Advisory Opinions Euphemisms, Political Speech, and the First Amendment
27 snips
Oct 21, 2025 Sarah and David tackle the buzz around the 'Let's Go Brandon' case and its implications for student speech in schools. They question whether euphemisms like this can be deemed vulgar and how vague standards complicate enforcement. The discussion shifts to the Supreme Court's confusion over the Calais oral arguments and the tensions between partisan and racial gerrymandering under Section 2. Finally, they delve into John Bolton's indictment, examining claims of selective prosecution versus legal accountability. A lively audience Q&A wraps up the thought-provoking session.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin And School Clash Over 'Let's Go Brandon'
- The "Let's Go Brandon" meme began after a NASCAR interview where a reporter said "let's go Brandon" over chants of "F Joe Biden."
- Two middle schoolers wore shirts referencing the meme and were forced to change, then sued the school under the First Amendment.
Euphemism Versus Vulgarity In Student Speech
- The case tests whether euphemistic phrases without explicit profanity can qualify as vulgar under the Bethel framework.
- Judges debated linguistic meaning versus whether schools can ban political speech recharacterized as vulgar.
Political Speech Warrants High Protection
- David French warns Bethel's vagueness becomes worse when applied to euphemisms and memes.
- He argues core political speech deserves a strong presumption of protection absent real disruption.
