Thursday, July 16, 2026
Jamie Raskin has authored 14 books--Copilot search results.
Jamie Raskin has authored at least 14 books, including political memoirs, legal analyses, and works on American democracy.
Jamie Raskin’s most notable books include Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy, which recounts his personal and professional experiences surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack and the loss of his son, as well as his role in the impeachment of President Trump Amazon.comAmazon.com. Other significant works include The Inflection Election: Democracy or Fascism in 2024? and Combined Pretrial Briefs in the Second Impeachment of Donald J. Trump GoodreadsGoodreads+1.
He has also authored books focused on constitutional law and civic education, such as Overruling Democracy: The Supreme Court versus the American People and We the Students: Supreme Court Cases For and About America’s Students Amazon.comAmazon.com. Additionally, Raskin has contributed to legal and political scholarship through works like Reply Memorandum of the United States House of Representatives in the Impeachment Trial of President Donald J. Trump: Prosecution Reply ThriftBooksThriftBooks.
Other titles in his bibliography include a mix of legal briefs, political commentary, and educational resources, totaling 14 works listed on Goodreads GoodreadsGoodreads. These books reflect his expertise as a constitutional law professor, legislator, and advocate for democratic principles.
Overall, Jamie Raskin’s publications cover American democracy, constitutional law, impeachment proceedings, and civic education, making them valuable resources for readers interested in law, politics, and contemporary U.S. history.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
From Wikipedia--Trump Impeachment-2.0
At the beginning of the trial, Senator Rand Paul forced a vote to dismiss the impeachment charge on the basis that it was unconstitutional to try a former president, arguing that impeachment only applies to current federal officers and that the punishment of removal from office was moot under the circumstances. Supporters of proceeding with the trial argued that the Constitution also permits disqualification from holding future office, which the House had requested in its article of impeachment. The motion was defeated in a 55–45 vote, with all Democrats, both independents, and five Republicans (Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania) voting against the motion.[60][61] This was the first time that a former president had been tried, and only the second time the Senate tried someone who had already left office, after Secretary of War William W. Belknap in 1876. Jamie Raskin was the lead impeachment manager and the primary author – along with Representative David Cicilline and Representative Ted Lieu – of the impeachment article, which charged Trump with inciting an insurrection by sparking the Capitol attack. Joaquin Castro, Eric Swalwell, Madeleine Dean, and Stacey Plaskett also assisted in delivering the oral arguments for conviction.
Trump's defense was led by Michael van der Veen, a personal injury lawyer from Philadelphia, along with David Schoen and Bruce Castor. Van der Veen's style and substance during the trial drew ridicule and criticism from many, with gasps and laughter in the Senate when he stated that he would seek to depose at least 100 people at his Philadelphia office, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris.[62][63] Trump had originally hired Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier to represent him, but they quit along with three other lawyers after "the former president wanted the lawyers representing him to focus on his allegations of mass election fraud" and his false claim that "the election was stolen from him."[64]
At the conclusion of the trial, the Senate voted 57–43 to convict Trump of inciting insurrection, falling 10 votes short of the two-thirds majority required by the Constitution, and Trump was therefore acquitted. Seven Republican senators joined all Democratic and independent senators in voting to convict Trump, the largest bipartisan vote for an impeachment conviction of a U.S. president or former U.S. president.[65][66] After the vote on the acquittal, Mitch McConnell said, "There's no question that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day."[67] but he voted against conviction due to his interpretation of the United States Constitution.[68]
What is impeachment--
Copilot Search Branding
Impeachment in the United States
Impeachment is a formal process by which a legislative body brings charges against a public official for serious misconduct, with the goal of removing them from office WikipediaWikipedia+1. In the U.S., it is a remedial, not punitive, measure — the only penalties are removal from office and, in some cases, disqualification from holding future federal office WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Constitutional Basis
The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2, Clause 5) grants the House of Representatives the sole power to impeach, and the Senate the sole power to try impeachments WikipediaWikipedia. Impeachable offenses are defined as “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors” BritannicaBritannica. Conviction in the Senate requires a two‑thirds majority vote for removal WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Federal Impeachment Process
Investigation & Articles of Impeachment – The House Judiciary Committee investigates and drafts articles (charges) against the official.
House Vote – The full House votes on the articles; a simple majority is enough to impeach USA GovUSA Gov.
Senate Trial – The Senate holds the trial, with the Chief Justice of the U.S. presiding if the official is the President or Vice President USA GovUSA Gov.
Conviction & Removal – Conviction removes the official from office; a simple majority vote in the Senate can bar them from future federal office WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Acquittal – If acquitted, the official remains in office.
Who Can Be Impeached
Federal impeachment applies to the President, Vice President, and all civil officers BritannicaBritannica. State and local governments may also have impeachment procedures for their officials WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Historical Context
First U.S. presidential impeachment trial: Andrew Johnson in 1868 WikipediaWikipedia.
Presidents impeached: Andrew Johnson (1868), Bill Clinton (1998), Donald Trump (2019 and 2021) USA GovUSA Gov+1.
Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the House could vote on articles USA GovUSA Gov.
Of all impeachments, only eight officials have been removed from office — all were federal judges USA GovUSA Gov.
Key Points
Impeachment is not a criminal trial; the official can still face criminal charges after removal WikipediaWikipedia.
It is reserved for serious abuses of office and requires supermajority thresholds WikipediaWikipedia.
The process is political and nonjusticiable — courts cannot review the validity of an impeachment trial WikipediaWikipedia.
In short, impeachment is a constitutional safeguard to hold high‑office holders accountable for misconduct, with removal as the only guaranteed consequence WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Protections of Members of Congress--
Copilot Search Branding
Protections for Members of Congress
Members of Congress enjoy a range of constitutional and statutory protections designed to preserve legislative independence, ensure free debate, and support their official duties.
1. Speech or Debate Clause Immunity
Under Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution, members are shielded from being prosecuted or questioned in any court or place outside Congress for speeches, debates, or votes taken in the course of their legislative duties lawshun.comlawshun.com. This immunity is intended to protect robust debate and prevent retaliation for political disagreements. It does not protect criminal conduct or actions taken outside official duties thelegalguide.orgthelegalguide.org+1.
2. Limited Arrest Immunity
Members cannot be arrested during sessions of Congress for non-violent offenses, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace lawshun.comlawshun.com+1. They are also exempt from jury duty and certain legal processes while in session or traveling to/from Congress lawshun.comlawshun.com.
3. Witness Immunity
Members cannot be compelled to testify in legal proceedings about legislative acts while Congress is in session lawshun.comlawshun.com.
4. Franking Privilege
They can send official mail and communications to constituents without postage, using a signature or facsimile as proof. This supports outreach and casework, but political campaign-related mail is excluded thelegalguide.orgthelegalguide.org.
5. Compensation and Benefits
Members receive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and staff budgets. They may also have allowances for travel, office maintenance, and technology support thelegalguide.orgthelegalguide.org+1.
6. Capitol Police Protection
The Capitol Police Board can authorize the U.S. Capitol Police to provide protection to members, officers of Congress, and their immediate families if deemed necessary LII / Legal Information InstituteLII / Legal Information Institute. This includes the authority to make warrantless arrests for certain offenses in their presence or for felonies with reasonable grounds LII / Legal Information InstituteLII / Legal Information Institute.
7. Scope Limitations
These protections apply only to actions taken in the course of legislative duties. Members remain subject to criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, and congressional ethics investigations for non-legislative conduct lawshun.comlawshun.com.
In summary, members of Congress are protected from legal liability for official legislative acts, have limited arrest immunity, enjoy free speech protections, and receive resources and security to perform their duties, but these protections do not shield them from accountability for personal or non-legislative actions.
end
Monday, July 13, 2026
Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.
Copilot Search Branding
Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States
Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States is a landmark work of social history that reimagines American history from the perspective of ordinary people rather than political elites. First published in 1980, it has since sold over four million copies in English and been translated into more than a dozen languages Howard ZinnHoward Zinn.
Core Approach
Zinn’s method is to tell history “from the bottom up” — focusing on the experiences of women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers Howard ZinnHoward Zinn+1. He challenges the traditional “great men” narrative of U.S. history, emphasizing grassroots movements and the struggles of marginalized groups.
Themes and Content
The book covers the period from Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492 through the Clinton administration, analyzing pivotal events such as:
The Civil Rights Movement and fights for racial equality
Labor rights — fair wages, the eight-hour workday, child labor laws, health and safety standards Women’s rights and universal suffrage Anti-war movements, especially against the Vietnam War Immigrant rights and resistance to imperialism Howard ZinnHoward Zinn+1 Zinn shows how many of the nation’s most important victories were achieved through mass mobilization and sustained resistance against powerful opposition. Style and Impact Known for lively, clear prose and scholarly research, the book is accessible to both students and general readers. It has been widely used in classrooms to broaden historical perspectives and is praised for its ability to bridge generations Howard ZinnHoward Zinn+1. Legacy The 35th anniversary edition (2015) includes a new introduction by Anthony Arnove, who notes that Zinn’s work fundamentally changed how millions think about history, but that it was shaped by his active involvement in social movements during the 1960s–1970s Howard ZinnHoward Zinn+1. The book has appeared in popular media, including The Sopranos, The Simpsons, Good Will Hunting, and the History Channel documentary The People Speak Howard ZinnHoward Zinn+1. Why It Matters A People’s History of the United States remains a critical resource for understanding U.S. history through the voices of those often excluded from mainstream narratives, making it essential reading for anyone interested in democracy, justice, and the role of ordinary people in shaping the nation’s past.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny--comments on movie Supergirl--
Because the makers of this film were so careless in the plotting, they cannot have seen that carelessness is the center of their story.
We are meant to understand Supergirl as an anti-hero; but she isn’t; she’s a slob who mindlessly endangers herself and others. An anti-hero is someone who represents virtues that are in tension with the established order; it is not someone who is just unhappy and who, when the stars align, can beat up everyone else.
The Athenians who gave us the notion of tragedy believed that art allowed us to see a flaw in others and thereby recognize the possibility of unseen flaws in our own character; we should therefore be careful in our judgements, because the reality of freedom depends upon the practice of self-criticism.
Later, in their decadence, the Greeks gave way to the idea that everything was written in the stars, that gods and heroes rise or fall with this heavenly body or that. Gilbert Murray called this the “failure of nerve.” We are meant to be joyous when the yellow sun emerges, but should we celebrate our submission to careless powers?
Upgrade to paid
Share
PS: Please also see my positive review of Superman).
PPS: Next week, likely Wednesday July 15th, will see the rollout of the public version of my University of Toronto course “Hitler and Stalin Today.” The ten-lecture class will be accessible free of charge to anyone around the world.
You're currently a free subscriber to Thinking about.... For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
end
Wow--Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor in Chief of The Atlantic--fromWikipedia
Many years after his first trip to Israel as a 13-year-old, he became a dual Israeli citizen. Goldberg recalled the sense of empowerment he felt Israel embodied.[9] In a 2013 interview with the Washingtonian, he said he had decided to give up his Israeli citizenship, saying that "If Israel goes much further down the road I think it’s on and becomes more of a theocratic, totalitarian-style state [...] how could the liberal-minded American Jew support that?"[7]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Goldberg
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Literary agents accepting romance novels. Write it first, make it the best you can-.
Copilot Search Branding
There are numerous literary agents actively seeking romance manuscripts across various subgenres, from contemporary and historical to paranormal and romantic suspense.
Notable Literary Agencies and Agents
Folio Literary Management (New York City, US) represents romance among other genres and prefers email submissions. They have worked with authors like Julie Murphy and Laura Sebastian ReedsyReedsy. Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC (San Diego, US) handles romance and women’s fiction, with clients including Kate Quinn and Jennifer L. Armentrout ReedsyReedsy. BookEnds Literary Agency (Newark, US) accepts romance submissions through QueryManager and focuses on character-driven stories ReedsyReedsy. Spencerhill Associates features agents such as Ali Herring, Nalini Akolekar, Amanda Leuck, and Sandy Harding, who represent contemporary, historical, paranormal, and inspirational romance TCK PublishingTCK Publishing. Irene Goodman Literary Agency agent Whitney Ross specializes in romance and has extensive editorial experience Writing Tips OasisWriting Tips Oasis. RF Agency agent Rebecca Friedman represents commercial fiction and contemporary romance Writing Tips OasisWriting Tips Oasis. Nelson Literary Agency agent Kristin Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency agent Kevan Lyon, and Bradford Literary Agency agent Laura Bradford are also --cut off accidentally
Literary agents accepting poetry submissions--
Copilot Search Branding
Several literary agents are currently accepting poetry submissions, offering guidance and representation for poets seeking traditional publication.
Finding Poetry Agents
Working with a literary agent is often the most effective route to traditional publication, especially for debut poets, as most major publishers do not accept unsolicited submissions. Agents not only help you get your manuscript in front of publishers but also provide editorial guidance to refine your work and navigate the publishing process ReedsyReedsy.
Notable Agents Accepting Poetry Submissions
Some literary agents currently open to poetry submissions include:
Joy Harris – Works with literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and poetry. Submission guidelines are available on her website TCK PublishingTCK Publishing.
Sorche Fairbank – Interested in literary fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and children’s books, including poetry TCK PublishingTCK Publishing.
Jenni Ferrari-Adler – Agent at Union Literary, open to literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, with some interest in poetry TCK PublishingTCK Publishing.
Deborah Ritchken – Focuses on lifestyle, women’s issues, biography, and fiction, occasionally considering poetry TCK PublishingTCK Publishing.
For a more comprehensive list, Reedsy provides a directory of literary agents seeking poetry submissions in 2026, which can be filtered by genre, location, and other preferences ReedsyReedsy.
Tips for Submitting to Agents
Research Each Agent – Study their manuscript wishlist and previous publications to ensure your poetry aligns with their interests.
Personalize Your Query Letter – Tailor your submission letter to each agent, highlighting why your work fits their portfolio.
Follow Submission Guidelines – Adhere strictly to formatting, sample length, and method of submission as specified by the agent.
Prepare a Cohesive Manuscript – Most agents prefer a complete, polished manuscript, typically 48–100 pages for poetry collections adeptghostwriting.comadeptghostwriting.com.
Alternative Routes
If you are also considering publishers directly, many poetry presses accept submissions without an agent, including Red Hen Press and Copper Canyon Press, which run open submission periods and contests Rafal ReyzerRafal Reyzer. University presses like University of Pittsburgh Press and Yale University Press also offer competitions for debut poets adeptghostwriting.comadeptghostwriting.com.
By combining agent research with careful manuscript preparation and adherence to submission guidelines, poets can signuthors
Top poetry literary agencies
End post
Temporary seasonal agricultural US Visas.
Well--allow them in or no strawberries, blueberries, apples, raspberries, lettuce, salad greens etc.
Expect farmers to come dump their spoiled produce in front of the WH or Mar a Lago.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/one-us-visa-program-is-growing-rapidly-no-one-is-happy-with-it/ar-AA27FcNg?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Cyclosporiasis warning--from food or water contamnated with feces.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-cyclosporiasis-outbreak?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
US extends Temporary Protected Status to immigrants inclduding from Myanmar--
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-extends-work-permits-haitians-other-immigrants-with-temporary-protected-2026-07-10/
Most might be working in low paid jobs or in Amazon fulfilment centers.
From NY Times--
Mexican officials said on Thursday they planned to file criminal complaints in the United States over the deaths of several Mexican nationals during immigration operations, in the nation’s most confrontational protest yet against President Trump’s immigration policies.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/10/world/americas/mexico-criminal-complaints-immigration-deaths-usa.html
Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Mexico’s foreign affairs minister, announced the move in a news conference on Thursday, two days after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a Mexican man who had lived and worked for decades in the United States and was trying to obtain legal residency.
Mr. Velasco said Mexico would file the complaints with U.S. state prosecutors and the U.S. Department of Justice, requesting criminal investigations into the deaths of 14 Mexican citizens in immigration detention centers and of three others during enforcement raids under the current administration.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not deny Mexico’s tally of its citizens who have died in the department’s custody, but rejected accusations that migrant deaths have spiked since Mr. Trump returned to office. The U.S. Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment.
Friday, July 10, 2026
Thursday, July 09, 2026
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)