Richard Van Wagoner
@ravchief.bsky.social
Exercising my right not to remain silent while I still can. Criminal defense and 1st Amendment attorney. Blue in red state. Cyclist. Weekly blog. Warning: could be satire. No DMs please.
Comprehending the underlying truth of what this administration says and does at any given moment requires foreseeing its intended outcome. Pretext is what they use for every act and omission.
IT'S ALL A LIE
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/everything-i...
IT'S ALL A LIE
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/everything-i...
Everything is a Lie, Based on a Lie, Or Both*
“Observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
February 1, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Comprehending the underlying truth of what this administration says and does at any given moment requires foreseeing its intended outcome. Pretext is what they use for every act and omission.
IT'S ALL A LIE
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/everything-i...
IT'S ALL A LIE
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/everything-i...
I watched and listened to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s elegantly crafted and delivered speech at Davos. It would have been appropriate but unnecessary for Mr. Carney to stand up at the end of Trump’s speech and declare, “I rest my case.”
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/speeches-at-...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/speeches-at-...
Speeches at Davos: One of These Was Not Like the Other*
I watched and listened to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s elegantly crafted and delivered speech at Davos. I then had the misfortune…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:36 PM
I watched and listened to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s elegantly crafted and delivered speech at Davos. It would have been appropriate but unnecessary for Mr. Carney to stand up at the end of Trump’s speech and declare, “I rest my case.”
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/speeches-at-...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/speeches-at-...
The First Amendment has Taken a Beating Nationally and Locally by Elected Officials and their Minions. First Amendment Freedoms Must Withstand the Authoritarian Onslaught. Using Them to Expose Lawlessness and Inhumanity May Be the Only Way to Combat the Administration’s Campaign Against Them.
From Burning Books to Murdering Citizens*
First Amendment Freedoms Must Withstand the Authoritarian Onslaught. Using Them to Expose Lawlessness and Inhumanity is the Best Way —…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:54 PM
The First Amendment has Taken a Beating Nationally and Locally by Elected Officials and their Minions. First Amendment Freedoms Must Withstand the Authoritarian Onslaught. Using Them to Expose Lawlessness and Inhumanity May Be the Only Way to Combat the Administration’s Campaign Against Them.
Robert Redford’s line from Spy Game, “If I’m walking into a shit storm I wanna know which way the wind’s blowing,” explains why Republicans’ held Jack Smith’s deposition behind closed doors. GOP subcommittee members quickly learned the stuff on their faces wasn’t just egg.
Jim Jordan’s Weaponization Subcommittee Ran into a Buzz Saw*
Robert Redford’s iconic line from Spy Game, “If I’m walking into a shit storm I wanna know which way the wind’s blowing,” explains the…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
January 4, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Robert Redford’s line from Spy Game, “If I’m walking into a shit storm I wanna know which way the wind’s blowing,” explains why Republicans’ held Jack Smith’s deposition behind closed doors. GOP subcommittee members quickly learned the stuff on their faces wasn’t just egg.
Cloaking political power in the robes of constitutional necessity, the Utah legislature is now angling to have its way with the judiciary by bringing courts under the supermajority’s political control. Dangerous!
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/utahs-superm...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/utahs-superm...
Utah’s Supermajority Wants to Force the Judiciary Inside its Tent and Have Its Way*
Utah’s government has held a trifecta since 1985, longer than any other state. Utah’s trifecta is the product of strong party dominance —…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Cloaking political power in the robes of constitutional necessity, the Utah legislature is now angling to have its way with the judiciary by bringing courts under the supermajority’s political control. Dangerous!
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/utahs-superm...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/utahs-superm...
I will consider watching 60 Minutes again so long as the segments were banned then bootlegged.
December 23, 2025 at 2:21 AM
I will consider watching 60 Minutes again so long as the segments were banned then bootlegged.
Please enjoy 33 gorgeous pieces of my father's art (he died 12/25/2013). (Never a paywall.) I'm taking a short break from posting about right-wing extremism and other nonsense.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/33-gorgeous-...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/33-gorgeous-...
33 Gorgeous Pieces of My Father’s Art (He Died 12/25/2013)*
Left-brain leaning, I often wished I could see and experience the world through his mind and eyes and mind’s eye.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
December 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Please enjoy 33 gorgeous pieces of my father's art (he died 12/25/2013). (Never a paywall.) I'm taking a short break from posting about right-wing extremism and other nonsense.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/33-gorgeous-...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/33-gorgeous-...
Holding anti-MAGA sentiments may put you on a secretive list of “domestic terrorists.”
Extrajudicial killings on the high seas of alleged members of what Trump has designated “foreign terrorist organizations” show us what happens to people on his lists.
You do the math.
Extrajudicial killings on the high seas of alleged members of what Trump has designated “foreign terrorist organizations” show us what happens to people on his lists.
You do the math.
He’s Making a List and . . . BOOM, You’re Dead*
Under the would-be fascist regime, holding anti-MAGA sentiments may put you on a secretive list of “domestic terrorists.” Trump has…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Holding anti-MAGA sentiments may put you on a secretive list of “domestic terrorists.”
Extrajudicial killings on the high seas of alleged members of what Trump has designated “foreign terrorist organizations” show us what happens to people on his lists.
You do the math.
Extrajudicial killings on the high seas of alleged members of what Trump has designated “foreign terrorist organizations” show us what happens to people on his lists.
You do the math.
The FIFA Peace Prize goes to the sulking child in the front row.
Bongino accidently tells the truth, blowing a hole in right-wing propaganda's cover
Lee Beamon who allegedly filmed himself having sex with hookers and had fourth wife watch them as "training films" checks all administration boxes
Bongino accidently tells the truth, blowing a hole in right-wing propaganda's cover
Lee Beamon who allegedly filmed himself having sex with hookers and had fourth wife watch them as "training films" checks all administration boxes
FIFA, Dan Bongino, and “Training Films” for 4th Wife of Husband Having Sex with Prostitutes*
Throw a rock in any direction and it’s destined to hit corruption, a scandal, or idiocy.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:18 PM
The FIFA Peace Prize goes to the sulking child in the front row.
Bongino accidently tells the truth, blowing a hole in right-wing propaganda's cover
Lee Beamon who allegedly filmed himself having sex with hookers and had fourth wife watch them as "training films" checks all administration boxes
Bongino accidently tells the truth, blowing a hole in right-wing propaganda's cover
Lee Beamon who allegedly filmed himself having sex with hookers and had fourth wife watch them as "training films" checks all administration boxes
With the Trump administration and some of its lawyers operating at the highest levels of incompetence, dishonesty, and malevolence, many courts no longer presume regularity and are, at least implicitly, presuming the opposite, i.e., procedural irregularity, lies, deception, and pretext.
The DOJ Repeatedly Self-Immolates for Trump in Open Court*
A friend who works for the federal government said, “[i]t will be years for the DOJ as an institution to recover. It’s been decimated…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
November 30, 2025 at 9:13 PM
With the Trump administration and some of its lawyers operating at the highest levels of incompetence, dishonesty, and malevolence, many courts no longer presume regularity and are, at least implicitly, presuming the opposite, i.e., procedural irregularity, lies, deception, and pretext.
Impeaching a judge for holding the legislature's gerrymandered map violates Utah law would confirm that the constitution, the rule of law, voting rights, and the courts are mere obstacles to overcome for Republicans in reaching their goal of holding onto power and using that power never to let go.
Utah Bullies Threaten Impeachment of Judge for Doing Her Job*
. . . Exposing Their Embarrassing Refusal To Follow the Law
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Impeaching a judge for holding the legislature's gerrymandered map violates Utah law would confirm that the constitution, the rule of law, voting rights, and the courts are mere obstacles to overcome for Republicans in reaching their goal of holding onto power and using that power never to let go.
He only does best. Does America’s authoritarian need a high body count to secure his place among the world’s best dictators? The best ones have high numbers. He’s on his way to join their ranks but has some work to do.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/people-live-...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/people-live-...
People Live or Die at His Whim*
He undoubtedly aspires to be the best dictator.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:06 PM
He only does best. Does America’s authoritarian need a high body count to secure his place among the world’s best dictators? The best ones have high numbers. He’s on his way to join their ranks but has some work to do.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/people-live-...
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/people-live-...
The shooting death of Afa Ah Loo during the June 14 “No Kings” rally in SLC was preventable had the Utah Legislature refused to allow AR-15 style assault rifles at emotionally-charged events such as political rallies with thousands of protesters and counter-protesters in attendance.
Disgraceful.
Disgraceful.
Charge the Utah Legislature with Murder Under its “Depraved Indifference to Human Life” Statute*
At least the legislators who refuse to pass reasonable gun reform.
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:53 PM
The shooting death of Afa Ah Loo during the June 14 “No Kings” rally in SLC was preventable had the Utah Legislature refused to allow AR-15 style assault rifles at emotionally-charged events such as political rallies with thousands of protesters and counter-protesters in attendance.
Disgraceful.
Disgraceful.
Trump is transforming the White House’s neoclassical architecture into a style inspired by the Magpie Syndrome. A helpless Congress watches from their home districts. And Utah’s red legislature is determined to choose which voters get to elect the state’s eunuchs to serve in Trump’s royal court.
Congress’s Gelded Age*
Utah’s Republican-dominated legislature and governor are determined to choose which voters will elect the state’s eunuchs to serve in…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Trump is transforming the White House’s neoclassical architecture into a style inspired by the Magpie Syndrome. A helpless Congress watches from their home districts. And Utah’s red legislature is determined to choose which voters get to elect the state’s eunuchs to serve in Trump’s royal court.
The Telegram group chat portends a future Republican Party reveling in racism, antisemitism, misogyny, violence, white supremacy and nationalism, the decimation of human and civil rights, and extrajudicial killings.
I am sorry to break the news, but that future Republican Party is now. It’s here.
I am sorry to break the news, but that future Republican Party is now. It’s here.
The Future of the GOP Depicted in the Telegram Group Chat is Now*
“‘They’re just kids,’ Vance explained — meaning, of course, 35-year-old chief-of-staffs, lawyers, and policy aides who apparently confuse…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:05 PM
The Telegram group chat portends a future Republican Party reveling in racism, antisemitism, misogyny, violence, white supremacy and nationalism, the decimation of human and civil rights, and extrajudicial killings.
I am sorry to break the news, but that future Republican Party is now. It’s here.
I am sorry to break the news, but that future Republican Party is now. It’s here.
They stand before cameras with straight faces — except the speaker who presents with the smug smirk of pious certitude he was born with — and lie vociferously with talking points spoon fed them by White House propagandists and with as much staged conviction as their soulless eyes can muster.
Absurdity Continues Eclipsing Parody*
Photo by Pramod Tiwari on Unsplash
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:18 PM
They stand before cameras with straight faces — except the speaker who presents with the smug smirk of pious certitude he was born with — and lie vociferously with talking points spoon fed them by White House propagandists and with as much staged conviction as their soulless eyes can muster.
Utah’s congressional delegation profess the Constitution was divinely inspired and god’s plan was for people to have free will. They choose to erase their god’s handiwork, turning the Constitution into a shell where power isn’t in the people but in a tyrant to whom they have pledged their loyalty.
A Divinely Expired Constitution*
The Constitution, which lots of people say god had a hand in drafting, appears to have an expiration date. It’s coming right up…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Utah’s congressional delegation profess the Constitution was divinely inspired and god’s plan was for people to have free will. They choose to erase their god’s handiwork, turning the Constitution into a shell where power isn’t in the people but in a tyrant to whom they have pledged their loyalty.
The recent executive orders and speeches to the generals were unabashed incitements to political violence against Americans to suppress lawful dissent in his campaign to accumulate power.
He expects military top brass to devote loyalty to him over their sworn oaths to the Constitution. Will they?
He expects military top brass to devote loyalty to him over their sworn oaths to the Constitution. Will they?
Project 25 — Promoting Violence Against Dissenters to Accumulate and Wield Power that Isn’t His*
Calling it by its name — FASCISM — now qualifies as promoting “domestic terror.”
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
October 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The recent executive orders and speeches to the generals were unabashed incitements to political violence against Americans to suppress lawful dissent in his campaign to accumulate power.
He expects military top brass to devote loyalty to him over their sworn oaths to the Constitution. Will they?
He expects military top brass to devote loyalty to him over their sworn oaths to the Constitution. Will they?
Trump declared negative coverage of him is now illegal with no 1st Amendment protection: “When 97 percent of the stories are bad about a person, it’s no longer free speech.”
Some might say the media’s reporting of Trump, according to his own assessment, was nearly perfect — off by only 3 percent.
Some might say the media’s reporting of Trump, according to his own assessment, was nearly perfect — off by only 3 percent.
A Gulag Awaits Those Who Speak Ill of Dear Leader*
“That chill in the air isn’t Jimmy Kimmel’s show being suspended. It’s just autumn: the perfect time to say as little as possible.” A…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
September 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Trump declared negative coverage of him is now illegal with no 1st Amendment protection: “When 97 percent of the stories are bad about a person, it’s no longer free speech.”
Some might say the media’s reporting of Trump, according to his own assessment, was nearly perfect — off by only 3 percent.
Some might say the media’s reporting of Trump, according to his own assessment, was nearly perfect — off by only 3 percent.
Dear Gov. Cox:
Your description of the assassination fairly characterizes DJT's murder of “the American experiment,” his “attack on our ideals” which “cuts to the very foundation of who we are, of who we have been, and who we could be in better times.”
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/dear-utah-go...
Your description of the assassination fairly characterizes DJT's murder of “the American experiment,” his “attack on our ideals” which “cuts to the very foundation of who we are, of who we have been, and who we could be in better times.”
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/dear-utah-go...
Dear Utah Governor Cox: I Have Questions About “Disagreeing Better”*
My overarching question is this: With a president who prohibits disagreement with him and his authoritarian agenda altogether — viz…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
September 14, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Dear Gov. Cox:
Your description of the assassination fairly characterizes DJT's murder of “the American experiment,” his “attack on our ideals” which “cuts to the very foundation of who we are, of who we have been, and who we could be in better times.”
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/dear-utah-go...
Your description of the assassination fairly characterizes DJT's murder of “the American experiment,” his “attack on our ideals” which “cuts to the very foundation of who we are, of who we have been, and who we could be in better times.”
richardvanwagoner.medium.com/dear-utah-go...
The message it sends to the international community is that the United States is not a country that can be trusted, is not a country of laws, does not honor or respect its treaties and alliances, does not respect constitutional due process, and has zero regard for human or civil rights.
Going Straight for the Extrajudicial Kill*
Trump Summarily Executes 11 People on a Speed Boat in International Waters and Expands His Use of the Military for Conventional Law…
richardvanwagoner.medium.com
September 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The message it sends to the international community is that the United States is not a country that can be trusted, is not a country of laws, does not honor or respect its treaties and alliances, does not respect constitutional due process, and has zero regard for human or civil rights.