Unwritten Liberties How Courts Protect What the Constitution Doesn’t Say
LWV Bloomington LWV Bloomington

Unwritten Liberties How Courts Protect What the Constitution Doesn’t Say

What happens when the Constitution’s silence speaks louder than its text? Explore how courts have safeguarded rights like privacy and marriage equality—despite no explicit mention—using the Ninth Amendment’s cryptic promise of “rights retained by the people.” Discover why textualists clash with this approach, and how this legal tug-of-war defines America’s evolving freedoms.

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Facing the Shadows: 10 Dark Moments in American History
LWV Bloomington LWV Bloomington

Facing the Shadows: 10 Dark Moments in American History

Every nation has its share of triumphs—and tragedies. While we celebrate America’s proudest achievements, it’s just as important to remember the moments when we fell short of our ideals. From landmark court decisions to acts of injustice and violence, these ten dark chapters in U.S. history still echo today. Discover what happened, why it matters, and how facing the past can help us build a better future. Click to explore the stories that shaped—and challenged—our nation.

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What Does It Really Mean to Be Partisan—or Nonpartisan?
LWV Bloomington LWV Bloomington

What Does It Really Mean to Be Partisan—or Nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan ≠ Neutral. In today’s hyper-polarized world, even organizations committed to civic engagement aren’t immune to accusations of bias. But does speaking up for democracy make you partisan—or just principled? The League of Women Voters is tackling this tricky terrain head-on, asking: Has “nonpartisan” come to mean “non-confrontational”? Are we so afraid of perception that we risk standing for nothing? It’s time to rethink what nonpartisanship truly means—and why it matters now more than ever. Let’s talk.

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Vanished Without a Voice: When Due Process Disappears
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Vanished Without a Voice: When Due Process Disappears

What happens when due process is ignored? In this installment of "That Ain’t How It’s Supposed to Work," we expose recent cases where immigrants and legal residents were deported to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison—without warning, hearings, or a chance to defend themselves. Discover why due process matters for everyone, and why these shortcuts threaten the rule of law for us all.

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Dysfunction Is Still a Choice—And We’re All to Blame
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Dysfunction Is Still a Choice—And We’re All to Blame

From infrastructure disasters to endless delays and unmet promises, America’s inability to get things done is a national embarrassment. This post dives into the real reasons behind our dysfunction—across parties, leaders, and even ourselves. It’s time to stop pointing fingers and start demanding better.


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Power to the People: Your Constitutional Safeguards Explained
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Power to the People: Your Constitutional Safeguards Explained

Discover your secret weapon against government overreach! From free speech to jury trials, the Bill of Rights isn't just history—it's your daily shield. Uncover the hidden powers of the 9th and 10th Amendments, and learn why negative rights are your positive protection. Click to unlock your constitutional superpowers!

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Presidential Power Play: Why Retaliating Against Law Firms Breaks the Constitution
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Presidential Power Play: Why Retaliating Against Law Firms Breaks the Constitution

When presidents use executive orders to punish law firms they don’t like, that ain’t how it’s supposed to work! In this post, we break down how recent attacks on legal advocates violate multiple constitutional amendments-and why the only right response from the White House is to respect the rule of law. Find out what’s at stake for democracy when leaders try to silence their legal opponents.

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Dear America: It Doesn’t Have to Suck This Much
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Dear America: It Doesn’t Have to Suck This Much

Why have we accepted that nothing works? Government gridlock, endless bureaucracy, and broken systems aren’t laws of nature—they’re problems we can fix. From the Progressive Era to modern global reforms, history proves change is possible when we demand it. This post dives into how Americans once tackled big challenges, why we’ve forgotten that change is possible, and where we can start to make things better. Spoiler: It doesn’t have to suck!

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Corruption and Enrichment: The Trump Family’s Middle East Business Boom
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Corruption and Enrichment: The Trump Family’s Middle East Business Boom

Explore how the Trump family’s business empire is booming across the Gulf, with new towers and lucrative deals in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This investigation uncovers the blurred lines between U.S. foreign policy and private gain, raising tough questions about ethics, influence, and the true cost of presidential power in the Middle East.

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Moments That Mattered: 10 Turning Points in American History
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Moments That Mattered: 10 Turning Points in American History

What makes a moment truly historic? Join us as we uncover the stories behind ten pivotal decisions and events—some famous, others nearly forgotten—that made all the difference in America’s ongoing journey toward justice, equality, and innovation.

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Beyond Fake News: Why Press Freedom Matters More Than Ever
Karen Lundquist Karen Lundquist

Beyond Fake News: Why Press Freedom Matters More Than Ever

Discover why dictators fear newspapers more than armies! From colonial rebels to modern whistleblowers, a free press has been democracy's ultimate safeguard. But as local news vanishes and 'fake news' spreads, this vital freedom faces its greatest test. Learn how YOU can protect the power of truth—click now!

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How Old Is Too Old? Rethinking Age and Leadership in American Politics
LWV Bloomington LWV Bloomington

How Old Is Too Old? Rethinking Age and Leadership in American Politics

As America’s political leaders grow older, questions about age, experience, and effective governance are making headlines. This reflective blog post explores the pros and cons of mandatory retirement ages for elected officials-balancing the wisdom of experience with the need for renewal. Join us for a thoughtful, nonpartisan look at how age shapes our democracy and what changes, if any, might be needed.

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The Rule of Law: A Pillar of Justice, Tested by History
LWV Bloomington LWV Bloomington

The Rule of Law: A Pillar of Justice, Tested by History

What is the rule of law, and why does it matter? From its origins in the Magna Carta to its enshrinement in the U.S. Constitution, this foundational principle ensures fairness, accountability, and justice for all. But history shows that even one breach can weaken its power—whether during wartime or moments of crisis. In this post, we explore its evolution, constitutional safeguards like the Sixth Amendment, and what’s at stake when it’s not respected. Join us as we reflect on this cornerstone of democracy and our role in protecting it.

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