The Second Amendment, as Applied
Just 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.
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
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.
After Kansas City, Who is Next?
/91 Comments/in Culture, Football, Guns/by PeterrI knew yesterday was going to be weird, with the mix of Valentine’s Day, Ash Wednesday, and the Chiefs celebration. And then it got worse.
On the Skewering of Self-Promoters Who are Filled with Misplaced Self-Importance
/139 Comments/in Culture, poetry and satire/by PeterrThrough and through th’ inspir’d leaves,
Ye maggots, make your windings;
But O respect his lordship’s taste,
And spare his golden bindings.
The Christmas Story is a Very Political Story
/44 Comments/in Gaza, Israel, Religion/by PeterrI know that title will irritate many, especially on the theological and political right, but don’t get angry with me. Get angry with Luke. Luke’s story is built around contrasts, and those contrasts begin with the Roman Emperor Augustus. You don’t get more political than starting your story like this: In those days a decree […]
The House GOP is not Pining for the Fjords
/102 Comments/in Congress, Republicans/by PeterrThe House GOP is not pining for the fjords. It has kicked the bucket, shuffled off this mortal coil, rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-party.