And Justice for All:

The Constitution of the United States — that quaint little document we all learned about in school, between throwing spit balls and drawing on th desk. Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, due process, free speech — yeah, that stuff. The masterpiece of Enlightenment thinking that our country was founded on, but who needs that when we’ve got king Trump.

The Trump administration made one thing crystal clear: constitutional rights are not for everyone. Not anymore. Why cling to dusty old ideals like “due process” or “freedom of speech” when we could be embracing the exciting new model of conditional liberty? Those are now privileges — selectively handed out based on your immigration status, your politics, and how loudly you applaud during a flag-waving photo op.

Take political dissent, for instance. What used to be considered the bedrock of a healthy democracy is now — thanks to the magic of administrative fiat — grounds for deportation. Speak out, criticize, or attend the wrong protest, and suddenly your visa disappears faster than a campaign promise. Legal residents — people here lawfully — have been disappeared simply for criticizing the administration. No trial, no hearing, just gone. You might even get a complimentary flight to a prison in a country you’ve never been to or fled in the first place. Don't worry though, it's all very efficient (not really), on your taxpayer-dollars.

Of course, some folks will shrug and say, “Well, that’s just happening to illegals and gang members.” You know, the bad guys. The ones we just know are guilty because... well, because someone said so. Probably in all caps. On Twitter. By a guy with a flag emoji in his username. But without due process, how do we know that? We don’t. And that’s the point. The administration accuses, and that’s all it takes. No evidence required. No defense allowed.

And the rest of us? Too many are silent. Maybe because they think it won’t affect them. But let’s be honest — if freedom of speech only applies when you agree with the government, it’s not freedom. It’s obedience.

The surveillance state thanks you for your cooperation. Remember that old quote: “They came for the trade unionists, but I wasn’t one of those, so I said nothing”… That’s not just history. That’s a warning. Today it’s immigrants and dissenters. Tomorrow it could be you.

But here’s the thing about due process: it’s not just a bureaucratic nicety. It’s the only thing standing between justice and tryanny. Without it, accusations become convictions, opinions become evidence, and the truth becomes... whatever serves the moment. And if that doesn’t bother you, congratulations — you’re the reason it’s working.

If we don’t defend rights for everyone, they’ll mean nothing for anyone.

Art by Signe Wilkison