Congress established the Department of Justice in 1870, overseen by the attorney general, to protect civil rights in the southern states after state legislators and state law enforcement officers refused to treat their Black neighbors as equals. If the states would not honor the principle of equality before the law, the federal government would.
This was a good day. We have been seeing Garland and his office step up to the plate. It is very important to actually hear from him because we know he is sharpening his tools on a leather strap. The police officers who are being arrested and indicted is sending a very clear message by the DOJ to not mess with our laws. Those who do, will be pursued and prosecuted. Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend have been vindicated, finally. Even though there is much more to accomplish, things are happening and just when we really need it. I am taking comfort in that.
Laura Ingraham looks like the nasty piece of work everyone who's ever been around her says she is. Another winger who obviously sold her soul long ago, it's so obvious.
Sharing your letter has influenced 3 people to subscribe. I'm working on a 4th. They were already on your side, so I want them to be informed rather than just believers. Thank you.
Your letter for August 4, 2022 (Barack Obama's birthday, by the way) covers several layers of injustice that particularly affects people with the double burden of being Black and female.
Breonna Taylor's tragic murder in her own home,
Brittney Griner's show trial and hostage-taking placement in a Russian penal colony,
SCOTUS-triggered denials of medical care to women so soundly denounced in the Kansas referendum on rights to autonomy and privacy,
and the over 400 years of history of caste-discrimination specifically of people of African descent in North America.
A reminder that the quote-unquote legal system gave us a SCOTUS that was completely white and male until 1967. Even now change is happening only due to Joe Biden's pledge to appoint the first Black woman to that institution. Recall Justice Jackson's notable poise during her confirmation hearing, enduring the attacks by those who would perpetuate injustice, caste and partisan agendas.
Contrast with the credible accusations against both Clarence Thomas and Bret Kavanaugh during their confirmations, with the additional spectacle of Kavanaugh whining emotionally about how he likes beer, even as his financial situation mysteriously benefitted, and how SCOTUS is now in effect taking away women's rights without exclusions. With Mitch McConnell and the GOP obstructing Congressional action, SCOTUS has somehow become an unelected policy catalyst, where six radical individuals enact decisions against the will and interests of hundreds of millions.
"VOTE - We are Ruth-less" is now my regular statement tee shirt. Roe-vember is coming. Elections matter!
Thank you for the update at the end of a very long day. Griner’s case is interesting because of the harsh penalties for possession in Russia. Her case also showcases the inequality of WNBA salaries when compared to NBA salaries that led her to play in Russia.
Thank you, Heather, for highlighting that “[t]he importance of federal protections for equal rights is today’s central story.” It is vital to see it outlined in this way, unveiling the significance of our right at the ballot box!
It will be good to see some kind of justice in the Breonna Taylor case. If there are convictions, will there be significant jail time? The cops involved were all fired by the Louisville PD. Are they working as police officers somewhere else?
It seems to me that an illegally obtained search warrant makes every action that results illegal as well.
I understand and agree that the Brittney Griner situation is primarily political and a power play. However, no one is pointing out the fact that 1000's of blacks in this country have been incarcerated for possession of small amounts of Marijuana. The war on drugs in the US is a war on black and brown people. The prison industry is a blight on our society.
I haven't read the details of the illegal search warrant against Taylor/Walker. But it shows DOJ's contrast with Jefferson County. Merrick Garland has a lot on his plate and he seems to be moving in the right direction. Thank you for the news HCR.
The Justice Department is FINALLY confronting the long-standing issue of about 1000 killings each year of civilian citizens in the U.S. by police offices who very rarely are held accountable through being indicted or convicted. Compared to other developed nations, we are a violent police state. Study the data here.
#SayHerName #BreonnaTaylor The arrest of 4 officers here in Louisville KY was an uplifting moment for me. The FBI would never have investigated this further had prior under administration won re-election.
Back in 2020, the Courier Journal released the 911 call transcript from Taylor's apartment. This was the same day that the George Floyd's video went viral. As protests around the world occurred for George Floyd, protests for Breonna Taylor happened here. 180 days of protests in downtown were preceded the local grand jury disappointing lack of results.
MM's heir apparent Kentucky's AG Daniel Cameron (R) handled the case himself. The local grand jury never explored the scope of their authority to bring charges other than those suggested. Individual jury members broke their silence to complain to the Courier Journal about being so mislead.
Taylor's family civil suit was immediately settlement from the city. The largest city payout without results of any investigation(s) being finalized.
Thank you Heather for giving us the background on the establishment of the DOJ in order to protect civil rights. That puts a special meaning to the importance of the DOJ. Your point that it makes a difference who is elected president -- in this regard and in so many others. SPOT ON! I find the info re: the review of Brett K. appalling and unfortunately not a surprise. What a relief that the DOJ is engaging with Brianna's murder! I hadn't heard that yet. Let's do all we can to get out the vote; I'm distressed when I read that so many people, some say young people, are disgusted and don't plan to vote.
I understand that you have been elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences! Congratulations.
This was a good day. We have been seeing Garland and his office step up to the plate. It is very important to actually hear from him because we know he is sharpening his tools on a leather strap. The police officers who are being arrested and indicted is sending a very clear message by the DOJ to not mess with our laws. Those who do, will be pursued and prosecuted. Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend have been vindicated, finally. Even though there is much more to accomplish, things are happening and just when we really need it. I am taking comfort in that.
Congratulations on your election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Richly deserved is undersaid.
Laura Ingraham looks like the nasty piece of work everyone who's ever been around her says she is. Another winger who obviously sold her soul long ago, it's so obvious.
Sharing your letter has influenced 3 people to subscribe. I'm working on a 4th. They were already on your side, so I want them to be informed rather than just believers. Thank you.
Thanks again for another great letter.
Yes, voting has consequences. Vote Blue.
Voting matters. Voting MATTERS.
Your letter for August 4, 2022 (Barack Obama's birthday, by the way) covers several layers of injustice that particularly affects people with the double burden of being Black and female.
Breonna Taylor's tragic murder in her own home,
Brittney Griner's show trial and hostage-taking placement in a Russian penal colony,
SCOTUS-triggered denials of medical care to women so soundly denounced in the Kansas referendum on rights to autonomy and privacy,
and the over 400 years of history of caste-discrimination specifically of people of African descent in North America.
A reminder that the quote-unquote legal system gave us a SCOTUS that was completely white and male until 1967. Even now change is happening only due to Joe Biden's pledge to appoint the first Black woman to that institution. Recall Justice Jackson's notable poise during her confirmation hearing, enduring the attacks by those who would perpetuate injustice, caste and partisan agendas.
Contrast with the credible accusations against both Clarence Thomas and Bret Kavanaugh during their confirmations, with the additional spectacle of Kavanaugh whining emotionally about how he likes beer, even as his financial situation mysteriously benefitted, and how SCOTUS is now in effect taking away women's rights without exclusions. With Mitch McConnell and the GOP obstructing Congressional action, SCOTUS has somehow become an unelected policy catalyst, where six radical individuals enact decisions against the will and interests of hundreds of millions.
"VOTE - We are Ruth-less" is now my regular statement tee shirt. Roe-vember is coming. Elections matter!
Thank you for the update at the end of a very long day. Griner’s case is interesting because of the harsh penalties for possession in Russia. Her case also showcases the inequality of WNBA salaries when compared to NBA salaries that led her to play in Russia.
Thank you, Heather, for highlighting that “[t]he importance of federal protections for equal rights is today’s central story.” It is vital to see it outlined in this way, unveiling the significance of our right at the ballot box!
It will be good to see some kind of justice in the Breonna Taylor case. If there are convictions, will there be significant jail time? The cops involved were all fired by the Louisville PD. Are they working as police officers somewhere else?
It seems to me that an illegally obtained search warrant makes every action that results illegal as well.
I understand and agree that the Brittney Griner situation is primarily political and a power play. However, no one is pointing out the fact that 1000's of blacks in this country have been incarcerated for possession of small amounts of Marijuana. The war on drugs in the US is a war on black and brown people. The prison industry is a blight on our society.
"Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people." - John Adams
I haven't read the details of the illegal search warrant against Taylor/Walker. But it shows DOJ's contrast with Jefferson County. Merrick Garland has a lot on his plate and he seems to be moving in the right direction. Thank you for the news HCR.
The Justice Department is FINALLY confronting the long-standing issue of about 1000 killings each year of civilian citizens in the U.S. by police offices who very rarely are held accountable through being indicted or convicted. Compared to other developed nations, we are a violent police state. Study the data here.
https://policescorecard.org/
#SayHerName #BreonnaTaylor The arrest of 4 officers here in Louisville KY was an uplifting moment for me. The FBI would never have investigated this further had prior under administration won re-election.
Back in 2020, the Courier Journal released the 911 call transcript from Taylor's apartment. This was the same day that the George Floyd's video went viral. As protests around the world occurred for George Floyd, protests for Breonna Taylor happened here. 180 days of protests in downtown were preceded the local grand jury disappointing lack of results.
MM's heir apparent Kentucky's AG Daniel Cameron (R) handled the case himself. The local grand jury never explored the scope of their authority to bring charges other than those suggested. Individual jury members broke their silence to complain to the Courier Journal about being so mislead.
Taylor's family civil suit was immediately settlement from the city. The largest city payout without results of any investigation(s) being finalized.
Thank you Heather for giving us the background on the establishment of the DOJ in order to protect civil rights. That puts a special meaning to the importance of the DOJ. Your point that it makes a difference who is elected president -- in this regard and in so many others. SPOT ON! I find the info re: the review of Brett K. appalling and unfortunately not a surprise. What a relief that the DOJ is engaging with Brianna's murder! I hadn't heard that yet. Let's do all we can to get out the vote; I'm distressed when I read that so many people, some say young people, are disgusted and don't plan to vote.
I understand that you have been elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences! Congratulations.