Lawful Assembly

Pardons, Trump Sues Iowa Pollster, and Judge Denies Trump's Bid to Throw Out Conviction Dec 20, 2024

We talk about pardons for immigrants in detention and then discuss a few Trump cases as he settles in to take office next month.

Show Notes

Part II of Craig’s article that discusses all the biblical protagonists who would have been unlawful under U.S. immigration law, “You Were Told to Love the Immigrant, But What If the Story Never Happened? Hospitality and United States Immigration Law,” Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 33: Iss. 1, Article 8, can be found at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2784951

Craig has previously challenged the interpretation of biblical passages by former Senator and Attorney General Jeff Sessions in “The Bible: the Perfect Primer on Immigration Law for Senator Sessions,” at: file:///Users/cmousin/Downloads/Challenge%20Response%20Blog%20-%20Chicago%20Theological%20Seminary_stamped-2.pdf which was then followed by

“Faith Resisting Authority in the Name of Justice and Love: Immigration Law and the Bible” which can be found at: https://soundcloud.com/bcicirel/faith-resisting-authority-in-the-name-of-justice-and-love-immigration-law-and-the-bible?in=bcicirel/sets/vincentian-heritage-podcast

Law professors Peter L. Markowitz and Lindsay Nash raised the issue of pardons in their law review article, “Pardoning Immigrants,” 93 N.Y.U. Law Rev. 58 (2018). They cite the pardon of Sheriff Joe on page 77. They also mention the case of Biddle v. Perovich, 274 US 480,486 (1927), where the Supreme Court found that the pardon permits the President to decide “that the public welfare will be better served by inflicting less than the judgment fixed.”

The Human Rights Watch report written by Michael Garcia Bochenek, “We Need to Take Away Children, Zero Accountability Six Years After 'Zero Tolerance,'” December 16, 2024' contains the quote that we cited at p. 10 of the report:

https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/12/16/we-need-take-away-children/zero-accountability-six-years-after-zero-tolerance

We apologize for mistakenly claiming President Biden pardoned the former Treasurer of Dixon, Illinois and that she embezzled 62 million dollars. President Biden commuted her sentence. She was convicted of embezzling 53.7 million dollars. See: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-dixon-comptroller-rita-crundwell-sentenced-nearly-20-years-federal-prison-537

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/us/politics/ann-selzer-iowa-trump.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/16/nyregion/trump-immunity-criminal-case.html

Chicago as Ground Zero for Mass Deportations Dec 13, 2024

Mr. Homan makes a false claim that nine out of ten people who claim asylum never get relief. (“Chicago to be ground zero for mass deportations, Trump border czar tells Illinois Republicans,” Tina Sfondeles, December 9, 2024, Chicago Sun Times:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/donald-trump/2024/12/09/border-czar-tom-homan-donald-trump-chicago-pritzker-brandon-johnson-immigration?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12102024%20Morning%20Edition&utm_content=12102024%20Morning%20Edition+CID_9e386f999f41eb3cc9b8411a2058045c&utm_source=cst_campaign_monitor&utm_term=Chicago%20will%20be%20ground%20zero%20for%20mass%20deportations%20Trump%20border%20czar%20tells%20Illinois%20Republicans&tpcc=cst_cm

First, it is unclear what asylum seekers he is discussing. Many who claim asylum at the border have their cases heard in immigration courts around the nation. The TRAC report on “Asylum Decision” which is calculated through October 2024 demonstrates that at many courts, those asylum seekers with representation obtain relief. If the case remains at the border, the number obtaining relief even with representation falls. This, however, proves the point that those seeking mass deportation seek to deny the bona fide asylum seekers a fair chance to present their cases when pressure to move cases through the system are expedited at the border. Compare, for example, Chicago immigration courts with the court in El Paso: TRAC: “Asylum Decisions” (through October 2024): https://trac.syr.edu/phptools/immigration/asylum/

TRAC also reveals the ongoing difficulties to obtain representation: “Too Few Immigration Attorneys: Average Representation Rates Fall from 65% To 30%,” https://trac.syr.edu/reports/736/

The National Immigrant Justice Center’s “Snapshot of ICE Detention: Inhumane Conditions and Alarming Expansion, IMMIGRATION DETENTION AT A GLANCE, September 2024” can be found at: https://immigrantjustice.org/sites/default/files/content-type/research-item/documents/2024-09/ICE-Detention-Snapshot_September-2024.pdf

Information on the numbers of undocumented workers in the national workforce can be found at: April Rubin, “The industries that could be hardest hit by Trump's immigration crackdown,”

https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/undocumented-workers-immigration-deportation-trump

For a discussion of Harold Washington and his Executive Order and the Chicago history of rebutting the Fugitive Slave Act requirements, see, Craig B. Mousin, “A Clear View from the Prairie: Harold Washington and the People of Illinois Respond to Federal Encroachment of Human Rights”: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2997657

ACTION STEP

Join the 198 advocacy organizations that called on the Biden Administration to close immigration detention facilities and reduce detention. (See: Billal Rahman, November 19, 2024, “Biden Urged To Close Detention Centers Before Trump's Mass Deportations,”

https://www.newsweek.com/biden-detention-centers-trump-mass-deportation-1988212?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=7337d344-cc24-43c8-8239-5deddae494dd )

You can send an email to your elected members of Congress through the American Immigration Council’s Immigration Justice Campaign: https://immigrationjustice.quorum.us/campaign/biden-last-requests/

Please share this podcast and this link with others to join in this advocacy.

Boycotting the Press, Hunter Biden Pardon Dec 06, 2024

We talk about several news stories on this week's show. Check out our show notes below:

For more information on the disproportionate toll on Palestinians lives since 1917, see Rashid Khalidi, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017, (N.Y., Henry Holt & Co., 2020).

The Haaretz podcast quoted in this episode can be found at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/podcasts/2024-11-30/ty-article-podcast/.premium/netanyahus-war-on-the-israeli-media-and-how-it-is-already-affecting-press-freedom/00000193-7e85-d7fe-a393-7f8d17600000

For a general summary of anti-BDS laws in the United States, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-BDS_laws

The story about Mr. Moshe Yaalon, “Former Defense Minister Accuses Israel of Committing War Crimes in Gaza,” by Adam Rasgon, Liam Stock, and Natan Odenheimer, N.Y. Times, December 1, 2024, can be found at: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/01/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-yaalon.html?searchResultPosition=1

Consider subscribing to Haaretz for current information: https://promotion.haaretz.com/offers?htm_source=site&htm_medium=button&htm_campaign=subscription&htm_campaign_type=subscription&htm_content=hello_default

For Robert Reich’s discussion of the Hunter Biden pardon, see: https://mail.proton.me/u/9/almost-all-mail/Am-6ux8A5oEB0nmcKi31CF20XS8OhqQudOuS2jZXVuhKuHqY_ow6xCSLufsK90KwVBhZVxHA9cEUmIEBpjPjKw==#keyword=Reich

Israel, Gaza, and Reflections on Thanksgiving Nov 29, 2024

You can find the op-ed by Thomas Friedman, “Mr. Trump, Do You Realize How Much the World Has Changed Since You Were President?” Nov. 26, 202 at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/opinion/trump-israel-iran.html

Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1863, can be found at: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/transcript_for_abraham_lincoln_thanksgiving_proclamation_1863.pdf

A colleague on the same Solidarity Pilgrimage with me posted the following statement about our trip: https://substack.com/home/post/p-152180354

For more information on how Palestinians have had their human rights violated for over a century, see Rashid Khalidi, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017, (N.Y., Henry Holt & Co., 2020).

Visit the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center at https://sabeel.org and the Community Renewal Society at: https://www.communityrenewalsociety.org/

You can find Ethan Avriel's Haaretz article that we discussed about the Palestinian economy, "On the Road to Annexation, Israel Is Intentionally Causing Economic Collapse in the West Bank," at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-11-19/ty-article-magazine/.premium/on-the-road-to-annexation-israel-is-intentionally-causing-a-palestinian-economic-collapse/00000193-3f53-d8aa-a3b3-3fdf3a6a0000

Encountering Different Worldviews Nov 22, 2024

A short solo podcast this week. Talking about what we talked about last week and clarifying for some listeners.

Welcoming the Stranger vs. MAGA Jesus Nov 15, 2024

Today Craig and Cecil discuss the differences in how groups use Christianity to shape their ideas on immigration. The chapter contrasting the Migrant 4 Life from MAGA Jesus and the immigration consequences of the Tower of Babel story, “A Migrant 4 Life Journeys to the New Tower of Babel: Christianity and Immigration,” can be found at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4769482 The chapter that discusses Ruth and the daily trial of innocence, “Nonrefoulement: Responding to Asylum-seekers Through the Prism of Subversive Stories: A Study of Three Trials of Innocence,” can be found at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4901648 Abrahm Lustgarten discusses the impact of climate on migration in “Refugees from the Earth,” July, 26, 2020 NY Times Magazine: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/23/magazine/climate-migration.html?searchResultPosition=1

Post Election Thoughts Nov 08, 2024

Craig and Cecil talk about the election results, what to do next and how to move forward.

Notes for this episode:

Marcela Valdes, "What a Crackdown on Immigration Could Mean for Cheap Milk," NY Times Magazine, October 15, 2024: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/magazine/milk-industry-undocumented-immigrants.html?searchResultPosition=1 Harriet Tubman's quote came from Tiya Miles book, Night Flyer, Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People, (New York, Penguin Press, 2024), pp. 234-5.

The Madison Square Garden Rally, Elon's Givaways Nov 01, 2024

We spend much of this week's show talking about and playing clips from the Madison Square Garden Rally. We also cover some news stories about Elon Musk and a new defamation lawsuit filed against Donald Trump

Trump at the Garden: A Closing Carnival of Grievances, Misogyny and Racism

There’s a Big New Defamation Lawsuit Against Trump. It’s a Slam Dunk.

Elon Musk, enemy of ‘open borders,’ launched his career working illegally

Philadelphia DA sues Elon Musk over $1 million giveaway to registered voters : NPR

For one example of biblical humor, see Elton Trueblood, The Humor of Christ (San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1964).

Discussing Pernicious Polarization with Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Ph.D. Oct 25, 2024

Our guest Today is Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Ph.D. She is a Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University. We discussed Pernicious Polarization, what causes it, and how to combat it.

Overcoming Polarization Journal of Democracy, Volume 32, Number 1, January 2021, Johns Hopkins University Press

Peter Marty's quote is from “Playing to the Crowds” in The Christian Century that can be found at: https://www.christiancentury.org/first-words/playing-crowds Craig has discussed the Abraham Lincoln statement in his op-ed, "Rescinding DACA: More than Just the Dreamers," Update, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities(Fall 2017): file:///Users/cmousin/Downloads/Rescinding%20Daca--Update-Fall2017_stamped-3.pdf . Immigrants' List Civic Action has produced a video, "We Are America" which corroborates some of the economic information regarding how immigrants have contributed to the United States which can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Gman2TwHE Lincoln's speech can be found in his “July 10, 1858, speech at Chicago.” The Speeches of Abraham Lincoln, Including Inaugurals and Proclamations (Lincoln Centenary Association, NY: 1908).

Jennifer McCoy is professor of political science at Georgia State University and nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She was a senior core fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Budapest, Hungary in spring 2019. McCoy was chosen for the inaugural class of Distinguished University Professorships at Georgia State University in 2013. Specializing in international and comparative politics, Dr. McCoy's areas of expertise include democratic resilience, democratic erosion, and partisan polarization; crisis prevention and conflict resolution; democracy promotion and collective defense of democracy; election processes and international election observation; and Latin American Politics. McCoy’s research program on polarized politics aims to identify the causes, consequences for democracy, and solutions to polarized societies around the world, including the United States. She coined the term “pernicious polarization” to refer to the political polarization that divides societies into mutually distrustful “Us vs. Them” camps, and undermines the capacity of democracies to address critical policy problems.

Trump Bibles in Oklahoma and Voting Like Jesus Oct 18, 2024

This week we talk about several news stories. All the stories are linked below.

Megachurch pastor tells congregation to "vote like Jesus" by supporting Trump

'Trump Bible' one of few that meet Walters' criteria for Oklahoma classrooms

FBI Kavanaugh probe tightly controlled by Trump White House, congressional report finds - The Washington Post

DeSantis Threatening Jail Time for Running Abortion Rights Ads in Florida - TPM – Talking Points Memo

Trump wages campaign against real-time fact checks - The Washington Post

Dr. Bourbaine's quote can be found in Donald W. Shriver, Jr.'s book, Honest Patriots, Loving A Country Enough to Remember Its Misdeeds, (NY, Oxford Press, 2005), p. 284. Walter Brueggeman's quotes are from, The Land: Place as Gift, Promise and Challenge in Biblical Faith, (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), pp. 10 and 61. Further discussion of his ideas can be found in Craig's chapter on "Constantine’s Legacy: Preserving Empire While Undermining International Law" which can be found at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3960335 Our theme song, "Don't Fade Away" was co-written by Matt Yaney Tillar and Chris Inserra. We apologize to Chris Inserra for leaving her name out of the recording. "Don't Fade Away" can be found on the CD recorded by Voices, Dare the Untried. If you would like more information on this song or other Voices music, email us at lawfulpod.com. It appears the Oklahoma Superintendent is being sued for the Bibles: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/oklahomas-ryan-walters-sued-over?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=95153&post_id=150357512&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=3en6fu&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Jack Smith’s Latest Legal Filing in the Trump v. United States Case Oct 11, 2024

This week we talk about the newest legal filing by Jack Smith in the DC Trump Case. We talk about what is in it and some commentary on the filing itself and the timing of the filing.

https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/73357920e3c8d739/8fc8bfd0-full.pdf

How Jack Smith Outsmarted the Supreme Court

Opinion | Jack Smith Owes Us an Explanation

Overhaul SCOTUS, Fact Checking Immigrant Crime Data Oct 04, 2024

Sweeping bill to overhaul Supreme Court would add six justices Rudy Giuliani disbarred in D.C. over 2020 election scheme Trump turns to darker rhetoric as voting begins : NPR How Trump distorts immigration and crime data in new attacks on Harris - The Washington Post Biden Administration Cements Harmful Asylum Restrictions Two NIJC reports on the new Biden Asylum Rule "NIJC Condemns Decision to Finalize Anti-Asylum Rule Amid Rampant Rights Violations" which can be found at: https://immigrantjustice.org/press-releases/nijc-condemns-decision-finalize-anti-asylum-rule-amid-rampant-rights-violations?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=7edf6b09-2975-49d7-a000-832758604c04 NIJC's report: "Six-Week Report: Implementation of the Biden Administration’s June 2024 “Securing the Border” Asylum Ban" which can be found at: https://immigrantjustice.org/research-items/Biden-June-2024-asylum-ban-six-week-report

Haitians File Suit Against Trump and Vance, Judge Cannon and Her Right Wing Funded Junkets Sep 27, 2024

We talk about several stories on this week's show and field a voicemail from a listener.

Judge Aileen Cannon Failed to Disclose a Right-Wing Junket — ProPublica

Marcellus Williams is executed despite prosecutors and the victim’s family asking that he be spared | CNN

Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance - ABC7 Chicago

Opinion | GOP lies about illegal immigrant voting will be the basis for election denial - The Washington Post

Don Kerwin’s article, “The Trials and Consolations of Migrant-Serving Faith-Based Organizations,” August 27, 2024, can be found at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-law-and-religion/article/trials-and-consolations-of-migrantserving-faithbased-organizations/8AA0BC304F1CCFCF94BDDA9A332284F7#metrics

Jennifer Rubin’s article, “The big lie of 2024: illegal immigrant voting,” September 24, 2024 can be found at: https://css.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/09/24/illegal-immigrants-voting/

Trump's Attacks on Immigrants; Ginni Thomas and the First Liberty Institute Sep 20, 2024

We talk about several news stories this last week. We start by discussing the debates and then move on to talking about Ginni Thomas and the recent story in ProPublica enlisting help opposing SCOTUS reform.

Judge Sets Deadlines in Trump Election Case, Saying Campaign Is 'Not Relevant'

Ginni Thomas Email Praised Group Opposing SCOTUS Reform — ProPublica

Justice Amy Coney Barrett describes coming home with bulletproof vest

Steve Vladek's comments on the interaction between all three branches of government, "Bonus 98: The "Least Dangerous" Branch—Court Reform and Federalist 78," can be found at: https://www.stevevladeck.com/p/bonus-98-the-least-dangerous-branchcourt?utm_campaign=email-post&r=lv15c&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

How They Would Dismantle Asylum Using Project 2025 Sep 13, 2024

TRAC at Syracuse University's report on legal representation, "Too Few Immigration Attorneys: Average representation Rates Fall from 65% to 30%, can be found at: https://trac.syr.edu/reports/736/

Dorothee Soelle's quote can be found in The Window of Vulnerability, A Political Spirituality, (Minneapolis, Fortress Press, 1990), p.7.

2025: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf

The Revised January 6th Indictment, Judge Luttig Endorses Harris Sep 06, 2024

We cover several stories in the news this week:

The information regarding Georgia Governor Eugene Talmadge removing more that one million voters from his state's voter registration came from political scientist Rober Mickey in "American Needs Georgia Republicans to Defend Democracy Again," Mary Gay, The New York Times, August 29, 2024: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/29/opinion/georgia-election-board-certification.html

"Top Military officer says he was wrong to accompany Trump on church walk through Lafayette Square," June 11, 2020: https://m.abc3340.com/news/nation-world/milley-says-he-was-wrong-to-accompany-trump-on-church-walk

The photo with the words "All Are Welcome" at St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, can be found at: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/04/opinion/trump-st-johns-church-protests.html

Stephen Carter was quoted from "Trump Isn't Going to Like the Supreme Couirt's Immunity Decision," (Bloomberg News, July 1, 2024: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-07-01/supreme-court-immunity-ruling-is-not-a-gift-to-trump

Eric Foner's quote is from Reconstruction, America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1870, (N.Y., Harper & Row, 1988) at p. 423.

Trump special counsel files new election interference indictment

A new rule in Georgia could allow local election boards to refuse to certify results

Conservative Republican Luttig endorses Harris, calls Trump a threat to democracy | CNN Politics

Others Have Politicized Arlington, but Trump’s Approach Has No Precedent - The New York Times

The Immigration Blueprint in Project 2025 Aug 30, 2024

Today we read the section of Project 2025 on the restructuring of the Department of Homeland Security and what that has to do with the future of immigration in possible Trump presidency.

Show notes:

Current USCIS Mission Statement: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/mission-and-core-values

Project 2025: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf (Mission Statement is on page 134).

Hannah Arendt discusses Germany's enhanced power of police (p. 287) and the impact of denaturalization (p. 296) in, The Origins of Totalitarianism (New York: Harcourt, 1976). I compare her discussion with the contemporary impunity of the Border Patrol and ICE in "Constantine’s Legacy: Preserving Empire While Undermining International Law," in Slotte, P., & Haskell, J. (Eds.). (2021). Christianity and International Law: An Introduction (Law and Christianity). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3960335

Information on Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ: https://www.pilgrimoakpark.org/

Democracy Now podcast for August 28, 2024 regarding the Central Park 5 and Yusef Salaam: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democracy-now-2024-08-29-thursday/id73802554?i=1000667140197 Here is the original podcast on Haiti: https://works.bepress.com/craig_mousin/107/

Historical Connections - 1968 and 2024 Democratic National Convention Aug 23, 2024

Today I ask Craig about the year 1968 and the Democratic National Convention. He gives me a history lesson on the year leading up to the riots in Chicago.

References:

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 2024 DNC speech.

Senator Raphael Warnock’s 2024 DNC speech.

The Executive Summary of the “Rights in Conflict” report regarding indiscriminate police violence at the 1968 DNC.

The dates discussed in 1968 came from “1968” from Wikipedia.

The Catonsville 9 issued a report on their actions.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed both the civil rights movement and his opposition to the Vietnam War in his April 4, 1967 speech at Riverside Church in New York City.

Robert Reich describes the Social Security cap on payroll taxes which corrects Craig's statement about the cap in our previous podcast.

Summer Break! Aug 16, 2024

Craig took a week off recording to head to the woods of Maine to enjoy this summer. I have a short message for our listeners to help the show grow. Full show next week!

Election Season Immigration Myths Debunked Aug 09, 2024

Today we talk about immigration myths and debunk the most common ones that will crop up this election season.

The Refugee Convention and Protocoal Relating to the Status of Refugees (quote from page 5): https://www.unhcr.org/media/convention-and-protocol-relating-status-refugees For information on non-citizens voting and how few cases have been found, see: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/four-things-to-know-about-noncitizen-voting/ NBC Chicago produced a documentary on the issues related to finding housing for newly arrived asylum-seekers in Chicago when the state of Texas refused to coordinate with the City of Chicago: "Desde Cero: The Migrant Journey in Chicago," at: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/so-many-people-in-tents-new-documentary-follows-migrant-families-struggles-triumphs-in-chicago/3446095/

Correcting the Record: False or Misleading Statements on Immigration - The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS)

Law Abiding Immigrants - Stanford Law School

Paul Krugman: “Immigration is Great for Jobs, Actually,” July 23, 2024: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/23/opinion/immigration-unemployment-inflation.html

Biden Suggests Ways to Rein in Supreme Court, How to Stay Positive Aug 02, 2024

Today we talk about President Biden's plan to reform the supreme court. We also field a question on how to remain positive in a world that inundates us with negativity.

Democrats May Have a Real Chance to Reform the Supreme Court

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Bold Plan to Reform the Supreme Court and Ensure No President Is Above the Law | The White House

You can find information on the Lamp, Lifeboat, Ladder at: https://lamplifeboatladder.org/

US vs Rahimi Case and How to Reconsider Gun Policy Jul 26, 2024

We finish our conversation on recent gun decisions in the supreme court. We also talk about what we might consider good gun law. United States v. Rahimi (June 21, 2014); https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/22-915new_ihdk.pdf Sophie Sherry's article in the July 23, 2024 Chicago Sun Times,

"Domestic violence deaths spiked 110% in Illinois last year, adding to calls for passage of Karina’s Bill," can be found at:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/07/23/domestic-violence-deaths-spiked-illinois-last-year-passage-karinas-bill?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=072424%20Morning%20Edition&utm_content=072424%20Morning%20Edition+CID_8dd80202dd4aa1da542e049db79332bd&utm_source=cst_campaign_monitor&utm_term=Domestic%20violence%20deaths%20spike%20110%20in%20Illinois%20adding%20to%20calls%20for%20passage%20of%20Karinas%20Bill&tpcc=cst_cm

Craig's op-ed, "Where Does One Stand on a Slippery Slope" discusses state laws prohibiting the concealed carry of guns in most states in the late 19th Century: https://via.library.depaul.edu/omvpubs/58/

McDonald, Bruen, Gun rights, and A Dismissal by Judge Cannon Jul 19, 2024

We contiune our second ammendment discussion in light of the recent attempt on the life of the former president. We also talk about the dismissal of the documents case.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, 142 S.Ct.2111 (2022): https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-843_new_m648.pdf To review Justice Breyer's list of scholars who have documented the historical errors within the Heller decision, see Bruen at pp. 2177-2179. McDonald v. City of Chicago, 561 U.S. 742 https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/561/742/ For more information on the decision by Judge Aileen Cannon, see Joyce Vance, "A Bad Decision" at: https://joycevance.substack.com/p/a-bad-decision?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=3en6fu&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

https://www.npr.org/2024/07/15/g-s1-10379/trump-documents-case-dismissed

The Bedrock of Second Amendment Cases: DC vs. Heller (2008) Jul 12, 2024

Today is the first part of a series on recenct Supreme Court cases on the Second Ammendment. Today we talk about the District of Columbia vs Heller

District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008): https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/boundvolumes/554bv.pdf

Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence: https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/litigation/

Craig has previously written on gun control issues: "Where Does One Stand on A Slippery Slope?" at: file:///Users/cmousin/Downloads/Slippery%20Slope_stamped-3.pdf

Presidential Immunity Jul 03, 2024

We are releasing a little early this week because this is an important episode and much of the week is a holiday.

Trump v. United States: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf "The Man for All Seasons" (Final Scene): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODejZPHC9vU&t=2s Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite "Fight On" on Substack: https://susanthistlethwaitewaite.substack.com/p/fight-on?publication_id=1360431&post_id=146086140&isFreemail=true&r=3ag8ix&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Cuyahoga River fire: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/cuyahoga-river-caught-fire-least-dozen-times-no-one-cared-until-1969-180972444/

Emergency Abortions in Idaho, Ten Commandments in Louisiana Jun 28, 2024

Today we talk about the Supreme Court case in Idaho and the Ten Commandments in classrooms in Louisiana.

Sister Helen Prejean, Dead Man Walking, The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate,(Vintage Books, 2013), 218-219.

Michael L. Radelet, Hugo A. Bedau, Constance Putnam, In Spite of Innocence: Erroneous Convictions in Capital Cases, (Boston, Northeastern University Press, 1992).

Glenn L. Pierce and Michael L. Radelet, “Death Sentencing in East Baton Rouge Parish, 1990-2008,” LOUISIANA LAW REVIEW, 71:647-73

Drew Hawkins and Maya Miller, “Book bans are on the rise in the Gulf South. Here’s what’s being challenged in Louisiana,” October 6, 2023.

Death Penalty Information Center:

“Innocence Database (Louisiana)”

“Louisiana Death Penalty Staggeringly Error-Prone, Racially Biased”

“Facts About the Death Penalty”

Recent Supreme Court Rulings Jun 21, 2024

We recorded on Juneteenth so we talk about the history briefly. We also discuss the recent supreme court rulings.

"The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth:" https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

Biden Executive Orders:

Links: White House Fact Sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/18/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-new-actions-to-keep-families-together/

Opinion | Is the Supreme Court Running Out the Clock on Trump’s Immunity Case? - The New York Times

Supreme Court Maintains Broad Access to Abortion Pill Mifepristone - The New York Times

Supreme Court Ruling on Bump Stocks Could Open Door to More Lethal Weapons - The New York Times

Supreme Court Rejects Trump-Era Ban on Gun Bump Stocks - The New York Times

For more information on how the free black Chicagoans and the abolitionists assembled to inspire the Chicago City Council to oppose the Fugitive Slave Act, see "A Clear View from the Prairie: Harold Washington and the People of Illinois Respond to Federal Encroachment of Human Rights," 29 S. Ill. L. J. 285 (Fall, 2004/Winter, 2005), https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2997657

Legal Briefs: Justice Alito's OTHER Flag, Biden Executive Order on Immigration Jun 14, 2024

We talk about the Appeal To Heaven flag on Justice Alito's vacation home and the new executive order on immigration.

Craig's op-ed in the ACCU Update (Summer 2012), “The Messenger Matters” can be found at:

https://works.bepress.com/craig_mousin/36/

Dina Nayeri's quote can be found in The Ungrateful Refugee, What Immigrants Never Tell You, (NY: Catapult, 2019), p. 262.

NIJC National Policy Director Heidi Altman’s quote is in Michael Shear’s “To Restrict Migrants, Biden Leans on Trump’s Favorite Immigration Law,’ June 4, 2024, The New York Times. It can be found at: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/04/us/politics/biden-migrants-trump.html?searchResultPosition=4

Trump Guilty on 34 Counts of Election Interference Jun 07, 2024

Today we talk about the election Interference / hush money case and the 34 felony counts against a former president.

Here are the articles referenced:

Trump Guilty on All Counts in Hush-Money Case - The New York Times

May 31, 2024 - by Heather Cox Richardson

This obscure N.Y. election law is at the heart of Trump's hush money trial

Posts misrepresent New York judge’s instructions to jury in Trump hush money trial | AP News

We urge you to comment on the proposed rule that would permit the federal government to make decisions about potential bars to asylum eligibility in the credible fear interview during the initial meetings with an asylum seeker. You can comment regardless of your background or experience. Even if you have not worked with asylum-seekers, your background, your family history, or your faith or personal convictions may provide evidence of why this proposed rule should be rescinded.

This link will permit you to follow the template to comment. Personalize it and send it in before June 12. We have also provided some additional resources that you can cite to make your comment unique to your argument. You may also cite our earlier podcast with its arguments as part of your argument.

The template from the Immigrant Justice campaign can be found at: https://immigrationjustice.quorum.us/campaign/asylum-bars/

The proposed federal rule can be found at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/13/2024-10390/application-of-certain-mandatory-bars-in-fear-screenings

The National Immigrant Justice Center’s statement on the proposed rule:

https://immigrantjustice.org/press-releases/nijc-denounces-new-biden-rule-adding-restrictions-already-compromised-asylum-system

HIAS opposes new policies that restrict asylum:

https://hias.org/statements/hias-opposes-new-policies-restrict-asylum/

Lawful Assembly podcast opposing the proposed federal rule:

https://www.lawfulpod.com/restrictions-to-an-already-compromised-asylum-system/

Alito's Flag Controversy, the 10 Commandments, and Courtroom Decorum. May 31, 2024

We cover multiple stories this week here are the articles:

Samuel Alito's snide denial of his Jan. 6 flag is just as ugly as flying it in the first place

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin Calls On Samuel Alito To Recuse From Jan. 6 Cases

Key Senate Democrat doesn't plan to probe Justice Alito over upside-down flag

Louisiana becomes 1st state to require the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms

As conservatives put religion in schools, Satanists want in, too

Trump trial judge scolds attorney Robert Costello: From the transcript - The Washington Post

Reflections on Civil Disobedience May 24, 2024

Today we talk about the protests on college campuses and Craig tells a story similar to today, when he protested the Vietnam War.

Articles used:

Report on some of the agreements negotiated on college campuses in Spring 2024. Report on all universities destroyed in Gaza during this war. MLK, Jr. "Beyond Vietnam" speech. NPR story on Dr. Orest Ranum's files burned Orangeburg Massacre Kent State Deaths Since the recording of this podcast on civil disobedience, we have learned that the Prisoners of Conscience that have served time for crossing the line at the then Ft. Banning, Georgia was under-reported in this episode. The SOAW website states that, "Since the beginning of the movement, 300 people have collectively served over 100 years in federal prisons and county jails, with another 50 people serving probation and house-arrest sentences." https://soaw.org/soa-watch-then-and-now

Restrictions To An Already Compromised Asylum System May 17, 2024

This week we talk about a proposed rule from the Biden Administration that may change asylum proceedures and allow adjudicators to turn away people without proper research on their background.

Read the proposed rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/13/2024-10390/application-of-certain-mandatory-bars-in-fear-screenings Read the NIJC's breakdown: https://immigrantjustice.org/press-releases/nijc-denounces-new-biden-rule-adding-restrictions-already-compromised-asylum-system

Contact your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Craig's paper he mentions: Health Inequity and Tent Court Injustice Next week we should have a call to action with templates for you to help submit your comment. Watch this space!

Is the Presidency Immune from Prosecution? Pt. 2 May 10, 2024

We contiune to listen to the oral arguments from the supreme court on April 25th where they argued that the president is immune to prosecution for public acts. Craig reads some amicus curiae briefs to help us understand the arguments.

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-939/307029/20240408130715170_No.%2023-939bsacRetiredFour-StarAdmiralsAndGenerals.pdf

https://www.alabamaag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024.03.19-AL-Amicus-Br-ISO-Trump-FINAL.pdf

https://www.brennancenter.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/23-939%20Brief.pdf

There is a mistake in this podcast. Cecil mentions Article 3 of the consistution. It is actually article 2.

Is the Presidency Immune from Prosecution? Pt. 1 May 03, 2024

We listen to the oral arguments from the supreme court on April 25th where they argued that the president is immune to prosecution for public acts. Craig reads some amicus curiae briefs to help us understand the arguments.

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-939/307029/20240408130715170_No.%2023-939bsacRetiredFour-StarAdmiralsAndGenerals.pdf

https://www.alabamaag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024.03.19-AL-Amicus-Br-ISO-Trump-FINAL.pdf

Photo by: Michael Vadon

Mediation and Negotiation Techniques for Approaching Difficult Conversations Apr 26, 2024

Here is Craig's opening paragraph framework:

Although this unscripted podcast began as a discussion of difficult conversations, it soon veered into how to engage in conversations about racism and war. We soon realized that the tools needed to engage fully may differ when conversations occur with friends, within a family, a community, a library board, a university, or a national dialogue. We acknowledge that the tragedy of slavery in this nation and the ongoing debates on how to resolve the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow have caused substantial harm to individuals and communities. We offer this podcast as an initial effort to broaden the conversation. One podcast’s ideas for one type of dialogue, however, can never address all issues. We will offer subsequent podcasts to seek multiple opinions and ideas of how to seek the common good and a more perfect union.

Resources for Ongoing Dialogue: Rhonda MaGee, The Inner Work of Racial Justice, Healing Ourselves and Transforming our Communities Through Mindfulness, (Tarcherperigree, N.Y., 2019), 29. She writes, “This is a moment of racial discomfort. Such moments are common in a world shaped by racism. I deserve kindness in the moment. And I offer kindness to others impacted by this movement as well.”

Andrea Medea, Conflict Unraveled, Fixing Problems at Work and in Families, (Pivot Point Press, Chicago, Il, 2004), (citing Rev. Bevel at p.64).

Kerry Patterson et. al., Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High, Second Edition, (McGraw-Hill, 2002), (shared pool at p. 22).

Agents of Change: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3325282/ We mistakenly identified one of the universities in the podcast. Agents of Change tracks the responses from San Francisco State and Cornell University.

“Stumbling Upon a Signed Pulitzer Prize Winning Photo:” http://alleghenyarchivesmedia.com/blog/2019/1/3/stumbling-upon-a-signed-pulitzer-prize-photo

Roger Fischer et al., Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (3rd Edition) (Penguin Publishing Group, 2011).

Douglas Stone et. al., Difficult Conversations, How to Discuss What Matters Most, (Penguin Books, N.Y., 2000)

Judge Cannon and Trump's Classified Documents Case Apr 19, 2024

Today we talk about the documents case and the judge overseeing it, and the judge appointed by Donald Trump in 2019, Judge Cannon.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/politics/trump-trial-documents-cannon.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/09/us/politics/trump-documents-witnesses.html https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/04/us/politics/judge-trump-dismissal-classified-documents.html

States Rights vs Federal Power Apr 12, 2024

We talk about the tension between states rights and federal power. How does a court decide which to lean more heavily on?

Articles referenced:

Valor

The myth of ‘open borders’

For additional description of how state laws impacted the travel and work of African-Americans or freed slaves in the years before the Civil War, see e.g., Kate Masur, Until Justice Be Done, America's First Civil Rights Movement From the Revolution to Reconstruction, (N.Y.: W. W. Norton & Company, 2021), 123-126 and 157-59).

Listener Questions Apr 05, 2024

We answer several listener questions this week. We talk about a lot of different issues and here are some of the links we suggested in the episode:

https://immigrantjustice.org/

https://cmsny.org/

https://trac.syr.edu/immigration/

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/

Lying, Disinformation and our U.S. Political Landscape Mar 29, 2024

Today we talk about lying in the political discourse. We used the following news articles for reference

“Can’t make it up”: Experts say transcript shows special counsel Robert Hur “lied” about Biden | Salon.com

Biden special counsel Robert Hur’s resignation from DOJ makes his testimony “even more problematic” | Salon.com

Anti-sex trafficking advocate accuses GOP Sen. Katie Britt of distorting her story

Journalist says Katie Britt’s story about child sex abuse ‘out-and-out lie’ | Republicans | The Guardian

We also talked about this book:

How Civil Wars Start AND HOW TO STOP THEM By Barbara F. Walter

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/624156/how-civil-wars-start-by-barbara-f-walter/

Injunction Junction - What's your Function? Mar 22, 2024

For more information on antebellum state migration laws, see, "The myth of ‘open borders.’ Even before the U.S. government regulated migration, states did. Here’s why" by Anna O. Law, the Herbert Kurz Chair in Constitutional Rights and associate professor of political science at CUNY Brooklyn College. (September 21, 2021), The Washington Post Heidi Altman, the Director of Policy at the National Immigrant Justice Center (https://immigrantjustice.org/ ) presents ten points of humane border solutions. They can be found at: https://immigrantjustice.org/staff/blog/humane-solutions-work-10-ways-biden-administration-should-reshape-immigration-policy

Read Steve Vladeck's blog post: https://stevevladeck.substack.com/p/72-30-hours-of-sb4-whiplash

The Bump Stock Ban Mar 15, 2024

The supreme court listened to oral arguments on the bump stock ban and we talk about those arguments and the briefs submitted to the court.

https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/22-976.html

https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/22-976

Let's Reshape Immigration Policy Mar 08, 2024

Today we talk about 10 points to reshape and improve immigration policy in the USA. We used the National Immigrant Justice Center's 10 points as a backdrop for our discussion:

https://immigrantjustice.org/staff/blog/humane-solutions-work-10-ways-biden-administration-should-reshape-immigration-policy

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-02-29/immigration-crisis-border-migrants-united-states-mexico-election-biden-trump

Talking About Religion in the Public Square--a beginning Mar 01, 2024

Both Craig and Cecil are religious separationists, meaning religion should have no role in government, Here they discuss several topics and cover some groundwork on the subject. Craig directed the Midwest Immigrant Rights Center for six years, the pro bono program that later became the National Immigrant Justice Center: https://immigrantjustice.org/ . If you would like more information on Craig's work at MIRC, check out his digital story at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9VTkjhzIcI

Amicus Briefs and Oral Arguments in the Colorado Ballot Case Feb 23, 2024

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-719/299107/20240129171610494_23-719_Amici%20Brief.pdf

https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/23-719

http://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-719/295761/20240116095552269_23-719%20tsac%20Lash.pdf

http://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-719/298122/20240118165315506_Trump%20v.%20Anderson-Amici%20Brief%201.18.24.pdf

http://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-719/295994/20240118094034746_Trump%20v%20Anderson.pdf

https://www.citizensunited.org/citizens-united-files-scotus-amicus-brief-in-trump-v-anderson-with-u-s-attorneys-general-and-law-professors/

https://www.supremecourt.gov/casehand/AmicusGuide2019.pdf

Judicial Appointments and the Controversy over the Honorable Todd E. Edelmann Feb 16, 2024

Articles referenced:

Quid Pro Quo Justices? Feb 09, 2024

Trump warns of ‘big trouble’ as Supreme Court agrees to hear Colorado ballot case | The Hill

“Unprofessional”: Experts blast Trump lawyer for saying Brett Kavanaugh “quid pro quo part out loud” | Salon.com

CHICAGO TONIGHT Terrorism Expert on Dangers Facing American Democracy

Sidebar: Gov. Abbot, the Supreme Court and the Great Inspiration Theory Feb 02, 2024

Photo by Tomas Castelazo, www.tomascastelazo.com

The Legality of Using Police as Border Agents Jan 26, 2024

Justice Department sues Texas over law that would let police arrest migrants who enter US illegally

Here is the lawsuit: https://www.justice.gov/media/1330861/dl?inline=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Haley had a good point about immigration — but no one wants to hear it right now | Opinion

A Clear View from the Prairie: Harold Washington and the People of Illinois Respond to Federal Encroachment of Human Rights 29 S. Ill. L. J. 285 (Fall, 2004/Winter, 2005).

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2997657

States Grapple With Mr. Trump's Eligibility Jan 19, 2024

Donald Trump is removed from the ballot in Colorado and other states.

Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by Matt Yanny-Tillar and Chris Inserra and arranged and performed by Voices: https://open.spotify.com/track/1wc0BD0aPLT2jbeYpKYSim Closing music: "Green Leaf Rain" arranged and performed by Matt Yanny-Tillar from the Voices CD "Tearing Down Walls": https://soundcloud.com/mbyannytillar/09-green-leaf-rain Either CD can be purchased from Voices for $5.00, (including mailing); email lawfulpod@gmail.com with request. Image by Jeffrey Beall

Episode 5: Are We Prepared for a 2024 Trump Immigration Landscape? Jan 18, 2024

We discuss the former president's plans for office in 2024 and the possible immigration implications.

We used this article:

How Trump and His Allies Plan to Wield Power in 2025 - The New York Times

Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by Matt Yanny-Tillar and Chris Inserra and arranged and performed by Voices: https://open.spotify.com/track/1wc0BD0aPLT2jbeYpKYSim Closing music: "Green Leaf Rain" arranged and performed by Matt Yanny-Tillar from the Voices CD "Tearing Down Walls": https://soundcloud.com/mbyannytillar/09-green-leaf-rain Dare the Untried CD is fully on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6lDgRpKrOoCCBW1sQprNlw Photo by Gage Skidmore

Episode 4: Rudy Giuliani's Defamation Case Jan 18, 2024

We discuss Rudy Giuliani's defamation lawsuit, the decision and what it is like to be an election worker.

Articles discussed:

Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by Matt Yanny-Tillar and Chris Inserra and arranged and performed by Voices: https://open.spotify.com/track/1wc0BD0aPLT2jbeYpKYSim Closing music: "Green Leaf Rain" arranged and performed by Matt Yanny-Tillar from the Voices CD "Tearing Down Walls": https://soundcloud.com/mbyannytillar/09-green-leaf-rain Dare the Untried CD is fully on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6lDgRpKrOoCCBW1sQprNlw

Episode 3: Chicago Welcomes New Arrivals: Challenge or Opportunity? Jan 18, 2024

We talk about the influx of asylum seekers sent to Chicago via bus from red states. Articles referenced:

Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by Matt Yanny-Tillar and Chris Inserra and arranged and performed by Voices: https://open.spotify.com/track/1wc0BD0aPLT2jbeYpKYSim Closing music: "Green Leaf Rain" arranged and performed by Matt Yanny-Tillar from the Voices CD "Tearing Down Walls": https://soundcloud.com/mbyannytillar/09-green-leaf-rain Dare the Untried CD is fully on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6lDgRpKrOoCCBW1sQprNlw

Episode 2: An Ethics Code for the Supreme Court? Jan 18, 2024

We discuss the supreme court and their new ethics code of conduct.

Articles referenced:

Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by Matt Yanny-Tillar and Chris Inserra and arranged and performed by Voices: https://open.spotify.com/track/1wc0BD0aPLT2jbeYpKYSim Closing music: "Green Leaf Rain" arranged and performed by Matt Yanny-Tillar from the Voices CD "Tearing Down Walls": https://soundcloud.com/mbyannytillar/09-green-leaf-rain Dare the Untried CD is fully on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6lDgRpKrOoCCBW1sQprNlw

Episode 1: What Are Refugee Restrictionists Up To? Jan 18, 2024

We review the Proposed Lankford-Cotton Bill and discuss the implications to international law: https://humanrightsfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Intl-Law-Analysis-of-Lankford-Cotton_Nov-202312.pdf

Take Action: Call Senators to Reject Harmful Immigration Proposals Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by Matt Yanny-Tillar and Chris Inserra and arranged and performed by Voices: https://open.spotify.com/track/1wc0BD0aPLT2jbeYpKYSim Closing music: "Green Leaf Rain" arranged and performed by Matt Yanny-Tillar from the Voices CD "Tearing Down Walls": https://soundcloud.com/mbyannytillar/09-green-leaf-rain Dare the Untried CD is fully on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6lDgRpKrOoCCBW1sQprNlw