BACK TO THE PAST: SUPREME COURT JUSTICES EDITION

 

BACK TO THE PAST: SUPREME COURT JUSTICES EDITION

Welcome to the latest blockbuster movie, "Back to the Past: Supreme Court Justices Edition". In this hilarious parody of the classic "Back to the Future" franchise, we follow the adventures of the Supreme Court Justices as they travel back in time to destroy the gains made by women and minorities and give billionaires free reign to form the American plutocracy.

Our story begins with the conservative majority on the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, feeling nostalgic for the good old days when women and minorities knew their place and billionaires ruled the world. So, they decide to hop into their time machine, which just happens to be an old Studebaker Avanti, and travel back in time to the 1950s.

Once they arrive, they immediately set to work dismantling all of the progress made since World War II. They overturn landmark decisions like Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade, and reinstate segregation and back-alley abortions. They also declare that corporations are people and money is speech, effectively ending any hope of campaign finance reform.

But it's not just women and minorities who are in their crosshairs. They also take aim at the middle class, gutting worker protections and labor unions, and making it easier for corporations to exploit their employees. They even repeal the New Deal, sending the country back into economic depression.

As they revel in their newfound power, they are confronted by a group of plucky heroes who have also traveled back in time to stop them. Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan team up with a young Thurgood Marshall and Cesar Chavez to take on the conservative justices.

What follows is a thrilling battle between good and evil, as the heroes fight to protect the gains made by women and minorities and ensure a more just and equitable future for all. Along the way, they encounter a host of colorful characters, from a young Bernie Sanders to a time-traveling Elon Musk.

In the end, justice prevails, and the conservative justices are sent back to their own time, defeated but not deterred. As they return to the present day, they vow to continue their crusade against progress and equality, but they know that they will always be haunted by the memory of the brave heroes who stood up to them in the past.

So, if you're looking for a hilarious romp through time and space, with a healthy dose of political satire thrown in for good measure, then "Back to the Past: Supreme Court Justices Edition" is the movie for you. It's a wild ride that you won't soon forget!

THE DEFT DIVE

The Roberts court has reversed several precedents in the past 14 years, mostly by 5-4 votes along ideological lines. Some of the most notable ones are:

• - **Citizens United v. FEC** (2010), which overturned **Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce** (1990) and part of **McConnell v. FEC** (2003), and allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections as a form of free speech⁴.
• - **Shelby County v. Holder** (2013), which overturned part of **South Carolina v. Katzenbach** (1966) and invalidated the coverage formula of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which required certain states and localities to obtain federal approval before changing their voting laws⁴.
• - **Janus v. AFSCME** (2018), which overturned **Abood v. Detroit Board of Education** (1977) and ruled that public sector unions cannot collect fees from non-members who benefit from collective bargaining, as it violates their First Amendment rights⁴.
• - **Knick v. Township of Scott** (2019), which overturned **Williamson County Regional Planning Commission v. Hamilton Bank of Johnson City** (1985) and allowed property owners to sue local governments for takings claims in federal court without first seeking compensation in state court⁵.
• - **Ramos v. Louisiana** (2020), which overturned **Apodaca v. Oregon** (1972) and held that the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial requires a unanimous verdict to convict a defendant of a serious offense in both federal and state courts⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) How often does the Supreme Court overturn precedents like Roe v. Wade .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/05/21/how-often-does-supreme-court-overturn-precedents-like-roe-v-wade/.

(2) Precedent And The Roberts Court In 4 Charts - Law360. https://www.law360.com/articles/1207062/precedent-and-the-roberts-court-in-4-charts.

(3) The Supreme Court has overturned precedent dozens of times, including .... https://bing.com/search?q=roberts+court+reversed+precedents.

(4) Supreme Court reverses affirmative action, gutting race-conscious .... https://www.npr.org/2023/06/29/1181138066/affirmative-action-supreme-court-decision.

(5) The Supreme Court has overturned precedent dozens of times in the past .... https://theconversation.com/the-supreme-court-has-overturned-precedent-dozens-of-times-in-the-past-60-years-including-when-it-struck-down-legal-segregation-168052.

(6) The Supreme Court has overturned precedent dozens of times, including .... https://theconversation.com/the-supreme-court-has-overturned-precedent-dozens-of-times-including-striking-down-legal-segregation-and-reversing-roe-185941.

The current supreme court has reversed two major precedents in the past year: **Roe v. Wade** and **Grutter v. Bollinger**. Roe v. Wade (1973) was the landmark decision that recognized a constitutional right to abortion, while Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) was the last decision that upheld race-conscious affirmative action in higher education²³. The court overturned these precedents by 6-3 votes, with the conservative majority citing the need to protect human life and equal protection under the law²⁵.

Some of the changes that have occurred since these precedents were established are:

• - The composition of the supreme court has shifted to a 6-3 conservative majority, with three justices appointed by former President Trump.
• - The political and social polarization of the country has intensified, with abortion and affirmative action becoming highly divisive issues among different groups and regions.
• - The scientific and technological advances have made abortion safer and more accessible, as well as raised new ethical questions about fetal development and viability.
• - The demographic and economic changes have increased the diversity and inequality of the population, as well as the demand for higher education and skilled workers.

7/3/2023

(1) Who died and made the Supreme Court a Congress?. https://www.msnbc.com/the-mehdi-hasan-show/the-mehdi-hasan-show/supreme-court-congress-republican-majority-rcna92394.

(2) Supreme Court Reverses Decades of Precedent to Curtail Affirmative Action. https://truthout.org/articles/supreme-court-reverses-decades-of-precedent-to-curtail-affirmative-action/.

(3) Supreme Court reverses decades of precedent by ending affirmative .... https://www.npr.org/2023/06/29/1185140161/supreme-court-reverses-decades-of-precedent-by-ending-affirmative-action.

(4) Five times the Supreme Court reversed a precedent. https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/3477148-five-times-the-supreme-court-reversed-a-precedent/.

(5) In 370 days, Supreme Court conservatives dash decades of abortion and affirmative action precedents. https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-affirmative-action-abortion-e6fc46c12a6bf83a96874586b5858d18.

The Supreme Court does not have a fixed formula for deciding when to overturn a precedent, but it has stated that there must be some special justification or strong grounds that goes beyond disagreeing with a prior decision's reasoning. The court has also considered several prudential and pragmatic factors that balance the need for stability and correction in the law, such as:

• - **The quality of the past decision's reasoning**, meaning whether the decision was well-reasoned, persuasive, and based on sound legal principles or whether it was flawed, illogical, or arbitrary¹³.
• - **The consistency of the past decision with related decisions**, meaning whether the decision fits within the court's broader doctrinal framework or whether it conflicts, departs, or is eroded by other rulings on similar issues¹³.
• - **The legal developments since the past decision**, meaning whether the decision reflects the current understanding of the Constitution or whether it is outdated, obsolete, or incompatible with new laws, doctrines, or values¹³.
• - **The reliance on the past decision throughout the legal system and society**, meaning whether the decision has generated expectations, investments, or behaviors that would be disrupted, harmed, or unfair if the decision were overruled or whether the decision has caused negative consequences, injustices, or hardships that would be alleviated by overruling¹³.

These factors are not exhaustive or determinative, and different justices may weigh them differently depending on their judicial philosophy, ideology, or views on specific issues. Ultimately, the court has to balance its own institutional legitimacy and authority with its responsibility to interpret and apply the Constitution faithfully and fairly.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) The Rights and Wrongs of Overruling Precedent - Reason.com. https://reason.com/volokh/2019/06/26/the-rights-and-wrongs-of-overruling-precedent/.

(2) Does overturning precedent undermine the Supreme Court’s legitimacy .... https://hls.harvard.edu/today/does-overturning-precedent-undermine-the-supreme-courts-legitimacy/.

(3) The Supreme Court’s Overruling of Constitutional Precedent - CRS Reports. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45319.

(4) When can the Supreme Court overturn precedent? - LegalKnowledgeBase.com. https://legalknowledgebase.com/when-can-the-supreme-court-overturn-precedent.

(5) 8 Landmark Supreme Court Cases That Were Overturned. https://www.history.com/news/landmark-supreme-court-cases-overturned.

Originalism and living constitutionalism are two competing theories of constitutional interpretation. They differ in how they approach the meaning and authority of the constitutional text.

• - **Originalism** is the theory that the meaning of the constitutional text is fixed at the time of its ratification and that it should bind constitutional actors, such as judges, legislators, and executives. Originalists argue that the original meaning can be discovered by examining the text itself, the historical context, the intentions of the framers, or the public understanding at the time¹². Originalists contend that originalism is the best way to preserve the rule of law, respect democratic choices, and limit judicial activism¹².
• - **Living constitutionalism** is the theory that the meaning of the constitutional text is not fixed but can and should evolve in response to changing circumstances and values. Living constitutionalists argue that the constitutional text is often vague, ambiguous, or outdated, and that it needs to be interpreted in light of contemporary norms, practices, and problems³⁴. Living constitutionalists contend that living constitutionalism is the best way to adapt the Constitution to modern realities, protect fundamental rights, and promote social progress³⁴.

These two theories often clash on controversial issues, such as abortion, affirmative action, gun rights, and campaign finance. They also reflect different views on the role and legitimacy of the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of constitutional questions.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) | University of Virginia School of Law. https://www.law.virginia.edu/scholarship/publication/lawrence-b-solum/953451.

(2) Originalism Versus Living Constitutionalism: The Conceptual Structure .... https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3248&context=facpub.

(3) CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION: AN OVERVIEW OF ORIGINALISM AND LIVING .... https://lawreview.law.uic.edu/constitutional-interpretation-an-overview-of-originalism-and-living-constitutionalism/.

(4) Living Constitutionalism v. Originalism. - Human Events. https://humanevents.com/2019/07/02/living-constitutionalism-v-originalism/.

(5) Originalism Vs Living Constitution Theory | ipl.org. https://www.ipl.org/essay/Originalism-Vs-Living-Constitution-Theory-PJYW8X5QDAB.

Citizens United was a landmark Supreme Court decision that overturned previous campaign finance restrictions and allowed corporations and other groups to spend unlimited money on elections as a form of free speech². The ruling has been widely criticized for its impact on the role of money and influence in politics, as it has led to the creation of super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited funds from wealthy donors, and the expansion of dark money, which is spending by groups that do not disclose their sources of funding¹³. Some argue that Citizens United has undermined the democratic process, increased political polarization, and favored special interests over the public interest³⁴.

However, whether Citizens United has reversed the gains made since World War II is a matter of opinion and perspective. Some might point to the positive aspects of the ruling, such as its protection of free speech rights, its promotion of political diversity and competition, and its empowerment of grassroots movements and social causes⁵. Others might disagree with the premise that there were gains made since World War II, or that those gains were related to campaign finance regulation. Ultimately, the question of how Citizens United has affected American democracy is complex and contested, and it may depend on one's values, beliefs, and goals.

 Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Citizens United vs. FEC - HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/united-states-constitution/citizens-united.

(2) Citizens United Explained | Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/citizens-united-explained.

(3) A look at the impact of Citizens United on its 9th anniversary. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/01/citizens-united/.

(4) Citizens United and Its Impact on Campaign Financing: A Brief Overview .... https://home.heinonline.org/blog/2018/03/citizens-united-and-its-impact-on-campaign-financing-a-brief-overview/.

(5) 13 Years of Impact: The Long Reach of ‘Citizens United’. https://www.ncsl.org/state-legislatures-news/details/13-years-of-impact-the-long-reach-of-citizens-united.

Some of the conservative justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade did say that Roe was settled law and that they follow precedent and stare decisis at their confirmation hearings. For example, Neil Gorsuch said that Roe was "a precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court" that had been "reaffirmed many times" and was "worthy as treatment of precedent like any other"². Brett Kavanaugh said that Roe was an "important precedent of the Supreme Court" that had been "reaffirmed many times" and was "entitled the respect under principles of stare decisis"³. Amy Coney Barrett said that Roe was a "case that is on the books" and that she would "follow all Supreme Court precedent without fail" unless there was a reason to depart from it.

However, saying that Roe was settled law or precedent did not necessarily mean that they agreed with its reasoning or outcome, or that they would never vote to overturn it. They also avoided answering hypothetical questions about how they would rule on future cases involving abortion, citing judicial ethics and independence²³ . Moreover, they indicated that there were circumstances in which they would be willing to reconsider or overrule precedents, such as when they were "grievously wrong", "unworkable", or "inconsistent with other constitutional principles"²³ . In their draft opinion, they argued that Roe met those criteria and therefore should be overturned¹.

It is worth noting that not all conservative justices who voted to overturn Roe said that it was settled law or precedent at their confirmation hearings. Clarence Thomas said that he had no opinion on Roe and had never discussed it with anyone. Samuel Alito said that he would approach the issue of abortion with an open mind and respect for precedent, but he did not explicitly endorse Roe as settled law or precedent.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) What the conservative justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade said .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/24/justices-roe-confirmation-hearings/.

(2) Why conservative Justice Potter Stewart joined the majority in Roe v. Wade. https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/3482007-why-conservative-justice-potter-stewart-joined-the-majority-in-roe-v-wade/.

(3) What conservative justices said about Roe v. Wade at their ... - NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/05/03/1096108319/roe-v-wade-alito-conservative-justices-confirmation-hearings.

I DIDN'T KNOW THAT ABOUT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

I DIDN'T KNOW THAT ABOUT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Ah, the Declaration of Independence. That old piece of parchment that we all learned about in school. But did you know that there are some lesser-known facts about this famous document? And did you know that it's actually pretty funny if you look at it from the right angle? Let's take a closer look.

First of all, let's talk about the signing date. We all know that the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, but did you know that most of the signers didn't actually sign it until August 2, 1776? That's like turning in your homework a month after it was due. And speaking of signing, have you seen John Hancock's signature? It's huge! Legend has it that he wanted to make sure that King George III could read his name without spectacles. Talk about an ego.

But let's get back to the facts. Thomas Jefferson, one of the main authors of the Declaration, actually wrote a version of it known as the "Original Rough Draught." I don't know about you, but I think that's a pretty hilarious name. It's like he knew that it wasn't going to be perfect, but he just went with it anyway. And speaking of imperfections, did you know that there were only 26 surviving copies of the first printed version of the Declaration? I mean, come on, John Dunlap, get your act together.

Now, let's talk about the Syng inkstand. This thing is basically a fancy inkwell that was used to hold the ink for the Declaration. It's currently on display at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. I don't know about you, but I think it's pretty funny that we have an entire artifact dedicated to holding ink. It's like we're so obsessed with this document that we even care about the ink that was used to write it.

But let's get serious for a moment. When the Declaration reached Britain, it was initially met with mixed reactions. Some dismissed it as a rebellion, while others saw it as a serious threat to British rule. King George III supposedly wrote "Nothing of importance happened today" in his diary on July 4, 1776. I mean, come on, George, you're not fooling anyone. We all know that you were secretly freaking out.

And finally, let's talk about the women's suffrage movement. Did you know that the Declaration of Sentiments, a key document in the movement, was modeled after the structure and language of the Declaration of Independence? It was presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. I don't know about you, but I think it's pretty funny that a document that was originally written by a bunch of old white dudes ended up inspiring a movement for women's rights.

In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence is a pretty funny document if you look at it from the right angle. From John Hancock's ego to Thomas Jefferson's "Original Rough Draught," there are plenty of laughs to be had. But let's not forget that this document is also incredibly important and shaped the course of American history. So let's raise a glass (or a quill) to the Declaration and all of its quirks and imperfections.

THE DEFT DIVE

Here are some lesser-known facts about the Declaration of Independence:

1. Signing date: While the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, most of the signers did not actually put pen to paper until August 2, 1776. This is the date when the official parchment document was prepared.

2. Syng inkstand: The Syng inkstand, an iconic artifact associated with the signing of the Declaration, was used to hold the ink for the document. It is currently on display at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.

3. "Original Rough Draught": Thomas Jefferson drafted a version of the Declaration known as the "Original Rough Draught." This draft underwent revisions and edits by other committee members before being adopted.

4. Printer John Dunlap: The first printed copies of the Declaration, known as the "Dunlap Broadsides," were produced by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776. Around 200 copies were made, but only 26 are known to have survived.

5. Signer ages: The signers of the Declaration of Independence ranged in age from 26 to 70. The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, and the oldest was Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania.

6. John Hancock's prominent signature: John Hancock's signature on the Declaration is notably large and flamboyant. Legend has it that he wanted to make sure that King George III could read his name without spectacles.

7. British reaction: When the Declaration reached Britain, it was initially met with mixed reactions. Some dismissed it as a rebellion, while others saw it as a serious threat to British rule. King George III supposedly wrote "Nothing of importance happened today" in his diary on July 4, 1776.

8. Women's suffrage connection: The Declaration of Sentiments, a key document in the women's suffrage movement, was modeled after the structure and language of the Declaration of Independence. It was presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.

These are just a few intriguing facts about the Declaration of Independence. It remains an important historical document that shaped the course of American history.

Declaration of Independence, the 4th of July, our Founding Fathers and the celebrations over the years:

• - **Fourth of July - Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions | HISTORY**¹: This article provides a detailed overview of the history of Independence Day, from the events that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence to the traditions and festivities that have evolved over time. It also features a photo gallery of the Founding Fathers and a video about the origins of the holiday.
• - **Declaration of Independence | Summary, Definition, Date, & Text | Britannica**²: This article explains the background, content and significance of the Declaration of Independence, as well as its impact on the American Revolution and the world. It also answers some frequently asked questions about the document and its preservation.
• - **America declared independence on July 2—so why is the 4th a holiday? | National Geographic**³: This article explores the discrepancy between the date that independence was formally declared (July 2) and the date that the Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4). It also discusses how different states and regions celebrated the anniversary of independence in different ways.
• - **Declaration of Independence | Key Facts | Britannica**⁴: This article summarizes the key facts about the Declaration of Independence, such as who wrote it, who signed it, what it said and how it was received. It also provides a link to the full text of the document..

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Fourth of July - Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions | HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th.

(2) Declaration of Independence | Summary, Definition, Date, & Text. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-Independence.

(3) America declared independence on July 2—so why is the 4th a holiday?. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/america-declared-independence-july-2-why-holiday-4th.

(4) Declaration of Independence | Key Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Declaration-of-Independence-Key-Facts.

There are many books about the Declaration of Independence that you can read to learn more about this important document and its impact. Here are some of the books:

• - **Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality** by Danielle S. Allen¹: This book offers a close reading and analysis of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting its relevance for contemporary issues of equality and democracy.
• - **The Declaration of Independence: A Global History** by David Armitage²: This book explores how the Declaration of Independence has influenced and inspired other declarations of independence around the world, from Haiti to Vietnam.
• - **The Declaration of Independence: The Story Behind America's Founding Document and the Men Who Created It** by Rod Gragg³: This book tells the story of the events and people that led to the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, with removable artifacts and a full-size replica of the document.
• - **The Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas** by Carl Lotus Becker⁴: This book examines the philosophical and historical origins of the Declaration of Independence, as well as its reception and interpretation by different generations of Americans.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. https://www.monticello.org/thomas-jefferson/jefferson-s-three-greatest-achievements/the-declaration/jefferson-and-the-declaration/.

(2) Amazon.com: Declaration Of Independence: Books. https://www.amazon.com/declaration-independence-Books/s?k=declaration+of+independence&rh=n%3A283155.

(3) The Declaration of Independence: The Story Behind America's Founding .... https://www.amazon.com/Declaration-Independence-Americas-Founding-Document/dp/140160210X.

(4) The Declaration of Independence : A Global History - Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Declaration_of_Independence.html?id=X2QCAa27Zy4C.

There are some movies about the Declaration of Independence that you can watch to enjoy some historical drama and action. Here are some of the movies:

• - **Declaration of Independence** (1938): This short film directed by Crane Wilbur won an Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Two-Reel) in 1939. It dramatizes the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with actors portraying Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and others¹.
• - **1776** (1972): This musical film directed by Peter H. Hunt is based on the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. It features songs and dialogues taken from the letters and memoirs of the Founding Fathers, as they debate and draft the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia²³.
• - **National Treasure** (2004): This adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub stars Nicolas Cage as a treasure hunter who follows clues hidden in the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents to find a secret stash of riches left by the Founding Fathers⁴⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Declaration of Independence (film) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Independence_%28film%29.

(2) Top 10 Films Honoring American Independence - The Script Lab. https://thescriptlab.com/features/the-lists/1177-top-10-films-honoring-american-independence/.

(3) 1776 (1972) - IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068156/.

(4) Declare Your Independence: Hollywood’s Most Patriotic Movies. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-patriotic-movies-independence/.

(5) "declaration of independence" Movies - The Movie Database (TMDB). https://www.themoviedb.org/keyword/309007-declaration-of-independence/movie.

There are many places where you can watch the Fourth of July fireworks and celebrate the Independence Day. Here are some of the biggest celebrations and how to watch them:

• - **Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks** in New York City: This is the largest fireworks show in the country, with more than 65,000 shells and effects launched from five barges on the East River. You can watch it live on NBC from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, or online on NBC.com or NBC app. You can also watch it in person from designated viewing areas along the Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn waterfronts¹².
• - **A Capitol Fourth** in Washington, D.C.: This is the nation's birthday celebration, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. You can watch it live on PBS from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET, or online on PBS.org, YouTube or Facebook. You can also watch it in person from the National Mall or other nearby locations³⁴.
• - **Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular** in Boston: This is the annual concert and fireworks show featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra and guest artists. You can watch it live on Bloomberg TV from 8 to 11 p.m. ET, or online on Bloomberg.com or Bloomberg app. You can also watch it in person from the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade or other nearby locations⁵⁶.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Where to watch the July 4th fireworks in New York City. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/what-to-know-about-macy-s-fourth-of-july-fireworks-in-new-york-city/ar-AA1dmEsN.

(2) Fourth of July celebrations: Where to watch fireworks in the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast. https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/fourth-of-july-celebrations-where-to-watch-fireworks-in-the-palm-beaches-and-the-treasure-coast/ar-AA1dgxFX.

(3) When and where to watch the big Fair St. Louis fireworks show. https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/when-and-where-to-watch-the-big-fair-st-louis-fireworks-show/.

(4) Fourth of July White House concert: Brothers Osborne and Ne-Yo perform. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/03/biden-july-4-white-house-brothers-osborne-ne-yo-dj-dnice/70377764007/.

(5) Where to watch the best July 4th fireworks in 2021 - TODAY. https://www.today.com/popculture/where-watch-fourth-july-fireworks-2021-t218694.

(6) A Capitol Fourth | PBS. https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/.

There are many other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July besides watching fireworks. You can try some of these activities to have fun and show your patriotism:

• - **Dress the part**: Wear red, white and blue clothes, accessories, face paint or masks to show your colors. You can also decorate your own T-shirts, hats or shoes with patriotic symbols or slogans¹.
• - **Have a patriotic picnic**: Pack some delicious food and drinks that are red, white and blue, such as potato salad, lobster macaroni salad, pretzels, truffles and strawberries. Find a nice spot to enjoy your meal, such as a park, a beach or your backyard¹.
• - **Paint your lawn**: Use grass-friendly spray paint to create some artistic designs on your front lawn. You can paint stars and stripes, words of celebration or anything else that expresses your spirit¹.
• - **Create a photo booth**: Set up a corner of your house or yard with some props and decorations that are related to the Fourth of July. You can use flags, balloons, hats, sunglasses, signs or anything else that suits the theme. Then take some fun photos with your family or friends and share them online¹.
• - **Visit a historic landmark**: Learn more about the history of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution by visiting a place that played a role in it. You can go to Philadelphia, where the document was signed; Boston, where the Tea Party took place; or Washington, D.C., where the Capitol is located².
• - **Watch a movie**: If you prefer to stay indoors, you can watch a movie that is related to the Fourth of July or the American history. Some examples are Declaration of Independence (1938), 1776 (1972), National Treasure (2004), Lincoln (2012) or Hamilton (2020)³.
• - **Try something different**: Depending on where you live, you might find some unusual ways to celebrate the Fourth of July. For example, you can join a boat parade, a lobster race, a road apple roulette or a computer trap shooting⁴.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) 4th of July Bucket List: 41 Things to Do for Independence Day. https://bucketlistjourney.net/things-to-do-for-4th-of-july/.

(2) From big cities to small towns, see the most spectacular July 4th firework displays. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/from-big-cities-to-small-towns-see-the-most-spectacular-july-4th-firework-displays/ar-AA1dnkxW.

(3) Ways to celebrate the 4th of July indoors. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/other/ways-to-celebrate-the-4th-of-july-indoors/ar-AA1dmIlE.

(4) What's closed and what's open on the Fourth of July?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/whats-closed-and-whats-open-on-the-fourth-of-july/ar-AA1dncVv.

(5) 7 Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July With Your Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-celebrate-july-fourth-with-your-family-5190662.

(6) How to Celebrate July 4th: Surprising Independence Day Traditions. https://www.newsweek.com/celebrate-4-july-traditions-1719780.

BACK IN THE NEWS STEPHEN MILLER INFAMOUS HATER AND EVIL POLICY DEVELOPER FOR TRUMP

 BACK IN THE NEWS

STEPHEN MILLER INFAMOUS HATER AND EVIL POLICY DEVELOPER FOR TRUMP

Stephen Miller, the infamous hater and evil policy developer in chief for former President Donald Trump, is back in the news. This time, he's threatening to sue 200 law schools across the country if they don't comply with the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action in college admissions. Oh, Stephen, always the life of the party.

For those of you who don't know who Stephen Miller is, let me give you a quick rundown. He's like a Disney villain come to life, with a face that looks like it's been chiseled out of granite and a personality that's about as warm as a Siberian winter. He's the kind of guy who would steal candy from a baby and then tell the baby it deserved it because it wasn't working hard enough. In other words, he's a real charmer.

But back to his latest shenanigans. Apparently, Miller thinks that affirmative action is "illegal racial discrimination." Yes, you read that right. The guy who worked for a president who was accused of being a racist on multiple occasions is now lecturing law schools about discrimination. The irony is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Miller's letter to the law schools is a masterpiece of passive-aggressive threats. He warns them not to "violate, circumvent, bypass, subvert or otherwise program around" the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action. I don't know about you, but when someone tells me not to "program around" something, I feel like I'm in a bad sci-fi movie where the robots have taken over.

But wait, it gets better. Miller also says that his organization, America First Legal (which sounds like a discount store for patriotic merchandise), is "ready to take them to court" and "hold them to account" if they don't obey the court's decision. I can just picture Miller sitting in his office, rubbing his hands together and cackling like a Disney villain (which, let's be honest, is probably what he does all day).

Of course, Miller's letter has been met with outrage from many quarters. Some have accused him of trying to intimidate law schools into abandoning their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Others have pointed out that his argument against affirmative action is based on flawed logic and cherry-picked data. But I think we're all missing the real issue here: Stephen Miller is just not a fun guy.

I mean, can you imagine going to a party with him? You'd be trying to enjoy your drink and chat with your friends, and he'd be in the corner, muttering about how immigrants are ruining America and how affirmative action is reverse racism. It would be like having a dark cloud hanging over the whole evening.

So, in conclusion, Stephen Miller is still a hater, still an evil policy developer in chief, and still not someone you'd want to invite to your birthday party. But hey, at least he's consistent.

Stephen Miller Threatens Suit Against Schools Who Ignore SCOTUS Affirmative Action Decision https://news.yahoo.com/stephen-miller-threatens-suit-against-005102149.html 

THE DEFT DIVE

Stephen Miller is a former White House adviser who served under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. He is now the president of **America First Legal**, a nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative causes⁴⁵.

He has recently sent a letter to the deans of **200 law schools** across the country, threatening to sue them if they do not comply with the Supreme Court's ruling on **affirmative action** in college admissions⁴⁵⁶. The ruling, issued last week, invalidated the admissions practices at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which considered race as a factor in selecting students. The court said that such practices violated the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection⁵.

Miller claimed that affirmative action was "illegal racial discrimination" and warned the law schools not to "violate, circumvent, bypass, subvert or otherwise program around" the ruling⁴⁵. He said that his organization was ready to "take them to court" and "hold them to account" if they did not obey the court's decision⁴⁵.

Affirmative action policies emerged after the civil rights movement of the 1960s, aiming to increase educational opportunities for Black and Latino students. The policies incited accusations of "reverse racism" from white Americans, and in recent years, conservatives have argued that affirmative action unfairly disadvantaged Asian American college applicants. Asian American students' claims were the basis for both of the cases that led the Supreme Court to declare affirmative action programs in colleges unconstitutional⁴.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Stephen Miller Threatens Schools After Affirmative Action Decision .... https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stephen-miller-affirmative-action-response_n_64a1a10de4b030efa12105c5.

(2) Stephen Miller warns schools of lawsuits if they ignore ... - The Hill. https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4078821-stephen-miller-warns-schools-of-lawsuits-if-they-ignore-supreme-court-affirmative-action-ruling/.

(3) Stephen Miller Sends Threatening Letter to 200 Schools Telling ... - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/stephen-miller-sends-threatening-letter-to-200-schools-telling-them-he-ll-sue-if-they-consider-race-in-applications-you-are-hereby-warned/ar-AA1dh5PU.

(4) Stephen Miller Threatens Suit Against Schools Who Ignore SCOTUS Affirmative Action Decision. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/stephen-miller-threatens-suit-against-schools-who-ignore-scotus-affirmative-action-decision/ar-AA1dlnGJ.

(5) Stephen Miller warns schools of lawsuits if they ignore Supreme Court affirmative action ruling. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/stephen-miller-warns-schools-lawsuits-120757307.html.

(6) Stephen Miller puts more than 200 schools on notice after affirmative action ruling: ‘Going to take them to court’. https://www.bizpacreview.com/2023/07/01/stephen-miller-puts-more-than-200-schools-on-notice-after-affirmative-action-ruling-going-to-take-them-to-court-1373526/.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE: COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL POLICY AND MOMS FOR LIBERTY EDITION

THE TWILIGHT ZONE 

COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL POLICY AND MOMS FOR LIBERTY 

In the latest episode of "The Twilight Zone: Education Edition," we have a group of moms who call themselves "Moms for Liberty" declaring war on teachers unions and public school boards. Apparently, these moms are convinced that the truth is something that needs to be protected from children, and they're willing to reform public education into a white Christian nationalist stronghold to make sure their kids never learn anything that might challenge their worldview.

Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of moms, I think of warm hugs, freshly baked cookies, and maybe a little bit of nagging about doing your homework. I don't think of moms as the kind of people who want to turn our schools into indoctrination centers for their own narrow-minded beliefs. But apparently, these moms are different.

According to my sources (which may or may not include a magic 8-ball and a conspiracy theorist I met on the bus), Moms for Liberty is a conservative political group that's all about parental rights in education. They're against COVID-19 restrictions (because apparently, masks are the devil's work), critical race theory (because acknowledging systemic racism is just too darn inconvenient), and LGBTQ+ inclusion (because... well, I'm not really sure why. Maybe they're worried their kids will catch the gay?).

The group recently hosted its annual summit in Philadelphia, which drew about 650 attendees from around the country. The summit featured talks by former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, among other Republican leaders and celebrities. It also faced protests by hundreds of activists, teachers, and students who accused the group of spreading hate, misinformation, and bigotry. 

But hey, at least Moms for Liberty has some financial support! They've received funding from Conservatives for Good Government, a conservative Florida political action committee, as well as Julie Fancelli, an heiress who also funded the January 6 rally that preceded the Capitol riot. They've even hosted fundraisers with conservative celebrities like former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. 

As a 501(c)(4) social-welfare nonprofit, Moms for Liberty doesn't have to disclose its donors. But we can only assume that they're getting some serious cash from some seriously shady sources.

So who are these moms who want to turn our schools into something out of "The Handmaid's Tale"? According to my sources (which may or may not include a magic 8-ball and a very chatty parrot), the leaders of Moms for Liberty include Tina Descovich, a former Brevard County School Board member and co-founder of the group; Tiffany Justice, a former Indian River County School Board member and co-founder of the group; Bridget Ziegler, a Sarasota County School Board member and co-founder of the group; and Marie Rogerson, a Republican campaign consultant and leader of the group's Florida chapter.

All three of the founders are registered Republicans, and the group has been endorsed and supported by prominent Republican leaders and candidates like Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Glenn Youngkin. They've also been labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremists. 

But what are Moms for Liberty actually doing to further their cause? Well, according to my sources (which may or may not include a very chatty squirrel and a conspiracy theorist who lives in his mom's basement), they're using tactics like harassment and intimidation of librarians, teachers, parents, students, and community leaders who disagree with their views or policies. They're also pushing for book bans and classroom censorship of materials that address race, gender, sexuality, diversity, and inclusion. And they're manipulating the media to spin their message and actions in their favor.

But hey, at least they're fighting for something important, right? They're defending parental rights! They're standing up against government indoctrination! They're... wait a minute. What exactly are they defending?

Well, according to my sources (which may or may not include a very talkative cat and a conspiracy theorist who believes that aliens are controlling our minds through our smartphones), Moms for Liberty is defending things like the right to choose whether their children wear masks in schools or not (because apparently science is optional now), the right to have a say in what books their children read or have access to in school libraries (because apparently censorship is just good parenting), and the right to reject curriculums that touch on LGBTQ+ rights, race and discrimination, and scientific facts that they disagree with (because apparently ignorance is bliss).

So there you have it, folks. Moms for Liberty: fighting for your right to be ignorant, intolerant, and closed-minded. Because who needs education when you've got conspiracy theories and propaganda?

Council for National Policy (CNP) and Moms for Liberty

Move over Avengers, we have a new superhero group in town - the Council for National Policy (CNP)! This group of conservative and Republican activists in the United States is here to save the day, or at least their version of it.

Founded in 1981 by Tim LaHaye and the Christian right, the CNP aims to "bring more focus and force to conservative advocacy." Because who needs a diverse range of opinions and ideas when you can just stick to one narrow-minded agenda?

But don't worry, the CNP isn't just a bunch of old white guys sitting around a table. They bring together influential conservative leaders from all walks of life, including business, government, politics, religion, and academia. Because nothing screams diversity like a group of people who all think the same way.

And what do they do at these meetings, you ask? Well, they listen and learn from policy experts on a wide range of issues. But don't worry, there's plenty of time for open exchange between participants. Because nothing screams progress like hearing the same ideas over and over again.

But don't be fooled by their secrecy and influence over the conservative movement and Republican Party. Former Vice President Mike Pence calls them "one of the oldest & most effective organizations in the history of the conservative movement." And former President Ronald Reagan said they had a "vision to see the return of righteousness, justice, and truth to our great nation." Because nothing screams righteousness, justice, and truth like excluding anyone who doesn't agree with you.

But wait, there's more! The CNP may even have a secret ally in Moms for Liberty. While their relationship isn't clear, there are some indications that they share common goals, values, and connections. For example, two of Moms for Liberty's National Summit sponsors are critical members of the CNP. And leading Republican presidential candidates like former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have spoken at Moms for Liberty events and endorsed its agenda. Because nothing screams grassroots like being funded and supported by a secretive network of right-wing billionaires.

But don't worry, Moms for Liberty denies being a front group for any other organization. They claim to be a grassroots organization driven by passionate parents who want to defend their parental rights and fight for their children. They say they're not affiliated with any political party or ideology, and welcome members of all backgrounds and beliefs. Because nothing screams inclusivity like fighting against diversity education and mask mandates.

So there you have it folks, the CNP and Moms for Liberty - fighting for a better tomorrow...or at least their version of it.

THE DEFT DIVE

Moms for Liberty and their Philadelphia meeting:

• - Moms for Liberty is a conservative political group that advocates for parental rights in education, especially against COVID-19 restrictions, critical race theory, and LGBTQ+ inclusion⁷¹¹.
• - The group hosted its annual summit in Philadelphia from June 29 to July 2, 2023, with about **650** attendees from around the country¹².
• - The summit featured talks by former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, among other Republican leaders and celebrities²⁴¹¹.
• - The summit also faced protests by hundreds of activists, teachers, and students who accused the group of spreading hate, misinformation, and bigotry³⁵⁶.
• - Moms for Liberty has received financial support from **Conservatives for Good Government**, a conservative Florida political action committee, as well as **Julie Fancelli**, an heiress who also funded the January 6 rally that preceded the Capitol riot⁷.
• - The group also hosts fundraisers with conservative celebrities such as former Fox News host **Megyn Kelly** and has been sponsored by Florida Republicans running for office⁷.
• - As a 501 (c) (4) social-welfare nonprofit, Moms for Liberty does not have to disclose its donors⁷.
• - The group's annual budget is **$300,000**⁷.
• - The group plans to use its political action committee to engage in school board races nationwide in 2024 and beyond, as well as endorse candidates for state board positions and elected superintendents⁹ [^10^].

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.

(2) Trump and DeSantis court Moms for Liberty in a sign of the group's .... https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/trump-desantis-2024-gop-hopefuls-set-moms-liberty-100532235.

(3) What to expect as Moms for Liberty comes to Philadelphia. https://metrophiladelphia.com/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia-summit/.

(4) 2023 Joyful Warriors National Summit | M4L National - USA. https://www.momsforliberty.org/summit23/.

(5) Moms for Liberty are fired up in Philadelphia - ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/moms-liberty-fired-philadelphia/story?id=100554051.

(6) Moms for Liberty in Philly: Photos of summit, protests - WHYY. https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-moms-for-liberty-summit-protest-photos/.

(7) Moms for Liberty national meeting in Philly begins Thursday .... https://www.phillyvoice.com/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia-museum-american-revolution/.

(8) Inside the Moms for Liberty Summit in Philadelphia - WHYY. https://whyy.org/articles/moms-for-liberty-summit-philadelphia-desantis-trump/.

(9) Moms for Liberty's focus on school races nationwide sets up political .... https://apnews.com/article/moms-for-liberty-school-board-races-2024-5311cc11cd657a04e233216ac783d8f3.

(10) Far-right group Moms for Liberty poised to clash with teachers unions over school board races nationwide. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/moms-for-liberty-poised-to-clash-with-teachers-unions-over-school-board-races-nationwide.

(11) Trump and DeSantis court Moms for Liberty in a sign of the group’s rising influence over the GOP. https://apnews.com/article/moms-for-liberty-trump-desantis-2024-republicans-8e17f7587bba9cf6dd316c3ef2eb6a19.

The leaders of Moms for Liberty are:

• - **Tina Descovich**, a former Brevard County School Board member and co-founder of the group¹³⁴. She is also the president of the group's political action committee⁵.
• - **Tiffany Justice**, a former Indian River County School Board member and co-founder of the group¹³⁴. She is also the vice president of the group's political action committee⁵.
• - **Bridget Ziegler**, a Sarasota County School Board member and co-founder of the group¹⁴. She served as the group's director until February 2021⁵. She is also the wife of Christian Ziegler, a Republican state committeeman and owner of a company that received payments from Moms for Liberty⁵.
• - **Marie Rogerson**, a Republican campaign consultant and leader of the group's Florida chapter⁴. She is also the treasurer of the group's political action committee⁵.

These are the main leaders of Moms for Liberty, but there are also many local chapter leaders across the country who organize events and campaigns for the group. For example, **Nicole Prussman** is a leader of the group's Williamson County chapter in Tennessee⁶.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty: Chapters, members, founders, funding, things to know. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2021/12/08/moms-liberty-florida-chapters-members-details/6355142001/.

(2) How Moms for Liberty became an influential force in the GOP - The .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/30/moms-for-liberty-republican-candidates-president/.

(3) Moms for Liberty: What it is and who’s behind the group - Inquirer.com. https://www.inquirer.com/news/what-is-moms-for-liberty-school-book-bans-explained-20230602.html.

(4) Exclusive: Moms for Liberty Pays $21,000 to Company Owned by ... - The 74. https://www.the74million.org/article/exclusive-moms-for-liberty-pays-21k-to-co-owned-by-founding-members-husband/.

(5) Moms for Liberty Leader Allegedly Hijacked Dead Woman’s Facebook Page .... https://www.thedailybeast.com/moms-for-liberty-leader-allegedly-hijacked-dead-womans-facebook-page-to-harass-foes.

(6) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

Moms for Liberty claims to be a nonpartisan group, but it is widely seen as a conservative political organization that has ties to the Republican Party and right-wing extremist groups¹⁶.

• - All three of the founders are registered Republicans¹⁶.
• - The group has been endorsed and supported by prominent Republican leaders and candidates, such as Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Glenn Youngkin²³⁵.
• - The group has received financial support from Conservatives for Good Government, a conservative Florida political action committee⁴.
• - The group has been labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization that tracks extremists¹⁶.
• - Many of the group's chapters have forged close ties to right-wing extremist groups, such as the Proud Boys, Three Percenters, QAnon, and Christian nationalists⁶.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty | Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moms-liberty.

(2) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.

(3) ‘Never apologize’: How Moms for Liberty teaches its members to spin the media. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/moms-liberty-teaching-members-spin-media-rcna92099.

(4) 'Get out of my city': Moms For Liberty hears from Trump, DeSantis and noisy protesters in Philly. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/get-out-of-my-city-moms-for-liberty-hears-from-trump-desantis-and-noisy-protesters-in-philly/ar-AA1dgfyd.

(5) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

(6) Moms for Liberty’s focus on school races nationwide sets up political clash with teachers unions. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/07/02/moms-for-libertys-focus-on-school-races-nationwide-sets-up-political-clash-with-teachers-unions/.

Some of the tactics that Moms for Liberty uses are:

• - **Harassment and intimidation** of librarians, teachers, parents, students, and community leaders who disagree with their views or policies²³. This includes threatening people with gun violence, accusing parents of child abuse and grooming, calling for LGBTQ kids to be segregated, and trying to have children removed from healthy family homes¹.
• - **Book bans and classroom censorship** of materials that address race, gender, sexuality, diversity, and inclusion²⁴⁶. This includes filing complaints, petitions, and lawsuits against school districts that have such books in their libraries or curriculums³⁴⁶.
• - **Media manipulation and spin** of their message and actions². This includes never apologizing for controversial statements or actions, pivoting to their talking points, using social media to spread misinformation and propaganda, and avoiding hostile or critical media outlets².
• - **Political influence and mobilization** of their members and allies²⁵. This includes endorsing and supporting Republican candidates and causes, forming a political action committee, engaging in school board races nationwide, and attracting prominent speakers and celebrities to their events²⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty Has Aggressive, Predatory Tactics—and They ... - VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy3gnq/what-is-moms-for-liberty.

(2) How Moms For Liberty is teaching its members to spin the media - NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/moms-liberty-teaching-members-spin-media-rcna92099.

(3) Moms for Liberty - Red Wine and Blue. https://bing.com/search?q=tactics+of+Moms+for+Liberty.

(4) Moms for Liberty - GLAAD. https://glaad.org/gap/moms-liberty/.

(5) Moms for Liberty is hiding behind these front groups as they gut public .... https://www.mediamatters.org/moms-liberty/moms-liberty-hiding-behind-these-front-groups-they-gut-public-school-libraries.

(6) Moms for Liberty | Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moms-liberty.

Some of the allies of Moms for Liberty are:

• - **Republican Party** and its leaders and candidates, such as Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Glenn Youngkin, and Christian Ziegler¹²⁴. They have endorsed and supported the group's agenda and attended its events¹².
• - **Conservatives for Good Government**, a conservative Florida political action committee that has donated to the group³.
• - **Right-wing extremist groups**, such as the Proud Boys, Three Percenters, QAnon, and Christian nationalists⁵. They have forged close ties with some of the group's chapters and shared their views on race, gender, sexuality, and government⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) How Moms for Liberty became an influential force in the GOP - The .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/30/moms-for-liberty-republican-candidates-president/.

(2) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

(3) Moms for Liberty? Who are they. Why are they called extremist group?. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/state/2023/06/07/moms-for-liberty-who-are-they-why-they-labeled-extremist-group-florida-based-chapters/70297157007/.

(4) Who We Are | M4L National - USA - Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/about/.

(5) Moms for Liberty: Chapters, members, founders, funding, things to know. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2021/12/08/moms-liberty-florida-chapters-members-details/6355142001/.

Some of the parental rights that Moms for Liberty defends are:

• - The right to choose whether their children wear masks in schools or not²⁴.
• - The right to have a say in what books their children read or have access to in school libraries² .
• - The right to reject curriculums that touch on LGBTQ+ rights, race and discrimination, and scientific facts that they disagree with²³ .

The group claims that it is fighting against the "indoctrination" of children by the government and the public education system⁴. However, some critics argue that the group is undermining the health and safety of students and staff, promoting intolerance and bigotry, and interfering with academic freedom and quality²³ .

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty | Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/.

(2) Who We Are | M4L National - USA - Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/about/.

(3) Moms for Liberty has turned ‘parental rights’ into a rallying cry for .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/moms-for-liberty-parents-rights/2021/10/14/bf3d9ccc-286a-11ec-8831-a31e7b3de188_story.html.

(4) Moms for Liberty | Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moms-liberty.

Some articles that suggest that the group is funded and supported by some right-wing donors and organizations that may have connections to wealthy conservatives¹³.

• For example, one article claims that **two of Moms for Liberty’s National Summit sponsors, the Leadership Institute and Heritage Foundation, are critical members of the Council for National Policy, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders that underwrites and coordinates right wing politics**³.
• Another article alleges that **Moms for Liberty benefits from right-wing funding and ties to traditional Republican political figures** and that **the group’s leaders proudly tout their close relationship with the Republican Party**¹.
• These articles suggest that Moms for Liberty is not a grassroots organization driven entirely by passionate parents, but rather a part of a broader and more sinister movement that aims to advance a far-right agenda¹²³.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Unmasking Moms for Liberty | Media Matters for America. https://www.mediamatters.org/critical-race-theory/unmasking-moms-liberty.

(2) Just who is behind Moms for Liberty? | Column - Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2022/07/09/just-who-is-behind-moms-for-liberty-column/.

(3) The next threat to democracy in the US: Moms for Liberty?. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2022/4/27/the-next-threat-to-democracy-in-the-us-moms-for-liberty.

Some of the donors and sponsors of Moms for Liberty are:

• - The **Leadership Institute** and the **Heritage Foundation**, two conservative think tanks that are part of the Council for National Policy, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders³.
• - The **Republican Party** and its prominent figures, such as former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and others who have spoken at the group's events and endorsed its agenda¹²⁵.
• - Various local businesses and organizations that support the group's mission and offer discounts or services to its members⁶.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) New bloc: Moms for Liberty have GOP contenders vying for their votes. https://www.csmonitor.com/text_edition/USA/Politics/2023/0630/New-bloc-Moms-for-Liberty-have-GOP-contenders-vying-for-their-votes.

(2) Trump and DeSantis court Moms for Liberty in a sign of the group’s rising influence over the GOP. https://apnews.com/article/moms-for-liberty-trump-desantis-2024-republicans-8e17f7587bba9cf6dd316c3ef2eb6a19.

(3) Day 3 of Moms for Liberty’s National Summit: Attendees share lessons learned, trans rights advocates respond. https://whyy.org/articles/moms-for-liberty-national-summit-day-3-philadelphia/.

(4) DeSantis and Trump among the 2024 GOP hopefuls appearing at the ... - WLRN. https://www.wlrn.org/government-politics/2023-06-30/desantis-trump-moms-for-liberty.

(5) Moms for Liberty – Erie County, NY. https://www.momsforliberty.org/media/files/files/ab16d660/sponsor-packet-2023.pdf.

(6) Trump and DeSantis to appear at Moms for Liberty gathering with ... - PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-and-desantis-to-appear-at-moms-for-liberty-gathering-with-other-2024-gop-hopefuls.

The **Council for National Policy (CNP)** is an umbrella organization and networking group for conservative and Republican activists in the United States. It was launched in 1981 during the Reagan administration by Tim LaHaye and the Christian right, to "bring more focus and force to conservative advocacy"¹.

The CNP brings together the country’s most influential conservative leaders in business, government, politics, religion, and academia to hear and learn from policy experts on a wide range of issues. It also provides a forum that allows an open exchange between participants, presenting numerous opportunities to cultivate ideas to help solve America’s growing problems².

The CNP is known for its secrecy and influence over the conservative movement and the Republican Party. It has been described as "one of the oldest & most effective organizations in the history of the conservative movement" by former Vice President Mike Pence, who is a member of the group³. It has also been called "a handful of men and women, individuals of character, [who] had a vision. A vision to see the return of righteousness, justice, and truth to our great nation" by former President Ronald Reagan².

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(1) Council for National Policy - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_for_National_Policy.

(2) About Us - Council for National Policy. https://cfnp.org/about-us/.

(3) CNP – Council for National Policy. https://cfnp.org/.

Moms for Liberty's relationship with CNP is not very clear, but there are some indications that the two groups share some common goals, values, and connections. For example:

• - Two of Moms for Liberty’s National Summit sponsors, the **Leadership Institute** and the **Heritage Foundation**, are critical members of the CNP, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders that underwrites and coordinates right wing politics⁴.
• - The CNP has hosted several leading Republican presidential candidates, such as former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who have also spoken at the Moms for Liberty events and endorsed its agenda¹²⁵.
• - The CNP and Moms for Liberty both advocate for conservative causes such as opposing Covid restrictions, mask mandates, diversity education, and public school libraries¹²³⁵.

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(1) The Right-Wing Money and Influence Behind Moms for Liberty. https://buckscountybeacon.com/2022/10/the-right-wing-money-and-influence-behind-moms-for-liberty/.

(2) How Moms For Liberty is teaching its members to spin the media - NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/moms-liberty-teaching-members-spin-media-rcna92099.

(3) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

(4) Activist moms spy on each other in culture wars over schooling. https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/20/us/colorado-moms-for-liberty-liberals-spying/index.html.

(5) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.

According to its website², the mission of CNP is:

"To restore and sustain American freedoms, values, and constitutional government through education, policy formation, and citizen action."

The CNP also states that it seeks to:

• - Promote the principles of limited government, a strong national defense, and traditional Judeo-Christian values.
• - Provide a forum for leaders to share information and ideas on current issues and policy initiatives.
• - Encourage collaboration among participants to advance common goals and interests.
• - Educate and equip leaders to be more effective in their spheres of influence.

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Council for National Policy - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_for_National_Policy.

CNP. https://www.thecounternarrative.org/.

A front group is a type of front organization that **appears to be an independent voluntary association or charitable organization**, but is actually **controlled by another organization** that wants to hide its identity or activities¹². Front groups are often used by intelligence agencies, organized crime groups, terrorist organizations, secret societies, banned organizations, religious or political groups, advocacy groups, or corporations¹.

Whether Moms for Liberty is a front group or not is a matter of debate and perspective. Some critics and media outlets have accused the group of being a **front group for the Council for National Policy (CNP)**, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders that underwrites and coordinates right wing politics³. They claim that the group is funded and supported by some right-wing donors and organizations that are part of the CNP, and that it shares the CNP's conservative agenda and values³.

However, Moms for Liberty denies being a front group for any other organization. It claims that it is a **grassroots organization driven by passionate parents** who want to defend their parental rights and fight for their children. It says that it is not affiliated with any political party or ideology, and that it welcomes members of all backgrounds and beliefs.

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(1) Front organization - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front_organization.

(2) Front-group Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary. https://www.yourdictionary.com/front-group.

(3) What does front group mean? - Definitions.net. https://www.definitions.net/definition/front%20group.