Showing posts with label law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label law. Show all posts

Friday, May 1, 2026

Happy National Law Day

Law Day, celebrated annually on May 1 in the United States, is a national observance established in 1958 by President Eisenhower to honor the rule of law, the legal system, and the rights and liberties it protects. It highlights the importance of the justice system in protecting freedoms and upholding democracy, as well as promoting a deeper understanding of the rule of law and its role in society.

The sponsors of Law Day, the American Bar Association say:
"The 2026 Law Day theme is 'The Rule of Law and the American Dream.' The rule of law—the idea that NO PERSON is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. The ABA encourages all Americans to recognize Law Day on May 1, 2026, and to reflect on how the rule of law ensures all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams."


Considering the current political climate in these former United States of America, these ideas feel especially urgent. Ongoing crises about executive power, judicial independence, election integrity, and the limits of governmental authority have brought constitutional principles into everyday conversation. But seemingly few truly understand the actual Constitution or the historical intent behind it.

Whether the issue involves decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States, actions taken by Congress, or investigations involving public officials, the core question is often the same: Are laws being applied fairly, consistently, and without favoritism? Law Day serves as a reminder—and a rallying cry—that the stability of American democracy depends not on who holds power at a given moment, but on the enduring commitment to the Constitution and equal justice under law.

"The rule of law is not a given in this Nation, nor any other. It is a precept of our democracy that will endure only if those brave enough in every branch fight for its survival."
--Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor


https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/law-day/

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Just finished reading...

"Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy" by Joyce Vance (a Distinguished Professor of the Practice of Law at The University of Alabama, and former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama from 2009 to 2017 appointed by Obama).


A friend of mine gave me her copy of this uplifting book to read, saying that she found it to be a helpful antidote to the fear and disappointment many of us in the former United States of America are living with. And she was right, it was wonderful to be reminded that the government is not broken, the principles are not broken, Congress is not broken, the Supreme Court is not broken, the office of the President is not broken, the concept of Democracy itself is not broken...these things remain whole, innocent, waiting to be used in an ethical, moral way. It is some of the people within these positions and institutions that are broken. The bedrock is intact. But we the people have the power and obligation to remove and replace the broken ones with those who believe in the Constitution, Democracy, and the ideals of what we can continue to achieve as a Nation.

The book's blurb says:

We’re in this together.

For the past several years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, "Civil Discourse", with these four words. In that time, she has guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the constitutionally calamitous beginning to the second Trump administration. Here, Vance offers a blueprint for avoiding burnout and despair, and for strengthening our democratic muscle.

Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance’s message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history— and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively.

Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.

Recommend? Yes, it is a wonderful, easy read: six succinct chapters allow her to make her case and outline a paradigm. If you could use some fortification against the daily onslaught of vicious cruelty and ineptitude, buy a copy and read carefully!

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/801635/giving-up-is-unforgivable-by-joyce-vance/
https://joycevance.substack.com/

Saturday, September 9, 2023

"A house in disarray..."

The foundations and libraries of thirteen former United States Presidents across all political spectrums have banded together to issue an urgent--and much needed--call to action, urging leaders and citizens across the United States to model our nation’s democratic principles. Read the entire, moving statement below:

The unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, are principles that bind us together as Americans. They have enabled the United States to strive toward a more perfect union, even when we have not always lived up to those ideals.

As a diverse nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, democracy holds us together. We are a country rooted in the rule of law, where the protection of the rights of all people is paramount. At the same time, we live among our fellow citizens, underscoring the importance of compassion, tolerance, pluralism, and respect for others.

We, the undersigned, represent a wide range of views across a breadth of issues. We recognize that these views can exist peaceably side by side when rooted in the principles of democracy. Debate and disagreement are central features in a healthy democracy. Civility and respect in political discourse, whether in an election year or otherwise, are essential.

Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and respect for human rights around the world because free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home. But that interest is undermined when others see our own house in disarray. The world will not wait for us to address our problems, so we must both continue to strive toward a more perfect union and help those abroad looking for U.S. leadership.

Each of us has a role to play and responsibilities to uphold. Our elected officials must lead by example and govern effectively in ways that deliver for the American people. This, in turn, will help to restore trust in public service. The rest of us must engage in civil dialogue; respect democratic institutions and rights; uphold safe, secure, and accessible elections; and contribute to local, state, or national improvement.

By signing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy undergirding this great nation, protecting our freedom, and respecting our fellow citizens. When united by these convictions, America is stronger as a country and an inspiration for others.

Obama Presidential Center
George W. Bush Presidential Center
Clinton Foundation
George & Barbara Bush Foundation
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute
The Carter Center
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Richard Nixon Foundation
LBJ Foundation
John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Truman Library Institute
Roosevelt Institute
Hoover Presidential Foundation


https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/reaffirming-americans-commitment-to-a-more-perfect-union

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Congratulations, Arizona!

Congratulations, Arizona! You are the 31st state in the United States to legalize marriage equality! Good for you! There's no stopping it now, and no good argument for continuing to deny humans a right that so many others have.


CONGRATULATIONS, ARIZONA!

Monday, October 6, 2014

Congratulations Virginia, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin, and Indiana!

The Supreme Court of the Unites States this morning left intact lower court rulings reversing bans on marriage equality in Virginia, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin, and Indiana!


Because of this legal action (or "non-ruling"), we could soon be joined by North Carolina, West Virginia, South Carolina, Wyoming, Kansas, and Colorado, bringing the total of states where marriage equality exists to 30!

And on a personal note, I will tell you that I got married this summer--we had our ceremony in the south of France--and although we have been together for many years under what would be considered a "domestic partnership," it feels different, better, being actually, legally married. Domestic partnerships are NOT the same. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Welcome Virginia, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin, and Indiana...and congratulations!

Monday, May 19, 2014

Congratulations, Oregon!

Today U.S. District Judge Michael McShane overturned a gay marriage ban in Oregon, and rejected the pathetic attempts of the hateful National Organization for Marriage to interfere with his ruling. While it is possible that McShane's decision may be challenged in court, it is not seen as likely (which is why I have not posted any congratulations for recent states who overturned similar bans because, as usual, bigots stepped in to try to inflict their prejudices on the rest of us).


Another victory for justice, equality, and common sense.

CONGRATULATIONS, OREGON!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Congratulations, Utah!


Utah (of all places!) becomes the 18th state in the United States to legalize same sex marriage. Of course the opposition is going to try to take away this civil right by inflicting their own peculiar religious beliefs on others who do not share them, so we will see how long it lasts. But for now, be proud and...
...congratulations, Utah!

Congratulations, New Mexico!


New Mexico is now the 17th state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriages.

Congratulations, New Mexico!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Congratulations, Hawaii!


Finally, Hawaii has legalized same-sex marriage! The Hawaiian state Senate today passed a bill allowing gay men and women to be married on the islands beginning December 2nd, 2013! The vote: 19 - 4 in favor! The islands become the 16th state (counting the District of Columbia--which, I know, is technically not a state, blah blah blah) to legally allow gay unions.

CONGRATULATIONS, HAWAII!!!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Congratulations, Ilinois!

Illinois is the 15th state (well, the 14th plus the District of Columbia) in the United States of America to legalize same sex marriage!


CONGRATULATIONS, ILLINOIS!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Congratulations, Delaware!

Delaware today became the 11th state in the United States to legalize gay marriage!


CONGRATULATIONS, DELAWARE!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Congratulations, Rhode Island!

Rhode Island is the last state in New England and the tenth state in the United States to legalize gay marriage!



CONGRATULATIONS, RHODE ISLAND!

Only 40 more to go...

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Congratulations, France!

Today, France became the world's fourteenth nation to approve marriage rights for same-sex couples. The lower house of the French Parliament passed the "marriage for all" law, sponsored by President Hollande, by a vote of 331 to 225. Although spiteful protests continue--even after the law has won--from the hateful far right and the unhinged Radical Christian Agenda along with fear-filled Jews and Muslims, this is certainly a time to celebrate.


Congratulations, France!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

And the good news just keeps coming...


...Gay marriage wins in Washington state! R-74 prevails along with fairness and equality.

It is laughable and predictable to hear the anti-gay foes of marriage equality claim that they lost because they were simply outspent in fundraising and advertising. They apparently can't contemplate the idea that they were simply wrong. What they fail to realize is: allowing someone to have a right that you yourself enjoy does not in any way diminish or harm that right for you.

Congratulations Washington!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

And even more good news!

Marriage equality WON in Maryland and Maine! It is the first time in United States history that marriage equality has been approved by popular vote on a ballot measure. I have renewed faith.

This is indeed a great moment.



Images via Joe Jervis' ever-informative and valuable site Joe.My.God.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Congratulations, Maryland!


Maryland today became the EIGHTH state in the United States of America to legally allow same-sex marriages. Congratulations Maryland! Be proud.

Only 42 to go...

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Congratulations, Washington!

Today, Washington state became the seventh state in the union to legalize same-sex marriage. It's events like this that make me proud, and encouraged that the ugly anti-gay, hate-filled Radical Christian Agenda tide is on the decline while more and more people realize that this is about decency and human rights for their family, friends, neighbors, and those in their community.



ROBERT SORBO/REUTERS - Washington state Rep. Jamie Pedersen addresses the house during debate on a bill that he co-sponsored that would legalize gay marriage in the state.

Only forty-three states to go--and we here in California will be joining very soon!