The recently proposed constitutional amendment by Senators Manchin and Welch to establish term limits for Supreme Court justices is a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding the court’s composition and legitimacy. This amendment aims to address concerns about the court’s perceived political nature and dwindling public trust by imposing an 18-year term limit on newly appointed justices. This would lead to a roughly biennial turnover of justices, injecting a fresh perspective into the court’s deliberations while providing a degree of predictability in judicial appointments.
The senators’ proposal is presented as a means to restore public confidence in the Supreme Court, arguing that the current system contributes to the perception of the court as a purely political entity.… Continue reading
To safeguard these rights against potential future challenges from reactionary forces, Prime Minister Sanchez announced plans to enshrine abortion rights and same-sex marriage within Spain’s constitution. This move, announced on the 46th anniversary of Spain’s Magna Carta, aims to prevent the reversal of these advancements. The proposed constitutional amendment is framed as a protection against threats to these fundamental rights and other social programs. Sanchez’s announcement underscores his government’s commitment to progressive values and sets the stage for the upcoming 2027 general election.
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Congressman Cohen’s statement highlights the lack of checks on presidential clemency power, citing President Biden’s pardon of his son as a case in point. He argues that Hunter Biden’s prosecution was politically motivated and that the pardon, while understandable given the father-son relationship, raises concerns about potential abuse. To address this, Congressman Cohen advocates for a constitutional amendment restricting presidential pardons for family members, administration officials, and those acting on the President’s behalf to prevent conflicts of interest and corrupt practices. The amendment would also invalidate pardons issued for corrupt purposes.
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A recent Metropoll survey reveals that 66.3% of Turks oppose a constitutional amendment enabling President Erdoğan to run again in 2028, despite his previous claim that the 2023 election would be his last. Opposition is significant even within Erdoğan’s ruling AKP and its ally, the MHP. Meanwhile, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş enjoys the highest approval rating among potential opposition presidential candidates. The survey also shows a near-even split in support between the ruling AKP and the main opposition CHP, highlighting the politically divided state of the nation.
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President-elect Trump aims to end birthright citizenship via executive order, mandating at least one US citizen parent for automatic citizenship and denying benefits to children of two undocumented parents. Legal experts overwhelmingly believe this action would violate the 14th Amendment and the precedent set by *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*, rendering it likely unsuccessful in court. The proposed order could affect millions of children in mixed-status families, disproportionately impacting those of Mexican and Central American descent. Ending birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment, a politically improbable feat.
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The Pentagon is bracing for a potential overhaul under a Trump presidency, with officials discussing worst-case scenarios involving domestic troop deployments and mass firings of civilian employees. Trump’s past pronouncements on using active-duty forces for law enforcement and deportations, along with his desire to “clean out” the national security establishment, have raised concerns about potential abuses of power. The possibility of a Trump administration invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops domestically, as well as the reinstatement of Schedule F which could make it easier to fire federal employees, are major points of anxiety within the Department of Defense. While the Pentagon has limited means to preemptively prevent such actions, officials are preparing contingency plans and emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and resisting unlawful orders.
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I was struck by the recent news that former President Donald J. Trump had openly declared his intentions to terminate the Constitution if he were to secure a second term. As someone who values democratic principles and the rule of law, this revelation sent chills down my spine. It is not a casual remark or a passing joke to suggest the suspension of the Constitution, arrest of opposition members, or the establishment of a dictatorial regime. These are the words and actions of a fascist, not a leader of a democratic nation.
It heartens me to see Vice President Kamala Harris taking a strong stand against such dangerous rhetoric.… Continue reading
It’s a relief to see Congressman Joe Morelle taking action to reverse the U.S. Supreme Court’s immunity decision. The fact that someone in our government is paying attention and addressing this crucial issue gives me a glimmer of hope. Potential amendment texts need to be thoroughly vetted and discussed so that we can find a viable solution to this pressing problem. Leaving the SCOTUS decision unchallenged is simply not an option for the long-term health of our democracy.
The idea of a president using immunity to commit and conceal crimes is deeply troubling. While most U.S. presidents have been honorable individuals, they have all been ambitious.… Continue reading
As I sit here contemplating the state of our democracy, the news that a New York Democrat will introduce an amendment to reverse a Supreme Court immunity ruling fills me with a glimmer of hope. The Supreme Court’s power to interpret statutes can be challenged and changed through legislative action, and this move is a step in the right direction. It is up to us, the voters, to elect a Congress that will prioritize passing this crucial amendment.
The idea of Amendment 28, which proposes that no member of the Legislative, Executive, or Judicial branches of government should be exempt from abiding by the law, resonates deeply with me.… Continue reading
As I sit back and observe the latest news in the political world, I can’t help but shake my head at the audacity of some individuals. The recent call from a top Republican to cancel future State of the Union speeches by President Biden is not only shocking but also deeply concerning. Article 2, section 3, clause 1 of the Constitution clearly mandates the president to deliver a State of the Union address, but it seems like some individuals are willing to disregard this foundational document when it doesn’t align with their agenda.
The idea of canceling a tradition that has been upheld for over a century simply because it doesn’t suit a certain party’s interests is not only shortsighted but also dangerous.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker