Southern Progressives

Moving to the left one post at a time

July 16, 2024

National News

A Bad Decision

Until today, every federal judge that considered the issue—all eight of them—unanimously found that attorneys general have the constitutional authority to appoint a special counsel. But Judge Aileen Cannon disagrees. In a 93-page opinion, nicely timed for the first day of the Republican convention, she held that Jack Smith’s service as special counsel violates both the appointments clause and the appropriations clause of Article II of the Constitution. Having made that finding, she dismissed the entire indictment that charges Trump with reckless mishandling of classified documents and obstruction of justice.

open.substack.com/pub/joycevance/p/a-bad-decision?r=2cuzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

Trump picks Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, a once-fierce critic turned loyal ally, as his GOP running mate

Donald Trump has selected Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his VP ahead of the Republican National Convention.

apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-vance-rubio-burgum-rnc-6cc438a8370a21b2631f5a53b06b71d0?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share

Political Violence

Reflections from the 1920s and 1930s

snyder.substack.com/p/political-violence

Don't Jump to Conclusions

Violence that mars our political process, like yesterday’s assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life, is horrific and unacceptable. Full stop. Political violence is never the answer. In America, we settle those differences at the polls. That's why the Big Lie and January 6 were wrong and unAmerican. Violence is not the path forward.

open.substack.com/pub/joycevance/p/dont-jump-to-conclusions?r=2cuzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

State News:

Tennessee reps irked by state’s failure on gun safe storage campaign • Tennessee Lookout

The Tennessee Department of Safety is failing to follow through on a $1.6 million campaign for safe gun storage in vehicles.

tennesseelookout.com/2024/07/16/tennessee-reps-irked-by-states-failure-on-gun-safe-storage-campaign

New law allows Tennessee developers to hire their own building safety inspectors • Tennessee Lookout

A new Tennessee law that allows developers to hire their own third-party inspectors could allow bypass of the state Fire Marshal's office.

tennesseelookout.com/2024/07/16/new-law-allows-tennessee-developers-to-hire-their-own-building-safety-inspectors

Tennessee governor bets big on school vouchers with primary endorsements. Will it work? • Tennessee Lookout

Gov. Bill Lee's endorsement of pro-school voucher candidates put his reputation on the line, say Tennessee political experts.

tennesseelookout.com/2024/07/16/tennessee-governor-bets-big-on-school-vouchers-with-primary-endorsements-will-it-work

Local News & Arts:

The monthly meeting of the Cherokee Beekeepers Association will be on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. The meetings are held at the AgCentral Farmer's Cooperative located at 920 Congress Pkwy. N., in Athens. The public is always welcome. You do not need to be a member to attend.

Beginner Pottery Wheel — Athens Area Council for the Arts

Learn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel! No prior clay experience necessary! Beginners and those looking for a refresher course in wheel-throwing are welcome! McMinn County East Tennessee Foothills Smokey Mountains Arts council Athens Arts Center Athens TN Tennessee Social Athens Area Performing a

www.athensartscouncil.org/upcomingevents/pottery-with-patricia-2024