Michael Liroff

Mary Ziegler, an expert on reproductive rights, joins Peter Shamshiri and Michael Liroff, co-hosts of 5-4, to discuss the shifting legal landscape surrounding abortion in America. They dive deep into the historical context of outdated laws like the Comstock Act and their contemporary ramifications. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of a second Trump term on civil liberties and the judiciary. The trio emphasizes the fragility of democracy, raising concerns about the intertwining of political power and private interests.

Michael Liroff, a lawyer and co-host of the 5-4 Podcast, joins the conversation to dissect a pivotal Supreme Court ruling from 1989 that affirmed flag burning as free speech. He delves into Gregory Lee Johnson's motivations for his infamous protest at the 1984 Republican National Convention, critiquing American foreign policy of the time. The discussion also explores the flag's evolving role as a symbol of dissent and patriotism, and how this ruling reshapes our understanding of free speech rights in America.