Makdisi Street "They still think we are 'savages'” w/ Wadie Said
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Jan 28, 2025 Wadie Said, a Professor of Law at the University of Colorado and an expert in terrorism law, joins the discussion. He critiques the evolving definitions of 'terrorism' since 9/11, highlighting how these labels affect political narratives and legal implications. They delve into the impact of Trump’s political agenda on immigration and foreign policy, alongside the resilience of Gaza's people amid turmoil. The conversation also addresses the chilling effects of terrorism designations on activism and the unsettling shift towards competing versions of truth in public discourse.
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Dystopian Return & Policy Concerns
- Trump's return to the White House evokes dystopian feelings due to his casual disregard for established norms and focus on divisive policies like immigration.
- Despite some potential positive aspects like a stated aversion to war, the overall outlook is concerning, especially the renewed focus on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Executive Orders and Congressional Paralysis
- Executive orders are policy directives from the President on implementing laws, not rewriting them, although Trump's actions blur this line.
- Congress's inaction leads to increased use of executive orders, raising constitutional questions and highlighting the shift in power dynamics.
War Powers and Legal Gerrymandering
- The War Powers Act designates Congress as the declarer of war, but the executive branch often circumvents this using legal loopholes.
- This manipulation of language and concepts by the government raises questions about intellectual integrity and motives behind policy decisions.