Constitutional Rights
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Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Giselle Smiel faces five felonies, including kidnapping, for picking up her crying child at a San Diego school. Her defense argues there was no force or substantial movement, pointing to lack of evidence and jurisdictional issues. Advocates highlight constitutional violations and ADA neglect in her arrest, seeking dismissal of charges and oversight on family-court mechanisms in criminal cases.

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Child Custody / Child Protective Services / Child Support / Child Trafficking / Child Welfare / Constitutional Rights / Court Corruption / Due Process Denied / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Family Values / Foster Care / Government / Government Corruption / Legal Reform / Parental Rights / Policy / Politics / The Corruption Series

The Hidden Market in Broken Homes: How Family Courts Became a Profit Center

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article by Michael Phillips argues that family courts and child welfare systems have evolved into profit-driven industries, prioritizing revenue over family stability. Federal laws like Title IV-D and Title IV-E incentivize conflict and child removal, creating a cycle of dependency and trauma for families. Reform is essential to shift these damaging incentives.

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Accountability / Attorneys / Attorneys / Constitutional Rights / DOJ / Due Process Denied / Government / Judges / Opinion / Politics / Voice

“Evidence, Not Ideology” — If Only the ABA Lived By Its Own Words

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The American Bar Association (ABA) recently advocated for evidence-based justice while criticizing political influences. However, it faces accusations of selective outrage and inconsistency regarding its principles. The ABA’s historical silence on systemic injustices raises doubts about its commitment to neutrality. True reform requires the ABA to uphold its stated values across all cases.

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Accountability / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Crime & Violence / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Democratic Violence and the Silencing of Voices: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk on the Eve of 9/11

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The assassination of Charlie Kirk on the eve of 9/11 is more than a personal tragedy — it’s an act of democratic violence. A conservative voice was silenced with bullets, not debate, sending a chilling message to anyone who dares to speak freely. If free speech in America now requires a security detail, then our republic is already in crisis.

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Accountability / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Crime & Violence / Donald Trump / Government / Law and Order / Law Enforcement / Military & Defense / Public Safety / Rights and Freedoms / Washington, DC

Trump Was Right to Step In on D.C. Crime — But Federal Agents Don’t Get a Free Pass to Trample Rights

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. is suffering from rising crime and lawlessness, prompting President Trump to intervene for restoration of order. However, federal actions must not violate the Fourth Amendment or intimidate citizens. True leadership targets criminals while ensuring accountability and upholding liberties. Safety should not come at the expense of individual freedoms.

Trump Was Right to Step In on D.C. Crime — But Federal Agents Don’t Get a Free Pass to Trample Rights Read More
Constitutional Rights / Government / Gun Rights / Maryland / Montgomery County / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Maryland Liberals on Nextdoor Discover Federalism and Firearms—Too Late

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Screenshots from Nextdoor reveal a shift among Montgomery County liberals discussing “soft secession” and advocating for firearm ownership against perceived federal overreach. This unexpected stance contradicts their history of supporting gun control. As political anxiety rises, Maryland residents grapple with irony, rediscovering principles they previously dismissed amidst fears of tyranny.

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Anne Arundel County / Baltimore City / Business / Business / Business Growth / Constitutional Rights / Crime & Violence / Crime Violence / Criminal / Gun Violence / Judicial / Maryland / Politics / Public Safety

Baltimore’s $62 Million Ghost Gun Verdict: Accountability or Scapegoating?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

On August 26, 2025, a Baltimore jury awarded $62 million against Hanover Armory for its role in the city’s ghost gun crisis. Critics argue this verdict shifts focus from systemic issues like poverty and failed policies to scapegoating a legally operating business, potentially harming lawful industries and failing to address the root causes of crime.

Baltimore’s $62 Million Ghost Gun Verdict: Accountability or Scapegoating? Read More
Accountability / Constitutional Rights / Democrats / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government / Government / Government Waste / Maryland / Montgomery County / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Montgomery County’s Hypocrisy on Press Freedom

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Montgomery County Council’s denial of press access to The Montgonion, a satirical news outlet, raises significant First Amendment concerns. Citing outdated journalism guidelines, the Council risks unconstitutional censorship. Satire is an important aspect of journalism, and silencing it undermines accountability. The community demands restoration of press access and greater inclusivity.

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Accountability / Constitutional Rights / Corruption / Court Corruption / Crime & Violence / Crime Violence / Criminal / Democrats / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Family Values / Fraud / Government / Government Corruption / Gun Violence / Legal Reform / Legislation / Minnesota / Misconduct / parental rights / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / State Legislators / The Corruption Series

A Generation Raised in the Shadow of Violence: Guns or Family Breakdown?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Another school shooting. This time, two children dead and seventeen others injured in Minneapolis. Politicians are already tweeting the same slogans about “stopping gun violence,” but for over two decades those words have meant nothing. The deeper truth is harder to face: America’s epidemic of mass shootings isn’t just about guns—it’s about the collapse of family, the destruction caused by corrupt family courts, and a political class too invested in power and profit to fix the systems tearing children apart.

A Generation Raised in the Shadow of Violence: Guns or Family Breakdown? Read More
California / California Watch / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Trafficking / Constitutional Rights / Family Court / Family Values / Government / Government Corruption / Government Waste / Governor / Immagration / Legislation / parental rights / Public Safety / State Legislators

California’s AB 495: A “Family Preparedness” Plan or a Backdoor Attack on Parental Rights?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

California’s Assembly Bill 495 aims to provide care continuity for children when parents are unavailable but faces criticism for its vague language, which could enable unauthorized adults to make critical decisions for children without oversight. Critics argue it undermines parental rights and poses risks of exploitation, while supporters defend it as necessary for families in crisis.

California’s AB 495: A “Family Preparedness” Plan or a Backdoor Attack on Parental Rights? Read More