And What becomes of the Law?

*The views and opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organization or employers

I have a juris doctorate, which I have only utilized in law-adjacent roles since graduating a few years back. I mentally reserved the right to enter into the practice and become a member of the bar when my kids were older and more self-sufficient. As one of my old Crim law professors stated, "the law is a jealous mistress." (I hope he didn't copyright that....).

However, as I take steps towards this during a time that I believe I can be an advocate of those who do not have access to legal and procedural knowledge--this year, I feel a deep and pervasive anxiety at the prospect of doing so.

I'm sure I share the sentiment of insecurity--of the job market, direction of the country, and humanity and technology colliding.

On paper, laws exist. But historically, we have seen laws that have discriminated against groups that were a part of the fabric of this country but arguably not entitled to full rights of citizenship.

The 14th Amendment was the cornerstone, providing for equal protection under the law. However, that was ratified in 1868, and we know how things have played out. Brown v Board of Ed (1954) overturned racial segregation in public schools, setting a legal precedent for desegregation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a response to activism against racial segregation and discrimination.

However, recent events pertaining to immigration, due process, citizenship, executive orders, judicial review and on and on and on.....would have anyone trying to grasp these concepts' head spinning.

The rule of law in some contexts (authoritarian) is not about justice or fairness--it is about control. We are witnessing repression rather than protection, rapid change rather than stabilization. We see administration saying things in public arbitrarily, with no regard to legality or harm done. But if there is no respect of currently codified law, then legal institutions are no longer a tool for all current citizens, and we must see things for what they are.

This period in US history is a sort of reckoning. Whether the recent release of these MLK records instead of the Epstein files gives us insight on the motivations of a few behind some of this relentless campaign to "restore America" to minority ownership (don't get it twisted--the intent is for it to only serve a small percentage of the population). It is preying on a people so distracted, so uneducated/unlearned on history or world politics and so ready to blame anything on their misfortunes other than those who directly control resources, including their hard-working neighbors....we were ripe for the taking.

However, in the midst of all of this, legal resistance can emerge. Brave individuals and organizations can advocate for reform and education the public about their rights. Human rights organizations also pay a crucial role in supporting these efforts and the powers that be know this.

I understand that sometimes, in our own suffering, it is hard to empathize for the suffering of others. But my hope is that eventually we all remember that our own protection, true rule of law cannot exist without accountability and the protection of all human rights.

I hope I am right.

America First Legal asks for investigation into Cracker Barrel