This is an EXCELLENT piece of writing! I will share.
"Some might counter that such an extreme gesture isn’t justified yet. While any movement like a March of 1000 Robes may benefit from waiting for a true constitutional crisis to emerge, we should not wait too long."
Kathleen, it is clear to me that such an "extreme gesture" is more than justified right now. I don't see Musk and his punks backing down or turning over data or ending the "firings". There are small retreats here and there. But just the fact that VP Vance would make the statement he did....that's more than a warning shot across the bow. That was aimed at the main mast.
It is unfortunate that the weather has been as it is in the Northeast. As I type, it is sleeting and raining on top of another several inches of snow. And our snow crew is running out of places to put the snow. Not sure where any protesters would stand. But soon, we must mobilize.
There was a demonstration in Boston over the weekend. And WE DO have our Economic Blackout (test of consumer power) on February 28th. We need more and we need it fast.
Ultimately, I fear that it will come down to the loyalties of Federal Marshals and the Military. Will they have the Constitutional Principles of Gen Milley? I suspect there are many on the fence. It is up to us to show them how most Americans feel. To remind them of what our laws say.
If Poland can find 1000 robes, our much, much bigger nation should be able to find 10,000.
Bill, I must stress that this post is written by a guest author Tanner Kaplan, not by me! You can DM Tanner by clicking on his name at the bottom of the post.
I think it important to hold lawyers who breach their ethical obligations in support of Trump’s insanity should be disciplined and expelled. After a while none of them will act for him and the execrable Musk. It’s already happening with respect to the mayor of NY.
Always valuable to look at a situation that is similar and what worked to combat it. Federal judges are appointed for life, so they do not risk their jobs by marching.
When a person controls the DOJ and literally says he will use the DOJ for retribution, there are a lot of ways he can inflict pain other than termination.
If anyone is motivated to try to make this happen, I strongly recommend sharing it to as many friendly lawyers, law professors, state bars, and judges' professional organizations as you can.
First, I have followed Anne Applebaum for several years. Her writing is superb. Next, a March of Judges would make a strong statement—lastly, lawyers. Trump will try to fill the DOJ with his minions. Let’s not be too quick to paint a broad brush over them all. Some will resign for ethical reasons. Some will stay for personal reasons.
I love the visual appeal of 1000 robes--- but I fear...taking it to the streets may not be the safest approach because Hegseth will do what at Trump's
direction? And we have an highly armed population which i don't think Poland had. At the rate we are going Trump will create a depression/recession with his cuts. A coordinated approach: United We Stand for Democracy! The whole world is watching. Full page ads in the legacy and alternative media plus billboards and consumer blackouts might be an answer..
I agree. There has been two times in US history that the military has refused a presidential order according to Lucian Truscott IV. The first came when General Winfield Scott refused to hand over forts to the Confederate government at the start of the Civil War even though President James Buchanan ordered him to. The second came when General Mark Miley authorized the National Guard to protect the US Capitol on Jan 6.
THIS is THE pivotal question. Let's they refuse. The fascists could fire the generals until they find one that will carry out the illegal orders. The military has its share of fascists, too. Then it will come down to the colonels and majors...and sargents who believe in the Constitution.
I hear you and have a similar fear. But if we allow ourselves to be intimidated, aren't we "obeying in advance"? I am old and my bones ache. But I plan to be out there - once the snow is cleared :)
Total agreement. The Armed Services do not view themselves as in service to a president, but to the country. They are steeped in idea that they are not supposed to go out on the streets and fire on civilians. They are trained NOT to obey an illegal order.
I am worried about that as well, which is part of the advantage of a march of judges and lawyers in their professional capacity instead of a march of citizens alone. First, I think it shifts the optics enough that the chance of violence is much lower. Second, if there was violence against judges, the consequences in the court of public opinion would be significant.
Not all of the public's opinion, since MAGA wants an authoritarian government with them as the in-group. But I think enough of those who gave Trump his win - the swing voters in the swing states plus the Dems who stayed home - could affect his approval rating.
I really thank you for the perspective from other countries. What is happening in the US has already happened in other countries. I appreciate learning what happened in other places who are in the same boat.
I've often wondered what daily life changes occur in the countries like Poland and Hungary that have gone authoritarian. I suspect there is a regular decline, but would be curious if you have any knowledge of the effect of authoritarians on daily life.
I too want to know about life under an authoritarian government, but Poland turned out the authoritarian party majority in their government in '23. I would very much like to know how they did that.
BTW, from reporting I've read and also from my Polish-American friend, they're not sure they're gonna get reelected. I'd sure like to help them if I could.
My first read of the day, Kathleen. I watched the video. It was uplifting. Yesterday I listened to Andy McCable and Allison Gill on their podcast "Unjustified" go through Danielle Sassoon's letter to Pam Bondi. That was uplifting too, to see a conservative Republican prosecutor who clerked for Scalia call the direction from acting U.S. deputy attorney general Emil Bove to dismiss the case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams improper.
That's two uplifts in as many days!
Also thank you for reporting on Poland. They turned out their authoritarian government in '23 but they're not sure they're gonna get reelected. Could how they turned out their autocrats give us some guidance?
This is an EXCELLENT piece of writing! I will share.
"Some might counter that such an extreme gesture isn’t justified yet. While any movement like a March of 1000 Robes may benefit from waiting for a true constitutional crisis to emerge, we should not wait too long."
Kathleen, it is clear to me that such an "extreme gesture" is more than justified right now. I don't see Musk and his punks backing down or turning over data or ending the "firings". There are small retreats here and there. But just the fact that VP Vance would make the statement he did....that's more than a warning shot across the bow. That was aimed at the main mast.
It is unfortunate that the weather has been as it is in the Northeast. As I type, it is sleeting and raining on top of another several inches of snow. And our snow crew is running out of places to put the snow. Not sure where any protesters would stand. But soon, we must mobilize.
There was a demonstration in Boston over the weekend. And WE DO have our Economic Blackout (test of consumer power) on February 28th. We need more and we need it fast.
Ultimately, I fear that it will come down to the loyalties of Federal Marshals and the Military. Will they have the Constitutional Principles of Gen Milley? I suspect there are many on the fence. It is up to us to show them how most Americans feel. To remind them of what our laws say.
If Poland can find 1000 robes, our much, much bigger nation should be able to find 10,000.
Bill, I must stress that this post is written by a guest author Tanner Kaplan, not by me! You can DM Tanner by clicking on his name at the bottom of the post.
Understood! I noted that when I referenced your substack on mine today.
I think it important to hold lawyers who breach their ethical obligations in support of Trump’s insanity should be disciplined and expelled. After a while none of them will act for him and the execrable Musk. It’s already happening with respect to the mayor of NY.
Always valuable to look at a situation that is similar and what worked to combat it. Federal judges are appointed for life, so they do not risk their jobs by marching.
This can be any kind of judge—state and county as well.
I fear mass impeachment of federal judges though with control of the house and senate? But they do need some Dems for that.
There are not 67 votes in the Senate! Thankfully.
When a person controls the DOJ and literally says he will use the DOJ for retribution, there are a lot of ways he can inflict pain other than termination.
No guts, no glory.
Excellent article, Kathleen, and an action I would wholeheartedly support!
If anyone is motivated to try to make this happen, I strongly recommend sharing it to as many friendly lawyers, law professors, state bars, and judges' professional organizations as you can.
First, I have followed Anne Applebaum for several years. Her writing is superb. Next, a March of Judges would make a strong statement—lastly, lawyers. Trump will try to fill the DOJ with his minions. Let’s not be too quick to paint a broad brush over them all. Some will resign for ethical reasons. Some will stay for personal reasons.
I love the visual appeal of 1000 robes--- but I fear...taking it to the streets may not be the safest approach because Hegseth will do what at Trump's
direction? And we have an highly armed population which i don't think Poland had. At the rate we are going Trump will create a depression/recession with his cuts. A coordinated approach: United We Stand for Democracy! The whole world is watching. Full page ads in the legacy and alternative media plus billboards and consumer blackouts might be an answer..
These are my thoughts....
A Marine friend of mine told me the Generals will not obey an unconstitutional order from Hegseth.
I agree. There has been two times in US history that the military has refused a presidential order according to Lucian Truscott IV. The first came when General Winfield Scott refused to hand over forts to the Confederate government at the start of the Civil War even though President James Buchanan ordered him to. The second came when General Mark Miley authorized the National Guard to protect the US Capitol on Jan 6.
Let’s hope that one little sliver of defiance cracks open the whole window.
THIS is THE pivotal question. Let's they refuse. The fascists could fire the generals until they find one that will carry out the illegal orders. The military has its share of fascists, too. Then it will come down to the colonels and majors...and sargents who believe in the Constitution.
I hear you and have a similar fear. But if we allow ourselves to be intimidated, aren't we "obeying in advance"? I am old and my bones ache. But I plan to be out there - once the snow is cleared :)
Agree. We cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated.
I believe the people in the armed forces will not fire on the people.
Early on in their training they learn about war crimes and how to counter war crimes.
The people in the armed forces pledged to protect this country and her citizens.
I cannot imagine they would follow the orders of a weenie traitor like Trump.
I have this vision in my head that the armed forces will turn around and refuse to degrade themselves and the pledge they made.
They pledged allegiance to flag and country. They did not pledge allegiance to a lunatic who is hell bent on destroying the country.
Total agreement. The Armed Services do not view themselves as in service to a president, but to the country. They are steeped in idea that they are not supposed to go out on the streets and fire on civilians. They are trained NOT to obey an illegal order.
Well said, Doc. The reality that we are indeed at that point in our history is appalling and does not augur well.
I am worried about that as well, which is part of the advantage of a march of judges and lawyers in their professional capacity instead of a march of citizens alone. First, I think it shifts the optics enough that the chance of violence is much lower. Second, if there was violence against judges, the consequences in the court of public opinion would be significant.
Not all of the public's opinion, since MAGA wants an authoritarian government with them as the in-group. But I think enough of those who gave Trump his win - the swing voters in the swing states plus the Dems who stayed home - could affect his approval rating.
Total agreement!
I really thank you for the perspective from other countries. What is happening in the US has already happened in other countries. I appreciate learning what happened in other places who are in the same boat.
I've often wondered what daily life changes occur in the countries like Poland and Hungary that have gone authoritarian. I suspect there is a regular decline, but would be curious if you have any knowledge of the effect of authoritarians on daily life.
I too want to know about life under an authoritarian government, but Poland turned out the authoritarian party majority in their government in '23. I would very much like to know how they did that.
BTW, from reporting I've read and also from my Polish-American friend, they're not sure they're gonna get reelected. I'd sure like to help them if I could.
My first read of the day, Kathleen. I watched the video. It was uplifting. Yesterday I listened to Andy McCable and Allison Gill on their podcast "Unjustified" go through Danielle Sassoon's letter to Pam Bondi. That was uplifting too, to see a conservative Republican prosecutor who clerked for Scalia call the direction from acting U.S. deputy attorney general Emil Bove to dismiss the case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams improper.
That's two uplifts in as many days!
Also thank you for reporting on Poland. They turned out their authoritarian government in '23 but they're not sure they're gonna get reelected. Could how they turned out their autocrats give us some guidance?