Again, I would like to start out by saying; above all else, I really hope this situation in the Middle East can somehow work towards bringing lasting peace and stability to the region.

I invite civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.

I had some more brief thoughts on the decision by Donald Trump to strike Iran:

• Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, which came with significant risk; namely the risk that Iran would try to develop nuclear weaponry.
• Claims that the United States gave Iran money in that deal are deeply misleading, as the U.S. unfroze Iranian assets – they did not hand money to Iran.
• Donald Trump and his administration claimed in June 2025 that Iran’s nuclear program was completely obliterated. The headline literally reads, “Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated — and Suggestions Otherwise are Fake News”
• The Trump administration briefed Congressional staff stating that Iran was not preparing to launch strikes against U.S. interests.

Moreover, I am unclear what the actual objective  is:

• Donald Trump suggested regime change by telling the Iranian people “take back your country”.
• Pete Hegseth said it is “not a so-called regime change war”
• President Trump suggested the goal was to stop Iranian nuclear weapons programs – which, again, was said to be completely obliterated.

Do you want regime change?  Are we targeting missiles, or nuclear weapons capabilities, or the navy?  Are we trying to establish a new government?  

I certainly do not fully trust Iranian government’s word on civilian casualties, but the report that a school was hit during these strikes is concerning.  However, it certainly does not seem like Pete Hegseth is concerned about following international law and minimizing civilian harm when he said:

“No stupid rules of engagement, no nation-building quagmire, no democracy-building exercise, no politically-correct wars. We fight to win.”

I don’t know exactly what Secretary Hegseth is referring to, but it certainly sounds ominous.  I, for one, would like to believe the United States will follow the Geneva Convention and do everything in their power to minimize collateral damage.

 

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/08/world/middleeast/trump-iran-nuclear-deal.html?unlocked_article_code=1.QFA.RCqT.unZfRtxH9pTf&smid=url-share

Trump’s plan for the Iran nuclear deal comes with huge risks

Fact Check: Did the US Under Obama Give Iran $150 Billion? – Newsweek

Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated — and Suggestions Otherwise are Fake News – The White House

https://abcnews.com/International/live-updates/iran-live-updates-israel-launches-preemptive-strike-iran/?id=130301492&entryId=130677137

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/us/politics/trump-iran-messaging-broadcasting.html?unlocked_article_code=1.QVA.X8Wl.VzkLmuqVjZlW&smid=url-share

Hegseth defends US attack on Iran as ‘our retribution’ – ABC News

Trump Seeks to Justify Iran War, but Stated Objectives Shift

More Than 100 Reported Killed in Strike on Girls’ School in Iran. Here’s What We Know | TIME

WATCH: Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is ‘not Iraq’ and is ‘not endless’ | PBS News

 

 

The Congress shall have the power… To declare War.

U.S. Constitution: Article I, Section 8

For the second time already this year, the United States military has launched a major operation which removed a foreign leader from power. On January 3^rd, the U.S. Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who now is in the United States awaiting trial. Now, on February 28^th, the U.S. launched strikes into Iran killing their supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

I invite civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.

The Maduro regime was not considered by the United States to be legitimately elected, a position made clear by the Biden Administration when they sanctioned Maduro and many of his associates and even offering a $25 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

Military operations in Venezuela should have been authorized by Congress.

Iran has long had tensions with the United States, have been behind a lot of strikes on U.S. forces and allies in the middle east, and have killed thousands of their own citizens who have been protesting the authoritarian government.

Military operations in Iran should have been authorized by Congress.

Many republicans in Congress justified the legality of the Venezuelan action by saying it was simply an extension of the Department of Justice carrying out a warrant. Now, they are simply praising this action as necessary to stop Iranian nuclear enrichment, without commenting upon the legality of the move.

Looking at my representation in Congress:

Zach Nunn:

Declaring Iran at fault and saying he “doesn’t take military action lightly”.

Chuck Grassley on X:

“CANT HV UNPRDICTABLE LEADERSHIP IN IRAN W NUCLEAR BOMB”

Joni Ernst:

Thanking our service members in the region.

I have my own thoughts on the irony of their statements but I will let you come up with your own commentary on their respective comments. Please feel free to comment your feelings.

None of them are commenting on the legality of such an attack, either in terms of the United States Constitution, or in terms of international law.

This operation in Iran could go well. It could lead to the protest movement feeling increased energy, renewed optimism, and international support, ultimately ushering in a new, more tolerant and open government in Iran.

However, this operation could also backfire. Unilaterally overthrowing the Iranian regime by killing many in leadership runs a major risk of galvanizing the people against the United States, isolating our allies, and it is possible Ayatollah Khamenei is replaced by a more hardline government.

Under no circumstances do I condone the Venezuelan or Iranian regimes but the ramifications of these actions will be long-lasting and should not have been authorized by only a single person at the helm.

Military operations should be debated on, and authorized by, Congress.

 

Sources:

U.S. Constitution | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

U.S. strikes Venezuela and says leader Maduro has been captured and flown out of the country | PBS News

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/28/world/iran-strikes-trump?unlocked_article_code=1.PlA.5L6N.3H-ma-Y1Bhl5&smid=url-share

Biden imposes new sanctions on Maduro allies in Venezuela

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/10/world/americas/biden-bounty-nicolas-maduro.html?unlocked_article_code=1.P1A.Hw1O.Lb_B_sWRKXJZ&smid=url-share

A historical timeline of U.S. relations with Iran | PBS News

US confronts dangers from ‘not very good’ Iran-backed militants | Reuters

Iran’s protest crackdown killed more than 7,000, activists say | AP News

Top Republicans praise Venezuela operation as some lawmakers question legal authority

Iran strikes were launched without approval from Congress, deeply dividing lawmakers | WUSF

https://www.facebook.com/RepZachNunn/posts/pfbid02DPzw3Qww6iNSzkW445oin1cSM9JTwugWMYgb2RM1Q3jFj8QW5mVyL8qsKCBM8NZ6l

Chuck Grassley on X: “I’m following closely what’s happening in Iran & the region Barbara + I are praying for the safety of our troops Regime change badly needed +Must stop nuclear enrichment CANT HV UNPRDICTABLE LEADERSHIP IN IRAN W NUCLEAR BOMB Pres Trump gave IRAN PLENTY OF NEGOTIABLE OPPORTUNITY” / X

https://www.facebook.com/senjoniernst/posts/pfbid02Uomuv3hUsknjU7GaVvryTtQ9E4ecJMYJAmimBY51TFumqPheBuN7cs9boP9sRAABl

Live updates: Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead after U.S., Israel attack

Exclusive: Prior to Iran attacks, CIA assessed Khamenei could be replaced by hardline IRGC elements if killed, sources say | Reuters

Last week, the House Oversight Committee voted to hold Bill Clinton (and Hillary) in Contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify before a committee on the Epstein Files.

While this hasn’t moved to a full House vote, and I think it may have been premature, I am inclined to agree with Congress – why should they get to decide the terms of their testimony? If the subpoena was illegal, as the Clintons claim, then file suit and let the courts decide.

I invite civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.

In addition to legislating, oversight of the Executive Branch is one of the key functions of the United States Congress. This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before a House oversight committee to discuss the Department of Justice’s handling of the exact same topic: the Epstein files.

To give a very brief, unnecessary recap, Jeffrey Epstein was arrested on sex-trafficking charges, and died in prison, reportedly by suicide. When asked on the campaign trail if he would release the files, President Trump said, “Yeah, yeah I would.” and ultimately signed a bill requiring the Department of Justice, led by Bondi, to release all the Epstein files after Democrats had secured enough discharge petition votes to force his hand.

According to the bill which President Trump signed, all the Epstein files were to be released by December 19^th. The ‘final’ trove of files was released on January 30^th but it seems some 3 million documents were not released, and there were copious redactions, seemingly of perpetrators, and victims being easily identifiable.

As with Bondi’s first oversight committee testimony in October, this hearing was contentious.

• Bondi immediately attacked Rep. Jayapal – claiming her actions were theatrics and refusing to ‘get in the gutter‘ with her.
• She attacked Rep. Raskin by calling him a ‘washed up lawyer. Not even a lawyer‘
• Replied to Rep. Lofgren mentioning the DOJ not working with local law enforcement on immigration by stating, “I find it interesting that she keeps going after Donald Trump, the greatest President in American history.”
• She called Rep. Balint, a Jewish American, anti-semitic.

I will note that I have often found many of these types of hearings to be largely theatrical. Congress members try to ask leading questions and then present their evidence to the contrary and read it into the record.

This was different.

This was a sitting Attorney General who came with the intention of derailing the entire purpose of the hearing, refusing to answer any questions, and ready to attack.

Pam Bondi brought a ‘burn book‘ so she could attack each Representative who asked her questions and even went to the length of spying on what Congress members searches were when they consulted the Epstein files.

The Oversight Committee chose to bring former President Clinton up for a vote on Contempt of Congress.

What exactly would you call this!?

 

On a related tangent:
I would also like to take a second to talk about the impeachment of President Clinton. I have heard it said a million times that he was impeached due simply to having an affair (yes, in different terms). Technically, he was impeached for lying to Congress and obstruction of justice. I feel like any of those three things dramatically understates the severity of what happened. The sitting President of the United States had an affair with one of his interns.

This is a person in the position of highest power in the country having an affair with someone whose future he had great control over. No one should minimize the significance of his actions and if he ultimately was involved with Jeffrey Epstein, that should also come to light and he should absolutely not be excused from testifying to Congress.

 

Sources:

House committee votes to hold Clintons in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe | PBS News

House Oversight moves forward on contempt against both Clintons after Hillary Clinton is a no-show in Epstein probe | CNN Politics

Clintons, former FBI directors subpoenaed in House Epstein investigation | Fox News

Clintons: Congressional subpoenas in Epstein case ‘invalid and legally unenforceable’

Congressional Oversight Manual | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Attorney General Pam Bondi Testifies Before House Judiciary Committee, Part 1 | Video | C-SPAN.org

Attorney General Pam Bondi Testifies Before House Judiciary Committee, Part 2 | Video | C-SPAN.org

Epstein files – Wikipedia

Financier Jeffrey Epstein due in court over sex charges | AP News

Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide: New details revealed – ABC News

What Trump has said about Jeffrey Epstein over the years, including on 2024 campaign trail – ABC News

Trump signs bill to release Epstein files | AP News

Epstein discharge petition secures final signature needed to force House vote on releasing files – CBS News

Trump signs bill to release Justice Department’s Epstein files

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/30/us/epstein-files-release?unlocked_article_code=1.MFA.Rm4c.wNFODtxtcsDz&smid=url-share

Key Democratic lawmakers demand DOJ explain only partial Epstein files release – ABC News

Epstein files are ‘riddled with abnormal’ redactions, accusers say

Epstein survivors still identifiable in document dump despite DOJ promises, attorney says

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-attorney-general-bondi-testifies-in-senate-oversight-hearing

House hearing erupts as Bondi clashes with lawmakers | Fox News

Pam Bondi Refuses To Answer Question About Epstein Co-Conspirators

Rep. Jamie Raskin fires back at AG Pam Bondi after ‘washed-up’ insult

Bondi sidesteps Epstein questions in tense Judiciary Committee hearing | PBS News

Democrat storms out as Pam Bondi faces questions in fiery hearing – BBC News

Pam Bondi Roasted By Lawmakers For Bringing A ‘Mean Girls’-Like ‘Burn Book’ To Hearing | HuffPost Latest News

Bondi had list of a Democratic lawmaker’s Epstein files “search history” during Capitol Hill hearing – CBS News

Impeachment of Bill Clinton – Wikipedia

Our rights should never be subject to collateral damage. 

Today we are having our rights stripped from us as collateral damage in the name of immigration enforcement.

I encourage civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.

For the second time in a week, an individual was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Also for the second time in a week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immediately commented blaming the individual who was shot.  DHS pointed out that the man was “armed” and that this was a situation in which the individual wanted to “cause maximum damage and massacre law enforcement” while a bystander video (THIS VIDEO IS GRAPHIC AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND WATCHING IT) appears to show the man surrounded by officers on the ground, never touching his firearm, and shot repeatedly at point blank range.

The man has since been identified as Alex Pretti, who was confirmed to be a U.S. Citizen, and carrying his firearm legally.  A video analysis from KCCI indicates he was trying to help up a woman who had been pushed down, he was pepper sprayed, he was knocked to the ground, an ICE agent likely removed his gun, and then, only then, he was shot.

Immediately, before any investigation had taken place, Kristi Noem made this comment:
“This individual who came with weapons and ammunition to stop a law enforcement operation of federal law enforcement officers committed an act of domestic terrorism. That’s the facts.”

Whether you agree with it or not, in the United States, we have the right to keep and bear arms.

Our rights should never be subject to collateral damage. 

In the name of immigration enforcement, ICE drafted a memo that they are allowed to enter homes without a warrant.  Over the past few weeks, there have been reports that ICE is going door to door looking for immigrants and it was confirmed that ICE broke down the door of a U.S. Citizen and removed him from his home assuming he was here illegally.

The fourth amendment protects against unlawful search and seizure.

Our rights should never be subject to collateral damage.

I am reminded of a post I wrote about Due Process in America, which is protected by our fifth amendment which clearly states, “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”  When I wrote that post, I heard a lot of, “you are defending this guy?” and people pointing to articles like this one talking about his past activities.  I did my best to explain that I was not defending him but rather I was defending due process of the law.  Whether or not he is a criminal is not for me to decide, but it should be heard in court.

Out rights should never be subject to collateral damage.

I am reminded of early in 2025 when the administration chose to focus on students who supported Palestine in efforts to deport people who were here legally.  I am reminded of the pressure from the Trump administration for CBS to fire Stephen Colbert.  I am reminded that just this week FCC Chair Brendan Carr said we need equal airtime for late night shows.  I am reminded that CBS pulled Inside CECOT because the Trump Administration had not yet commented meaning TV stations cannot have democrats on at all if republicans simply refuse to join.  These seem to be clear attempts to use the executive pulpit to restrict the freedom of speech.

Our rights should never be subject to collateral damage.         

Gregory Bovino, the Commander-at-Large for the U.S. Border Patrol said in an interview about the second amendment, “those rights don’t count when you riot and assault, delay, obstruct and impede law enforcement officers.”

I have two thoughts on that comment.  First, our rights always count, that is why they are rights.  Second, it is terrifying that the administration decides what is considered rioting, decides what speech is antithetical to American values, decides who gets due process, and frankly, decides which laws and rights to follow.

Our rights should never be subject to collateral damage.

To put it simply to this administration, “Have you no sense of decency?”

 

Sources:

Federal agents kill another person in Minneapolis, officials say, prompting clash with protesters

Federal agents involved in Minneapolis shooting, DHS says suspect was armed | Fox News

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/24/nx-s1-5687276/man-shot-dead-minneapolis

New onlooker video shows Border Patrol-involved Minneapolis shooting | Fox News Video

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/us/politics/trump-minneapolis-nurse-shooting-video.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HlA._epZ.kHWoRbFDidJ8&smid=url-share

Alex Pretti, killed by federal officer, was an ICU nurse, outdoorsman

What we know about Alex Pretti, VA nurse killed by federal agent in Minneapolis – ABC News

Video analysis offers context on shooting of Alex Pretti

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/second_amendment

Internal DHS memo says ICE agents can enter homes without a judicial warrant : NPR

ICE memo allows agents to enter homes without judicial warrant: Whistleblower complaint – ABC News

2,000 federal agents sent to Minneapolis area to carry out ‘largest immigration operation ever,’ ICE says | PBS News

A U.S. citizen says ICE forced open the door to his Minnesota home and removed him in his underwear after a warrantless search | PBS News

Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution – Wikipedia

Due Process in America – Politically Rational

Fifth Amendment | U.S. Constitution | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

AG Releases Police Records Detailing Garcia’s Criminal History

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/us/politics/student-visas-social-media.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HlA.wn2m.xmeopEOi-QLY&smid=url-share

CBS cancels Stephen Colbert’s show days after Trump settlement criticism – POLITICO

FCC says TV talk shows must offer equal time to political candidates – CBS News

CBS News airs pulled ’60 Minutes’ report on CECOT in El Salvador

Inside CECOT – Wikipedia

First Amendment | U.S. Constitution | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

Bovino claims Border Patrol agents are ‘the victims’ in deadly Minneapolis shooting – POLITICO

U.S. Senate: “Have You No Sense of Decency?”

“Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured.”

• Martin Luther King, Jr.

On this holiday weekend honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., I have been re-reading his key speeches and writings.  Most of us think immediately of I have a dream, or his comments on hate “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.”

Today, I am focusing on a quote about tensions amid protest – that it is not the protest which causes tension, but only that it brings the tension to light.

I invite civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.

After the ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954, there were outstanding questions as to whether desegregation only applied to education, or to all aspects of life as many cities in the south continued policies of segregation.  Led by Fred Lee Shuttlesworth, the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights began demonstrations and protests to fight the injustice of segregation in areas outside of schools.

After losing numerous court cases, officials in Alabama started closing facilities rather than integrating.  Probably the most famous official statement in opposition to integration, in his inaugural address as Governor of Alabama, George Wallace advocated for “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.”

Shortly after Wallace’s inauguration in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. joined Shuttlesworth and the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights in what is now known as the Birmingham Campaign.  King, Jr. was arrested for his non-violent protests in Birmingham and was criticized by a group of Alabama clergymen for his protests which prompted his Letter from Birmingham Jail in reply, from which the passage above was taken.

I strongly recommend reading the letter in its entirety – it touches on a lot of aspects of criticism he received: the right time to protest, the reasons that go into deciding to protest, and how “lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.”

I hope you find time for reflection today.

Sources:

WATCH: Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech – Insider NJ

King’s words still inspire nearly 50 years after his death | AP News

Brown v. Board of Education – Wikipedia

Fred Shuttlesworth – Wikipedia

Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights – Encyclopedia of Alabama

On Oct 24, 1961: Birmingham Officials Announce Plan to Close City Parks Rather Than Permit Racial Integration

George Wallace | Biography, Facts, & 1968 Presidential Candidacy | Britannica

George Wallace’s 1963 inaugural address – Wikipedia

Birmingham Campaign of 1963 – Encyclopedia of Alabama

Statement-and-Response-King-Birmingham.pdf

https://letterfromjail.com/