On Authoritarianism, Competitive and Otherwise

And why I think future presidents will use the powers that Trump has demonstrated exist.

Judge Issues Second Order Against Sending Guard to Portland

She was not amused by the administration’s workaround.

AG Monday!

This week: the 1968 classic, Planet of the Apes!

court , lawyer , lawsuit , judiciary , human rights , law , common law , law firm , statute , corporation , legal advice , mediation , family law court , lawyer , lawsuit , judiciary , human rights , law , common law , law firm , statute , corporation , legal advice , mediation , family law

Judge Blocks Mobilizing Guard Against Portland Protestors

The decision “was not conceived in good faith.”

The Elephant is the traditional symbol for the Republican party. The Donkey is the traditional symbol for the Democratic party. The Elephant is the traditional symbol for the Republican party. The Donkey is the traditional symbol for the Democratic party.

Competitive Authoritarianism

A four-pronged test.

Sunday’s Forum

In Front of Our Noses: Zip-Tying Citizens Just in Case

The Feds raid an apartment building in Chicago.

Has the Constitution Failed?

The reality is, I can’t say no.

President Donald Trump speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office after a joint press conference announcing the U.S. peace plan for Gaza, Monday, September 29, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office after a joint press conference announcing the U.S. peace plan for Gaza, Monday, September 29, 2025.

Hamas Agrees To Release Hostages But Wants Further Negotiations

A No masquerading as a Yes to Trump’s peace deal.

Echoes of Mein Kampf

Stephen Miller’s words at the Kirk memorial.

The Argentine Bailout

Brought to you by the “America First” crowd.

A Photo for Friday

“Breakthrough”

President Donald Trump thanks the crowd after remarks at the Salute to America Celebration, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. President Donald Trump thanks the crowd after remarks at the Salute to America Celebration, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

Trump Declares War Against Drug Cartels

The obvious has been made expllicit.

SCOTUS Made Ending the Shutdown Harder

Passing a budget the President can ignore creates a dilemma.

Speaking outside the Capitol after the health care vote. Bernie Sanders in background. Speaking outside the Capitol after the health care vote. Bernie Sanders in background.

An Ill-Conceived Shutdown Strategy

Democratic leadership still keeps playing normal politics in times that are anything but.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers remarks during a War Department address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 30, 2025. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers remarks during a War Department address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 30, 2025.

Military Dispatch From The Very Near Future

“There’s a lot of commander coming.”

Shutdown Forum