Mar 06 2025 85 mins 43
What if the very pillars of American democracy are being shaken right before our eyes? Join me and our insightful guest, Elijah Emery, a law student with a keen eye for constitutional intricacies, as we explore the Trump administration's contentious policy decisions that challenge the core principles of U.S. constitutional law. We start with the audacious attempt to eliminate birthright citizenship, which stands in stark opposition to the 14th Amendment and established Supreme Court rulings.
The episode explores the constitutional implications of Trump's recent executive actions, focusing on birthright citizenship, impoundment issues, and the firing of civil servants. With concerns rising about a possible constitutional crisis, the discussion emphasizes the need for vigilance among citizens to uphold democratic norms.
• Exploring Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship
• Analyzing the constitutional challenges of impoundment
• Discussing firings of civil officials and their implications
• The role of the judiciary in maintaining constitutional integrity
• Reflections on historical parallels to previous political crises
• Concerns over labor rights and the impact of executive policies
• The importance of civic engagement in safeguarding democracy
As we move through the tumultuous landscape of executive power, we examine how the reliance on executive orders has reshaped U.S. politics since World War II. From DACA to marijuana legalization, the dynamic interplay between state and federal laws reveals a government grappling with its constitutional limits. Elijah and I scrutinize the Supreme Court's pivotal role in this arena, pondering whether ideological leanings sway judicial decisions. The conversation touches on potential executive overreach and the evolving balance of power, painting a picture of a nation at a constitutional crossroads.
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan
