David Cole

David Cole, a constitutional law professor and former ACLU legal director, shares invaluable insights on social change. He discusses how incrementalism played a crucial role in the marriage equality movement, contrasting it with the NRA's strategic political power. Cole emphasizes the significance of local organizing and in-person community in movements, exploring how identity formation aids in recruitment and mobilization. He also addresses the balance between symbolic campaigns and impactful policies, offering lessons applicable to various social movements.

David Cole, a Georgetown law professor and former ACLU legal director, discusses potential war crimes linked to U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, warning against the militarization of policy. Zohran Mamdani, the progressive mayor-elect of NYC, joins striking Starbucks workers, spotlighting corporate greed and labor violations while promising to advocate for workers' rights. Journalist Stephen Thrasher reports on the devastating global impacts of U.S. funding cuts to AIDS and LGBTQ+ health programs, highlighting challenges in Uganda and beyond.

This discussion features David Cole, a Georgetown Law professor and former ACLU national legal director, alongside Josh Hammer, a conservative commentator and senior counsel at the Article III Project. They delve into the clash between flag burning as free speech and President Trump’s call for criminalization. Cole highlights the Supreme Court's stance and the historical context, while Hammer argues for the dangers of flag desecration. The conversation reveals how symbols like the American flag evoke strong emotions and the complexities of balancing national pride with democratic dissent.