring fiery speeches over voting for less-than-perfect Democrats. The far right is bonkers. A centrist coalition is the greatest hope for saving the country from Trump. And to maintain it, the members must keep their politics neat and tidy.
Not A Lot Of Comfort And Joy As Obama’s Legacy Starts To Go Dark
Here’s the thing making Republicans joyful and triumphant, and Democrats dark on the winter solstice: Obama left his legacy undefended on the field. There’s nothing to stop President-elect Donald J. Trump from knocking it down like a house of cards — with pleasure.
One Amendment, Five Freedoms
What a thing of beauty, our First Amendment. Think about it: In only 45 words, it lays out five constitutional rights. It’s pure poetry.
#EndorseThis: Are Trump’s Shady Foreign Deals Unconstitutional Too?
Evidently President-elect Trump believes he can disregard the ethical obligations that have bound his predecessors.
5 Ways You Can Fight Back Against Donald Trump
I doubt I’ll ever forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve made, but — like you — now all I can do is fight back against Trump. Here is what I think we need to do next.
Why Should You And I Have To Keep Paying Mitch McConnell’s Salary?
We’re paying this guy a salary of $174,000 a year, plus another $19,400 for his “service” as majority leader. It’s insulting that he won’t even go through the motions of doing his job.
Supreme Court Weighs Turning Back Clock On Redistricting
A case before the Supreme Court this week has the potential to change equal access to political representation as we have known it for.
Toxic Law: How Corporate Power And ‘Religious Freedom’ Threaten Democracy
Corporations are valuable and useful vehicles for creating wealth. But they are not and never should be political and religious actors.
Weekend Reader: ‘American Epic: Reading The U.S. Constitution’
From the Framers to the Courts, ‘American Epic’ unpacks the various readings of the Constitution.
Something Obscene About Civil Asset Forfeitures
Eric Holder is right to end one of the drug war’s worst practices.
Supreme Court Permits ‘Reasonable Mistakes’ By Police In Searches
Find out why Sonia Sotomayor is warning that her colleagues are “eroding the Fourth Amendment.”
Reckless Republican Impeachment Chatter Belittles Framers’ Intent
Sorry, Republicans: Obama isn’t Nixon, and you can’t get rid of him.
U.S. Citizens Have A Right To Protest, Even In Ferguson
If we don’t stand up for our Constitutional rights, they could disappear.
Death Of A Wedge Issue: 4 Ways GOP Presidential Hopefuls Reacted To Same-Sex Marriage Decision
Here’s how the GOP presidential field responded to the Supreme Court’s huge decision.
Thai Junta Chief Defends Constitution; Questions Democracy
dpa BANGKOK — Thailand’s junta chief, Prayuth Chan-ocha, on Friday defended an interim constitution put in place earlier this week. Critics have been quick to raise concerns about specific articles that increase the regime’s unchecked authority, including giving it veto powers and the ability to enact laws and decrees outside the constitutional framework. “As long […]
Our Progressive Constitution
WASHINGTON — You cannot talk for very long to a conservative these days without hearing the words “constitutional” and “constitutionalist.” Formulations such as “I am a constitutional conservative” or “I am a constitutionalist” are Tea Party habits, but they are not confined to its ranks. Many kinds of conservatives contend that everything they believe is […]
Democratic Senators: Amend Constitution To Limit Money In Elections
By Stephanie Haven, McClatchy Washington Bureau WASHINGTON — The Senate began debate Tuesday on a Democrat-proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the government to regulate campaign money again, a response to recent Supreme Court rulings that removed limits on certain election contributions. Democrats argue that the Supreme Court’s decisions in two cases allowed billionaires — […]
What Our Declaration Really Said
Our nation confronts a challenge this Fourth of July that we face but rarely: We are at odds over the meaning of our history and why, to quote our Declaration of Independence, “governments are instituted.” Only divisions this deep can explain why we are taking risks with our country’s future that we’re usually wise enough […]