Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LightNews

Thom

@thomfhoolery.bsky.social

1.4K followers 2.7K following 250 posts

📚 Bookworm by heart—fantasy, sci-fi, horror, philosophy, and Buddhism fuel my imagination. 🌿 And nothing beats leisurely city strolls, soaking up Chicago’s vibes, rain or shine! Progressive 🟦 LGBTQIA+ 🏳️‍🌈 Vegetarian 🌱 Ethical Living

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · Mar 1

We’re seeing firsthand the tension between authoritarianism and democracy and how that tension continues to shape global politics. These two systems represent fundamentally opposing values:

#Democracy #Authoritarianism #HumanRights #Freedom #GlobalPolitics #StayInformed

1/5

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 21h

Disagreement is the engine of democracy. Dehumanization is the engine of collapse.

#Civility #Politics

Reposted by Thom

George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · 3d

No President should ever stoke this kind of division and dehumanize the other half of the country in this way.

The image shows two X posts. The first, by Juliette Kayyem (@juliettekayyem
) from 1 hour ago, states: "'Take care of' is not subtle. This weekend the ground has shifted and no person can deny what the president, unpopular and unfit, intends. To remain silent is to welcome this. They can both sides or claim they didn't hear, but there is no wiggle room about his plans now." The second, by Aaron Rupar (@atrupar
) from 6 hours ago, quotes Trump addressing the Navy: "We have to take care of this little gnat that's on our shoulder called the Democrats." The post includes a photo of Trump speaking to a group in Navy uniforms, with a caption noting he "called the Democrats. They want to give all of our money to illegal."

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 15d

You can’t say you’re law and order and break any laws. Copyright laws included. #justiceforpokemon

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 18d

The catch: Enforcement is complex. Presidents have broad powers, and checks/balances can be slow. The legal standard is whether actions serve legitimate government purposes vs pure political retaliation.

Even presidents must follow the Constitution.

3/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 18d

Examples of illegal actions:
- Using FBI/IRS to target people for political views
- Ordering prosecutions without probable cause
- Interfering with courts for political reasons
- Denying government services based on politics

2/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 18d

Is it illegal for a US president to persecute political enemies? Yes.

Key violations include:
•1st Amendment (free speech/association)
•4th Amendment (unreasonable searches)
•5th/14th Amendment (due process)
•Equal protection rights

1/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 19d

In a democracy, the military doesn't get to dictate what civilian journalists can report. This sets a dangerous precedent that could expand to other agencies and fundamentally undermine press freedom.

3/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 19d

The threat to revoke credentials creates a chilling effect where reporters must choose between access and doing their job. This isn't about security, it's about controlling information flow like an authoritarian regime.

2/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 19d

This Pentagon policy is deeply unamerican. Requiring journalists to pledge they won't report ANY unclassified info not "expressly authorized" goes way beyond protecting classified material - it's demanding pre-censorship.

1/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 19d

• Broad funding freezes that violate statutory requirements and separation of powers

The courts are doing their job as a check on executive power. As the ACLU noted: "no president can simply erase [constitutional rights] from our Constitution."

3/3

#Constitution #RuleOfLaw #Democracy

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 19d

• Freezing federal funding to universities in ways courts found "violative of the First Amendment" and "unconstitutional coercion"

• Using the 1789 Alien Enemies Act to remove alleged gang members without due process - legal experts call this "both illegal and unconstitutional"

2/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 19d

🚨 Things the Trump administration is doing that federal courts have ruled UNCONSTITUTIONAL:

• Attempting to end birthright citizenship through executive order - multiple federal appeals courts have ruled this violates the 14th Amendment

1/3

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 21d

So, MAGA is not anti-free speech and pro-cancel culture. How can anyone keep up with their fickle stances?

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 24d

I just want a life that’s a ding-a-derry. Is that too much to ask?

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 24d

The political opposition is not the enemy. We are not at war with each other. True democracy means standing for our personal stances and then working together to lead our nation.

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · 25d

Do they truly believe the Left is more politically violent? Is this cognitive dissonance? If so, the conversations need to shift.

Kurt Andersen @kurtandersen.bsky.social · 25d

The right is insisting political violence is an inherently left-wing problem. From Trump to his 2024 U.S Senate endorsee Blake Masters: “The political aggression and taste for violence against innocent people are all coming from the left.”

But here are the facts, as per the Anti-Defamation League.

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · Sep 7

This is shameful that anyone would feel the need to diminish their cultural light.

LR Detherage @lr-detherage.bsky.social · Sep 7

What a damn shame

He has taken all color out of our country

He has muted the music
He has smeared our intentions
He has spat upon patriotism
He has stained the constitution
He has defiled our White House
He has embarrassed our troops

He leaves behind a stink like he leaves in his chair

Mexican festivals in Chicago canceled amid Trump plans to deploy troops

City and suburbs pull local events tied to Mexican Independence Day on 16 September

www.theguardian.com

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · Aug 29

I'm learning that listening, being uncomfortable, and educating myself is the work. My role is to support, not center myself. #AntiRacism

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · Aug 25

Deploying the National Guard to fight crime in U.S. cities blurs the line between military force and civilian policing.

America isn’t a war zone. Communities need investment, not occupation.
Policing is for police, not soldiers.
#Demilitarize #CivilRights #PublicSafety

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · Aug 15

When Republicans take offense to the Left saying they don’t care about people… this is why it’s believed republicans don’t care about people!

Alt U.S. Department of Labor @alt-dol.altgov.info · Aug 15

Americans deserve a better Secretary of Labor.

Shame on you, Lori.

Screenshot of a post from Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's X account showing her holding baby alligators at an alligator farm. "hey secretary Noem, need any more gators fot Alligator Alcatraz?" she asks

Reposted by Thom

Kyle Griffin @kylegriffin1.bsky.social · Aug 15

D.C. religious leaders condemn Trump:

"From the White House, the president sees a lawless wasteland. We beg to differ. We see fellow human beings—neighbors, workers, friends and family."

"Safety cannot be achieved through political theatre and military force."

Reposted by Thom

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse @whitehouse.senate.gov · Aug 12

A DOGE kid gets beat up in DC and it’s DefCon1; hundreds of bullets into federal buildings with officer killed in Atlanta and it’s crickets; violent mob attacks Capitol wounding dozens of officers and it’s pardons for all.

Reposted by Thom

Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · Aug 10

You’ve got to govern for all the people of your state.

Whether it’s Chicago or Cairo, we’ve invested in education, infrastructure, and jobs in every part of the state.

We need more people who are willing to reach across the aisle and do the right thing when they’re in office.

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · Aug 10

Trump’s statement reflects a punitive, zero-sum mindset that exacerbates suffering rather than addressing root causes. Strong leadership requires both accountability and compassion.

8/8

Thom @thomfhoolery.bsky.social · Aug 10

A responsible leader would:
- Advocate for housing-first policies (proven to reduce homelessness long-term).
- Support mental health and addiction services.
- Work with local governments and nonprofits on sustainable solutions, not punitive measures.

7/8