Vetting the Enforcers: How ICE Decides Who Wields the Badge

by Nomad

“They didn’t ask very many questions.” Independent journalist and U.S. military veteran Laura Jedeed recounts how she was hired as a deportation officer by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a six-minute interview at a job fair in Texas, despite never signing any paperwork, not having completed a background check, likely failing a drug test, and publicly sharing her opposition to the Trump administration and its anti-immigrant crackdown. 

“It seems like the answer to the question, 'Who are they hiring?' is: They don’t know.”

(Courtesy of Democracy NOW!)

The Voice of the Enemy: Unpacking the Story of "Lord Haw-Haw"

by Nomad

During the dark early days of World War II, as Nazi Germany's forces swept across Europe, a peculiar and sinister voice crackled across the radio airwaves into British homes. 

It was a voice dripping with mockery, condescension, and false camaraderie, delivering Nazi propaganda in an affected, upper-class British accent. The British public dubbed its owner "Lord Haw-Haw." This figure became one of the most infamous traitors in modern history, but his story is more complex than the simple caricature of a turncoat.

Light on the Porch: A Nomadic Politics Exclusive Music Video

by Nomad

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday.  

May your Christmas be filled with warmth, laughter and the comfort of being surrounded by love. I am so grateful for our friendship and I hope the season brings you peace, joy and beautiful moments that remain with you into the new year. 

A Musical Sanity Break: Together We Rise

by Nomad

Something Stronger, Something Better: A Quote from Albert Camus

by Nomad

The French philosopher, author, and playwright, Albert Camus was one of the most influential thinkers of the post-World War era. He was the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, the second-youngest recipient in history. His works include The Stranger, The Plague, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Fall and The Rebel.

One of the key themes that he explored in his works was the coexistence of love and hate as a part of the human condition. How are we to survive in a world gripped - and nearly destroyed - by intractable hate? Can we find the means to cope?

Season's Greetings from Nomadic Politics

by Nomad

Here's a special holiday song for all my Nomads. 

A Thanksgiving Message

by Nomad

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, we are reminded that hope is a light that shines brightest in our darkest moments. In a world that often seems challenging and uncertain, gratitude becomes our most powerful anchor.  

It's the stabilizing influence in our lives.

We find strength not by ignoring our difficulties but by acknowledging them. At the same time, we must choose to appreciate the enduring beauty that surrounds us.

Decision Time: LIVE Coverage of Election Night 2024

by Nomad

Election Day has finally arrived. 

If you choose to believe the polls, Decomcratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and former Republican president Donald Trump have been running neck-and-neck for weeks. 

Given that annoying fact, media outlets may have to wait before calling the winner. (Translate that as high anxiety this evening.)

LIVE: Tim Walz and JD Vance Spar at the 2024 Vice-Presidential Debate

by Nomad

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio are meeting Tuesday for their first and only scheduled vice presidential debate.

LIVE: Harris and Trump Face Off At US Presidential Debate 2024 In Philadelphia

by Nomad

Republican ex-president Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris meet for the first time on Tuesday night in their only scheduled debate of the U.S. presidential campaign, a key moment in a close-fought contest. The nationally-televised debate takes place just eight weeks before the Nov. 5 election, and days before early voting will start in some states.

The rules for tonight's debate mean each candidate’s microphone is only turned on when it is their turn to speak, there is no studio audience and the candidates aren’t allowed to talk to their staff during breaks or bring any notes with them. Both candidates are provided with only a pen and pad and a bottle of water.

Netflix: The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem

by Nomad

If you've ever asked yourself how on earth we could have gotten ourselves in such a pathetic political situation, Netflix currently has a documentary you might find interesting.

“The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem” charts the downward spiral from 4Chan to QAnon, from Rickrolling memes to the January Capitol insurrection, and from the vigilante Anonymous band of hackers to the Donald Trump brand of treason. 

Time to Welcome in the New Year!

by Nomad

Once again we find ourselves at the end of another year. So long, 2023, and have mercy on us, 2024. Here's wishing good tidings for all my blog friends.

What's been the most important event in 2023 in your opinion?

Merry Christmas From Nomadic Politics

by Nomad

I just wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas. What better way to celebrate the holidays than relaxing music. 

Donald Trump Expected to Testify Under Oath in NY Fraud Case

by Nomad

Co-defendants in the New York civil fraud case Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump testified in court last week. By all accounts, the testimonies proved to be an existential disaster for the Trump empire.

Indictment Number Four: Trump Charged in Georgia Election Interference Case

by Nomad

In a significant development, an Atlanta-based grand jury has handed down indictments against Donald Trump and 18 additional individuals, encompassing state charges linked to their unsuccessful attempts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. 

Former President Donald Trump Indicted for 2020 Election Interference

by Nomad

On Tuesday, August 1, a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia handed down an indictment against former President Donald Trump.

History: Ex-President Trump Indicted on 37 Counts in Classified Documents Case

by Nomad

In a significant turn of events, former President Donald Trump has made history as the first former president to be indicted on thirty-seven counts in the special counsel's classified documents probe.

In addition to the 31 counts of mishandling of documents, there are charges of obstruction of justice, destruction or falsification of records, conspiracy, and false statements. 

LIVE: Ex-President Trump Formally Arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court

by Nomad

Today- 4 April 2023- former president and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to make a court appearance in New York City where he will be arraigned on numerous charges linked to payments made to conceal information - an event that marks the first instance in U.S. history where an ex-president will face criminal charges.

About Time: Former President Trump Indicted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office

by Nomad

Donald Trump's comeuppance has definitely been a long time coming. As Jeff Wise, writing for New York Magazine points out:

His entire life, after all, is one long testament to the power of getting away with things, a master class in criminality without consequences, even before he added presidentiality and all its privileges to his arsenal of defenses.
As he himself once said, “When you’re a star, they let you do it.” But for all his advantages and all his enablers, including loyalists in the Justice Department and the federal judiciary, Trump now faces a level of legal risk unlike anything in his notoriously checkered past — and well beyond anything faced by any previous president leaving office.

Sanity Sunday Musical Break- Cellist Patrick Dexter

by Nomad

Irish Cellist Patrick Dexter provides us with some music for a relaxing Sunday. In the videos, he plays from his cottage in the West Irish hills with his dog nearby.