Letters from an American October 20, 2025
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Oct 21, 2025 In a compelling discussion, the host highlights the growing protests against Trump's royal imagery. The influence of Thomas Paine's belief that law should govern, not lineage, takes center stage. Allegations surface about the DOJ's undermining of legal norms during Trump's tenure, including the distressing misuse of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations. The fallout includes a whistleblower's firing and erosion of trust in law enforcement. Additionally, controversy brews over unauthorized White House renovations amidst a government shutdown, raising eyebrows about transparency and accountability.
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Law, Not Monarchy, Should Rule
- Heather Cox Richardson links Thomas Paine's claim that 'the law is king' to contemporary threats against legal norms.
- She argues that democratic legitimacy depends on laws, not personal rule or monarchic symbolism.
Whistleblower Describes DOJ Meeting
- Erez Ruvaini recounts DOJ meetings where leadership urged deportations 'no matter what' and suggested defying courts.
- He describes the shock of being told to tell courts 'screw you' and then seeing deportations proceed anyway.
Pressure To Mislabel Detainees
- Ruvaini says DOJ leadership pressured him to lie about a detainee's gang affiliation and fired him when he refused.
- This episode illustrates how personnel decisions can be used to enforce politically driven legal narratives.
