And the rule of law itself is now, according to many experts, quite clearly under siege. We're at an early point in the term. People have noticed. People are fighting back. The president of the United States is not king. What we're seeing is this administration continue to run a foul of the law. This is against the Constitution. A king unbound by laws, who rules by decree. It's going against our rights as people and especially as American citizens. What's it going to take for us to wake up? The American peo ...

This week, Americans mark 249 years since a group of colonists outraged by a distant government's abuse of power declared their intention to form a new nation. One founded on liberty, equality, and the radical idea at the time that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed. We celebrate July 4th with fireworks and flags. But the deeper meaning of this day, of this remarkable experiment, is not about triumph. It's about aspiration. The Declaration of Independence certainly did not give ...

[Music] thank you today I'm going to tell you that what most people think about democracy is wrong the prevailing folk theory of democracy goes something like this in a democracy the people are always right the majority determines what's right and wrong and politicians should always just carry out the will of the people and I think we've all been brought up with this very simplistic notion about how our democracy is supposed to work um and the problem it's not true we're about to discuss whether democracies ...

Political Climate & National Sentiment - A new poll indicates that 34% of Americans believe democracy is under serious threat and view politically motivated violence as a major problem [1] - There is a rising distrust in democracy, with concerns about the rule of law and the Constitution [3] - The nation faces a test of citizenship, questioning the willingness to call issues fairly [4] - Polling suggests that one in five Americans are open to replacing Donald Trump with the king of England [5] Historical & Philosophical Perspectives - The United States is founded on an ideal, not ethnicity [5] - Democracy is hard because it requires participation and responsibility from everyone [6] - Democracy is meant to protect against the rule of the strong [7] - The American experiment requires continuous effort to live up to the declaration that all are created equal [8] Future Outlook - The country may be moving away from its founding ideals [9] - There is optimism that the nation can change course if enough people decide to do the right thing [9]

Constitutional Assessment - The assessment of the Supreme Court should focus on keeping the Constitution alive [1] Legal Perspective - NoahRFeldman's opinion on the Supreme Court's role in maintaining the Constitution [1]

Yesterday's Supreme Court decision was a huge win for President Trump, not just regarding his efforts to end automatic birthright citizenship, but in concentrating more power into the presidency. The 63 ruling from the conservative supermajority supreme court limited the ability of lower courts to issue issue nationwide injunctions. One of the key tools that the judicial branch had in its checks and balances on an executive branch that they believe is exceeding its lawful authority.Trump herald heralded the ...

Constitutional & Legal Issues - The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, while the President serves as commander-in-chief during a declared war [2] - Significant legal debate exists regarding what constitutes a "war" domestically, considering duration and goals [2][3] - International law considerations include assessing intelligence to determine if military action was a defensive maneuver, involved an imminent threat, and was a proportional response [3] - The White House is limiting intelligence sharing with Congress, raising concerns about transparency and oversight [4] Checks and Balances & Congressional Oversight - Concerns are raised that the current administration believes Congress has no role in reviewing executive actions, mirroring arguments made in courts [6] - Traditionally, presidents from both parties have briefed Congress on intelligence matters, highlighting the current administration's deviation from this practice [7][8] - Congress has been abdicating its responsibility regarding war powers since World War II, the last time a formal declaration of war occurred [13] - The lack of accountability after military action, specifically regarding providing information to assess the legality under international law, is a key concern [23] International Law Considerations - Under international law, a country can act in self-defense or collective self-defense if there is imminent harm, the action is necessary, and the response is proportional [21][22] - Determining whether a military strike violates international law requires access to pre-strike intelligence [23]

When you think about your political giving, when you think about the influence that you want to have and the mark you want to make, what's most important to you. Well, I I think you need to think about the arc of one's life. In my 20s, I gave my time. I didn't have money to give in my 20s.I gave my time. I I actually tutored in the inner city of Chicago and saw firsthand the challenges that these young in this case boys and girls face in trying to to break the cycle of poverty. Like it's really really tough ...

you you were once in command of an infantry platoon um at 29 Palms, which is the base where many of these Marines are being deployed from. What kind of training what should we know about what they do at that base to prepare them if it prepares them for what they're being asked to do here. Good evening, Jen.Thanks for having me on. It does not prepare them for what they are being asked to do right now, which is domestic law enforcement. A job that the LAPD are well trained to do and have the situation fully ...

The last word with Lawrence O'Donnell starts right now. Jen, I am in the middle of uh Judge Charles Briar's opinion uh that is a total victory for Gavin Newsome as we heard uh the governor uh telling us uh during your hour and of course you've reported that the Trump administration is already appealing this. Uh but as you read it, as you get through it, it it's very hard to find any space for appeal uh in this decision. And of course, we will also be covering the breaking news uh from Israel tonight about t ...