Ed Walker
@edwalker.bsky.social
I read a lot of books, Some of them are interesting enough to write about at emptywheel.net. Retired lawyer. Currently reading The Ethics Of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir.
Avatar: detail from Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden by Masaccio.
Avatar: detail from Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden by Masaccio.
Pinned
There are three things you need to learn from your media engagements:
1. Am I or my family in danger?
2. How can I help people who are in danger?
3. Who is on my side?
Once you've answered those questions, you can safely sign out in order to protect your blood pressure and your sanity.
1. Am I or my family in danger?
2. How can I help people who are in danger?
3. Who is on my side?
Once you've answered those questions, you can safely sign out in order to protect your blood pressure and your sanity.
I thought it was bad to authorize an FBI person to leak stuff. Or is that only if it's Comey?
This is the third newsroom (at least) with an FBI leak about the suspect being a Trump supporter. Seems some FBI folks — presumably not the political hires —are very eager to get this out there.
BREAKING on MS NOW:
Brian Cole Jr., the suspect accused of being the Jan. 6 pipe bomber, confessed to agents that he planted the bombs and has indicated he supported President Trump, according to two people familiar with his interview.
Brian Cole Jr., the suspect accused of being the Jan. 6 pipe bomber, confessed to agents that he planted the bombs and has indicated he supported President Trump, according to two people familiar with his interview.
December 5, 2025 at 9:04 PM
I thought it was bad to authorize an FBI person to leak stuff. Or is that only if it's Comey?
@parkermolloy.com has an excellent discussion of the targeting of a trans teacher at Oklahoma Univ.
This is about Oklahoma politics and bigotry, not academics, as Parker says. OU is MAGA U with a football team. open.substack.com/pub/readtpa/...
This is about Oklahoma politics and bigotry, not academics, as Parker says. OU is MAGA U with a football team. open.substack.com/pub/readtpa/...
Same Script, Different Target
A trans instructor in Oklahoma gave a bad essay the grade it deserved. What happened next follows a formula the right has perfected.
open.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:56 PM
@parkermolloy.com has an excellent discussion of the targeting of a trans teacher at Oklahoma Univ.
This is about Oklahoma politics and bigotry, not academics, as Parker says. OU is MAGA U with a football team. open.substack.com/pub/readtpa/...
This is about Oklahoma politics and bigotry, not academics, as Parker says. OU is MAGA U with a football team. open.substack.com/pub/readtpa/...
Reposted by Ed Walker
there is no more shared reality. www.cnn.com/2025/12/04/p...
December 5, 2025 at 3:17 AM
there is no more shared reality. www.cnn.com/2025/12/04/p...
Looking for greater fools.
House Republicans so captured by Private Equity & Crypto that they want to override a 9-0 Supreme Court decision protecting 401(k)s.
commonsense401kproject.com/2025/11/29/r...
commonsense401kproject.com/2025/11/29/r...
Rep. Randy Fine files bill to force Private Equity, Annuities and Crypto into 401(k)s
Why Rep. Randy Fine’s ERISA Bill Looks Like a Gift to Private Equity, Annuities, Crypto. In April 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down one of the most consequential ERISA decisions in decades: …
commonsense401kproject.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Looking for greater fools.
All Repub pitches are strikes.
All Dem pitches are low and away.
All Dem pitches are low and away.
December 5, 2025 at 3:30 AM
All Repub pitches are strikes.
All Dem pitches are low and away.
All Dem pitches are low and away.
Reposted by Ed Walker
No one could’ve predicted that putting a lot of Opus Dei weirdos on the Supreme Court would end our democracy
December 4, 2025 at 11:52 PM
No one could’ve predicted that putting a lot of Opus Dei weirdos on the Supreme Court would end our democracy
Reposted by Ed Walker
what I find deeply idiotic is the idea that a state has a meaningful interest in the integrity of its congressional districts. I don't fucking care what the legislature wanted. the STATE OF TEXAS wouldn't suffer "irreparable harm" if its gerrymander wasn't used. what the fuck are you talking about.
December 5, 2025 at 12:20 AM
what I find deeply idiotic is the idea that a state has a meaningful interest in the integrity of its congressional districts. I don't fucking care what the legislature wanted. the STATE OF TEXAS wouldn't suffer "irreparable harm" if its gerrymander wasn't used. what the fuck are you talking about.
Reposted by Ed Walker
Kagan: “this Court’s eagerness to playact a district court here has serious consequence.”
Yes.
Yes.
December 5, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Kagan: “this Court’s eagerness to playact a district court here has serious consequence.”
Yes.
Yes.
Reposted by Ed Walker
I will complain all day everyday about the state of discovery in criminal law, but I will also affirm that even in its totally inequitable state, the discovery on these cases where it looks like the White House is messing around is going to be FASCINATING
I was told by a reporter in October that the White House was looking to prosecute me because I stood against their inhumane agenda.
Days later, they did exactly that.
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Days later, they did exactly that.
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Broadview conspiracy defendants want to see if White House played a role in their case
A significant legal battle appears to be brewing in the case of six people facing federal charges tied to protests outside an immigration facility in Broadview.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:31 AM
I will complain all day everyday about the state of discovery in criminal law, but I will also affirm that even in its totally inequitable state, the discovery on these cases where it looks like the White House is messing around is going to be FASCINATING
Reposted by Ed Walker
The President of the U.S. and the Secretary of Defense are engaged in wholly unlawful killings in Caribbean waters.
The President, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General have been directing kidnappings in DC.
The Roberts Court will do nothing to stop either.
The President, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General have been directing kidnappings in DC.
The Roberts Court will do nothing to stop either.
December 5, 2025 at 1:47 AM
The President of the U.S. and the Secretary of Defense are engaged in wholly unlawful killings in Caribbean waters.
The President, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General have been directing kidnappings in DC.
The Roberts Court will do nothing to stop either.
The President, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General have been directing kidnappings in DC.
The Roberts Court will do nothing to stop either.
Reposted by Ed Walker
The Finance Committee voted unanimously to advance this proposal to the full Chicago City Council on Dec. 10.
If approved, it would bring the total amount spent by taxpayers in 2025 to compensate those wrongfully convicted to $204.6 million, according to a @wttw.bsky.social news analysis.
If approved, it would bring the total amount spent by taxpayers in 2025 to compensate those wrongfully convicted to $204.6 million, according to a @wttw.bsky.social news analysis.
Pay $15.4M to Man Who Spent 33 Years in Prison for Double Murder He Didn’t Commit: City Lawyers
If approved, it would bring the total amount spent by taxpayers in 2025 to compensate those wrongfully convicted based on evidence developed by Chicago police officers to $204.6 million, according to ...
news.wttw.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:05 PM
The Finance Committee voted unanimously to advance this proposal to the full Chicago City Council on Dec. 10.
If approved, it would bring the total amount spent by taxpayers in 2025 to compensate those wrongfully convicted to $204.6 million, according to a @wttw.bsky.social news analysis.
If approved, it would bring the total amount spent by taxpayers in 2025 to compensate those wrongfully convicted to $204.6 million, according to a @wttw.bsky.social news analysis.
"Three of the five worst harvests on record have now occurred since 2020, "
Which caused more inflation: this or Brexit?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Which caused more inflation: this or Brexit?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK farmers lose £800m after heat and drought cause one of worst harvests on record
Many now concerned about ability to make living in fast-changing climate after one of worst grain harvests recorded
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:33 PM
"Three of the five worst harvests on record have now occurred since 2020, "
Which caused more inflation: this or Brexit?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Which caused more inflation: this or Brexit?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I keep seeing references to the "far left", e.g. Tim Alberta in The Atlantic: Josh Shapiro "confronted a surge of anti-Semitism from the far right and far left alike....". I can name far-right people.
Can someone name a person who is "far left"?
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Can someone name a person who is "far left"?
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Operator
Josh Shapiro has spent his life preparing to lead an America that might no longer exist.
www.theatlantic.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I keep seeing references to the "far left", e.g. Tim Alberta in The Atlantic: Josh Shapiro "confronted a surge of anti-Semitism from the far right and far left alike....". I can name far-right people.
Can someone name a person who is "far left"?
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Can someone name a person who is "far left"?
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
There is no statute of limitations on murder.
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Pete Hegseth Should Be Charged With Murder
No matter how you look at the strikes on alleged “drug boats”—as acts of war or attacks on civilians—Hegseth has committed a crime and should be prosecuted.
www.thenation.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:44 PM
There is no statute of limitations on murder.
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Reposted by Ed Walker
Hard same
December 3, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Hard same
Reposted by Ed Walker
This article ignores the role of debt imposed on hospitals involved in private equity or otherwise. If hospitals weren't financial vehicles for the filthy rich failure would be much less likely.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/01/b...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/01/b...
Massachusetts hospitals are already strained. With Medicaid cuts, some could face financial ruin. - The Boston Globe
The loss of so many federal dollars will exact the greatest toll on "safety-net" hospitals, experts say, with some possibly even facing bankruptcy.
www.bostonglobe.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM
This article ignores the role of debt imposed on hospitals involved in private equity or otherwise. If hospitals weren't financial vehicles for the filthy rich failure would be much less likely.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/01/b...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/01/b...
Reposted by Ed Walker
And about that "restored" funding, that all depends on who you are
IOW if you are a white man doing basic cell bio research your funds are frozen but NU is supporting you; if you are a Black woman studying health disparities your funds were probably canceled and NU laid off your team
December 1, 2025 at 2:46 PM
And about that "restored" funding, that all depends on who you are
Reposted by Ed Walker
Damn.
Department of Defense Law of War Manual, Sec. 18.3.2.1 states the "requirement" to refuse illegal orders.
What’s its key example? Wait for it . . . It’s "orders to fire upon the shipwrecked."
What’s its key example? Wait for it . . . It’s "orders to fire upon the shipwrecked."
December 1, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Damn.
Good Luck NOLA, as the CPB Storm approaches. You protect yourselves from hurricanes, you can handle them!
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
‘His word means nothing’: Dismissed case reveals dishonesty of Border Patrol commander, protester says
Cole Sheridan was charged with assaulting Gregory Bovino in Broadview, but prosecutors tossed the case after a video appeared to contradict Bovino’s account. Several similar cases have been dismissed ...
chicago.suntimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Good Luck NOLA, as the CPB Storm approaches. You protect yourselves from hurricanes, you can handle them!
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Hey New Orleans, three things:
1. Talk to LA, Chicago, New York.
2. Get whistles NOW! Don't wait for the goons to arrive.
3. Lawyers: read Judge Ellis' opinion. It outlines tactics and use of violence so you can prepare your clients.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/30/n...
1. Talk to LA, Chicago, New York.
2. Get whistles NOW! Don't wait for the goons to arrive.
3. Lawyers: read Judge Ellis' opinion. It outlines tactics and use of violence so you can prepare your clients.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/30/n...
A Border Patrol-led immigration crackdown is coming to southeast Louisiana - The Boston Globe
Around 250 federal border agents are expected to launch a monthslong immigration crackdown on Monday in southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi dubbed “Swamp Sweep.”
www.bostonglobe.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Hey New Orleans, three things:
1. Talk to LA, Chicago, New York.
2. Get whistles NOW! Don't wait for the goons to arrive.
3. Lawyers: read Judge Ellis' opinion. It outlines tactics and use of violence so you can prepare your clients.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/30/n...
1. Talk to LA, Chicago, New York.
2. Get whistles NOW! Don't wait for the goons to arrive.
3. Lawyers: read Judge Ellis' opinion. It outlines tactics and use of violence so you can prepare your clients.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/30/n...
Reposted by Ed Walker
One reason we failed in the past is bc we didn't build up popular opposition to the crimes, whether it's torture or drone-killing or even attacking Congress.
Now is the time to do that, not after Dems retake power.
Now is the time to do that, not after Dems retake power.
If Democrats are ever in power again what’s going to happen is the idea of holding this administration accountable for breaking the law every single day is immediately going to be made out as the greater breach of the rules.
November 30, 2025 at 9:53 PM
One reason we failed in the past is bc we didn't build up popular opposition to the crimes, whether it's torture or drone-killing or even attacking Congress.
Now is the time to do that, not after Dems retake power.
Now is the time to do that, not after Dems retake power.
Reposted by Ed Walker
While this usually isn't the intent, "no one will ever be held accountable for this" doomerism is an excuse not to try.
There'll be at least some accountability if enough Americans work for it. And this time really is different. Doesn't guarantee the aftermath will be, but it increases the chances.
There'll be at least some accountability if enough Americans work for it. And this time really is different. Doesn't guarantee the aftermath will be, but it increases the chances.
November 30, 2025 at 9:16 PM
While this usually isn't the intent, "no one will ever be held accountable for this" doomerism is an excuse not to try.
There'll be at least some accountability if enough Americans work for it. And this time really is different. Doesn't guarantee the aftermath will be, but it increases the chances.
There'll be at least some accountability if enough Americans work for it. And this time really is different. Doesn't guarantee the aftermath will be, but it increases the chances.
Reposted by Ed Walker
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
600 ICE agents were supposed to be deployed to Canal Street. Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered instead.
Quick summary by me:
Quick summary by me:
November 29, 2025 at 8:33 PM
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn