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3-Minute Civics: Where is the democracy in America?
In which branch of our national government does our democracy truly live? The answer is certainly not the Supreme Court. Justices don’t run for office, and they serve until they die or choose to retire (only one ever faced impeachment, more than 200 years ago, and the Senate refused to remove him). There is a […]
3-Minute Civics: Partisanship and local politics don’t mix
The problem with “the new normal” is that I quite seem to have forgotten what normal really feels like. I’ve served in local politics for the last three years, and so much has changed in that time. Between the economy, politics, and pandemic, there are so many more visible and invisible tripwires scattered throughout the […]
3-Minute Civics: Presidents, justices, and just presidents
“He was only president for one term, but he changed the balance of the Supreme Court for the next generation. How is that allowed?” I recently heard this comment regarding President Donald Trump’s court appointments. And I think we can all understand where it’s coming from. Supreme Court justices serve virtually for as long as […]
3-Minute Civics: The jury is still out
“You’ve been selected for jury duty.” For some, it’s a thrilling opportunity for vital community participation. For others, it’s the worst news they’ll ever receive from a court. Of course, “You are hereby charged with the following crimes” is a far more chilling phrase, and thanks to the Sixth Amendment, these two statements will forever […]
3-Minute Civics: Tinker Tailor Teacher Spy
Free speech in schools has dominated the news lately throughout the “Live Free or Die” state. This column recently presented perspectives on the “divisive concepts” legislation signed by Gov. Chris Sununu on June 25, permitting a teacher to be disciplined and sued for teaching, among other things, that racism or sexism are inherent qualities. And […]