What Kent State Taught the Country About State Violence

Source: Foreign Policy
by Julian E Zelizer

“The horror of watching a U.S. citizen die at the hands of federal or state officials transcends ordinary politics. Such a ruthless deployment of power not only evokes deep and widespread human emotion but also collides directly with fundamental U.S. values rooted in the Constitution, especially the commitment to protecting individual liberties from government abuse.” (01/26/26)

https://archive.is/LCQk1

Thomas L. Knapp

Was This a Murder Too Far?

Source: Paul Krugman
by Paul Krugman

“In just a little over two weeks federal agents in Minneapolis have killed two innocent people in broad daylight. Contrary to the Trump administration’s lies, these were unjustified murders, pure and simple. But while both killings sickened and horrified many Americans, the killing of Alex Pretti is evoking a far stronger reaction than the killing of Renee Good.” (01/26/26)

https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/was-this-a-murder-too-far

Thomas L. Knapp

Memphis’s different take on a federal surge

Source: Christian Science Monitor
by the editorial board

“Americans have long struggled with notions of ‘local justice.’ Should state or federal laws sometimes bend to a community’s sensibilities and priorities? In Minneapolis, recent instances of violence by immigration enforcement agents, and sometimes by protesters, point to a federal-local split over immigration policies, not to mention which branch of law enforcement should investigate the violent acts. … Yet, for every standoff like the current one in Minneapolis, there are today examples of cooperation in implementing law – whether federal, state, or local.” (01/26/26)

https://www.csmonitor.com/Editorials/the-monitors-view/2026/0126/Memphis-different-take-on-a-federal-surge?icid=rss

Thomas L. Knapp

UK: Former Tory home secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform

Source: Independent [UK]

“Controversial former home secretary Suella Braverman has become the latest ex-Tory right-winger to defect to Nigel Farage’s Reform. After months of speculation, Ms Braverman, who once ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, has joined her ally Robert Jenrick in switching parties. She was unveiled at a Reform rally for veterans in London as the party’s eighth sitting MP, having been a rare visitor to parliament in the last few months. … Speculation had been rife about Ms Braverman joining Reform since her husband Rael became a member last year, but it cooled when the party’s former chair Mr Yusuf issued a series of very personal attacks against her, which saw Mr Braverman quit the party in protest. A Tory source claimed: ‘Suella would have joined Reform sooner but the status of Rael was clearly a sticking point because they would have to let him rejoin the party as well.'” (01/26/26)

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/suella-braverman-reform-nigel-farage-defection-b2907645.html

Thomas L. Knapp

Free Talk Live, 01/25/26

Source: Free Talk Live

“Energy crisis! Texas grid monopoly and the California rolling brown outs that have become normal :: Winter storm over half of country :: Renee Good vieo and other ICE murders :: Which ICE is more dangerous? :: Biden ALSO wanted federal police in cities …. David from NM calls about getting attacked and his phone being thrown :: Hawaii tries to subvert the 2nd ammendment :: Restaurants closed because of ICE. Democrats didn’t care about small businesses having to close when it was due to covid :: Too many cop brutality videos leads to depression. Having libertarian community is the antidote :: 2026-01-25 :: Bonnie, Colin, Angelo.” (01/25/26)

https://soundcloud.com/freetalklive/ftl2026-01-25

Thomas L. Knapp