Best Cecil Cicirello Podcasts (2024)

1
Welcoming the Stranger vs. MAGA Jesus 43:05

27m ago43:05

43:05

Today Craig and Cecil discuss the differences in how groups use Christianity to shape their ideas on immigration. The chapter contrasting the Migrant 4 Life from MAGA Jesus and the immigration consequences of the Tower of Babel story, “A Migrant 4 Life Journeys to the New Tower of Babel: Christianity and Immigration,” can be found at: https://paper…

1
Post Election Thoughts 20:50

6d ago20:50

20:50

Craig and Cecil talk about the election results, what to do next and how to move forward. Notes for this episode: Marcela Valdes, "What a Crackdown on Immigration Could Mean for Cheap Milk," NY Times Magazine, October 15, 2024: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/magazine/milk-industry-undocumented-immigrants.html?searchResultPosition=1 Harriet Tubm…

1
The Madison Square Garden Rally, Elon's Givaways 46:16

13d ago46:16

46:16

We spend much of this week's show talking about and playing clips from the Madison Square Garden Rally. We also cover some news stories about Elon Musk and a new defamation lawsuit filed against Donald Trump Trump at the Garden: A Closing Carnival of Grievances, Misogyny and Racism There’s a Big New Defamation Lawsuit Against Trump. It’s a Slam Dun…

1
Discussing Pernicious Polarization with Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Ph.D. 48:17

20d ago48:17

48:17

Our guest Today is Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Ph.D. She is a Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University. We discussed Pernicious Polarization, what causes it, and how to combat it. Overcoming Polarization Journal of Democracy, Volume 32, Number 1, January 2021, Johns Hopkins University Press Peter Marty's quote is from “Playing to the Crow…

1
Trump Bibles in Oklahoma and Voting Like Jesus 43:31

27d ago43:31

43:31

This week we talk about several news stories. All the stories are linked below. Megachurch pastor tells congregation to "vote like Jesus" by supporting Trump 'Trump Bible' one of few that meet Walters' criteria for Oklahoma classrooms FBI Kavanaugh probe tightly controlled by Trump White House, congressional report finds - The Washington Post DeSan…

1
Jack Smith’s Latest Legal Filing in the Trump v. United States Case 39:40

1M ago39:40

39:40

This week we talk about the newest legal filing by Jack Smith in the DC Trump Case. We talk about what is in it and some commentary on the filing itself and the timing of the filing. https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/73357920e3c8d739/8fc8bfd0-full.pdf How Jack Smith Outsmarted the Supreme Court Opinion | Jack Smith Owes Us an Expl…

1
Overhaul SCOTUS, Fact Checking Immigrant Crime Data 39:34

1M ago39:34

39:34

Sweeping bill to overhaul Supreme Court would add six justices Rudy Giuliani disbarred in D.C. over 2020 election scheme Trump turns to darker rhetoric as voting begins : NPR How Trump distorts immigration and crime data in new attacks on Harris - The Washington Post Biden Administration Cements Harmful Asylum Restrictions Two NIJC reports on the n…

1
Haitians File Suit Against Trump and Vance, Judge Cannon and Her Right Wing Funded Junkets 44:00

2M ago44:00

44:00

We talk about several stories on this week's show and field a voicemail from a listener. Judge Aileen Cannon Failed to Disclose a Right-Wing Junket — ProPublica Marcellus Williams is executed despite prosecutors and the victim’s family asking that he be spared | CNN Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump an…

1
Trump's Attacks on Immigrants; Ginni Thomas and the First Liberty Institute 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

We talk about several news stories this last week. We start by discussing the debates and then move on to talking about Ginni Thomas and the recent story in ProPublica enlisting help opposing SCOTUS reform. Judge Sets Deadlines in Trump Election Case, Saying Campaign Is 'Not Relevant' Ginni Thomas Email Praised Group Opposing SCOTUS Reform — ProPub…

1
How They Would Dismantle Asylum Using Project 2025 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

TRAC at Syracuse University's report on legal representation, "Too Few Immigration Attorneys: Average representation Rates Fall from 65% to 30%, can be found at: https://trac.syr.edu/reports/736/ Dorothee Soelle's quote can be found in The Window of Vulnerability, A Political Spirituality, (Minneapolis, Fortress Press, 1990), p.7. 2025: https://sta…

1
The Revised January 6th Indictment, Judge Luttig Endorses Harris 31:31

3M ago31:31

31:31

We cover several stories in the news this week: The information regarding Georgia Governor Eugene Talmadge removing more that one million voters from his state's voter registration came from political scientist Rober Mickey in "American Needs Georgia Republicans to Defend Democracy Again," Mary Gay, The New York Times, August 29, 2024: https://www.…

1
The Immigration Blueprint in Project 2025 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

Today we read the section of Project 2025 on the restructuring of the Department of Homeland Security and what that has to do with the future of immigration in possible Trump presidency. Show notes: Current USCIS Mission Statement: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/mission-and-core-values Project 2025: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLea…

1
Historical Connections - 1968 and 2024 Democratic National Convention 39:00

3M ago39:00

39:00

Today I ask Craig about the year 1968 and the Democratic National Convention. He gives me a history lesson on the year leading up to the riots in Chicago. References: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 2024 DNC speech. Senator Raphael Warnock’s 2024 DNC speech. The Executive Summary of the “Rights in Conflict” report regarding indiscriminate p…

1
Summer Break! 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

Craig took a week off recording to head to the woods of Maine to enjoy this summer. I have a short message for our listeners to help the show grow. Full show next week!By Lawful Assembly Podcast

1
Election Season Immigration Myths Debunked 35:16

3M ago35:16

35:16

Today we talk about immigration myths and debunk the most common ones that will crop up this election season. The Refugee Convention and Protocoal Relating to the Status of Refugees (quote from page 5): https://www.unhcr.org/media/convention-and-protocol-relating-status-refugees For information on non-citizens voting and how few cases have been fou…

1
Biden Suggests Ways to Rein in Supreme Court, How to Stay Positive 37:14

4M ago37:14

37:14

Today we talk about President Biden's plan to reform the supreme court. We also field a question on how to remain positive in a world that inundates us with negativity. Democrats May Have a Real Chance to Reform the Supreme Court FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Bold Plan to Reform the Supreme Court and Ensure No President Is Above the Law | T…

1
US vs Rahimi Case and How to Reconsider Gun Policy 41:00

4M ago41:00

41:00

We finish our conversation on recent gun decisions in the supreme court. We also talk about what we might consider good gun law. United States v. Rahimi (June 21, 2014); https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/22-915new_ihdk.pdf Sophie Sherry's article in the July 23, 2024 Chicago Sun Times, "Domestic violence deaths spiked 110% in Illinois las…

1
McDonald, Bruen, Gun rights, and A Dismissal by Judge Cannon 46:22

4M ago46:22

46:22

We contiune our second ammendment discussion in light of the recent attempt on the life of the former president. We also talk about the dismissal of the documents case. New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, 142 S.Ct.2111 (2022): https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-843_new_m648.pdf To review Justice Breyer's list of …

1
The Bedrock of Second Amendment Cases: DC vs. Heller (2008) 36:34

4M ago36:34

36:34

Today is the first part of a series on recenct Supreme Court cases on the Second Ammendment. Today we talk about the District of Columbia vs Heller District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008): https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/boundvolumes/554bv.pdf Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence: https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/lit…

1
Presidential Immunity 47:37

5M ago47:37

47:37

We are releasing a little early this week because this is an important episode and much of the week is a holiday. Trump v. United States: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf "The Man for All Seasons" (Final Scene): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODejZPHC9vU&t=2s Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite "Fight On" on Substack: https://susan…

1
Emergency Abortions in Idaho, Ten Commandments in Louisiana 37:01

5M ago37:01

37:01

Today we talk about the Supreme Court case in Idaho and the Ten Commandments in classrooms in Louisiana. Sister Helen Prejean, Dead Man Walking, The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate,(Vintage Books, 2013), 218-219. Michael L. Radelet, Hugo A. Bedau, Constance Putnam, In Spite of Innocence: Erroneous Convictions …

1
Recent Supreme Court Rulings 36:01

5M ago36:01

36:01

We recorded on Juneteenth so we talk about the history briefly. We also discuss the recent supreme court rulings. "The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth:" https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth Biden Executive Orders: Links: White House Fact Sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/18/fac…

1
Legal Briefs: Justice Alito's OTHER Flag, Biden Executive Order on Immigration 31:09

5M ago31:09

31:09

We talk about the Appeal To Heaven flag on Justice Alito's vacation home and the new executive order on immigration. Craig's op-ed in the ACCU Update (Summer 2012), “The Messenger Matters” can be found at: https://works.bepress.com/craig_mousin/36/ Dina Nayeri's quote can be found in The Ungrateful Refugee, What Immigrants Never Tell You, (NY: Cata…

1
Trump Guilty on 34 Counts of Election Interference 36:23

6M ago36:23

36:23

Today we talk about the election Interference / hush money case and the 34 felony counts against a former president. Here are the articles referenced: Trump Guilty on All Counts in Hush-Money Case - The New York Times May 31, 2024 - by Heather Cox Richardson This obscure N.Y. election law is at the heart of Trump's hush money trial Posts misreprese…

1
Alito's Flag Controversy, the 10 Commandments, and Courtroom Decorum. 41:49

6M ago41:49

41:49

We cover multiple stories this week here are the articles: Samuel Alito's snide denial of his Jan. 6 flag is just as ugly as flying it in the first place Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin Calls On Samuel Alito To Recuse From Jan. 6 Cases Key Senate Democrat doesn't plan to probe Justice Alito over upside-down flag Louisiana becomes 1st state to require t…

1
Reflections on Civil Disobedience 37:03

6M ago37:03

37:03

Today we talk about the protests on college campuses and Craig tells a story similar to today, when he protested the Vietnam War. Articles used: Report on some of the agreements negotiated on college campuses in Spring 2024. Report on all universities destroyed in Gaza during this war. MLK, Jr. "Beyond Vietnam" speech. NPR story on Dr. Orest Ranum'…

1
Restrictions To An Already Compromised Asylum System 34:18

6M ago34:18

34:18

This week we talk about a proposed rule from the Biden Administration that may change asylum proceedures and allow adjudicators to turn away people without proper research on their background. Read the proposed rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/13/2024-10390/application-of-certain-mandatory-bars-in-fear-screenings Read the NIJ…

1
Is the Presidency Immune from Prosecution? Pt. 2 50:48

7M ago50:48

50:48

We contiune to listen to the oral arguments from the supreme court on April 25th where they argued that the president is immune to prosecution for public acts. Craig reads some amicus curiae briefs to help us understand the arguments. https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-939/307029/20240408130715170_No.%2023-939bsacRetiredFour-StarAdmiralsA…

1
Is the Presidency Immune from Prosecution? Pt. 1 40:40

7M ago40:40

40:40

We listen to the oral arguments from the supreme court on April 25th where they argued that the president is immune to prosecution for public acts. Craig reads some amicus curiae briefs to help us understand the arguments. https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-939/307029/20240408130715170_No.%2023-939bsacRetiredFour-StarAdmiralsAndGenerals.p…

1
Mediation and Negotiation Techniques for Approaching Difficult Conversations 44:45

7M ago44:45

44:45

Here is Craig's opening paragraph framework: Although this unscripted podcast began as a discussion of difficult conversations, it soon veered into how to engage in conversations about racism and war. We soon realized that the tools needed to engage fully may differ when conversations occur with friends, within a family, a community, a library boar…

1
Judge Cannon and Trump's Classified Documents Case 38:46

7M ago38:46

38:46

Today we talk about the documents case and the judge overseeing it, and the judge appointed by Donald Trump in 2019, Judge Cannon. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/politics/trump-trial-documents-cannon.html https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/09/us/politics/trump-documents-witnesses.html https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/04/us/politics/judge-trump-d…

1
States Rights vs Federal Power 35:52

7M ago35:52

35:52

We talk about the tension between states rights and federal power. How does a court decide which to lean more heavily on? Articles referenced: Valor The myth of ‘open borders’ For additional description of how state laws impacted the travel and work of African-Americans or freed slaves in the years before the Civil War, see e.g., Kate Masur, Until …

1
Listener Questions 37:23

8M ago37:23

37:23

We answer several listener questions this week. We talk about a lot of different issues and here are some of the links we suggested in the episode: https://immigrantjustice.org/ https://cmsny.org/ https://trac.syr.edu/immigration/ https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/By Citation Needed Media

1
Lying, Disinformation and our U.S. Political Landscape 39:35

8M ago39:35

39:35

Today we talk about lying in the political discourse. We used the following news articles for reference “Can’t make it up”: Experts say transcript shows special counsel Robert Hur “lied” about Biden | Salon.com Biden special counsel Robert Hur’s resignation from DOJ makes his testimony “even more problematic” | Salon.com Anti-sex trafficking advoca…

1
Injunction Junction - What's your Function? 30:53

8M ago30:53

30:53

For more information on antebellum state migration laws, see, "The myth of ‘open borders.’ Even before the U.S. government regulated migration, states did. Here’s why" by Anna O. Law, the Herbert Kurz Chair in Constitutional Rights and associate professor of political science at CUNY Brooklyn College. (September 21, 2021), The Washington Post Heidi…

1
The Bump Stock Ban 42:07

8M ago42:07

42:07

The supreme court listened to oral arguments on the bump stock ban and we talk about those arguments and the briefs submitted to the court. https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/22-976.html https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/22-976By Citation Needed Media

1
Let's Reshape Immigration Policy 38:45

9M ago38:45

38:45

Today we talk about 10 points to reshape and improve immigration policy in the USA. We used the National Immigrant Justice Center's 10 points as a backdrop for our discussion: https://immigrantjustice.org/staff/blog/humane-solutions-work-10-ways-biden-administration-should-reshape-immigration-policy https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-02-29/…

1
Talking About Religion in the Public Square--a beginning 42:08

9M ago42:08

42:08

Both Craig and Cecil are religious separationists, meaning religion should have no role in government, Here they discuss several topics and cover some groundwork on the subject. Craig directed the Midwest Immigrant Rights Center for six years, the pro bono program that later became the National Immigrant Justice Center: https://immigrantjustice.org…

1
Amicus Briefs and Oral Arguments in the Colorado Ballot Case 1:00:34

9M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-719/299107/20240129171610494_23-719_Amici%20Brief.pdf https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/23-719 http://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-719/295761/20240116095552269_23-719%20tsac%20Lash.pdf http://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-719/298122/20240118165315506_Trump%20v.%20Ander…

1
Judicial Appointments and the Controversy over the Honorable Todd E. Edelmann 40:26

9M ago40:26

40:26

Articles referenced: Judicial Vacancies | United States Courts Opinion | A Republican senator smeared a Biden nominee — and Democrats cowered - The Washington Post Most of Biden’s judge appointees are women, racial or ethnic minorities | Pew Research Center Senate confirms Biden's 150th judge Biden has successfully appointed 166 federal judges thro…

1
Quid Pro Quo Justices? 46:52

10M ago46:52

46:52

Trump warns of ‘big trouble’ as Supreme Court agrees to hear Colorado ballot case | The Hill “Unprofessional”: Experts blast Trump lawyer for saying Brett Kavanaugh “quid pro quo part out loud” | Salon.com CHICAGO TONIGHT Terrorism Expert on Dangers Facing American DemocracyBy Lawful Assembly Podcast

1
Sidebar: Gov. Abbot, the Supreme Court and the Great Inspiration Theory 36:54

10M ago36:54

36:54

Pro-Trump anti-immigrant ad makes it seem as if Haley coddles ‘criminals’ Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rebuffed his plea to pause migrant transports to Chicago area during freeze Supreme Court Backs Biden in Dispute With Texas Over Border Barrier - The New York Times Nobody is Protected: How the Border Patrol Became the Most Dange…

1
The Legality of Using Police as Border Agents 42:19

10M ago42:19

42:19

Justice Department sues Texas over law that would let police arrest migrants who enter US illegally Here is the lawsuit: https://www.justice.gov/media/1330861/dl?inline=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Haley had a good point about immigration — but no one wants to hear it right now | Opinion A Clear View from the Prairie: Harold Washington …

1
States Grapple With Mr. Trump's Eligibility 46:06

10M ago46:06

46:06

Donald Trump is removed from the ballot in Colorado and other states. Your Questions About the Colorado Trump Ruling, Answered | TIME Takeaways from Colorado’s historic ruling that Trump is ineligible for office based on 14th Amendment’s ‘insurrectionist ban’ | CNN Politics What to Know About the Efforts to Remove Trump From the 2024 Ballot Opening…

1
Episode 5: Are We Prepared for a 2024 Trump Immigration Landscape? 40:34

10M ago40:34

40:34

We discuss the former president's plans for office in 2024 and the possible immigration implications. We used this article: How Trump and His Allies Plan to Wield Power in 2025 - The New York Times Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by Matt Yanny-Tillar and Chris Inserra and arranged and performed by Voices…

1
Episode 4: Rudy Giuliani's Defamation Case 42:09

10M ago42:09

42:09

We discuss Rudy Giuliani's defamation lawsuit, the decision and what it is like to be an election worker. Articles discussed: Giuliani defamation trial live updates: Jury awards election workers nearly $150 million - ABC News ‘How evil’: Ruby Freeman describes violent threats after false Trump, Giuliani attacks - POLITICO Rudy Giuliani concedes he …

1
Episode 3: Chicago Welcomes New Arrivals: Challenge or Opportunity? 31:19

10M ago31:19

31:19

We talk about the influx of asylum seekers sent to Chicago via bus from red states. Articles referenced: Chicago struggles to house migrants as winter weather slams the city Illinois warned to prepare for up to 25 buses of migrants a day as state pleads for federal help REVEALED: Texas has bused almost 52,000 migrants to Dem-run cities, including 1…

1
Episode 2: An Ethics Code for the Supreme Court? 50:14

10M ago50:14

50:14

We discuss the supreme court and their new ethics code of conduct. Articles referenced: The Supreme Court’s new ethics code is an unenforceable joke - Vox Opinion | The Supreme Court’s New Ethics Code: ‘Worthless’ Clarence Thomas Secretly Accepted Luxury Trips From GOP Donor — ProPublica Clarence Thomas loan report spurs new ethics criticism of US …

1
Episode 1: What Are Refugee Restrictionists Up To? 47:58

10M ago47:58

47:58

We review the Proposed Lankford-Cotton Bill and discuss the implications to international law: https://humanrightsfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Intl-Law-Analysis-of-Lankford-Cotton_Nov-202312.pdf Take Action: Call Senators to Reject Harmful Immigration Proposals Opening music, "Don't Fade Away" from the Voices CD Dare the Untried written by …

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