Joshua Cherniss
@jcherniss.bsky.social
Political theorist. Worker in the "Realm of Concepts." Book accumulator. Ethical worrier. Teaching at Georgetown University since 2014.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
This.
The second strike is important bc AFTER that one, they started leaving survivors (plus, why the fuck can't Whiskey Pete's DOD manage to destroy a boat in uncontested waters the first strike?).
But all these are murder. Murder murder murder murder.
The second strike is important bc AFTER that one, they started leaving survivors (plus, why the fuck can't Whiskey Pete's DOD manage to destroy a boat in uncontested waters the first strike?).
But all these are murder. Murder murder murder murder.
The first strike was also murder. You can’t just up and kill civilians on the high seas and then claim you were at war with them.
Reporter: If there were a second strike that killed wounded people, would that be legal?
Trump: I don’t know that happened and Pete said he did not even know what people were talking about. I wouldn’t have wanted a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine.
Trump: I don’t know that happened and Pete said he did not even know what people were talking about. I wouldn’t have wanted a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine.
December 1, 2025 at 12:13 AM
This.
The second strike is important bc AFTER that one, they started leaving survivors (plus, why the fuck can't Whiskey Pete's DOD manage to destroy a boat in uncontested waters the first strike?).
But all these are murder. Murder murder murder murder.
The second strike is important bc AFTER that one, they started leaving survivors (plus, why the fuck can't Whiskey Pete's DOD manage to destroy a boat in uncontested waters the first strike?).
But all these are murder. Murder murder murder murder.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
Note two things about GOP Rep. Mike Turner's solid remarks on Hegseth's reported order:
1) Turner: "I agree that that would be an illegal act."
2) Implicitly confirms the Washington Post's reporting that this information has been kept from Congress
1) Turner: "I agree that that would be an illegal act."
2) Implicitly confirms the Washington Post's reporting that this information has been kept from Congress
Rep. Mike Turner on the double strike to comply with Hegseth's orders: "If that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that would be an illegal act…This is completely outside of anything that has been discussed with Congress and there is an ongoing investigation."
November 30, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Note two things about GOP Rep. Mike Turner's solid remarks on Hegseth's reported order:
1) Turner: "I agree that that would be an illegal act."
2) Implicitly confirms the Washington Post's reporting that this information has been kept from Congress
1) Turner: "I agree that that would be an illegal act."
2) Implicitly confirms the Washington Post's reporting that this information has been kept from Congress
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
They're bogus but you can at least rationalize quasi-legalistic grounds for using military force against cartels, that they're a kind of combatant enemy. But killing people who are desperately clinging to wreckage in the open ocean is everywhere and always stone cold, undeniable, zero excuse murder.
December 1, 2025 at 12:29 AM
They're bogus but you can at least rationalize quasi-legalistic grounds for using military force against cartels, that they're a kind of combatant enemy. But killing people who are desperately clinging to wreckage in the open ocean is everywhere and always stone cold, undeniable, zero excuse murder.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
This wasn't an "eh, this feels iffy" kind of thing where officers up the chain merely discuss the legalities. This is the kind of unlawful order where everyone down to the lowest enlisted has an absolute on-the-spot duty to say "hell no, I won't do that" because it's manifestly, facially criminal.
December 1, 2025 at 12:38 AM
This wasn't an "eh, this feels iffy" kind of thing where officers up the chain merely discuss the legalities. This is the kind of unlawful order where everyone down to the lowest enlisted has an absolute on-the-spot duty to say "hell no, I won't do that" because it's manifestly, facially criminal.
Presentation of an exhibition on Mujeres Libres (Free Women), the anarchist women's organisation. Barcelona, 7 August, 1938. Original photo by Pérez de Rozas. I don't know the colouriser. How their dreams were crushed...
November 23, 2025 at 5:42 PM
When a government -- particularly one w/masked paramilitary force roaming around assaulting and kidnapping people--starts asking for lists of Jews, it's usually bad news.
That it's in the name of fighting antisemitism adds a very Trumpian/peace is war twist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
That it's in the name of fighting antisemitism adds a very Trumpian/peace is war twist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
Federal Suit Seeking Names of Some Jewish Employees at Penn Sparks Backlash
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:22 PM
When a government -- particularly one w/masked paramilitary force roaming around assaulting and kidnapping people--starts asking for lists of Jews, it's usually bad news.
That it's in the name of fighting antisemitism adds a very Trumpian/peace is war twist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
That it's in the name of fighting antisemitism adds a very Trumpian/peace is war twist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
One day after Trump called for her to be executed.
From a spokesperson for U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin:
November 22, 2025 at 2:08 AM
One day after Trump called for her to be executed.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
It's a sign of weakness, of course, but the last time Trump was this weak he egged on a mob to storm the U.S. Capitol Building.
November 20, 2025 at 9:12 PM
It's a sign of weakness, of course, but the last time Trump was this weak he egged on a mob to storm the U.S. Capitol Building.
79 yr old sent to Trump's tropical concentration camp after 70+ years as a resident alien in America. The cruelty is astounding.
His birth in a post WWII refugee camp adds a strange twist. Perhaps, if he could demonstrate his Polish parents were Nazi sympathizers, it would help is case with ICE.
His birth in a post WWII refugee camp adds a strange twist. Perhaps, if he could demonstrate his Polish parents were Nazi sympathizers, it would help is case with ICE.
79-year-old Paul Bojerski was born to Polish parents in a WWII German refugee camp. His family legally emigrated to the U.S. when he was 5.
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
Sanford grandfather, born in refugee camp, nabbed by ICE after 70 years in U.S.
Paul Bojerski never gained official residency, but he checked in regularly with ICE for years. Then in July, at age 79, he was detained and sent to Alligator Alcatraz.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:36 PM
79 yr old sent to Trump's tropical concentration camp after 70+ years as a resident alien in America. The cruelty is astounding.
His birth in a post WWII refugee camp adds a strange twist. Perhaps, if he could demonstrate his Polish parents were Nazi sympathizers, it would help is case with ICE.
His birth in a post WWII refugee camp adds a strange twist. Perhaps, if he could demonstrate his Polish parents were Nazi sympathizers, it would help is case with ICE.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
Prioritize the anti-Trumpism coalition. Don't prioritize factional fighting within the Democratic Party. Point out the crimes of Trumpism. Resist whataboutism. Remember that Trump will not be in power forever. Plan to prosecute all his crimes. Remember that the Constitution is on your side. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
November 6, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Prioritize the anti-Trumpism coalition. Don't prioritize factional fighting within the Democratic Party. Point out the crimes of Trumpism. Resist whataboutism. Remember that Trump will not be in power forever. Plan to prosecute all his crimes. Remember that the Constitution is on your side. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
An agenda to oppose Trumpism: Assist non-Trumpists to take back control of the Republican party. Strengthen American civil society, with powerful groups/institutions to oppose Trumpism. A broad tent anti-Trump coalition, including moderate/conservative Dem candidates in conservative states.
November 6, 2025 at 8:36 PM
An agenda to oppose Trumpism: Assist non-Trumpists to take back control of the Republican party. Strengthen American civil society, with powerful groups/institutions to oppose Trumpism. A broad tent anti-Trump coalition, including moderate/conservative Dem candidates in conservative states.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
VP Cheney will be honoured with a 21 gun salute accidentally aimed directly at 21 of his friends
November 4, 2025 at 11:42 AM
VP Cheney will be honoured with a 21 gun salute accidentally aimed directly at 21 of his friends
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
This quote continues to rattle me to my core:
"So what you’re telling us is you need less evidence to kill somebody than you do to hold them."
That's Rep Adam Smith to Pentagon officials in a briefing on Trump's illegal boat bombings. As he told me in this piece, they didn't answer his objection:
"So what you’re telling us is you need less evidence to kill somebody than you do to hold them."
That's Rep Adam Smith to Pentagon officials in a briefing on Trump's illegal boat bombings. As he told me in this piece, they didn't answer his objection:
Awful: Pentagon officials told lawmakers Trump now claims authority to bomb people merely “affiliated” with “narco-terrorist" groups, Rep Adam Smith tells me. But under questioning, they wouldn't say what “affiliated” even means!
Lots of fresh info in my new piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2025...
Lots of fresh info in my new piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2025...
November 3, 2025 at 12:11 PM
This quote continues to rattle me to my core:
"So what you’re telling us is you need less evidence to kill somebody than you do to hold them."
That's Rep Adam Smith to Pentagon officials in a briefing on Trump's illegal boat bombings. As he told me in this piece, they didn't answer his objection:
"So what you’re telling us is you need less evidence to kill somebody than you do to hold them."
That's Rep Adam Smith to Pentagon officials in a briefing on Trump's illegal boat bombings. As he told me in this piece, they didn't answer his objection:
A shocking, outrageous incident, happening within blocks of where I work.
Shocking account of maniacal ICE raid in the heart of Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood, followed by building owner’s mass eviction of those Spanish-speakers not already abducted.
Not just Kavanaugh stops. Kavanaugh ransacking of apartments. open.substack.com/pub/migranti...
November 3, 2025 at 7:55 PM
A shocking, outrageous incident, happening within blocks of where I work.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
Literally un-American. But if Vance wants to go there...
Really think the biggest win today aside from just numbers is negatively polarizing the regime of 12-year-olds into fully adopting #YESKINGS as their official stance.
October 19, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Literally un-American. But if Vance wants to go there...
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
@whitehouse-47.bsky.social This doesn’t look good.
While people continue to struggle to get FEMA aid approved after their lives were destroyed by natural disasters.
October 19, 2025 at 1:57 AM
@whitehouse-47.bsky.social This doesn’t look good.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
October 18, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
Giant copy of the Constitution being carried down Pennsylvania Avenue.
October 18, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Giant copy of the Constitution being carried down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
The State of Illinois is documenting the criminal misconduct of Trump secret police agents in order to bring charges against those who engaged in acts ranging from assault to reckless endangerment and negligent operation of motor vehicles in the near future, Newsweek reveals.
JB Pritzker looking at prosecuting ICE agents in Chicago
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has suggested that state prosecutors might examine the conduct of ICE agents.
www.newsweek.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:13 PM
The State of Illinois is documenting the criminal misconduct of Trump secret police agents in order to bring charges against those who engaged in acts ranging from assault to reckless endangerment and negligent operation of motor vehicles in the near future, Newsweek reveals.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
Please help me get the word out about the new websites for Legal Theory Blog and the Legal Theory Lexicon. Reposting here and on other social media sites is great. It would be especially helpful if law school faculty members could send an email to their colleagues with the new addresses.
Legal Theory Blog
Discover our latest articles and updates. Stay informed with recent posts that cover a variety of topics you care about!
legaltheoryblog.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Please help me get the word out about the new websites for Legal Theory Blog and the Legal Theory Lexicon. Reposting here and on other social media sites is great. It would be especially helpful if law school faculty members could send an email to their colleagues with the new addresses.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
I co-wrote Trump’s first anti-terrorism plan in 2017-18. He’s not trying to stop “left-wing” terrorism. He is staging it.
His troop deployments are a false flag — meant to provoke a response in order to justify harsh crackdowns.
This is now very obvious.
His troop deployments are a false flag — meant to provoke a response in order to justify harsh crackdowns.
This is now very obvious.
October 7, 2025 at 11:58 AM
I co-wrote Trump’s first anti-terrorism plan in 2017-18. He’s not trying to stop “left-wing” terrorism. He is staging it.
His troop deployments are a false flag — meant to provoke a response in order to justify harsh crackdowns.
This is now very obvious.
His troop deployments are a false flag — meant to provoke a response in order to justify harsh crackdowns.
This is now very obvious.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
Interesting polling data: Those with unfavorable views of Donald Trump are the LEAST LIKELY to support political violence.
September 15, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Interesting polling data: Those with unfavorable views of Donald Trump are the LEAST LIKELY to support political violence.
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
The right sets the terms of our political discourse in so many ways, one of which is the idea that there isn't enough "debate" and "free speech" on campus.
We need to push back on this. The truth is (speaking for myself as a history prof), I don't really emphasize debate much in my classes/
We need to push back on this. The truth is (speaking for myself as a history prof), I don't really emphasize debate much in my classes/
September 13, 2025 at 2:38 PM
The right sets the terms of our political discourse in so many ways, one of which is the idea that there isn't enough "debate" and "free speech" on campus.
We need to push back on this. The truth is (speaking for myself as a history prof), I don't really emphasize debate much in my classes/
We need to push back on this. The truth is (speaking for myself as a history prof), I don't really emphasize debate much in my classes/
Reposted by Joshua Cherniss
A better response from the teacher might be, "This may be contrary to your religion, but you're not required to believe it, only to understand it - in fact if you can refute it, more power to you."
September 9, 2025 at 12:31 PM
A better response from the teacher might be, "This may be contrary to your religion, but you're not required to believe it, only to understand it - in fact if you can refute it, more power to you."