#liberty — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #liberty, aggregated by home.social.
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But #AI #dataCenters on fire might be the new #bonfire they don't expect to come:
People standing around them while celebrating their cherished #liberty, free from #fascist oppression.
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Sad...
#truth (about #GQP #denial, not Biden)
#democracy #liberty vs #TrumpVirus -
As you have it in your power, sir, to do some service to letters, I implore you not to clip the wings of our writers so closely, nor to turn into barn-door fowls those who, allowed a start, might become eagles; reasonable liberty permits the mind to soar — slavery makes it creep.
[Puisque vous êtes, monsieur, à portée de rendre service aux belles-lettres, ne rognez pas de si près les ailes à nos écrivains, et ne faites pas des volailles de basse-cour de ceux qui, en prenant l’essor, pourraient devenir des aigles: une liberté honnête élève l’esprit, et l’esclavage le fait ramper.]Voltaire (1694-1778) French writer [pseud. of Francois-Marie Arouet]
Letter (1733-06-20) to a First Commissioner [Lettre á un premier commis] [tr. Tallentyre (1919)]More about this quote: wist.info/voltaire/85298/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #voltaire #censorship #control #enslavement #freepress #freedomofthepress #liberty #regulation #restrictions #writers
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A quotation from Frederick Douglass
What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.
Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) American abolitionist, orator, writer
Speech (1852-07-05), “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Corinthian Hall, Rochester, New YorkMore about this quote: wist.info/douglass-frederick/8…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #frederickdouglass #savagery #perspective #civilrights #cruelty #dishonesty #enslavement #fourthofjuly #holiday #hypocrisy #independence #injustice #insincerity #liberty #pretense #slavery
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Faith and the Founding: The Religious Roots of the Original Thirteen Colonies
As America celebrates 250 years of independence, it's worth looking beyond the Declaration of Independence to the diverse religious foundations of the original thirteen colonies. Contrary to popular belief, not every colony was founded for religious freedom. Some sought wealth, others provided refuge for persecuted believers, and together they shaped the ideas of faith, liberty, and government that continue to influence our nation today. -
A quotation from Frederick Douglass
The 4th of July is the first great fact in your nation’s history — the very ring-bolt in the chain of your yet undeveloped destiny. Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, prompt you to celebrate and to hold it in perpetual remembrance. I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.
Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) American abolitionist, orator, writer
Speech (1852-07-05), “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Rochester, New YorkMore about this quote: wist.info/douglass-frederick/2…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #frederickdouglass #America #DeclarationofIndependence #fourthofjuly #independenceday #liberty #patriotism
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Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid. As a nation we began by declaring that “all men are created equal.” We now practically read it “all men are created equal, except negroes.” When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read “all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and catholics.” When it comes to this, I shall prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty — to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861-65)
Letter (1854-08-24) to Joshua SpeedMore about this quote: wist.info/lincoln-abraham/2555…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #lincoln #abelincoln #abrahamlincoln #America #createdequal #DeclarationofIndependence #despotism #equality #liberty #prejudice #racism #tyranny #xenophobia
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A quotation from Benjamin Banneker
This Sir, was a time in which you clearly saw into the injustice of a State of Slavery, and in which you had just apprehensions of the horrors of its condition, it was now Sir, that your abhorrence thereof was so excited, that you publickly held forth this true and invaluable doctrine, which is worthy to be recorded and remember’d in all Succeeding ages. “We hold these truths to be Self evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyness.”
Here Sir, was a time in which your tender feelings for your selves had engaged you thus to declare, you were then impressed with proper ideas of the great valuation of liberty, and the free possession of those blessings to which you were entitled by nature; but Sir how pitiable is it to reflect, that altho you were so fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father of mankind, and of his equal and impartial distribution of those rights and privileges which he had conferred upon them, that you should at the Same time counteract his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren under groaning captivity and cruel oppression, that you should at the Same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves.Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) American naturalist, surveyor, almanac author, mathematician
Letter (1791-08-19) to Thomas JeffersonMore about this quote: wist.info/banneker-benjamin/57…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #thomasjefferson #DeclarationofIndependence #equalrights #equality #hypocrisy #liberty #life #pursuitofhappiness #rights #slavery #enslavement
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The European Court of Human Rights ruled GCHQ's mass surveillance UNLAWFUL.
14 judges dissented. Three quoted Orwell's 1984:
"There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment."
https://thomaster.substack.com/p/gchq-mass-surveillance-declared-unlawful
#GCHQ #Surveillance #ECHR #Privacy #BigBrotherWatch #Liberty #Orwell #InvestigatoryPowersAct #Snowden #HumanRights
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UK Lawfare, Jury Equity & Silencing the Defence: The High-Stakes Legal Battle in Re Rajiv Menon KC! Pt 2
On 22 June 2026, Mr Justice Johnson delivered a judgment that fundamentally redefines the boundaries of legal advocacy in the UK. [1], [2] The case against Rajiv Menon KC, a veteran human rights advocate, stems from his closing speech in the “Filton Six” trial, where activists were charged with damaging an Elbit Systems facility to prevent what they termed “genocide in Gaza.” [3] This ruling is not just a procedural update; it is a blueprint for how the State intends to manage “protest” cases by restricting what can be said within the four walls of a courtroom. [4], [5]
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Critically Evaluating the Judgment
This judgment addresses whether an advocate can be held in criminal contempt for a speech that allegedly invited “jury equity” in defiance of judicial gags. We have identified three core pillars of this ruling that every student of law and civil liberty should understand:
1. The Jurisdictional Journey
A significant procedural lacuna addressed in this case is the authority of the court to initiate contempt proceedings months after a trial concludes. [6] After Menon KC’s speech in January 2026, the trial judge initially referred the matter to the Administrative Court, which attempted to launch proceedings of its own motion. [7], [8] However, the Court of Appeal intervened, ruling that the Administrative Court lacked jurisdiction over Crown Court contempt matters. [9] Consequently, the case returned to Mr Justice Johnson, who ruled that “summary jurisdiction”—the power of a judge to act as both prosecutor and judge—remains valid post-trial if acting earlier would have “derailed” the original criminal proceedings. [10], [6], [11]
2. The Legal Standard for Contempt (Mens Rea)
The defense argued that contempt requires a “specific intent” to impede justice. [12] However, the court rejected this, applying the standard from Solicitor General v Cox: it is sufficient if the acts were deliberate and in breach of an order the advocate was aware of. [13], [14] For an experienced King’s Counsel, the court held it is a “natural inference” that they intended the words spoken and knew they contravened the court’s rulings. [15] This effectively lowers the bar for prosecuting advocates, as “good intentions” or “zealous advocacy” are no longer a valid shield against contempt charges if a judicial order is breached. [16], [17]
3. The Conflict Over Jury Equity
The heart of the alleged contempt lies in Menon KC’s reference to the Old Bailey plaque and the 1670 Bushell’s Case, which established the independence of the jury. [18], [19] The court drew a sharp distinction: while juries have the historical power to acquit according to their conscience, advocates are strictly forbidden from inviting them to do so or even informing them of this power if the judge has ruled otherwise. [20], [21] The judgment characterizes such references not as historical education, but as a “wilful defiance” of the court’s authority. [22], [23]
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Summary for Activists
For the “truthaholic” community and direct-action movements, this judgment establishes a “New Normal” for courtroom activism:
- The “Genocide” Gag is Absolute:
The court reaffirmed that damaging property to prevent alleged genocide in Gaza is not a valid defence in English law. [3] Judges have the power to issue orders preventing any mention of the Middle East or the personal motivations of defendants. [4], [24]
. - Jury Equity is Off-Limits:
You and your lawyers are legally barred from telling the jury they have a right to acquit based on their conscience. [20], [25] Quoting the Old Bailey’s own history to a jury can now be treated as a criminal act. [18], [21]
. - The “Corporate Protection” Trap:
Suggesting the court is “protecting” corporations like Elbit Systems—or noting that corporate executives are “wined and dined” while activists are locked up—is considered an attack on judicial impartiality and can trigger contempt proceedings. [26], [27], [28]
. - Judicial Directions vs. Jury Independence:
While a judge cannot technically order a jury to convict, they can withdraw every possible defense, effectively leaving a “Route to Verdict” with only one exit. [29], [30], [31]
. - Delayed Jeopardy:
Do not assume an advocate is safe if the judge doesn’t act immediately. The court can wait until sentencing is complete to launch contempt proceedings to ensure the trial is not “derailed.” [32], [11]
. - Standing of the Crown:
The court ruled that the prosecution (the Crown) has the legal standing to demand contempt proceedings against defence lawyers, even though they are a party to the original case. [33], [34]
. - Future Trials:
The court explicitly stated that these proceedings are necessary to prevent similar “protest” tactics in upcoming trials scheduled through 2027. [35], [36]
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Numbered Footnotes:
directly referencing Judgment paragraphs[1] Approved Judgment, Re Rajiv Menon KC (22 June 2026), Header.
[2] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [1].
[3] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [2].
[4] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [3(2)-(4)].
[29] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [3(7)].
[20] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [3(8)-(10)].
[22] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [4(1)-(2)].
[18] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [4(1)].
[25] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [4(3)].
[21] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [4(1), 10].
[37] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [4(6)].
[38] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [4(6)].
[26] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [4(7)].
[7] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [29].
[8] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [29].
[9] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [29].
[27] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [27].
[39] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [22].
[33] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [18].
[34] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [25].
[10] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [40].
[16] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [41].
[23] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [7].
[12] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [39].
[13] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [42].
[14] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [42].
[17] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [42].
[15] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [33].
[43] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [44].
[6] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [45].
[32] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [45].
[35] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [46].
[5] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [46].
[36] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [47].
[11] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at [48].
[30] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at Appendix 1, lines 180-185.
[31] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at Appendix 1, lines 212-221.
[49] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at Appendix 1, lines 246-250.
[19] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at Appendix 1, lines 271-280.
[28] Re Rajiv Menon KC (2026) at Appendix 2, Part 7.ALSO SEE:
#appeal #bushellsCase1670 #contemptOfCourt #Democracy #directAction #freedom #Gaza #gazaGenocide #History #jurisprudence #juryEquity #justice #Liberty #news #palestineAction #politics #SupremeCourt
relevant background - The “Genocide” Gag is Absolute:
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Hype for the Future 282/284: Liberty Township, Butler County, Ohio
Overview Liberty Township is a suburban area of Butler County, Ohio, along the eastern edge of the county and strictly suburban in character in modern contexts. Today, the township is largely associated with Interstate 75 through the eastern portion, with Liberty Center and the Liberty Collective located nearby. -
Thomas Pynchon on ‚Liberty‘
„Unfortunately, young people,“ recalls the Revd, „the word Liberty, unreflectively sacred to us today, was taken in those Times to encompass even the darkest of Men’s rights,— to injure whomever we might wish,— unto extermination, were it possible,— Free of Royal advice or Proclamation Lines and such. This being, indeed and alas, one of the Liberties our late War was fought to secure.“
Thomas Pynchon
Mason & Dixon, p. 307 -
On a gray day in a gray time, I happened to pass by this statue in Metz. It depicts Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette with a quote of him from 1778 about the fight for freedom and liberty in America.
I wonder what La Fayette would think today about his legacy...Nowadays, more than ever, we need people like La Fayette who stand up for freedom and fight against despots and oppressors—especially in the United States.
#nokings #liberty #freedom #lafayette #democracy #usa #metz -
Amazing, powerful. Classic.
ICE resistance.Dave Mathews on Colbert, Late Show
"Don't drink the water"
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LsXMjil99CM
#ice #liberty #dont #drink #the #water #lyric #sing #powerfulMusic #dems #nokings #indivisable #resist
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Amazing, powerful. Classic.
ICE resistance.Dave Mathews on Colbert, Late Show
"Don't drink the water"
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LsXMjil99CM
#ice #liberty #dont #drink #the #water #lyric #sing #powerfulMusic #dems #nokings #indivisable #resist
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Amazing, powerful. Classic.
ICE resistance.Dave Mathews on Colbert, Late Show
"Don't drink the water"
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LsXMjil99CM
#ice #liberty #dont #drink #the #water #lyric #sing #powerfulMusic #dems #nokings #indivisable #resist
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Amazing, powerful. Classic.
ICE resistance.Dave Mathews on Colbert, Late Show
"Don't drink the water"
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LsXMjil99CM
#ice #liberty #dont #drink #the #water #lyric #sing #powerfulMusic #dems #nokings #indivisable #resist
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A quotation from Eugene McCarthy
The only thing that saves us from the bureaucracy is inefficiency. An efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty.
Eugene McCarthy (1916-2005) American politician, poet, activist
Quoted (1979-02-12), “People: On the Record” section, Time MagazineMore about this quote: wist.info/mccarthy-eugene/5915…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #eugenemccarthy #bureaucracy #efficiency #executivepower #friction #government #inefficiency #liberty #operations #power #redtape
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#GhostbustersII in which That Harbor Chick fucks up the plans of a #fascist trying to take over the world.
This is a reminder that #Liberty and #Justice are tough ladies and they are NOT down for the count, by a long run.
Cartoons that show them being beat are old. They're fighting. We're fighting. The big ladies don't give up, and neither do we
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#GhostbustersII in which That Harbor Chick fucks up the plans of a #fascist trying to take over the world.
This is a reminder that #Liberty and #Justice are tough ladies and they are NOT down for the count, by a long run.
Cartoons that show them being beat are old. They're fighting. We're fighting. The big ladies don't give up, and neither do we
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#GhostbustersII in which That Harbor Chick fucks up the plans of a #fascist trying to take over the world.
This is a reminder that #Liberty and #Justice are tough ladies and they are NOT down for the count, by a long run.
Cartoons that show them being beat are old. They're fighting. We're fighting. The big ladies don't give up, and neither do we
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#GhostbustersII in which That Harbor Chick fucks up the plans of a #fascist trying to take over the world.
This is a reminder that #Liberty and #Justice are tough ladies and they are NOT down for the count, by a long run.
Cartoons that show them being beat are old. They're fighting. We're fighting. The big ladies don't give up, and neither do we
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#GhostbustersII in which That Harbor Chick fucks up the plans of a #fascist trying to take over the world.
This is a reminder that #Liberty and #Justice are tough ladies and they are NOT down for the count, by a long run.
Cartoons that show them being beat are old. They're fighting. We're fighting. The big ladies don't give up, and neither do we
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A quotation from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
Liberty is often a heavy burden on a man. It involves that necessity for perpetual choice which is the kind of labor men have always dreaded. In common life we shirk it by forming habits, which take the place of self-determination. In politics party-organization saves us the pains of much thinking before deciding how to cast our vote. In religious matters there are great multitudes watching us perpetually, each propagandist ready with his bundle of finalities, which having accepted we may be at peace. The more absolute the submission demanded, the stronger the temptation becomes to those who have been long tossed among doubts and conflicts.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894) American poet, essayist, scholar
Article (1860-09), “The Professor’s Story [Elsie Venner],” ch. 18, Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 6, No. 35More info about this quote: wist.info/holmes-sr-oliver-wen…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #acquiescence #burden #choice #decisionmaking #doubt #duty #following #freedom #habit #liberty #obedience #orthodoxy #politicalparties #selfconflict #submission #surrender #compliance
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We see, by the Sketches I have given you, that all the great Kingdoms of Europe have once been free. But that they have lost their Liberties, by the Ignorance, the Weakness, the Inconstancy, and Disunion of the People. Let Us guard against these dangers, let us be firm and stable, as wise as Serpents and as harmless as Doves, but as daring and intrepid as Heroes.
John Adams (1735-1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797-1801)
Diary (1772, Spring), “Notes for a Oration at Braintree”Sourcing, notes: wist.info/adams-john/77514/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #acquiescence #disunity #freedom #ignorance #liberty #thepeople #tyranny #wethepeople #weakness
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Artist: #obeygiant (Shepard Fairy) in - City: #Miami #USA 🇺🇸 - #streetart #art #prison #mastoart #urbanart #justice #liberty