Then let’s plaster the fact that he’s using emergencies all over the walls to over turn our democracy Let’s educate ppl. Let’s tell anyone who will listen.
Carl Schmitt's argument, which Richardson summarizes accurately, is that permanent emergency powers are the mechanism by which democratic governance is hollowed out from within — not by abolishing law but by suspending it repeatedly enough that the suspension becomes the norm. The pattern she describes across tariffs, immigration, and procurement is real and worth examining on those terms. Where the analysis is weaker is in treating emergency declarations as uniformly illegitimate. The constitutional and statutory frameworks that permit expedited action during genuine crises exist because rigid procedural requirements can themselves cause harm; the question for citizens and Congress is whether the declared emergencies meet the statutory threshold, not whether emergency powers should exist at all. That distinction matters because conflating the two makes accountability harder: if every invocation of emergency authority is framed as proto-authoritarian, oversight bodies lose the ability to distinguish abuse from legitimate use — and that distinction is precisely what the rule of law requires them to make.
I heard the reporter interviewed this week (was it Rachel’s show?) and he said that a former employee of hers was a source. I canceled my sub to the WaPo right after the second inauguration’s billionaire circle jerk so I haven’t read the story. See if you can find Rachel’s show on line.
I don’t think the exceptional influence the billionaire class has on our current political situation can be ignored or understated. It’s becoming more & more obvious how they are buying the power & influence that is damaging US citizens quality of life. And they have no plans to cease & desist. We will need serious guardrails on this big money.
Thank you Heather, great show. Not glad to hear about the "cell" convictions. I need to chase that down, truly ridiculous.
You and Joyce V were my first subs over a year ago and you both made me feel calmer today!
Then let’s plaster the fact that he’s using emergencies all over the walls to over turn our democracy Let’s educate ppl. Let’s tell anyone who will listen.
Carl Schmitt's argument, which Richardson summarizes accurately, is that permanent emergency powers are the mechanism by which democratic governance is hollowed out from within — not by abolishing law but by suspending it repeatedly enough that the suspension becomes the norm. The pattern she describes across tariffs, immigration, and procurement is real and worth examining on those terms. Where the analysis is weaker is in treating emergency declarations as uniformly illegitimate. The constitutional and statutory frameworks that permit expedited action during genuine crises exist because rigid procedural requirements can themselves cause harm; the question for citizens and Congress is whether the declared emergencies meet the statutory threshold, not whether emergency powers should exist at all. That distinction matters because conflating the two makes accountability harder: if every invocation of emergency authority is framed as proto-authoritarian, oversight bodies lose the ability to distinguish abuse from legitimate use — and that distinction is precisely what the rule of law requires them to make.
How did that reporter get Tulsi’s emails?
I heard the reporter interviewed this week (was it Rachel’s show?) and he said that a former employee of hers was a source. I canceled my sub to the WaPo right after the second inauguration’s billionaire circle jerk so I haven’t read the story. See if you can find Rachel’s show on line.
Thankyou. Turning my attention increasingly to who/what comes in the next act - specifically. Appreciate your candid roadmap for key landmarks there.
I don’t think the exceptional influence the billionaire class has on our current political situation can be ignored or understated. It’s becoming more & more obvious how they are buying the power & influence that is damaging US citizens quality of life. And they have no plans to cease & desist. We will need serious guardrails on this big money.