I am not optimistic about the Senate vote on Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation. But that does not mean I won’t keep working toward the outcome that would surprise and relieve me. 1/ Fighting against long odds is not futile or stupid. 2/

There is a complicated relationship between law and politics in the United States, and there always has been. Law has never existed in some wholly separate sphere, untouched by politics. 1/ Likewise, throughout US history, law has played a role in politics, creating norms and sanctions that are not usually vulnerable to in-the-moment disruption. 2/

As country we have have been divided as raucously and intensely in other eras, most prominently in the 19th century run up to the Civil War. Today’s resistors and activists are heirs to the abolitionist movement. 1/ I recommend learning and if possible teaching the abolitionist movement, not only for the lessons in activism but to appreciate the hard choices activists for social change have always faced. 2/

Note, while Judge Kavanaugh can debate most of his time to hearing practice, Dr. Blasey has to divide hers, particularly with regard to making security arrangements for herself and her family. 1/

https://twitter.com/PhilipRucker/status/1043624415144103941

When I decided to raise funds for Dr. Blasey’s security costs, I knew it could only make a small dent in the asymmetry between her and other participants in any judicial hearing. 2/

Twitter can be wonderful. (Thread) Late last night-early this morning, I couldn’t sleep. Trying to think of ways to boost word and reasons for this proposal and signatures in support. actionnetwork.org/petitions/cong… 2/

Now is the time to consider what you want people to say about you in 20 or 30 years, when they ask what you were doing during June 2018 when Donald Trump intentionally traumatized children in his xenophobic crusade against immigrants. 1/ People will ask you, what did you do when Trump and his minions lied and spread confusion but it was clear they were imprisoning children and families illegally, unjustly, and evilly? 2/

We literally have a civil right to protection from private violence. There is nothing “entitled” in seeking vindication of that right. For scholarly discussion of this point, see scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/cgi/viewconten… by Robin West

Note that Remington’s creditors plan to continue to operate the company, making and selling guns, at a profit. What bankruptcy protection, if granted, would do is stay Sandy Hook suit now pending before CT Supreme Ct. thehill.com/blogs/blog-bri… Filing “pre-packaged” Chapter 11 is well known dodge from tort liability. This is Remington’s strategy. usatoday.com/story/money/bu…

This is a thread for students who were punished for protesting for gun control today. 1/ I am a professor of law and philosophy at Georgetown University Law Center. 2/