Virtually everyone pondering Georgia’s reopening of nail salons, body arch studios, fitness centers, barber shops, cosmetologists, hair designers, massage therapists, gyms and bowling alleys on April 24 believes that this action by Governor Brian Kemp will result in some additional COVID-19 infections and deaths.  That is, above what would have prevailed had these resumptions of business occurred later – in accordance with the virtually unanimous weight of public health advice.  We are certain that Kemp understands this as well. […]

There’s a killer in the Whitehouse.  For those who don’t think so, it’s still a free country and no need to read further.  The rest are well served to think Korean for a moment and act that way this fall, when we can cast our ballots. […]

Similar to the observation in HL 99, that the viral plague has ironically produced collateral benefits (e.g., less pollution) the ongoing political plague has been a boon to scholars of the Constitution.  Trump has not merely flouted or challenged numerous familiar constitutional provisions – dealing with subjects like freedom of and from religion, privacy/bodily integrity and assertions of broad/plenary executive power, but also many arcane and obscure provisions.  Such as those dealing with emoluments (HL 14, Emoluments, Legal Prostitutes and Tax Law 101), the byzantine rules involving the power to adjourn Congress and the brooding, if not obsessive, consideration of the never invoked fourth section of the 25th Amendment.[1] […]

Hopelessly Liberal 100 is posted at the worst of times but best to keep on with what we do that is useful and makes others and us happy.  On November 15, 2016, one week after Trump’s election, we launched with HL 1, stating the intention of being a voice for classic liberalism during the expected rough times ahead.  They have been far rougher than anticipated, without consideration of COVID-19 that Trump did not create, but factoring in his atrocious responses.  When the inevitable Warren or 9/11 style commission reports[1] it likely will conclude that Trump ranks among the U.S. Presidents with the most innocent blood on his hands.[2] […]

A barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude that closed at a price of $61.06 last year and at $98.17 just six years ago, closed at $21.51 yesterday.  That translates into the lowest gasoline prices for Americans in many years.  Since most of us are staying put these days, the primary beneficiaries are essential workers – nurses, doctors, food producers and vendors and government employees – risking their lives to keep us alive and fed. […]

As each increasingly tragic and dangerous day passes it becomes more likely that Andrew Cuomo will be drafted to become the Democratic Party’s candidate come November.  That is in part due to Cuomo’s ongoing stellar performance as New York’s and America’s de facto leader in response to Covid-19.  In equal measure, Cuomo’s ascendancy results from the deficiencies exhibited by Trump and the pre-plague presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. […]

As Crash Davis explained to Nuke LaLoosh “You’re gonna have to learn your clichés.  You’re going to have to study them.  You’re going to have to know them.  They’re your friends.” Platitudes are important, especially for leaders confronting a crisis.  That’s why we found Bernie Sanders’ and Joe Biden’s March 12 counter-COVID-19 leadership speeches and plans comforting.  Especially in comparison to Trump’s bumbling March 11 fireside chat, that he wheezed through on national TV and that had to immediately be corrected by his staff and his own tweet.  Like, but not limited to the European trade ban that wasn’t and wouldn’t be imposed. […]

When Nina Totenberg, National Public Radio’s Supreme Court correspondent, was asked to comment on what Senator Chuck Schumer said about Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh relative to June Medical Services v. Russo, the Louisiana abortion provider case argued last week at SCOTUS – but more pointedly to comment on what Chief Justice Roberts said in response and rebuke of Schumer – Totenberg’s response was that “it all began” with Trump attacking Justices Ginsberg and Sotomayor and demanding their recusal in cases involving him and his administration. […]

And seemingly deflating more each day. Thrice Pulitzer winner Thomas Friedman is a journalist who has made some very astute observations, as in his From Beirut to Jerusalem and The World is Flat.  But like many of us, Friedman has also loudly and persistently advocated some very bad positions.  Both because of his influence and the importance of the causes he has championed, good and bad, one can debate whether at this point Friedman is a plus or minus player in the grand game of whole life hockey. […]

Jack Weinstein, one of the greatest judges in American history, placed himself on inactive status eight days ago at age 98, after 53 years on the federal bench.  Until that day, February 10, 2020 Judge Weinstein carried a full load of cases – and a lucky load it was – for the litigants and their champions.  How is Jack Weinstein great?  Let others count the thousands of ways (and they will) but allow HL to mention a few personal and idiosyncratic. […]