This is on par with the Dobbs decision - as monumental, as utterly corrupt and morally wrong. Yet what are the odds that we'll see masses of Americans marching in the streets as we did then? Absolutely infuriating.
Another dreadful day for American democracy. But hopefully there’s a massive turnout for the midterms and the Democrats retake control of Congress. I agree that they should immediately address Supreme Court reform, such as term limits. We’ll also have to continue to keep an eye on whether the Senate will try to pass the SAVE America Act.
Descended from a family complicit in centuries of systemic oppression, and witnessing their current attempts to dismantle the very amendments fought for by 600,000 Civil War dead to establish a multiracial democracy, I am filled with contempt for these judicial activists who seek to destroy that legacy.
@Sherrilyn Ifill thank you for this clear-eyed assessment after such a devastating decision, adding to the burden of traumas minoritized communities face with the conservative majority on this court. What seems clear from your writing is that Roberts, Alito, and others have been gleefully waiting to upend this hard-won advance in voting rights for 44 years. They again seem willfully ignorant of the facts - about the workings of racism, and the ways this decision will further invalidate the political power of Blacks and Hispanics. Worse, it is attempted mind control to gaslight America into thinking racism no longer exists, just as they did with the Affirmative Action decision.
But just as they’ve struck this blow, they’ve made themselves clear. When people tell you who they are - believe them.
Thank you again, Sherrilyn, you give me the courage of history and allyship for the long haul.
I should know this but to be clear, the article speaks of voting rights for Blacks but did the protections of The Voting Rights Act extend to other people of color e.g. Latinos and Asians?
Thank you for this amazing history and analysis. I await more in the coming months, and appreciate the many years of work that you have brought to your understanding. Thank you for this newsletter! Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you, Sherrilynn Ifill. I saw your interview on The Daily Show regarding the VRA. It was a clear and cogent way of reviewing the timeline of its passage, implementation, refinement, and, sadly in recent decades, its evisceration and leverage to remarginalize Black voters.
New to me was how in 1982 John Roberts was the point man in a hostile opposition campaign against the Effects Test. Neither had I known about the Court's reversal of their own precedent in this most recent ruling.
This explains so much -- much more than Alito's and Thomas's overt corruption
Thanks for your succinct writing on this SCOTUS decision which educates and informs us as to where we now stand (and how we got here) trying to absorb this very sobering gut punch to our voting rights. I subscribed in order to stay informed and in search of ways to keep fighting and keep HOPE. alive.
Please tell me, how can I help? What should I do? I have time. I have will. I have fury. Which organizations are doing to best work? I’m researching but more than open to trusted advice!
This is on par with the Dobbs decision - as monumental, as utterly corrupt and morally wrong. Yet what are the odds that we'll see masses of Americans marching in the streets as we did then? Absolutely infuriating.
Another dreadful day for American democracy. But hopefully there’s a massive turnout for the midterms and the Democrats retake control of Congress. I agree that they should immediately address Supreme Court reform, such as term limits. We’ll also have to continue to keep an eye on whether the Senate will try to pass the SAVE America Act.
Descended from a family complicit in centuries of systemic oppression, and witnessing their current attempts to dismantle the very amendments fought for by 600,000 Civil War dead to establish a multiracial democracy, I am filled with contempt for these judicial activists who seek to destroy that legacy.
@Sherrilyn Ifill thank you for this clear-eyed assessment after such a devastating decision, adding to the burden of traumas minoritized communities face with the conservative majority on this court. What seems clear from your writing is that Roberts, Alito, and others have been gleefully waiting to upend this hard-won advance in voting rights for 44 years. They again seem willfully ignorant of the facts - about the workings of racism, and the ways this decision will further invalidate the political power of Blacks and Hispanics. Worse, it is attempted mind control to gaslight America into thinking racism no longer exists, just as they did with the Affirmative Action decision.
But just as they’ve struck this blow, they’ve made themselves clear. When people tell you who they are - believe them.
Thank you again, Sherrilyn, you give me the courage of history and allyship for the long haul.
So what's the plan?
I should know this but to be clear, the article speaks of voting rights for Blacks but did the protections of The Voting Rights Act extend to other people of color e.g. Latinos and Asians?
Yes it did James. Look at those who are in the House of Representatives.
Thank you for this amazing history and analysis. I await more in the coming months, and appreciate the many years of work that you have brought to your understanding. Thank you for this newsletter! Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you, Sherrilynn Ifill. I saw your interview on The Daily Show regarding the VRA. It was a clear and cogent way of reviewing the timeline of its passage, implementation, refinement, and, sadly in recent decades, its evisceration and leverage to remarginalize Black voters.
New to me was how in 1982 John Roberts was the point man in a hostile opposition campaign against the Effects Test. Neither had I known about the Court's reversal of their own precedent in this most recent ruling.
This explains so much -- much more than Alito's and Thomas's overt corruption
Beautiful & powerful. They judge race mixing as a sin . It’s been preached for years. I don’t get Barrett? Doesn’t she have an inter- racial family?
Thanks for your succinct writing on this SCOTUS decision which educates and informs us as to where we now stand (and how we got here) trying to absorb this very sobering gut punch to our voting rights. I subscribed in order to stay informed and in search of ways to keep fighting and keep HOPE. alive.
Please tell me, how can I help? What should I do? I have time. I have will. I have fury. Which organizations are doing to best work? I’m researching but more than open to trusted advice!