Year: 2023
396 – Hard Cases Make Bad Precedent
There is an adage in the legal profession, “Hard cases make bad law.” Well, since cases in this country to not truly make law only precedent, you might be tempted to dismiss this saying. However, since our courts are so devoted to their precedent, we should be very careful when hard cases come to the Supreme Court. For example, one case heard by the court has a very unsavory respondent. The question is, will Mr. Zackey Rahimi’s shady past be used to infringe on the right of the rest of Americans?
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When Deprogramming Becomes Programming
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – In my early career as a programmer, I observed subtle yet significant shifts in societal norms. Today, these changes are blatant, especially in our education system. From the sexualization of children to instilling race-based judgments, the impact on our youth is alarming. I share my insights on this cultural shift, reflecting on the past and present societal dynamics…
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Who Keeps You Safe?
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – I explore the significance of “temporary security” versus “essential liberty,” delving into the Second Amendment’s phrase about a “well-regulated Militia.” I argue why an armed population is vital for a free state and question the implications of relinquishing arms for government promises of safety, challenging conventional perspectives on liberty, security, and governmental roles in our…
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Government as a Reflection of the Electorate
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – In today’s political climate, it’s easy to blame the government or opposing parties. But what does this say about us, the voters? Exploring the notion that politics reflects our culture, I delve into the relationship between the electorate and the elected, revealing how our attitudes and actions shape the political landscape and mirror our own values and shortcomings…
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A Crumbling Sense of Justice
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Exploring the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, I delve into the complex notion of justice in today’s society. I contrast traditional definitions of justice, like Noah Webster’s 1828 interpretation, with contemporary forms such as social, racial, and economic justice. I argue these modern interpretations erode the true essence of liberty and justice, urging a reevaluation to strengthen these…
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Strange New World
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – In Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” lives are predestined, much like our 21st-century society. Currently, political turmoil unfolds with prolonged Speaker of the House conflicts, Trump’s indictments, and emerging evidence of election fraud. As these events unravel, it’s clear we’re transitioning from a predetermined world to an increasingly unpredictable and strange future, challenging…
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Is the U.S. Department of Education Legal?
With all of the money spent by the federal government to influence state and local education systems, one question never seems to be asked. Is the Department of Education even legal?
395 – Social Media and Government Communications
Social media has become so much of everyday lives that we often don’t think about its use. This has led to what appears to be a large percentage of Americans developing what can at best be described as “interesting ideas” about the relationship between government and the various social media platforms. Some recent cases heard before the Supreme Court bring the question of the relationship between government actors and social media companies into question. Probably the best well known would be Missouri v. Biden, where the states of Missouri and Louisiana have brought suit claiming that members of the Biden Administration violated the First Amendment by attempting to influence what content would be deleted or deemphasized on various platforms. However, two other cases involving local officials focus on under what circumstances government actors can block access to their social media accounts. While most of the country seems to be focused on Missouri, these two cases bring up some questions the American people should really think about.
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