A digression: a relative of mine was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, as was the quick-witted and sharp-tongued Dorothy Parker. As the story came down through my family, members would sometimes play a game that required players to misuse a specified word but in a coherent sentence, the wittier and more clever the better. When Parker's turn came up, her word was "horticulture." Without missing a beat, she responded, "You can lead a whore to culture [horticulture] but you can't make her think." 😉
So glad you took advantage of the warm weather to get outside, Asha. But it certainly looks as though you’ve been busy saving democracy meanwhile. Musically, I love Marvin Gaye—“What’s Going On” is particularly apt.
great newsletter! I've been thinking that this moment needs an anthem and I propose Janelle Monae's brilliant, "Turntables". It's a few years old but seems more relevant as ever:
I'm thinking about having the sentence 'This entire enterprise is an impeachable offense' tattooed on my good right arm.' Hmm, maybe with henna, so I can replace it with something else as the dictates of the time change. And yet, that phrase has such sticking power. I'm now thinking lawn sign, arm band, one of those Swiftie bracelets? Conversation starters, all.
Asha, you have been *everywhere* and your knowledge is invaluable. Thank you. I spent much of my career writing about music, so I could bombard you with a list of tunes, but I'll just post one here; I'm happy to oblige with more. My aim here is to elevate and soothe, so: John Coltrane, 'Wise One': https://youtu.be/yrqb0373cVs?si=C9Hqza7GffIrKAaw
"So Trump’s claim that “he’s not really involved” and can’t do anything because it’s up to the lawyers is simply crap, constitutionally speaking. On this issue, the buck stops completely with him — IT’S LITERALLY HIS JOB."
The Oval Office performance of Trump with Bukele was perhaps the most disgraceful, disgusting display of cruelty and lying ever by an American president, his guest, his cabinet members and aides. "Dictator on Day 1" Trump and the self-described "World's Coolest Dictator" Bukele, lied about their inability to do anything and laughed over the unconstitutional and criminal (Thanks for saying this so clearly) kidnapping, human trafficking and illegal imprisonment without charges or due process of Mr. Abrego Garcia and perhaps hundreds of other men.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Stephen Miller both lied repeatedly about Mr. Abrego Garcia while the others sat in knowing silence nodding along with unsubstantiated, slanderous lies they don't dare to argue in court. The level of depravity is shocking but, sadly, not surprising coming from these people. They know they are lying and their rush to kidnap and remove people to a foreign country before courts can intervene along with their dissembling in court and firing of truth-telling career DOJ lawyers belie their claims of abiding by the law or making the country safer.
I keep thinking about Abrego Garcia's 5-year-old, non-verbal autistic son who saw his father dragged off by Trump's thugs and who must still be wondering where he is. I wonder how many of those Trump officials present that day went to temple this morning on the last day of Passover to recite Yizkor for the souls of the departed or church today to hear about the persecution, imprisonment, torture and execution of an innocent man miraculously raised from the dead whom they claim to strive to emulate. What do they think when they look at their own children? What do their children think when they look at them?
I have a dream that in 2028, when we usher in a new era with a new Democratic president, the new Attorney General will appoint Asha Rangappa as a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute Trump and the lawless members of his current administration.
Alito's dissent amounted to a complaint that the correct paperwork wasn't filed, there was no reason to be in a hurry, though we know the administration is in a hurry to transport these people to avoid judicial oversight, and once done, will assert the SCOTUS cannot order them to undo what they've done. No surprise the two judges we know have taken "gifts" from fascist oligarchs are dissenting.
Excellent round up and terrific in depth on the scope of the big guy’s Article II powers and defying a court order likely places him outside the scope of authority. That’s definitely important. I think he’s just getting started on defying court orders.
Asha, will you please explain why you use the word 'deportation' when it's human trafficking? Thanks. I'm glad you were able to get outside and garden.
As far as music, a lot of DMB. Pearl Jam. Indigo Girls. I never dreamed in the 1980s that the Indigo Girls lyrics would take on the new meaning they have. If you like James Taylor, check out Zachary Provost. Greg Spero. I always try to find the independent talent not signed to a major label. Eleri Ward is incredibly talented and is her own genre.
The Hamilton soundtrack goes without saying. It's always taking on new meaning in ways Lin never dreamed when he wrote the musical.
In this season of renewal I finally have my family reaching out to possible emigration consultants. With the wild remarks from the new Administrator of CMS about people having a patriotic duty to not get sick, we’re recognizing that the risk level is getting too high. That the man is talking about foregoing treatment as being the best way to reduce healthcare costs and that is very dangerous for my family.
With luck I’ll be celebrating next Easter in another land.
Comment after reading the Alito dissent, joined by Thomas, and NBC News reporting.
On page 4, Alito writes:
"Although this Court did not hear directly from the Government regarding any planned deportations under the Alien Enemies Act in this matter, an attorney representing the Government in a different matter, J. G. G. v. Trump, No. 1:25–cv–766 (DC), informed the District Court in that case during a hearing yesterday evening that no such deportations were then planned to occur either yesterday, April18, or today, April 19."
Excerpts from NBC News report:
"At least 28 detainees — most, if not all, understood to be Venezuelan nationals — were placed on buses Friday evening at ICE’s Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, and then driven toward Abilene Airport about 30 miles away...
“We hear they are on buses on the way to the airport,” said Lee Gelernt, the lawyer for the ACLU arguing on behalf of detainees on the verge of being deported under the Alien Enemies Act.
Upon learning this information, Boasberg asked Justice Department lawyer Drew Ensign to make calls to ensure there were no flights deporting immigrants from Bluebonnet under the Alien Enemies Act on Friday night.
Ensign said he understood there would be no flights Friday night and that he was “not aware of any plans”* for flights on Saturday, but that the Department of Homeland Security reserved the right to conduct flights on Saturday."
In his dissent, Justice Alito failed to mention that buses reportedly with "at least 28 detainees" were headed to the airport after being asked to sign deportation papers on Friday night and were turned around only after Judge Boasberg's order. The statement by Mr. Ensign directly contradicts Alito's assertion that "no such deportations were then planned to occur... today, [Saturday] April 19." Ensign said DHS "reserved the right to conduct flights on Saturday [April 19]."
One thing Alito failed to address, and appears not to care about enough to address, is the possible irreparable harm the detainees (i.e., real human beings) might suffer if the Court had failed to act, harm the administration itself has argued it cannot undo. The Trump administration's claim that, once detainees are in El Salvador, there is nothing they can do to get them back, is the very definition of "irreparable harm." What harm the government may suffer during a delay from detainees already in custody, Alito also fails to say. Instead Alito says, "Who cares about human beings, what about the process!!"
"When the facts and law are on your side, you pound the facts and law. When process is (might be) on your side, you pound process. When neither is on your side, you pound the table."
*note the weaselly language of Ensign's "not aware of" statement to the court. Boasberg has heard that sort of BS answer from DOJ lawyers before.
Excellent work this week all around on your various posts and tv hits. The Counsel pod on the deal between trump and Bukele is 👀.
Getting my teen daughter into watching West Wing lately. The "invade Canada" one was hilarious and spot on few weeks ago. I mentioned how we had West Wing to get us thru the Bush years. Good timing that we are going to have Andor season 2 to help us thru whatever the hell we're in now.
Thank you, Asha. Freedom Academy is absolutely the best. As are you.
Noted article is written by Dorothy Thompson rather than Dorothy Parker, but an excellent rhyming history read.
Oops, thank you will fix!
A digression: a relative of mine was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, as was the quick-witted and sharp-tongued Dorothy Parker. As the story came down through my family, members would sometimes play a game that required players to misuse a specified word but in a coherent sentence, the wittier and more clever the better. When Parker's turn came up, her word was "horticulture." Without missing a beat, she responded, "You can lead a whore to culture [horticulture] but you can't make her think." 😉
So glad you took advantage of the warm weather to get outside, Asha. But it certainly looks as though you’ve been busy saving democracy meanwhile. Musically, I love Marvin Gaye—“What’s Going On” is particularly apt.
Katherine, I agree. Have you ever heard this version? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQULJnXKGco
great newsletter! I've been thinking that this moment needs an anthem and I propose Janelle Monae's brilliant, "Turntables". It's a few years old but seems more relevant as ever:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CFrCk6_0rM
I'm thinking about having the sentence 'This entire enterprise is an impeachable offense' tattooed on my good right arm.' Hmm, maybe with henna, so I can replace it with something else as the dictates of the time change. And yet, that phrase has such sticking power. I'm now thinking lawn sign, arm band, one of those Swiftie bracelets? Conversation starters, all.
Impeachment AND Conviction! Asap.
Asha, you have been *everywhere* and your knowledge is invaluable. Thank you. I spent much of my career writing about music, so I could bombard you with a list of tunes, but I'll just post one here; I'm happy to oblige with more. My aim here is to elevate and soothe, so: John Coltrane, 'Wise One': https://youtu.be/yrqb0373cVs?si=C9Hqza7GffIrKAaw
Awesome song, melancholy melody. Talented singer and player. Sweet lesson in the interview after.
"So Trump’s claim that “he’s not really involved” and can’t do anything because it’s up to the lawyers is simply crap, constitutionally speaking. On this issue, the buck stops completely with him — IT’S LITERALLY HIS JOB."
The Oval Office performance of Trump with Bukele was perhaps the most disgraceful, disgusting display of cruelty and lying ever by an American president, his guest, his cabinet members and aides. "Dictator on Day 1" Trump and the self-described "World's Coolest Dictator" Bukele, lied about their inability to do anything and laughed over the unconstitutional and criminal (Thanks for saying this so clearly) kidnapping, human trafficking and illegal imprisonment without charges or due process of Mr. Abrego Garcia and perhaps hundreds of other men.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Stephen Miller both lied repeatedly about Mr. Abrego Garcia while the others sat in knowing silence nodding along with unsubstantiated, slanderous lies they don't dare to argue in court. The level of depravity is shocking but, sadly, not surprising coming from these people. They know they are lying and their rush to kidnap and remove people to a foreign country before courts can intervene along with their dissembling in court and firing of truth-telling career DOJ lawyers belie their claims of abiding by the law or making the country safer.
I keep thinking about Abrego Garcia's 5-year-old, non-verbal autistic son who saw his father dragged off by Trump's thugs and who must still be wondering where he is. I wonder how many of those Trump officials present that day went to temple this morning on the last day of Passover to recite Yizkor for the souls of the departed or church today to hear about the persecution, imprisonment, torture and execution of an innocent man miraculously raised from the dead whom they claim to strive to emulate. What do they think when they look at their own children? What do their children think when they look at them?
I have a dream that in 2028, when we usher in a new era with a new Democratic president, the new Attorney General will appoint Asha Rangappa as a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute Trump and the lawless members of his current administration.
Alito's dissent amounted to a complaint that the correct paperwork wasn't filed, there was no reason to be in a hurry, though we know the administration is in a hurry to transport these people to avoid judicial oversight, and once done, will assert the SCOTUS cannot order them to undo what they've done. No surprise the two judges we know have taken "gifts" from fascist oligarchs are dissenting.
Excellent round up and terrific in depth on the scope of the big guy’s Article II powers and defying a court order likely places him outside the scope of authority. That’s definitely important. I think he’s just getting started on defying court orders.
Unchecked power doesn’t stop where it starts.
Asha, will you please explain why you use the word 'deportation' when it's human trafficking? Thanks. I'm glad you were able to get outside and garden.
As far as music, a lot of DMB. Pearl Jam. Indigo Girls. I never dreamed in the 1980s that the Indigo Girls lyrics would take on the new meaning they have. If you like James Taylor, check out Zachary Provost. Greg Spero. I always try to find the independent talent not signed to a major label. Eleri Ward is incredibly talented and is her own genre.
The Hamilton soundtrack goes without saying. It's always taking on new meaning in ways Lin never dreamed when he wrote the musical.
In this season of renewal I finally have my family reaching out to possible emigration consultants. With the wild remarks from the new Administrator of CMS about people having a patriotic duty to not get sick, we’re recognizing that the risk level is getting too high. That the man is talking about foregoing treatment as being the best way to reduce healthcare costs and that is very dangerous for my family.
With luck I’ll be celebrating next Easter in another land.
Comment after reading the Alito dissent, joined by Thomas, and NBC News reporting.
On page 4, Alito writes:
"Although this Court did not hear directly from the Government regarding any planned deportations under the Alien Enemies Act in this matter, an attorney representing the Government in a different matter, J. G. G. v. Trump, No. 1:25–cv–766 (DC), informed the District Court in that case during a hearing yesterday evening that no such deportations were then planned to occur either yesterday, April18, or today, April 19."
Excerpts from NBC News report:
"At least 28 detainees — most, if not all, understood to be Venezuelan nationals — were placed on buses Friday evening at ICE’s Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, and then driven toward Abilene Airport about 30 miles away...
“We hear they are on buses on the way to the airport,” said Lee Gelernt, the lawyer for the ACLU arguing on behalf of detainees on the verge of being deported under the Alien Enemies Act.
Upon learning this information, Boasberg asked Justice Department lawyer Drew Ensign to make calls to ensure there were no flights deporting immigrants from Bluebonnet under the Alien Enemies Act on Friday night.
Ensign said he understood there would be no flights Friday night and that he was “not aware of any plans”* for flights on Saturday, but that the Department of Homeland Security reserved the right to conduct flights on Saturday."
In his dissent, Justice Alito failed to mention that buses reportedly with "at least 28 detainees" were headed to the airport after being asked to sign deportation papers on Friday night and were turned around only after Judge Boasberg's order. The statement by Mr. Ensign directly contradicts Alito's assertion that "no such deportations were then planned to occur... today, [Saturday] April 19." Ensign said DHS "reserved the right to conduct flights on Saturday [April 19]."
One thing Alito failed to address, and appears not to care about enough to address, is the possible irreparable harm the detainees (i.e., real human beings) might suffer if the Court had failed to act, harm the administration itself has argued it cannot undo. The Trump administration's claim that, once detainees are in El Salvador, there is nothing they can do to get them back, is the very definition of "irreparable harm." What harm the government may suffer during a delay from detainees already in custody, Alito also fails to say. Instead Alito says, "Who cares about human beings, what about the process!!"
"When the facts and law are on your side, you pound the facts and law. When process is (might be) on your side, you pound process. When neither is on your side, you pound the table."
*note the weaselly language of Ensign's "not aware of" statement to the court. Boasberg has heard that sort of BS answer from DOJ lawyers before.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25902304-alito-alien-enemies-act-order/
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/legal-fight-raged-ice-buses-filled-venezuelans-heading-airport-turned-rcna202007
Excellent work this week all around on your various posts and tv hits. The Counsel pod on the deal between trump and Bukele is 👀.
Getting my teen daughter into watching West Wing lately. The "invade Canada" one was hilarious and spot on few weeks ago. I mentioned how we had West Wing to get us thru the Bush years. Good timing that we are going to have Andor season 2 to help us thru whatever the hell we're in now.
We’re in a maga-oligarch Trump coup now.
Kudos to you and your daughter for educating yourselves with accurate information and great critical thinking!