Democracy 21
@democracy21.bsky.social
Dedicated to making democracy work for all Americans. Led by Fred Wertheimer, the longtime democracy advocate and campaign and ethics reformer.
https://democracy21.org/
https://democracy21.org/
Reposted by Democracy 21
New at Weekend Reading:
John Dewey warned us: big business casts the shadow we call politics.
Today, we ignore the shadow-casters, construing their shadows—politicians and their campaigns—to be the whole story.
www.weekendreading.net/p/shadows-an...
John Dewey warned us: big business casts the shadow we call politics.
Today, we ignore the shadow-casters, construing their shadows—politicians and their campaigns—to be the whole story.
www.weekendreading.net/p/shadows-an...
Shadows and Shadow Casters
Politics is about power.
www.weekendreading.net
September 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
New at Weekend Reading:
John Dewey warned us: big business casts the shadow we call politics.
Today, we ignore the shadow-casters, construing their shadows—politicians and their campaigns—to be the whole story.
www.weekendreading.net/p/shadows-an...
John Dewey warned us: big business casts the shadow we call politics.
Today, we ignore the shadow-casters, construing their shadows—politicians and their campaigns—to be the whole story.
www.weekendreading.net/p/shadows-an...
Some Republicans have stated that Congress will "inevitably" pass legislation ordering the Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
thehill.com
September 15, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Some Republicans have stated that Congress will "inevitably" pass legislation ordering the Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
Reposted by Democracy 21
There is no excuse for political violence in America. And no excuse for a U.S. president using a heinous killing as an occasion to treat his political opponents as accomplices to murder and threatening to use the full power of the government to attack them.
September 12, 2025 at 5:20 PM
There is no excuse for political violence in America. And no excuse for a U.S. president using a heinous killing as an occasion to treat his political opponents as accomplices to murder and threatening to use the full power of the government to attack them.
This week from Fred Wertheimer: "It is unlikely that any Chief Justice in history played more of a role in destroying more of our nation’s democracy rules than Roberts. And that is how he will be remembered."
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
John Roberts’ Historic Failure as Supreme Court Chief Justice, Part 1 - Democracy 21
Chief Justice John Roberts is smart and skilled. He will be remembered, however, as a historic failure. This is not a claim to make lightly, [...]
democracy21.org
September 11, 2025 at 8:24 PM
This week from Fred Wertheimer: "It is unlikely that any Chief Justice in history played more of a role in destroying more of our nation’s democracy rules than Roberts. And that is how he will be remembered."
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
Reposted by Democracy 21
Republicans, and MAGA commentators have by this point learned from Trump that if they deny reality with enough fervency, and for long enough, that the media — and thus public opinion — will eventually start bending to their will.
Story: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Story: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
September 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Republicans, and MAGA commentators have by this point learned from Trump that if they deny reality with enough fervency, and for long enough, that the media — and thus public opinion — will eventually start bending to their will.
Story: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Story: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Democracy 21
Much of Trump's authoritarian power grab has been green-lit (at least temporarily) by the Supreme Court's "shadow docket."
This allows justices to effectively make rulings in secret without explaining their decisions.
Is it any wonder why so many do not trust the Roberts court?
This allows justices to effectively make rulings in secret without explaining their decisions.
Is it any wonder why so many do not trust the Roberts court?
September 8, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Much of Trump's authoritarian power grab has been green-lit (at least temporarily) by the Supreme Court's "shadow docket."
This allows justices to effectively make rulings in secret without explaining their decisions.
Is it any wonder why so many do not trust the Roberts court?
This allows justices to effectively make rulings in secret without explaining their decisions.
Is it any wonder why so many do not trust the Roberts court?
Reposted by Democracy 21
Trump’s problem is that so many Americans — including his MAGA base — believed that he’d expose a powerful global elite.
But every day it's becoming more and more clear that Trump is actually part of that global elite.
Expect him to lash out as the walls close in.
But every day it's becoming more and more clear that Trump is actually part of that global elite.
Expect him to lash out as the walls close in.
September 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Trump’s problem is that so many Americans — including his MAGA base — believed that he’d expose a powerful global elite.
But every day it's becoming more and more clear that Trump is actually part of that global elite.
Expect him to lash out as the walls close in.
But every day it's becoming more and more clear that Trump is actually part of that global elite.
Expect him to lash out as the walls close in.
The House Oversight Committee has released new Epstein files this week, with one file including a sexually suggestive drawing accompanied by a signature similar to Donald Trump’s.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/u...
House Panel Releases Drawing for Epstein Apparently Signed by Trump
www.nytimes.com
September 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The House Oversight Committee has released new Epstein files this week, with one file including a sexually suggestive drawing accompanied by a signature similar to Donald Trump’s.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/u...
Reposted by Democracy 21
Gerrymandering has long been a thorn in the side of American democracy, but now the practice is a bigger threat than ever. Here’s what to know about it:
bit.ly/3MqI6FI
bit.ly/3MqI6FI
Gerrymandering Explained
The practice has long been a thorn in the side of American democracy, but it’s becoming a bigger threat than ever.
www.brennancenter.org
September 8, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Gerrymandering has long been a thorn in the side of American democracy, but now the practice is a bigger threat than ever. Here’s what to know about it:
bit.ly/3MqI6FI
bit.ly/3MqI6FI
Reposted by Democracy 21
To fight corruption, we need to revitalize a subservient Congress and reform an out-of-touch Supreme Court. bit.ly/4mbQKqv
What Is Political Corruption and What Can We Do About It?
It hurts ordinary Americans in concrete ways, and the risk has never been greater given today’s unprecedented mixing of private wealth with political power.
www.brennancenter.org
September 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
To fight corruption, we need to revitalize a subservient Congress and reform an out-of-touch Supreme Court. bit.ly/4mbQKqv
Reposted by Democracy 21
The richest of the rich are driving record-breaking contributions to the main super PAC backing President Trump. Here’s a look at some of the biggest donors — and what they stand to gain:
bit.ly/4olWjE6
bit.ly/4olWjE6
Unprecedented Big Money Surge for Super PAC Tied to Trump
Million-dollar donors fuel a nearly $200 million war chest to support a president who can’t run again.
www.brennancenter.org
September 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The richest of the rich are driving record-breaking contributions to the main super PAC backing President Trump. Here’s a look at some of the biggest donors — and what they stand to gain:
bit.ly/4olWjE6
bit.ly/4olWjE6
This week from Fred Wertheimer: "What better way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our independence next year than with a new faux king to succeed 'Mad King' George III."
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
Meet the Faux King, the Successor to “Mad King” George III - Democracy 21
If you doubt that President Trump considers himself beyond reproach, just note two recent Trump declarations. On August 22, Trump proclaimed (falsely), “I am actually [...]
democracy21.org
September 5, 2025 at 1:47 PM
This week from Fred Wertheimer: "What better way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our independence next year than with a new faux king to succeed 'Mad King' George III."
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
democracy21.org/news/freds-w...
Reposted by Democracy 21
NEW: In rare interviews, federal judges criticize Supreme Court's handling of Trump cases.
“It is inexcusable,” a judge said of the Supreme Court justices. “They don’t have our backs.”
“It is inexcusable,” a judge said of the Supreme Court justices. “They don’t have our backs.”
In rare interviews, federal judges criticize Supreme Court's handling of Trump cases
Ten judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court needs to explain its rulings better, with some urging Chief Justice John Roberts to do more to defend the judiciary against external criticism.
www.nbcnews.com
September 4, 2025 at 1:13 PM
NEW: In rare interviews, federal judges criticize Supreme Court's handling of Trump cases.
“It is inexcusable,” a judge said of the Supreme Court justices. “They don’t have our backs.”
“It is inexcusable,” a judge said of the Supreme Court justices. “They don’t have our backs.”
Reposted by Democracy 21
NEW: The Epstein survivors' press conference, a ruling on the Alien Enemies Act, and Denver Public Schools (DPS) stands up for transgender students. Plus, I speak with @stevevladeck.bsky.social and @pogo.org acting director David Janovsky. Free to subscribe: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Texas v Illinois (feat. Steve Vladeck; David Janovsky)
Podcast Episode · The Daily Beans · 09/04/2025 · 1h 23m
podcasts.apple.com
September 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
NEW: The Epstein survivors' press conference, a ruling on the Alien Enemies Act, and Denver Public Schools (DPS) stands up for transgender students. Plus, I speak with @stevevladeck.bsky.social and @pogo.org acting director David Janovsky. Free to subscribe: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Reposted by Democracy 21
Congress has a profound impact on the lives and well-being of all Americans. Texas lawmakers’ gerrymandering actions undermine fair representation in Congress not only for their citizens but also for the country as a whole.
Trump Ordered Texas to Gerrymander 5 New Republican-Leaning Congressional Districts—This Is How Other States Can Fight Back
An agreement to set aside redistricting commissions is needed in order to level the playing field in this redistricting arms race.
www.americanprogress.org
September 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Congress has a profound impact on the lives and well-being of all Americans. Texas lawmakers’ gerrymandering actions undermine fair representation in Congress not only for their citizens but also for the country as a whole.
Reposted by Democracy 21
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of recruiting & trafficking minors for Epstein
She got 20 years
Now after a secret DOJ interview, Trump's DOJ moves her to a "country club" prison
The dean of watchdogs, Fred Wertheimer from @democracy21.bsky.social details this travesty below 👇
She got 20 years
Now after a secret DOJ interview, Trump's DOJ moves her to a "country club" prison
The dean of watchdogs, Fred Wertheimer from @democracy21.bsky.social details this travesty below 👇
September 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of recruiting & trafficking minors for Epstein
She got 20 years
Now after a secret DOJ interview, Trump's DOJ moves her to a "country club" prison
The dean of watchdogs, Fred Wertheimer from @democracy21.bsky.social details this travesty below 👇
She got 20 years
Now after a secret DOJ interview, Trump's DOJ moves her to a "country club" prison
The dean of watchdogs, Fred Wertheimer from @democracy21.bsky.social details this travesty below 👇
Reposted by Democracy 21
“Donald Trump has figured out the cheat code for authoritarianism: Fake emergencies bring real power,” @rosenzweigp.bsky.social argues. Yet more troubling is the lack of effort from Congress or the courts to curtail the use of such “emergency” powers:
Trump Is Inventing Fake Emergencies to Gain Real-World Power
Today, the structure of law granting exceptional emergency powers is a grave threat to democracy and an avenue toward authoritarian rule.
bit.ly
September 2, 2025 at 3:45 PM
“Donald Trump has figured out the cheat code for authoritarianism: Fake emergencies bring real power,” @rosenzweigp.bsky.social argues. Yet more troubling is the lack of effort from Congress or the courts to curtail the use of such “emergency” powers:
Reposted by Democracy 21
If you want to see where MAGA is headed, look no further than this week’s National Conservatism summit.
Here, the vision of a single religion, as the glue that holds a nation-state together, is at the forefront. Read @kieraevebutler.bsky.social on the ideology undergirding the conference and MAGA.
Here, the vision of a single religion, as the glue that holds a nation-state together, is at the forefront. Read @kieraevebutler.bsky.social on the ideology undergirding the conference and MAGA.
Make America Israel Again?
If you want to see where MAGA is headed, look no further than this week's National Conservatism summit.
www.motherjones.com
September 2, 2025 at 12:03 PM
If you want to see where MAGA is headed, look no further than this week’s National Conservatism summit.
Here, the vision of a single religion, as the glue that holds a nation-state together, is at the forefront. Read @kieraevebutler.bsky.social on the ideology undergirding the conference and MAGA.
Here, the vision of a single religion, as the glue that holds a nation-state together, is at the forefront. Read @kieraevebutler.bsky.social on the ideology undergirding the conference and MAGA.
Both Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel are expected to testify before the House Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks, over the administration’s poor handling of the Epstein case.
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
Bondi, Patel to testify before Congress amid Epstein fallout
The attorney general and FBI director are expected to face fierce questioning by Democrats and some Republicans over the DOJ’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
www.politico.com
August 29, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Both Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel are expected to testify before the House Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks, over the administration’s poor handling of the Epstein case.
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
Trump administration official Emil Bove III has continued to work at the Justice Department despite being confirmed to serve as an appeals court judge. This could lead to him advising on an issue that may land before him as a federal judge – a risk to justice.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/29/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/29/u...
Emil Bove Continued to Work at Justice Dept. After Judicial Confirmation
www.nytimes.com
August 29, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Trump administration official Emil Bove III has continued to work at the Justice Department despite being confirmed to serve as an appeals court judge. This could lead to him advising on an issue that may land before him as a federal judge – a risk to justice.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/29/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/29/u...
Louisiana requested the Supreme Court to gut any consideration of race in redistricting efforts, endangering Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act: one of the last effective tools against racial discrimination in redistricting.
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
Louisiana asks Supreme Court to gut Voting Rights Act and ban use of race in redistricting
The case could strike a major blow to the landmark civil rights-era law.
www.politico.com
August 28, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Louisiana requested the Supreme Court to gut any consideration of race in redistricting efforts, endangering Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act: one of the last effective tools against racial discrimination in redistricting.
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook sued President Trump over his decision to fire her, asserting that it was both “unprecedented and illegal” to pressure the Fed into lowering interest rates.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/u...
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Sues Trump Over Attempted Dismissal
www.nytimes.com
August 28, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook sued President Trump over his decision to fire her, asserting that it was both “unprecedented and illegal” to pressure the Fed into lowering interest rates.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/u...
The Pentagon is preparing for its in-house DOGE team to scrutinize over 400,000 open contracts, possibly cutting off thousands of contracts in an effort to echo Trump’s agenda.
news.bloomberglaw.com/federal-cont...
news.bloomberglaw.com/federal-cont...
Pentagon’s DOGE Unit to Scrutinize 400,000 Contracts for Cuts
The Pentagon is preparing for its in-house DOGE team to examine almost half a million contracts and grants in a bid to trim waste.
news.bloomberglaw.com
August 27, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The Pentagon is preparing for its in-house DOGE team to scrutinize over 400,000 open contracts, possibly cutting off thousands of contracts in an effort to echo Trump’s agenda.
news.bloomberglaw.com/federal-cont...
news.bloomberglaw.com/federal-cont...
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to freeze billions of dollars in foreign aid that Congress already appropriated, continuing the pattern of using emergency requests and Supreme Court appeals to expand presidential power.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow Freeze on Foreign Aid
www.nytimes.com
August 27, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to freeze billions of dollars in foreign aid that Congress already appropriated, continuing the pattern of using emergency requests and Supreme Court appeals to expand presidential power.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
DOGE workers uploaded a copy of a key Social Security database to a vulnerable cloud server, putting the private data of millions of Americans at extreme risk of being leaked or hacked.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
DOGE Put Critical Social Security Data at Risk, Whistle-Blower Says
www.nytimes.com
August 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM
DOGE workers uploaded a copy of a key Social Security database to a vulnerable cloud server, putting the private data of millions of Americans at extreme risk of being leaked or hacked.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...