Peter Mutharika's return as president of Malawi is both a triumph and a tragedy for African democracy, writes @justicemalala (via @opinion) https://t.co/uc7EeVH0rn ...

Let's bring it right now. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Uh thank you so much for being with us.Um I want to get your reaction and your response uh to the president uh sending National Guard troops to Portland. There have been chaotic scenes that we've seen play out over the past five years, six years. What would you say to people that have seen those scenes.Uh who who would say what makes sense for the president's national guard guardsman there. Why is that a mistake in your mind. Well, I mean, it j ...

Let me ask you a question. When you hear the word democracy, what comes to mind. For many Americans, democracy can seem abstract, a thing about elites, which elites who day-to-day normal people struggles wax poetic.We're being called upon in this moment to fight to defend our democracy, but it's hard for some to fight for an ideal when they're just trying to make ends meet. And part of that is because many elected officials don't want to ruffle their donor's feathers. So they keep their criticism of Donald ...

Political Landscape - Political reactions to the indictment are divided along party lines, with Democrats viewing it as a red line and Republicans celebrating it [1] - Some Democratic lawmakers warn about the abuse of power and the potential demise of democracy if such actions are allowed to go unpunished [2][3][7] - The administration is accused of being lawless and engaging in actions that could lead to authoritarianism [6] Democratic Response - Democrats are urged to stand up to the perceived bully and not back down or bend [2][7] - There is a call for transparency to educate the American people about the potential dangers of the current situation [10][13] - The situation is compared to Richard Nixon's era, suggesting a repeat of history but potentially more ferocious [10][11] Concerns and Targets - There are concerns that the administration is weaponizing its power to seek retribution against political opponents [12] - The President has expanded his target list to include individuals like Lisa Monaco, Fonnie Willis, George Soros, and Reed Hoffman [14] - There are worries that members of Congress who speak out against the administration could be targeted [14] Resilience and Action - Individuals are encouraged to turn their fear into power and reject the current state of affairs [16] - The American people will ultimately make decisive decisions about preserving and strengthening democracy [11] - It is emphasized that the current situation is not an exception but has become the rule, requiring a strong response [15]

George Packer, writing for The Atlantic, argues, "We can't see the threat of authoritarianism because we don't recognize it. We're living in a in an in an authoritarian state," he writes. It didn't feel that way this morning when I took my dog for his usual walk in the park and dew from the grass glittered on my boots in the rising sunlight. It doesn't feel that way when you're ordering an iced mocha latte at Starbucks or watching the Patriots lose to the Steelers.The persistent normality of daily life is d ...

First Amendment & Free Speech - The FCC licenses are in the hands of the FCC chair [1] - The First Amendment protects even satire and mockery [4] - Even extreme forms of speech are protected under the First Amendment, including Holocaust denial and cross burning [6][7] - The US does not have hate speech laws or restrictions; it has broad protection of all viewpoints with very narrow exceptions [11] Concerns & Criticisms - There are concerns about the government using its power to target and punish viewpoints critical of the president [2] - The current administration is criticized for preaching free speech while threatening the opposition [5] - Attorney General Pam Bondi's comments on hate speech showed a lack of understanding of the Constitution [10][12] - The president's threats against the "radical left" and comments about hate speech are seen as an attack on democracy [13] Historical Context - The Red Scare is mentioned as a shameful moment in history when leftist viewpoints were prosecuted [14]

Let me talk to you about this capitulation thing. This really landed with me. I feel like we're all in the middle of it, but you articulating it in the way that you do. You've become the patron saint of I told you so in terms of people understanding the sort of warnings and predictions that you made about what Trump would be like. >> But you say, "I predicted all of that. I warned of it. What I didn't predict was the capitulation, the billionaires lining up to gravel, the big media companies, universities, ...

Social Change & Risk - Social change requires individuals to take risks, which is becoming increasingly daunting [1][24] - The current political climate is perceived as worse than the 1960s due to extreme polarization and cruelty [1][2] - The importance of community and "glue" in resistance movements, highlighting a sense of togetherness and shared purpose [2][3] Political Commentary - Criticism of the overuse of the word "unprecedented" to describe current events, suggesting it normalizes extreme situations [1] - Concern over the rise of authoritarian tendencies and the potential for a shift away from democracy [11] - The need for individuals to engage in activism and support causes they believe in, even if their efforts seem small [3][25] Art & Activism - Art, especially music, transcends barriers and provides inspiration during desperate times [7][9] - The circus as a form of denial and a refuge representing everything the current administration opposes, such as joy, dancing, and diversity [9] - The importance of artists using their platforms for good, while acknowledging the fear that may prevent some from doing so [10] Personal Resilience - The concept of "hope as a muscle" that needs to be strengthened through action and engagement [3] - The need for denial (around 85%) as a coping mechanism to avoid depression, while still engaging in meaningful action (10%-15%) [3] - Finding joy and beauty as acts of defiance and sources of personal strength [13]

[Applause] Charlie's overarching passion was his Christianity and his devotion to his God. He believed what St. Francis taught us almost a thousand years ago that we should strive to live our lives in perfect perfect imitation of Christ.he that we should turn every day and every moment and every interaction into a prayer. And Charlie understood the great paradox that is only by surrender to God that God's power can flow into our lives and make us effective human beings. Charlie or Christ died at 33 years ol ...

Top Republicans also are not defending everything Trump is doing as it's all cast in the open this week. A Republican senator warning the censorship effort should make everyone careful about any lines we cross and diminishing free speech while none other than Ted Cruz rebuking Trump's efforts to try to control or decide your free speech. I think it is unbelievably dangerous for government to put itself in the position of saying we're going to decide what speech we like and what we don't if the government ge ...