Lessons from Red States on How to Push Back
For many, last week’s election was a paralyzing shock. But progressives in red states have proven that it is possible to push back against MAGA — and win.
Author Archive for: Peterr
About Peterr
I'm a Lutheran pastor with a bachelors degree in math and economics to go with a masters and Ph.D. in religion. Like Marcy and others here at Emptywheel, I've got a lot of experience in the close reading of various texts, whether religious texts, legal opinions, political speeches, or governmental regulations. Years ago, before it was a dirty word, I was an intern at the State Department. While my career path took me into the ministry rather than the Foreign Service, I continue to follow the ins and outs of international affairs. For several years, I also regularly blogged at Firedoglake on religion and politics, foreign affairs, and just about anything else that caught my attention, and am delighted to return to blogging here at Emptywheel.
Entries by Peterr
The Mixed Emotions of November 9th
/34 Comments/in 2024 Presidential Election, Foreign Policy, Intelligence, Russo-Ukrainian War, State Department/by PeterrFrom the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 to Kristallnacht in 1938 to the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, November 9th brings very mixed emotions. On this November 9th, they are being mixed once more.
Tonight’s Jam Session at King David’s House of Song
/46 Comments/in 2024 Election, 2024 Presidential Election/by PeterrTonight, up in heaven, along the banks of the River of Life, there’s a local watering hole called King David’s House of Song. It’s a full house, with folks laughing and smiling as they watch the television screens reporting the results of the US elections.
Batting Down Election-Day Conspiracy Theories
/141 Comments/in 2024 Election, 2024 Presidential Election/by PeterrAs the voters stream to the polls today, as workers at precincts around the country welcome voters to cast their ballots, as state and county election officials prepare for the counting that will take place, it is incumbent on us at EW to shoot down rumors of conspiracies flying around on this momentous day.
The Second Amendment, as Applied
/77 Comments/in 2024 Presidential Election, Federal Courts, Guns, SCOTUS/by PeterrJust as the Alito-authored Dobbs spawned a host of ugly laws, regulations, and ripple effects across the country, the Thomas-authored Bruen is now doing the same. Welcome to the Federalist Society Judicial System.
On This Fourth of July, We Have to Sing
/67 Comments/in 2024 Election, 2024 Presidential Election, Music/by PeterrThe Fourth of July is a day of rest, because the Fifth of July is coming. Just ask Frederick Douglass and Paul Simon.
There are Heroes, and Then There are Heroes
/77 Comments/in Gaza, Israel, War/by PeterrMemorial Day often lifts up heroes like Medal of Honor recipients, but there are others whose service was even more heroic, like Hugh Thompson, Jr., Glenn Andreotta, and Lawrence Colburn.
Trials of Insurrectionists are Not Simply an American Thing
/42 Comments/in January 6 Insurrection, Terrorism/by PeterrWhile we in the US are focused on Trump’s trials and other Jan 6-related cases, take a look at the Reichsbürger trials unfolding in Germany.
King John Would Like a Word with Justice Alito
/61 Comments/in 2020 Presidential Election, January 6 Insurrection, Law, SCOTUS, Trump Administration/by PeterrThere’s originalism, and then there’s original originalism. Justice Alito, let me introduce you to John, by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou.
A New King Arose Who Did Not Know Moses
/105 Comments/in Gaza, Israel, Religion/by PeterrIn the book of Exodus, God told Moses and the Israelites “Remember that you were a slave in Egypt.” Bibi Netanyahu and his allies have apparently forgotten.