

How to Lose a Democracy in 10 Laws (with Elie Mystal)
49 snips Mar 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Elie Mystal, a justice correspondent for The Nation and author of "Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America," critiques problematic legislation threatening democracy. He highlights outdated laws, including those affecting immigration and civil rights, and stresses the need for reform to foster inclusivity. They also tackle the implications of deregulation in education and the historical roots of controversial policies like the Immigration and Nationality Act. Mystal's insights shed light on the critical intersection of law and social justice.
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Suspect Laws
- Elie Mystal suggests that laws passed before 1965 are suspect due to the pre-Voting Rights Act apartheid state.
- He believes good laws from that era could be repassed with full enfranchisement.
Civil Rights Act Under Threat
- Elie Mystal questions the survival of the 1964 Civil Rights Act under the current Supreme Court's scrutiny.
- He believes anti-DEI policies will challenge the act's core principles.
Mahmoud Khalil's Detention
- The Trump administration detained Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, for protesting.
- This chilling act underscores the potential for abuse within immigration laws.