We've been discussing the notion of bearing witness. In an era of rising authoritarianism in America, we do not have the luxury, you do not have the luxury of looking away in the face of brutality, especially if that brutality is government sanctioned. Every day, new videos are posted to social media, some of them by the administration itself, which lay bare the cruelty of the tactics used by ICE agents and federal officers deployed to America's cities.Agents are frequently seen on video being both verbally ...

Thousands of protesters are expected to come out in force this Saturday for the second batch of the no kings anti-Trump protest that's planned nationwide and Republicans are wasting no time smearing the demonstrators before they even set foot on the streets. There's Speaker Mike Johnson who has slammed the protest as a quote hate America rally that would draw the quote pro- Hamas wing and the Antifa people. Joining us now is Leia Greenberg.She's the co-founder of Indivisible, which is one of the main organi ...

Political Commentary & Historical Analysis - The discussion highlights concerns that the current political climate is worse than the McCarthy era, citing numerous firings across industries based on political opinions [1] - The analysis draws parallels between current events and historical events such as the Reichstag fire and Kristallnacht, suggesting potential attempts to invoke the Insurrection Act [1] - The report suggests that there's an effort to cast dissent, including journalists and nonprofits, as terrorism [1] - The speaker argues that the term "radical left" is being broadened to include anyone critical of Trump or fascism, potentially leading to the labeling of all political opposition as terrorists [1] - The analysis suggests that the current political moment could be a coup, necessitating full societal resistance [1] Societal & Economic Concerns - The discussion emphasizes the importance of ensuring people can live lives of dignity and affordability, suggesting that these concerns transcend political divides [2] - The report highlights that policies aimed at making people's lives more affordable, such as free bus service and childcare, are not inherently radical [2] - The analysis criticizes the structure of an autocrat using cultural issues to justify policies that benefit the wealthy elite, such as taking away healthcare and redistributing wealth [3] Power Dynamics & Institutional Control - The report expresses concern that autocratic perspectives control the Supreme Court, one entire political party, and an out-of-control executive branch [4] - The analysis points out the danger of labeling anyone who objects to corruption as "radical left" and suppressing their speech [3]

DOJ & Legal Concerns - The analysis suggests a potential disintegration of the rule of law under the current administration, pointing to authoritarianism and tyranny [1] - There are concerns about the Attorney General potentially violating her oath to the Constitution, possibly influenced by loyalty to the President [2] - The appointment of a US attorney is questioned for being unqualified and potentially illegal, which could impact the validity of prosecutions [3][4][5] - Seasoned federal prosecutors reportedly found insufficient evidence to indict Comey, leading to the lead prosecutor being replaced by a Trump loyalist who then brought the indictment [8][9] White House Dynamics & Presidential Power - The current White House lacks the experienced and independent-minded senior people who previously provided guard rails and helped the President understand limitations [10][11] - The President is perceived as feeling "unleashed" and entitled to act as he wishes, with the only concern being the speed of execution [12] - There is a concern that the President might invoke the Insurrection Act to assert control, potentially without legal restraint [18][20][21] Future Election & Transfer of Power - There is a concern that current actions could be a blueprint for more widespread use of the military to distort or subvert the 2028 election and transfer of power [23][24] Constitutional Issues & Executive Orders - The President is reportedly pushing ahead with executive orders that are likely to be challenged in the Supreme Court because they contradict the Constitution [26][27] - The birthright citizenship case is cited as an example where federal courts have blocked the President's orders because they are unconstitutional [27][28]

It is exactly the opposite of what should be a standard oversight hearing which we do every year with every attorney general and we ask questions about policy and practice and past incidents and every attorney general under Republican and Democratic administrations has been responsive factually. What you saw today was just blatant defiance of the norms, a cover up and a creep toward authoritarianism that comes with singling out people for prosecution because they are personal adversaries or there's some kin ...

Political Landscape & Democratic Erosion - The analysis suggests a concern that the cumulative impact of actions by the Department of Justice and the media resembles state-run entities, potentially suppressing dissent [1] - The report posits that the aim is to suffocate the opposition's operational space, rigging the rules to prevent them from winning national elections, similar to the situation in Hungary [2] - The document indicates that actions across the DOJ, FCC, and Department of Defense are designed to discourage participation in protests, running for office, and voting, potentially undermining democracy [3] - The analysis highlights the risk of a party, specifically Donald Trump's party, becoming increasingly dominated by oligarchs benefiting financially from the government [4] - The report underscores that retribution is a central focus, with open discussion of the Insurrection Act without significant pushback [6] - The document expresses concern that the deployment of National Guard troops in various states without the governors' consent may indicate a slide into authoritarianism [6][7] - The analysis suggests that a plan is being executed to transition the country from democracy to something fundamentally different, possibly autocracy [8] - The report emphasizes that engaging in peaceful civic action, with approximately 2% of the population participating, can help safeguard democracy [9] Legal & Insurrection Act Implications - The document raises concerns about the president's use of presidential pardons for individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection [11] - The analysis questions whether the definition of militia in section 332 of the Insurrection Act is broad enough to include groups like the Proud Boys, potentially offering them protection for using force [12] - The report suggests that committing violence in support of Donald Trump may lead to impunity, while criticizing him could result in severe legal consequences [13][14][15]

And I want to begin this hour by setting a scene. Quote, "We're under siege. We're being invaded by our own military." End quote. Now, you'd be forgiven for thinking those were words were words describing or North Korea, but they came from a witness describing a scene unfolding in Chicago this week.Those were the words of a man named Daryl Ballard speaking to the ABC affiliate in Chicago. Earlier this week, federal agents stormed an apartment complex in the Southshore neighborhood of Chicago. Witnesses say ...

We're in a moment right now in this country where our government itself is pushing out false information. It's something that George Orwell warned us about years ago. When I sit down to write a book, I write it because there is some lie that I want to expose.Again, how many fingers. My starting point is always a feeling of injustice. The very concept of objective truth is fading out of this world.I'm going to set down what I dare not say aloud to anyone. This prospect frightens me much more than bombs. That ...

On day one of the government shutdown, Donald Trump is trying to exert some presidential pressure, but top Democrats are defiant. >> For decades, Republicans have consistently shut the government down as part of their efforts to try to extract and jam their extreme right-wing agenda down the throats of the American people. Already Trump is targeting blue states in a way that some Democrats claim is an abuse of power.We will get into that and more. But we start tonight with a red alert for the country as fed ...

They're not targeting violent criminals or gang members. They're arresting tamalei vendors and delivery men and shaking down families. Donald Trump and Christy Gnome and Tom Hman said they were targeting the worst of the worst criminals.They lied and they continue to lie. 60% of the individuals that ICE has taken in Illinois this year have no criminal convictions of any kind. ICE is running around the loop harassing people for not being white.Just a year ago, that was illegal in the United States. Now, ICE ...