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heidilifeldman

@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social

Law professor, philosopher, progressive. Committed to rule of law and pluralistic democracy. Interests include art, books, history, science, cats, sharp wit. Boosts are not necessarily endorsements.

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. For a complete list of posts, browse on the original instance.

RolloTreadway , to random
@RolloTreadway@beige.party avatar

Not having the best day, but I'm going to take a moment to do the . I see that @neurothing has given us the topic of , so here goes:

The Unthanks - Fareweel Regality
https://youtu.be/NhRtHGhpEPE

Scott Walker - Rhymes of Goodbye
https://youtu.be/jI1-_LqC8Ok

The Magnetic Fields - How to Say Goodbye
https://youtu.be/6K1dkm9mXaQ

Kim Sun - The Man Who Must Leave
https://youtu.be/RtRjgeHSa7M

Dominique Fils-Aimé - Just Let Me Go
https://youtu.be/Wb7D3_xAOZI

heidilifeldman ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

@RolloTreadway Hope your day improves.

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Noticing various people on here reporting they feel stressed, unwell, etc. We’ve entered the thick of the election season here in the US. This one is going to be a doozy — highest stakes; desperate, crazed folks supporting a desperate criminal running for President; those of us who support US constitutional democracy have been fighting for years and know we have years of fighting to come. Pace yourselves, friends.

GottaLaff , to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

Another day, another apology from me for staying offline a lot and not replying to you.

I'm still sloooowwwly improving, but weak and still feeling that anxiety thing.

It'll all pass, but in the meantime, hi and bye.

Tons to do to settle in here, and no energy.

Hugs to all.

heidilifeldman ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff Don’t put pressure on yourself. Folks who follow you here know you read and reply like a champ. Moving to a brand new place is jarring and a lot of work, even if you are psyched about the move. You are creating a different life, and that takes serious energy. We understand.

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

I’m no longer using the term “Republican Party” as it suggests that organization is a legitimate participant in U.S. constitutional democracy. I shall be referring to it as the Republican crime syndicate, as it is an organization wedded to giving a convicted felon dictatorial power.

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Love it when the Fifth Circuit is reversed by a unanimous Supreme Court, especially this Supreme Court. Details here, gift access (hit the text link, not the picture) https://wapo.st/3Vl4jry

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

There’s a bit of a paradox for those of us committed to combatting authoritarianism in the U.S. The more extreme the Republican crime syndicate party becomes, the more daunting it can feel to resist and to work on GOTV for this fall. The rabid authoritarianism and white Christian nationalism can seem so power mad that it can seem like we must summon a huge amount of energy to defeat it. Simultaneously, it can seem so nuts that it is unbelievable that anybody would vote for it. 1/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

To sustain our resistance to the Republican crime syndicate party, we must keep it in perspective. It is neither negligible nor unstoppable. We have to put in the mundane work . Educate ourselves and our friends, family and neighbors. Get behind all the local and state candidates running against Republican contenders. Donate to GOTV and ballot access groups — even just a couple of bucks. Make calls, send postcards. 2/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Here are some organizations working against authoritarianism in the U.S. I work with them and trust them. See if one of them suits you and get involved now.

Emily’s List https://emilyslist.org/
Sister District https://sisterdistrict.com/
Swing Left https://swingleft.org/
Indivisible https://indivisible.org/

3/

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Do read this story with care. One of Trump’s major advisers, a candidate for chief of staff in a second Trump term is a white Christian nationalist pushing a “post-constitutional” plan for sweeping Presidential powers. This is a detailed action plan for governing unconstitutionally. https://wapo.st/3VyftdG

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

“What would be informative: A minute or two of unedited video showing Trump’s rambling, incoherent and deranged rants. Rather than merely “fact check” the nonsense blizzard, reports can explore the unprecedented nature of his rhetoric, illustrate the deterioration in his thinking and speech, and discuss how an obviously irrational and unhinged leader casts a spell over his devoted following.” How to report on the election — https://wapo.st/45d5wpk

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

“When supposedly normal Republican officials parrot Trump’s obvious falsehoods and baseless accusations, interviewers must come prepared to debunk them. Republicans cannot be allowed to slide past hard questions about their election denial, false data points, baseless attacks on the courts and hypocrisy (the law and order party?). Treating Republicans as innocent bystanders in the democracy train wreck distorts reality.”

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

“And instead of endless harping on President Biden’s age, some honest comparison between the disjointed, frightful interview responses from Trump and the detailed, policy-laden answers from Biden in Time magazine’s two interviews might illuminate the obvious disparity in acuity. Strained comparisons between the two become farcical as Trump unravels further.”

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

“There is simply no comparison between Biden, who talks in detail about policy, and Trump, who cannot get through a Newsmax(!) interview without sounding nuts.”

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

“Finally, given voters’ misunderstanding of the economy, news outlets should focus on the results of Biden’s policies and the likely effect of his opponent’s shockingly inflationary plan. Focusing on the gap between public opinion and economic reality (to which coverage contributes) unwittingly reveals the media’s own shortcomings in educating voters.”

GottaLaff , to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

Paging 11th Circuit!

“Judge Aileen is again ripping up the court schedule in ’s classified case – pushing some of the legal questions that have been before her for months even further down the road.”

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/04/politics/cannon-trump-special-counsel-hearing?cid=ios_app

heidilifeldman ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff The incoherent scheduling and delay aren’t even the most shocking aspects of Cannon’s latest decisions. Her ruling that people like Ed Meese and Michael Mukasey can participate in oral arguments over Jack Smith’s appointment as special prosecutor is outrageous. This gives people with no standing in the case a platform to air their views.

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Voted in #SantaFe #NewMexico today, a place where the Democratic primary determines some of the ultimate races. One race really struck me as emblematic of the future, assuming constitutional democracy survives in the U.S. 1/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

In one contest for county commissioner (municipal legislator, for non-Americans), three candidates vied for the Democratic nomination. One of them, though, was, until very recently, a registered Republican. Even before I knew this, it was apparent to me that she was the most conventionally pro-business candidate. Then, I read a column she wrote explaining her change of party. 2/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Her reasoning for switching parties made sense. I have no reason to believe she was acting cynically. Basically, though she is to the right of many Democrats, there is simply no place for her in today’s Republican Party. She is pro-choice and a supporter of rule of law. 3/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

With the Republican Party having degenerated into a cultish, criminal, evangelical Christian organization, it is no longer a meaningful participant in U.S. democratic politics. So, the Democratic Party is going to absorb many people into its right flank. My prediction: if U.S. constitutional democracy survives, the Republican Party will not, and the Democratic Party will eventually split into two parties, one more to the left and one more to the right. 4/4

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Unsurprisingly, the reaction to Trump’s conviction from Republicans donors, commentators, and electeds further confirms that the U.S. is in a cold civil war.

Lana , to random
@Lana@beige.party avatar

Question for whoever knows, but I guess @GottaLaff and @Nonilex may have the answer.

Is Trump currently still under a gag order not to speak about the trial, since sentencing hasn't happened yet? Or has that been lifted.

heidilifeldman ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

@Lana Judge Merchan must lift the order, which he will probably do, because the rationale for limiting the defendant’s speech was his ability to intimidate witnesses and the jury. And this to wrongfully influence the verdict. Verdict’s in so the main ground for the order no longer holds. @GottaLaff @Nonilex

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

The jurors in Trump’s New York business fraud case have demonstrated courage, integrity, and respect for rule of law. How disgraceful that no high ranking Republican elected official will call for Trump’s removal from the Republican ticket.

GottaLaff , (edited ) to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

#BREAKING 💥🔥 #WOMPWOMP #WOMPAGE

TO REPEAT, #TrumpTrial

#TRUMP GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS!!!!!!!!

heidilifeldman ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff @stux a friend of mine texted: “the first step toward saving the country”. Perfect thought.

heidilifeldman ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

@stux @GottaLaff I know you guys know this, but it is important to remember: we have to start somewhere; this may be a small step in the larger process but it is a step!

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

#JamieRaskin being his usual smart self. Gift access: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/29/opinion/alito-thomas-recuse-trump-jan-6.html?unlocked_article_code=1.vk0.T-04.K51aLZ1qvpM8&smid=url-share #LawFedi #JudicialEthics #Alito #ClarenceThomas #Recusal

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

Do take the time to read ‘s letter, in which he cloaks his own misapplicof the recusal standard in a self-righteous assertion of his wife’s First Amendment rights. He is correct that she has these. He is wrong to think that her exercise of them does not raise questions about his own impartiality. https://www.washingtonpost.com/documents/ae3feb5a-13a4-4f0f-9046-b61a530c40fb.pdf 1/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

At the times this wife flew these flags, Alito took no steps to disassociate himself from their significance. He did not have to make his wife take them down; he could have issued a public statement then that they did not represent his views, only his wife’s. Whether that would have been sufficient to convince a reasonable person of his impartiality in cases is still an open question, but at least the reasonable person would know Alito made an effort to distance himself. 2/

GottaLaff , to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

Ahem. Attention please.

I am now in . 🇨🇦🍁

That is all.

👏🏻💃🏼🥳💥‼️‼️‼️‼️

heidilifeldman ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff You made it! Congratulations.

heidilifeldman , to random
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

has no shame. It isn’t just that he refuses to recuse himself from cases before the Supreme Court — it’s his arrogant assertion that he can assess how a “reasonable person” would view his involvement. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/05/29/justice-alito-rejects-recuse-flags-jan-6-cases/ 73895356007/ 1/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

, who is avowedly motivated by political and ideological considerations - per his own public comments as well as his many law-free judicial opinions - has no standing to insist either that the hypothetical “reasonable person” is supposed to be free from commitments to . 2/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

It makes zero difference whether had “nothing to do with” flying the U.S. flag upside down or with flying the “Appeal to Heaven” flag. Both were flown at his residences. This would give any reasonable person grounds to believe he condones the sentiments and ideas those flags represent. 3/

heidilifeldman OP ,
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

There is zero indication in ‘s letter that made any effort to engage seriously with the recusal tenet of the Code of Ethics he committed himself to. He did not put himself in the shoes of the reasonable person aware of all the circumstances. That requires articulating how the situation seems from that perspective, not just defensive and conclusively assertions. 4/ https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/samuel-alito-refuses-recuse-flags-1235029552/

(2) A Justice should disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the Justice's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, that is, where an unbiased and reasonable person who is aware of all relevant circumstances would doubt that the Justice could fairly discharge his or her duties. Such instances include, but are not limited to, those in which ….
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    GottaLaff , to random
    @GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

    🤦🏻‍♀️😳 & have discussed a possible advisory role for the Tesla leader should TFG reclaim WH, the latest sign that the once-frosty relationship between the 2 has thawed.

    The role hasn’t been fully hammered out and might not happen, but they discussed ways to give Musk formal input & influence over policies related to border security and the economy, both issues on which Musk has grown more vocal.
    https://apple.news/A12U7FLPbQbm6Nfj7Y1_glQ

    heidilifeldman ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    @GottaLaff @lisamelton Gross.

    heidilifeldman , to random
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    Here’s an excellent article about important lawsuits just filed on behalf of Uvalde families who lost loved ones to a mass shooting there. The families, represented by the same attorney who represented the Sandy Hook families, are suing Daniel Defense, the maker of the AR-15 used by the shooter, as well as the publisher of Call of Duty video games and Meta. (I am quoted in the story.) https://wapo.st/3R1Y9LA

    GottaLaff , to random
    @GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

    Okay, back to packing the furniture POD.

    And yes, we just lowered the damn price of our house again.

    Sigh.

    heidilifeldman ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    @GottaLaff Hang in there. All you can do is sell it for the best price you can get, which is largely out of your control. @PamelaBarroway

    GottaLaff , to random
    @GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

    Busy day today, folks, so I'll be posting only when I can.

    PODzilla is coming with POD #2 any minute, and picking up POD #1

    Meeting with our realtor to brainstorm on selling our HouseWithoutAFingPool.

    Our twins will be in from Canada this afternoon to help us schlep furniture into POD #2.

    Boring life, huh?

    heidilifeldman ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    @GottaLaff Things are progressing.

    GottaLaff , to random
    @GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

    You guys.

    I'm so bone tired after another day of packing up that POD, so apologies for not replying, or simply replying with a "like." I can barely read, let alone type.

    So, with that, I shall collapse, but not before posting another dopey gif.

    POD #2 for our furniture comes tomorrow, as do my twins, down from BC to help us! We leave in 5 days!
    🇨🇦
    Have a good evening. 😴

    video/mp4

    heidilifeldman ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    @GottaLaff These next several days are going to be a wild ride. Good luck!

    heidilifeldman , to random
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    Though not serving as Trump’s attorney when he appeared as a witness today in Trump’s trial for criminally falsifying business records, Robert Costello is a lawyer, bound by New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct. Costello repeatedly showed his ethical unfitness, violating the most basic principles that inform the entire code. I’ve screenshot the very first paragraph of the entire code, highlighting the most pertinent phrases. 1/

    PREAMBLE: A LAWYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES [1] A lawyer, as a member of the legal profession, is a representative of clients and an officer of the legal system with special responsibility for the quality of justice. As a representative of clients, a lawyer assumes many roles, including advisor, advocate, negotiator, and evalua-tor. As an officer of the legal system, each lawyer has a duty to uphold the legal process; to demonstrate respect for the legal system; to seek improvement of the law; and to promote access to the legal system and the administration of justice. In addition, a lawyer should further the public's understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because, in a constitutional democracy, legal institutions depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority.
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    heidilifeldman OP ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    I’ve noted before how Trump himself is treating the trial as an attempt to belittle and weaken judicial institutions as a whole, part of his ongoing attack on . Costello’s performance today was part and parcel of this tactic. For a lawyer to be complicit in such a project is utterly reprehensible. 2/

    heidilifeldman OP ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    Costello, who clearly seeks to curry Trump’s favor, behaved like any lawyer embedded in organized crime: rather than uphold the quality of justice, he used his knowledge of the law to subvert justice and undermine the legal system. 3/

    heidilifeldman OP ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    — your publications are missing one of the biggest stories of what will become American history: how a former President, running for another term, is using the first criminal trial of anybody who has the held the office, to further his own quest to dismantle U.S. constitutional democracy. 4/4

    heidilifeldman , to random
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    Even if you are already aware of the renunciation of the hard right by Granbury, Texas school board member Courtney Gore, do read this story detailing how billionaires are orchestrating a total assault on public education - part of what led Gore to change her positions. https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/15/texas-tim-dunn-wilks-brothers-vouchers-courtney-gore

    heidilifeldman , to random
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    The Thomases and the Alitos have pretty icy marriages it seems, what with both Clarence and Sam having so little interaction with their respective spouses over those spouses’ fervent political actions. 🙄🫤

    heidilifeldman , to random
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    I sympathize with Judge Merchan, who I believe has refrained from jailing Trump to avoid allowing Trump to play the victim and raise money off of that. I also think Merchan probably doesn’t want to interrupt the trial for hearings over whether Trump is causing his sycophantic Republican electeds to say things that violate the gag order. But …. 1/

    heidilifeldman OP ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    … Merchan cannot allow Trump and the sycophants to make a mockery of the gag order. This is part of a concerted effort to weaken any court that tries to hold Trump and the Republican Party to rule of law, in preparation for using the courts to claim victory in November, regardless of the actual ballot counts. 2/

    heidilifeldman OP ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    One way to defend the rule of law is to assert it. 3/3

    marcelias , to random
    @marcelias@mas.to avatar

    🚨BREAKING VICTORY: Supreme Court BLOCKS conservative redistricting lawsuit. Louisiana will use its congressional map with two majority-Black districts for the 2024 elections! https://www.democracydocket.com/cases/louisiana-congressional-redistricting-challenge-callais/

    heidilifeldman ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    @marcelias Hi Marc. Unusual constellation of justices in majority and dissent. What accounts for the dissenters’ preference for the Supreme Court to have delayed getting involved?

    GottaLaff , to random
    @GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

    #TrumpTrial 🧵starts HERE. #Trump #legal

    Remember: I cannot reply while live-posting, so plz use NFL (Not For Laffy.. no hashtag) so I can skip your replies. THANK YOU.

    1/…More color from Pagliery:

    Eric Trump just swapped seats with Rep. Donalds just in time for the congressman to appear in photos behind Trump's defense table.

    That's what this trial is now for Trump, a political photo opp.

    More...

    heidilifeldman ,
    @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social avatar

    @GottaLaff 🤣

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