This is an example of the continued perversion of the rule of law. Trump and MAGA are going to continue to push the envelope to consolidate power and wield it for their gain. This is fascism plain and simple. I’m increasingly feeling worried about the midterms. Is there an emergency declaration he can make to delay elections? Also, I’m still so angry with the Americans who allowed this to happen and are celebrating this administration. There is SO much evidence at this point to see that what is happening is highly abnormal and destructive.
Bold of you to believe, “The next time a Democrat is in the White House,” like that’s a fore-gone conclusion.
Everything in our country is being manipulated to make sure that never happens again.
It will take extreme measures to counter that manipulation. It is no longer politics as usual.
As always, it is up to us to do the next needed thing. But this time, the next needed thing is different than anything we’ve ever done. Because this government is different than anything we’ve ever experienced.
I hope Congress never gets around to fixing this. I hope Republicans get wiped out in the next election, if there is one. And I hope that the next President declares climate change to be an emergency and reinstitutes funding for research and development of renewable energy; declares gun deaths an emergency and institutes an assault weapons ban; declares the deaths of starving and sick children abroad an emergency and reinstitutes funding for USAID; declares corruption in government an emergency and sends prosecutors after every government official who seeks to profit from his or her position; declares the falling life expectancies of Americans and the prevalence of cancer and other diseases an emergency and reinstitutes funding in science and medicine; declares deportation of law-abiding immigrants an expensive and counter-productive emergency and institutes comprehensive immigration reform; declares partisan gerrymandering an emergency and institutes independent citizen redistricting commissions in every state; declares the current assaults on freedom of speech and of the press an emergency and prohibits the government from infringing on those rights; declares the clawing back of Congressionally-mandated funds an emergency and restores such funding; declares trade wars and tariffs, the costs of which fall heavily on American consumers, to be an emergency and unfair way to raise revenue and instead expands IRS staffing, resources and enforcement so that people and corporations who make a lot of money are actually paying the taxes they owe; declares unlimited and dark money in politics an emergency and institutes strict campaign finance reform and limits on how long before elections that campaigning can take place.
Is the ARTICLE ONE act still viable or does it expire after a certain time? Could it get passed in this new administration since it was (at one point) bipartisan?
I agree that the emergencies that have been declared in 2025 are not actually true. But the way to curb that for this and future administrations would be to pass a bipartisan law that contains the length of time.
but we aren't able to pass anything with this congress so what next? Do you think we have the time and or luxury of waiting- or do we act, as the other side does, and at least counter each and every one of their moves.
I think that acting, within the law, to counteract a stuck congress is needed. I’m not trying to imply we sit back and do nothing. But also if we assume nothing can get passed, then that is always a self fulfilling prophecy, where as acting along multiple prongs tends to get better results long term.
Getting involved in your local elections, talking to people and understanding different POV, calling your reps and putting pressure on them (it can and has worked even in this Congress), running for office, counteracting measures when possible (like Newsom trying to counteract Texas gerrymandering), choosing hope over forgone conclusions and fear, do the next needed thing. It will look different to everyone based on skills, abilities and passions. I can’t and won’t presume to speak for others reading this to what the right other prongs are for them.
This is interesting. There are so many layers to the US government. We learned about Jimmy Carter in school but not about his emergency declaration that allows for continued sanctions on Iran. Often when I ask my family who were adults during these administrations they will tell me they didn’t notice. Which is funny because I am so interested in government because by the time I could pay attention and remember, they too were also interested! Perhaps due to changing news cycles?
I do think the idea of all these emergencies lessens the impact. As well the actions taken because of them. Like DC, I think everyone can agree DC has a problem with crime at *some* level. The city next to my town does! There are entire neighborhoods I don’t drive through. And one I only go to because of a restaurant I’ve been going to since I was a kid. Would the National Guard help them though? I don’t think so. I think there are a myriad of ways federal, state and local governments can support policies that don’t involve the National Guard. I wish those entities could work together better to make more effective policies.
Amber, the perception of “Crime” has been weaponized. WV, SC, OH have sent their national guard troops to DC. Those states have cities with higher violent crime rates than DC.
This is not about crime. This is about a federal takeover of our Capitol. First they came for DC…
Well sure that's exactly what I was implying. But to say DC does *not* have a crime problem is also not being truthful. Many cities do. And you're going to get a different perspective from different people. Those impacted directly by crime are going to *feel* like crime is high even if it's not. And as we have learned in recent years feelings about politics matter. So is he cashing in on those feelings that crime is still high in DC and doing this because it's the thing he can do, yup for sure. It is the right move? Of course not! Just like sending the National Guard to the city next to me would not be effective.
This question about the meaning and limits of the word "emergency" has been nagging at me for about half a year now, thank you Gabe! A lot of this has also got me thinking about something that has come up a lot this year. In our current system, we have 250 years of laws (a "buffet" as you put it) written in ways that sometimes overlap and contradict each other, by lawmakers who lacked even "CTRL+F" technology and couldn't easily be aware of what laws came before. And then we have a court system that is supposed to cross reference the constitution to see if said laws contradict our most basic principles.
We have so little faith in the law writing process, often for good reason, that we tend to think of the Supreme Court as lawmakers. We deliberately misunderstand their role, treating them as a body of politicians exerting their biases on the public rather than constitutional interpreters. That might be what we actually ended up with, but it's not supposed to be their job. Their interpretation of the intentionally vague constitution has become our primary way of getting our rights enshrined, rather than through the legislative process itself, therefore lending a precariousness to said rights.
Now that we do have technology that can make it much easier to have comprehensive awareness of our country's many past obscure laws, isn't it about time we have a Congress that cleans up our code? We need legislators who will find obsolete and contradictory laws, then repeal and replace them with laws that directly fit today's realities and are drafted in ways that don't run afoul of the constitution.
And I wonder if we could gather enough political will for a campaign that says it's about time to overhaul our constitutional amendments for this era. I've listened to a lot of smarter people about this, including Sharon's interview with Russ Feingold, and I am aware of the uphill battle and fraught methods of a constitutional convention or ratifying across several states. But maybe after this decade of chaos we are going to see an appetite for clarifying and codifying our norms in a way that doesn't have us torching taxpayer funds every time a new president comes into office and wants to destroy the progress of his or her predecessor. I'm curious if anyone else has been thinking about this as soon as they wake up every morning.
Timothy! No, I have not been thinking about this as soon as I wake up every morning. But I’m so grateful you do!
It actually scares me because of the mean-spirited people we have had and continue to have in public office (yes, I’m thinking of Andrew Jackson, Nixon, Trump as prime examples).
But if you and Sharon have faith that it is not scarier to try, than it is to continue down this path, then you give me courage to consider the process. We all hold one another’s hands as we navigate our future course. I am grateful for you all extending your hands to me when I need re-assurance.
This is one of those things that is "legal", but twisted. I think that is a good title for this whole admin. What is going to happen when there is a real emergency? I have a saying I try to live by. When everything is an emergency nothing is an emergency. Nothing is an emergency or important anymore.
So are you saying we’re all pretty much screwed by the current system because of those who abuse and push the margins for the expansion of exec power?
If there are no rules then there needs to be equal pushback! How utterly disgusting that the people can’t find someone with the grit and spine make the correction! Maybe blue states need yo send their National guard as well for protection of our actual democracy. Maybe “blue”needs to lead with their own for peaceful oversight.
This is an example of the continued perversion of the rule of law. Trump and MAGA are going to continue to push the envelope to consolidate power and wield it for their gain. This is fascism plain and simple. I’m increasingly feeling worried about the midterms. Is there an emergency declaration he can make to delay elections? Also, I’m still so angry with the Americans who allowed this to happen and are celebrating this administration. There is SO much evidence at this point to see that what is happening is highly abnormal and destructive.
The constant "emergency" outcry is watering down those things that warrant the declaration. Foolishness on full display.
I like the wording of the proposed bill: emergencies must be voted on by Congress every 30 days to continue! And it was bipartisan.
Bold of you to believe, “The next time a Democrat is in the White House,” like that’s a fore-gone conclusion.
Everything in our country is being manipulated to make sure that never happens again.
It will take extreme measures to counter that manipulation. It is no longer politics as usual.
As always, it is up to us to do the next needed thing. But this time, the next needed thing is different than anything we’ve ever done. Because this government is different than anything we’ve ever experienced.
How long can the Speaker (Congress )sit on a bill that was unanimously approved without bringing it to the floor for a vote?
I hope Congress never gets around to fixing this. I hope Republicans get wiped out in the next election, if there is one. And I hope that the next President declares climate change to be an emergency and reinstitutes funding for research and development of renewable energy; declares gun deaths an emergency and institutes an assault weapons ban; declares the deaths of starving and sick children abroad an emergency and reinstitutes funding for USAID; declares corruption in government an emergency and sends prosecutors after every government official who seeks to profit from his or her position; declares the falling life expectancies of Americans and the prevalence of cancer and other diseases an emergency and reinstitutes funding in science and medicine; declares deportation of law-abiding immigrants an expensive and counter-productive emergency and institutes comprehensive immigration reform; declares partisan gerrymandering an emergency and institutes independent citizen redistricting commissions in every state; declares the current assaults on freedom of speech and of the press an emergency and prohibits the government from infringing on those rights; declares the clawing back of Congressionally-mandated funds an emergency and restores such funding; declares trade wars and tariffs, the costs of which fall heavily on American consumers, to be an emergency and unfair way to raise revenue and instead expands IRS staffing, resources and enforcement so that people and corporations who make a lot of money are actually paying the taxes they owe; declares unlimited and dark money in politics an emergency and institutes strict campaign finance reform and limits on how long before elections that campaigning can take place.
ALL of this yes!!🙌🏼
Is the ARTICLE ONE act still viable or does it expire after a certain time? Could it get passed in this new administration since it was (at one point) bipartisan?
It doesn’t matter if it expires. The rules are made up. There is no emergency. Why cannot justify the premise because he said it was so!!!
I agree that the emergencies that have been declared in 2025 are not actually true. But the way to curb that for this and future administrations would be to pass a bipartisan law that contains the length of time.
yes- but what do you do in the interim??? allow it to continue and enable the deception?
I’m not sure where you’ve read into my words to sit back and do nothing.
but we aren't able to pass anything with this congress so what next? Do you think we have the time and or luxury of waiting- or do we act, as the other side does, and at least counter each and every one of their moves.
I think that acting, within the law, to counteract a stuck congress is needed. I’m not trying to imply we sit back and do nothing. But also if we assume nothing can get passed, then that is always a self fulfilling prophecy, where as acting along multiple prongs tends to get better results long term.
I agree. I'd really like some examples of how and what prongs you are suggesting.
Getting involved in your local elections, talking to people and understanding different POV, calling your reps and putting pressure on them (it can and has worked even in this Congress), running for office, counteracting measures when possible (like Newsom trying to counteract Texas gerrymandering), choosing hope over forgone conclusions and fear, do the next needed thing. It will look different to everyone based on skills, abilities and passions. I can’t and won’t presume to speak for others reading this to what the right other prongs are for them.
This is interesting. There are so many layers to the US government. We learned about Jimmy Carter in school but not about his emergency declaration that allows for continued sanctions on Iran. Often when I ask my family who were adults during these administrations they will tell me they didn’t notice. Which is funny because I am so interested in government because by the time I could pay attention and remember, they too were also interested! Perhaps due to changing news cycles?
I do think the idea of all these emergencies lessens the impact. As well the actions taken because of them. Like DC, I think everyone can agree DC has a problem with crime at *some* level. The city next to my town does! There are entire neighborhoods I don’t drive through. And one I only go to because of a restaurant I’ve been going to since I was a kid. Would the National Guard help them though? I don’t think so. I think there are a myriad of ways federal, state and local governments can support policies that don’t involve the National Guard. I wish those entities could work together better to make more effective policies.
Amber, the perception of “Crime” has been weaponized. WV, SC, OH have sent their national guard troops to DC. Those states have cities with higher violent crime rates than DC.
This is not about crime. This is about a federal takeover of our Capitol. First they came for DC…
https://www.newsweek.com/most-dangerous-cities-trump-washington-dc-2112006#:~:text=Not%20all%20agencies%20report%20to,Lansing%2C%20MI
Well sure that's exactly what I was implying. But to say DC does *not* have a crime problem is also not being truthful. Many cities do. And you're going to get a different perspective from different people. Those impacted directly by crime are going to *feel* like crime is high even if it's not. And as we have learned in recent years feelings about politics matter. So is he cashing in on those feelings that crime is still high in DC and doing this because it's the thing he can do, yup for sure. It is the right move? Of course not! Just like sending the National Guard to the city next to me would not be effective.
Amber, yes, we are both talking about the perception of crime being manipulated for authoritarian purposes.
Is there crime in DC?
Yes!
Is it out of control the way he’s characterized it?
No!
It’s all Lies!
Did he call in the national guard when crime was actually out of control on J6?
Also No!
Was he attempting to take over the Capitol on J6?
Also Yes!
Did he lie and say he did not have the authority to call in the national guard on J6?
Also Lies!
I also “wish” those entities could work together better to make more effective policies.
However, as this article explains, it takes people willing to do the next needed thing to make wishes come true.
I think the comment section of a politics and government newsletter is probably not filled with people doing nothing....
Amber, Yes! Isn’t that wonderful?!
Of course, I am not implying otherwise.
And I love reading about the different ideas and actions being taken. This is the place to share them, and encourage one another.
This question about the meaning and limits of the word "emergency" has been nagging at me for about half a year now, thank you Gabe! A lot of this has also got me thinking about something that has come up a lot this year. In our current system, we have 250 years of laws (a "buffet" as you put it) written in ways that sometimes overlap and contradict each other, by lawmakers who lacked even "CTRL+F" technology and couldn't easily be aware of what laws came before. And then we have a court system that is supposed to cross reference the constitution to see if said laws contradict our most basic principles.
We have so little faith in the law writing process, often for good reason, that we tend to think of the Supreme Court as lawmakers. We deliberately misunderstand their role, treating them as a body of politicians exerting their biases on the public rather than constitutional interpreters. That might be what we actually ended up with, but it's not supposed to be their job. Their interpretation of the intentionally vague constitution has become our primary way of getting our rights enshrined, rather than through the legislative process itself, therefore lending a precariousness to said rights.
Now that we do have technology that can make it much easier to have comprehensive awareness of our country's many past obscure laws, isn't it about time we have a Congress that cleans up our code? We need legislators who will find obsolete and contradictory laws, then repeal and replace them with laws that directly fit today's realities and are drafted in ways that don't run afoul of the constitution.
And I wonder if we could gather enough political will for a campaign that says it's about time to overhaul our constitutional amendments for this era. I've listened to a lot of smarter people about this, including Sharon's interview with Russ Feingold, and I am aware of the uphill battle and fraught methods of a constitutional convention or ratifying across several states. But maybe after this decade of chaos we are going to see an appetite for clarifying and codifying our norms in a way that doesn't have us torching taxpayer funds every time a new president comes into office and wants to destroy the progress of his or her predecessor. I'm curious if anyone else has been thinking about this as soon as they wake up every morning.
Timothy! No, I have not been thinking about this as soon as I wake up every morning. But I’m so grateful you do!
It actually scares me because of the mean-spirited people we have had and continue to have in public office (yes, I’m thinking of Andrew Jackson, Nixon, Trump as prime examples).
But if you and Sharon have faith that it is not scarier to try, than it is to continue down this path, then you give me courage to consider the process. We all hold one another’s hands as we navigate our future course. I am grateful for you all extending your hands to me when I need re-assurance.
This is one of those things that is "legal", but twisted. I think that is a good title for this whole admin. What is going to happen when there is a real emergency? I have a saying I try to live by. When everything is an emergency nothing is an emergency. Nothing is an emergency or important anymore.
I was just going to say this. Like the boy who cried wolf.
So are you saying we’re all pretty much screwed by the current system because of those who abuse and push the margins for the expansion of exec power?
If there are no rules then there needs to be equal pushback! How utterly disgusting that the people can’t find someone with the grit and spine make the correction! Maybe blue states need yo send their National guard as well for protection of our actual democracy. Maybe “blue”needs to lead with their own for peaceful oversight.
So is the bill still in the que to be voted on?