Following Donald Trump’s unexpected reelection victory over Kamala Harris, Tiffany Flowers, leader of a voting rights coalition, experienced shock and dismay. Working tirelessly on election night to ensure voter safety, Flowers only learned of the landslide win late, describing the outcome as “gross” given her belief in America’s potential. This feeling fueled her participation in Saturday’s pre-inauguration protests in Washington. The election’s result deeply impacted Flowers and many others who actively worked to support the democratic process.
Read More
In response to a proposed ban on transgender women using women’s restrooms in the US Capitol, eight trans activists staged a playful protest, dancing in the women’s restroom and filming a short video. This “joyful resistance” directly countered Representative Nancy Mace’s resolution, which explicitly targets transgender women like Representative Sarah McBride. A similar ban failed in Montana, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights and access to public facilities. The Capitol dance protest gained significant social media attention, showcasing a creative approach to civil disobedience.
Read More
Fifteen transgender activists were arrested for illegally protesting inside the Cannon House Office Building, staging a sit-in to oppose Republican efforts restricting transgender bathroom access. The demonstration, organized by the Gender Liberation Movement, included prominent figures like Chelsea Manning and Raquel Willis and directly challenged Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent policy barring transgender women from women’s restrooms in Capitol buildings. The protest also aimed to pressure Congress to block a bill that would further restrict transgender individuals’ bathroom access in federal facilities. The activists cited the threat of increased anti-LGBTQ+ legislation under a potential second Trump administration as a key motivator.
Read More
The recent pronouncements by Tom Homan, regarding the potential jailing of Denver’s mayor, Mike Johnston, have ignited a firestorm of controversy. Homan’s willingness to imprison Johnston stems from the mayor’s stated intention to actively oppose mass deportations, even to the point of accepting incarceration. This stark clash of wills highlights a deep divide over immigration policy and the role of local officials in challenging federal actions.
The situation is further complicated by the inherent power imbalance. Homan’s position, however defined, carries the weight of a Trump administration appointee, while Johnston is an elected official representing a specific city. The question of jurisdiction and authority immediately arises; can a federal appointee legitimately threaten imprisonment of a locally elected official based solely on their opposition to federal policy?… Continue reading
In short, the incoming administration plans a large-scale deportation operation prioritizing individuals with criminal associations, denied asylum seekers, or those from designated countries. This initiative, supported by a majority of Americans in general but less so regarding family separations, will utilize intelligence agencies for targeting and potentially involve the military in logistical support. Despite this, significant opposition is anticipated from various states and cities, with some officials even vowing civil disobedience. The plan’s scope remains broad, potentially affecting even long-term residents.
Read More
A three-day climate protest at the Port of Newcastle resulted in the arrest of nearly 200 individuals for disrupting the world’s largest coal port. Protesters, aiming to halt new coal and gas mines and impose a 78% tax on exports, faced charges including disruption of a major facility and non-compliance with safety directives. The protest, deemed “irresponsible theatrics” by the NSW police minister, temporarily halted shipping operations, leading to safety concerns and a police officer injury. Despite legal attempts to prevent the protest, organizers claimed it was peaceful and effective in highlighting climate change concerns.
Read More
When I read the news about the former IRS employee who purposefully acquired his job with the intention of leaking Trump’s tax returns, my reaction was mixed. This is a discussion that calls for nuance, and it left me teetering between admiration for his audacity and skepticism about his approach. The headline reads like an espionage thriller, with a maverick outsider exploiting the system to expose a billionaire’s tax records.
The man in question, who was charged for his actions, had breached federal regulations by intentionally leaking the tax return information. My initial instinct was to cringe, remembering that the individual committed a crime.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood